Chanukah Resources
December 25, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | 25 Kislev – 3 Tevet 5784
Chanukah (חֲנֻכָּה), meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian-Greek forces and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” this holiday is marked by the custom of kindling lights for eight nights, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted far longer than expected. Today, the lighting of a nine-branched menorah (chanukiyah) is central to the celebration. Traditions also include enjoying foods fried in oil, like crispy latkes (potato pancakes) and sweet sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), as well as the exchange of gifts.
Blessings for Candle Lighting
Light the shamash and recite the first blessing before lighting the other candles. On Shabbat, light the Chanukah candles and say all the blessings before lighting Shabbat Candles.
TRANSLITERATION
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
TRANSLATION
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
HEBREW TEXT
.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֺתָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה
After the candles have been lit.
TRANSLITERATION
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz’man hazeh.
TRANSLATION
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.
HEBREW TEXT
.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
On the first night only.
TRANSLITERATION
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu laz’man hazeh.
TRANSLATION
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
HEBREW TEXT
.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
