The
eight days of Hanukkah are times of rejoicing, which
is reflected in the original meaning of the term
Chanu Kaf-Hay, the 25th day they rested. Hanukkah
itself means "dedication." Hallel, or praise, is
recited during the morning prayers of all eight
days, and grace, or birkat hamazon, is said after
each meal. Friends and family exchange gifts, put up
Hanukkah decorations and light the Hanukkah Menorah.
Hanukkah
The Festival of Lights
The
menorah, or Hanukiyah, holds nine candles. Eight
candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah, and
the ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other
candles. The candles are kindled from left to right,
with one candle for each day of the festival, so
that as every day passes, the menorah becomes
brighter and brighter.
Ideally, a menorah should be kindled with olive oil
and cotton wicks, as olive oil was used to light the
Eternal Light. Wax candles are perfectly acceptable,
however, and most Menorahs are lit with candles.
Although the menorah may be made of wood, glass or
metal, in all cases it should be attractive, and the
eight Hanukkah candles must be in a straight line.
Blessings are said before the candles (three
blessings on the first night, and two every night
thereafter). The candles' light is not to be used
for any other purpose other than contemplation of
the miracle of Hanukkah—they should not be used to
read by, or for any other secular function. The
kindled menorah is displayed prominently in a front
window or near a doorway and remains lit for at
least half an hour after nightfall.
When you're not around, be in the thoughts of your
loved ones throughout the year when they hear the
soft sound of the wind chimes you gave them for
Hanukkah. Visit Windchimes for your Garden.
Blessings for The Festival of Lights : Hanukkah
On all
eight days of Hanukkah two special blessings are
said before the kindled menorah. On the first day of
Hanukkah, a third is added to recognize the
beginning of the Hanukkah season.
First
Blessing
Baruch
ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, asher kiddishanu
b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
(Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who
makes us holy through your mitzvoth, and commands us
to kindle the Hanukkah lights.)
Second
Blessing:
Baruch
ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, she asa nisim
l'avoteinu, bayamim ha-hem, bazman ha zeh. (Blessed
are you our God, Ruler of the world, who worked
miracles for our ancestors in days long ago at this
season).
Third
Blessing:
Baruch
ata Adonai, elohanu melech ha olam, sheheheyanu,
v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu, lazman ha zeh. (Blessed are
you our God, Ruler of the world, who has given us
life, sustained us, and has brought us to this
season.) |
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