Lighting The Menorah
During Chanukah, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, we light an additional candle each night. We light the candle from left to right for eight consecutive nights until we have a total of eight candles. There is a ninth candle, the ‘sharnash’, which is used to light the other candles. It is usually higher, lower or in the front to stand out as not being one of the regular candles.
Three Candle Blessings
During the first night of Chanukah, three blessings are recited. The first two blessings are for the kindling of the lights and the miracle of Chanukah, while the third blessing, called ‘Shehecheyanu’, is recited on the first night of all Jewish holidays. This blessing expresses personal gratitude for being alive and well in a position to observe the Jewish holiday.
Blessing for Chanukah Candle Lighting
1. Blessed are you, Lord Our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah. Baruch Atah Adonoi Eloheinu Melech ha-olom asher kideshanu bimitzvosov vetzivonu lihadlik ner Chanukah.
2. Blessed are you, Lord of Our G-d, King of the Universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season. Baruch Atah Adonoi Eloheinu Melech ha-olom sheoso nisim la-avoseinu bayomim hoheim bizman hazed.
3. Blessed are you, Lord Our G-d, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season. Baruch Atah Adonoi Eloheinu Melech ha-olom shecheyanu vkiyimonu vehigionu lizman hazed.
Repeat Blessings On Each Evening Of Chanakah.
[Do Not Repeat Blessing #3 After The First Night]
