Get Ready For Hanukkah! This Sunday at sunset!

Here is the how to light the candles for Hanukkah.  Please note that if you were not able to obtain a hanukkyia the nine candle candelabra then light a candle every night and take time to reflect on the light that Yahweh has shined in your life, read the prayers and continue to grow in the fullness of His love and understanding of His word!

One candle is added to the menorah each night. The first night, you light only the shammus (the one at a different height) and one Chanukkah candle. By the eighth night, you light all of the candles.

Candles should be added to the menorah from right to left (like Hebrew writing). See animation at right. The shammus candle is lit first. While holding the shammus candle, recite the following blessings. They are usually sung. Click the music icons in the blessings below to hear the tune.

Blessing over Candles

Light the shammus candle first, then recite the blessings while holding the candle. Do not light the other candles until the blessings are done!

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein) to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

Blessing for the Chanukkah Miracle

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein) Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time

Shehecheyanu (Who Has Kept Us Alive)

This blessing is recited only on the first night of Chanukkah.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein) who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)

Lighting the Candles

After reciting the blessings, use the shammus to light the Chanukkah candles from left to right (newest to oldest). See animation at top.

Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour. Standard Chanukkah candles burn for about an hour.