For those celebrating Hanukkah, the eight-day holiday brings with it a number of custom blessings, rituals, and customs—all steeped in meaningful tradition dating back to the period after the Maccabees reclaimed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. On the first night of Hanukkah, there are several blessings, all of which focus on the light and celebration of the holiday.
Blessings for Candle Lighting
The most well known and widely observed custom for the first night of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. According to Jewish tradition, at least two blessings are said before each night’s menorah lighting. The first one is the ‘Blessing over the Candles’:
Blessing over the Candles
- Baruch Atah Adonai
- Elohay-nu Melech Haolam
- Asher Kidshanu B’mitz-vo-tav
- V’tzivanu L’Had-lik Ner Shel Hanukkah
This blessing translates to:
- Blessed are You, Lord our God
- King of the Universe
- Who has sanctified us with His commandments
- And commanded us to light the Hanukkah candles.
The second blessing is known as the ‘Blessing of Shechechiyanu’:
Blessing of Shechechiyanu
- Baruch Atah Adonai
- Elohay-nu Melech Haolam
- She-he-chi-ya-nu
- V’ki-ye-ma-nu
- V’hi-gi-a-nu
- Liz-man Ha-zeh
This blessing translates to:
- Blessed are You, Lord our God
- King of the Universe
- Who has given us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
In addition to the lighting of the Menorah, many Jews also have the tradition of exchanging gifts on the first night of Hanukkah.
The first night of Hanukkah is a meaningful time of light and joy to commemorate the unique story of the Maccabees, as well as the reclaiming of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. By following the tradition of lighting the Menorah and saying the appropriate blessings, people celebrate and give thanks for the miracle that happened thousands of years ago. The practice of exchanging gifts is an additional way to honor the first night of Hanukkah and the joy that comes along with it.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.