How to Recite the Hanukkah Blessings

There are at most three blessings that are said over the Hanukkah candle, in Hebrew.     

On the first night, say:

1. Baruch atah Ad•hnai El•haynu melech ha-olam, asher kideshahnu bemitzvohtahv vitzeevanu lihhahdleek nair (shel) chanukah
2. Baruch atah Ad•hnai El•haynu melech ha-olam, she’asah neesim la’avotainu ba’yamin hahaim bizman hazeh

On the first night only, add:

3. Baruch atah Ad•hnai El•haynu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu vikimanu vehigeeanu, lizman hazeh

As with all prayer, there is a literal meaning, and beyond that is an even richer understanding. These remind us that to thank G-d for the miracles that have allowed the Jewish people to survive and flourish as a united people connected through Torah.

The Hanukkah candle lighting blessings translate to mean:

1. Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to light the Chanukah candle.
2. Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
3. Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion

There is a blessing known as Shehecheyanu, mentioned above, which out of all the blessings said on Hanukkah is only recited after lighting candles on the first night. Everything else remains the same night to night.

Shehecheyanu is recited relatively frequently to mark the novelty of a particular mitzvah the first time in a year that it happens. This is why women say it when lighting candles ahead of every major Jewish holiday, and likewise after holiday kiddush. It is also said before eating certain produce for the first time after Rosh Hashana for example. 

Since the second night of lighting candles is no longer new, it would not be fitting to say Shehecheyanu, but if you were prevented from lighting on the first night, you should say it after the first instance of reciting the Hanukkah candle blessings.

In addition to all of the Hanukkah candle-lighting blessings, there are also a number of traditional songs that people sing. There are lots of customs for these that different communities have, but one particularly famous one that is sung all around the world is Ma’oz Tzur. These can often be found printed after the blessings in a siddur (prayer book) or online.

A widespread custom to give presents has emerged from the older tradition of giving money for Torah learning. Many families will give Hanukkah gifts, or donate money to charity on some or each of the nights after lighting candles.

If you have children, extended family, or friends over at the time, it might be a nice time to read about Hanukkah or find other Jewish books. No matter what, this time should be spent festively and with the whole family together.

Beyond the household lighting candles together, Hanukkah is a great time to get together with friends and extended relatives. You might also have a neighbor or coworker who is celebrating if you aren’t yourself, whom you’d like to wish well for the holiday in person or with a card.  

“Happy Hanukkah” is a classic that you can’t go wrong with, but there are other traditional Hanukkah greetings in Hebrew. “Hanukkah sameach” is the Hebrew version of, “happy Hanukkah” while “chag urim sameach” means “happy Festival of Lights”. Just be sure to say ‘urim’ and not ‘Purim’, a different holiday.

Likewise, you can also use the more generic Hebrew “chag sameach” or Yiddish “gut yontif” which both mean “happy holiday”, and can be applied to any holiday throughout the year. 

Many Hanukkah cards will contain these messages, or you can write the messages in yourself. 

Be ready to light the candles this Hanukkah 2022 with all the gifts you need, direct from Israel.