Prayers said when lighting a menorah
Lighting a menorah during Hanukkah is not just a tradition but also a spiritual activity. One lights the menorah to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the temple during the time of the Maccabees. However, the lighting of the menorah is not just about lighting candles. There are also prayers that are said when lighting a menorah. Here are some of the prayers:
The Blessings of the Menorah
Before lighting the menorah, it is customary to recite three blessings:
Blessing over the candles
The first blessing is recited before lighting the candles. The blessing goes:
“Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu melech ha-olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.”
This blessing means:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.”
Blessing for the miracle
The second blessing is recited after lighting the candles. The blessing goes:
“Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu melech ha-olam, she-asah nissim la’avoteinu bayamim ha-hem bazman hazeh.”
This blessing means:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time.”
Blessing for Hanukkah
The third blessing is recited after lighting the candles. The blessing goes:
“Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.”
This blessing means:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.”
The prayers recited when lighting the menorah during Hanukkah reinforce the spiritual significance of this practice. It is a moment to reflect on the miracle of the oil and the many blessings in life.
