CrossTalk - Hanukkah Prayer

Join Our Email List!

A SIMPLE SERVICE TO CELEBRATE HANUKKAH

The "Feast of Dedication," also known as the "Festival of Lights," lasts for 8 nights.
On the first night of the festival one candle is lit. The number of candles is increased by one on each night thereafter. On the last night of Hanukkah, all 8 lights are kindled. Therefore, if you intend to celebrate this festival, a total of 44 candles will be needed.

The Hanukkah menorah, or as it is also called, the Hanukkiyah, is a 9-branched lampstand. One of the branches is usually slightly elevated or distinguished in some way from the other 8 branches. This elevated branch is for the Shammis-the "servant" light. This is the candle used to light the other candles. The 8 remaining branches each correspond to one night of Hanukkah.

The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left (facing the menorah). But they are kindled from left to right so that the candle added on each night is the first candle lit that night. It is customary to allow the candles to burn for at least a half hour each night. The candle lighting is to take place as soon as possible after sundown. However, on Friday night (Shabbat) the candles are lit prior to sundown. Many people light the menorah near a window or where the lights can be seen to remind passersby about God's power when they see the candles burning.

It is also customary to recite the Hallel Psalms 115-118, which are songs of praise celebrating God's mighty acts.

There are 2 very simple blessings for this wonderful celebration recited on each of the 8 nights with a special blessing added only on the first night of Hanukkah.
· "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Hanukkah."
· "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our fathers in those days, at this time."

On the first night, the following blessing is recited (before or) while lighting the candles:
· Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life and sustenance and permitted us to reach this season."

If you are daring and want to recite the blessings in Hebrew, the actual Hebrew, along with an English transliteration is copied below for your convenience:

Click here to here Randy sing this traditional jewish prayer.