Lighting candles to celebrate Hanukkah is a cherished tradition that brings families together. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit and then every night after that, an additional candle is added until all eight candles are lit. Lighting candles for Hanukkah is meant to celebrate the miraculous survival of the Jews over 2,000 years ago, and is a joyous occasion each night during the holiday.
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Lighting Candles and Saying Prayers
The first step to lighting Hanukkah candles is reciting the blessings over the candles. It is traditional in some circles to say the blessings in Hebrew, but saying the blessings in English is also common. To recite the blessings in Hebrew, stand up, facing towards the north and close your eyes.
Blessing 1:
- בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱ‑לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Translation: “Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this moment.”
Blessing 2:
- בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱ‑לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שְׁחַיּבָנוּ עַל מִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה.
Translation: “Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has commanded us regarding the performance of mitzvot and commanded us to kindle the light of Hanukkah.”
Once the blessings are said, you can kindle the Hanukkah candles. Start by putting the blessings candle in the rightmost spot and light it with a long match or a lighter. Wave your hands three times over the Hanukkah Menorah from right to left, while saying the prayer, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our ancestors in those days, in this season.”
Kindling Additional Candles
On subsequent nights of Hanukkah, use the blessings candle to light the other candles. Light the candles in a left to right pattern and recite the same blessing. If the blessings candle has run out of wax, use an additional candle to light the rest of the candles. After the candles are lit, stand and sing Hanukkah songs, or use that time to connect with family.
It’s important to note that one should not use the Hanukkah candles for any purpose beyond kindling the holiday lights. One should not use the Hanukkah lights to read by, as this is not in keeping with the traditions of the holiday.
Lighting candles during Hanukkah is a beautiful tradition that unites families in joy and thanksgiving as they remember the miracle of Hanukkah. Taking the time to recite the blessings each night is a special moment that brings the significance of the holiday into sharp focus, as the beauty of the Hanukkah lights brings light and joy to everyone who celebrates.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.