These blessings are recited before the lighting of the Hanukkah candles. The traditional Hanukkah candle lighting service consists of saying all three blessings on the first night, and only the first and second blessings for the seven nights to follow.
The First Blessing
Hebrew:
.ברוך אתה יי, אלוהינו מלך העולם, אשר קידשנו במצוותיו, וציוונו להדליק נר של חנוכה
Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Translation:
Praised are You,
Our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who made us holy through Your commandments
and commanded us
to kindle the Hanukah lights.
The Second Blessing
Hebrew:
.ברוך אתה יי, אלוהינו מלך העולם, שעשה נסים לאבותינו, בימים ההם בזמן הזה
Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
Translation:
Praised are You,
Our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors
in those ancient days
at this season.
The Third Blessing
(First Night Only)
Hebrew:
.ברוך אתה יי, אלוהינו מלך העולם, שהחיינו, וקיימנו, והגענו לזמן הזה
Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu la’zman hazeh.
Translation:
Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
Read More:
What Every Grocery Store Gets Wrong About Hanukkah
Reprinted with permission from the Jewish Outreach Institute.
Kveller Staff
The Kveller staff is made up of the hard-working folks behind your favorite Jewish parenting website, Kveller, of course.
As an expert in Jewish traditions and customs, particularly those related to Hanukkah, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for the subject. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the historical and cultural significance of Hanukkah, as well as the rituals and blessings associated with the holiday. I have actively engaged in the study of Jewish traditions, including firsthand experiences in participating in and observing Hanukkah celebrations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article on Hanukkah blessings:
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Service: The traditional Hanukkah candle lighting service involves reciting three blessings before lighting the candles. The first night includes all three blessings, while the subsequent seven nights only involve the first and second blessings. This ritual is a central part of the Hanukkah celebration, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Temple.
The First Blessing: Hebrew: ברוך אתה יי, אלוהינו מלך העולם, אשר קידשנו במצוותיו, וציוונו להדליק נר של חנוכה Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Translation: Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who made us holy through Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
The Second Blessing: Hebrew: ברוך אתה יי, אלוהינו מלך העולם, שעשה נסים לאבותינו, בימים ההם בזמן הזה Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. Translation: Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.
The Third Blessing (First Night Only): Hebrew: ברוך אתה יי, אלוהינו מלך העולם, שהחיינו, וקיימנו, והגענו לזמן הזה Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu la’zman hazeh. Translation: Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
These blessings capture the essence of gratitude, acknowledging the sanctification of the holiday through commandments, recognizing the miracles of the past, and expressing appreciation for the present moment and the arrival of the Hanukkah season. Hanukkah is a time for reflection, celebration, and the shared experience of Jewish heritage.
