Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that marks the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by the Syrians almost 2,200 years ago. Hanukkah is observed by lighting a special candelabrum known as a menorah, along with reciting special prayers for the eight days of the festival. In this article, we will take a closer look at the three main prayers associated with Hanukkah.
Table of Contents
Blessing Over the Candles
Blessing #1
This is the first blessing traditionally recited whenever the Hanukkah candles are lit:
“Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah”
This blessing can be translated as: “Blessed are you, Lord Our God, ruler of the universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Hanukkah”.
Blessing #2
The second blessing is recited only on the first night of the festival:
“Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim ha’hem baz’man hazeh”
This blessing can be translated as: “Blessed are You Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors at this time of year.”
Blessing over the Hanukkah Lights
A third blessing is recited after the menorah has been lit on each night of Hanukkah:
“Ner shel Hanukkah l’shem y’deinu u’lesifreinu kol hanerot shel Hanukkah kein yih’yu l’ze-iratam u’lesham u’lo-atzamam”
This blessing can be translated as: “The lights of Hanukkah for the remembrance of our lives, and to thank and praise Him for the miracles that He performed for our forefathers at this time of the year.”
The three prayers for Hanukkah are all intended to commemorate the incredible miracles that occurred almost 2,200 years ago, and to give thanks for all of God’s blessings. The candles, and the prayers that accompany them, are a reminder of the courage, faith, and determination that was necessary to overcome overwhelming odds and rededicate the Temple. Hanukkah is a special time of joy and celebration, when we can recall the incredible events that unfolded in the past and recognize the courage of our ancestors.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.