Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah (also called the Hanukkiah) is the essential observance of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Hanukkah candles are lit to commemorate the the miracle of the Maccabees' victory and the miracle of the oil that burnt for eight days in the Temple.

Each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, all members of the family should gather around the Hanukkah Menorah. Before lighting the candles, the blessings below are recited.

The first two blessings below are recited each night. The third, a blessing of joy traditionally recited during each Jewish festival, is recited only the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit.

BLESSING 1

English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Sfaradi/Modern Israeli:
Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam Asher Kiddeshanu Be-mitsvotav Ve-tsivanu Lehadlik Ner Shel khanuka

Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom Asher Kiddeshonu Be-mitsvoysov Ve-tsivonu Lehadlik Neyr Shel khanuko

South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum Asher Kiddeshuni Be-mitsvoysuv Ve-tsivuni Lehadlik Nayr Shel khaniku

BLESSING 2

English:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Sfaradi/Modern Israeli:
Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam She-asa Nissim La-avoteynu Ba-yyamim Ha-hem Ba-zzman Ha-zze

Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zze

South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-usu Nissim La-avosayni Ba-yyumim Hu-haym Ba-zzman Ha-zze

BLESSING 3
This blessing is recited only on the first night or the first time one kindles the Hanukkah lights.

English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time.

Sefaradi/Modern Israeli:
Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam She-hekheyanu Ve-kiymanu Ve-higgi'anu La-zzman Ha-zze

Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-hekheyonu Ve-kiymonu Ve-higgi'onu La-zzman Ha-zze

South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-hekheyuni Ve-kiymuni Ve-higgi'uni La-zzman Ha-zze

Written by: Lisa Katz

Hanukkah Candles

	Rite-Lite Judaica Premium Chanukah Candles. Handcrafted, Tri-Color Blue/White Stripe. Box of 45 Sale Price: $7.89
	Enhance your holiday celebration with these beautiful candles! Each of these traditional candles is hand dipped and hand decorated by skilled artisans. Their warm glow and festive look will bring the joy of Chanukah into your home...

	Rite-Lite Judaica Deluxe Chanukah Candles, Multicolor. Box of 45` Sale Price: $6.74
	Light up your Hanukkah with these deluxe Hanukkah candles! Enjoy an assortment of 45 multi-colored candles, enough for all eight nights of Hanukkah!

	Hanukkah Candle Kit Sale Price: $4.99
	Enough supplies to make your own menorah candles for all eight nights. Hanukkah Candle Kit features 44 4in x 1 1/2in sheets of assorted colored beeswax and 44 4in 100% cotton wicks plus instruction sheet.

	Eight Candles to Light: A Chanukah Story List Price: $6.95 Sale Price: $0.56
	This charming picture book for younger children describes a typical family's celebration of the Jewish Festival of Light. After Dad reads the kids a story from Jewish history, the family sings and lights the candles...

	Hanukkah Candles
	Hanukkah Candles is a short story about the eroding holiday traditions of a family that celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah.