Hanukkah Candle Blessings
A free printable for your table
Shalom from our table.
Each year, as Hanukkah approaches, we prepare the candles and make room to remember—the Temple’s rededication, the faithfulness of YHWH, and the importance of remaining faithful to Him.
If you are learning, begin here. Below you’ll find the traditional Hanukkah candle blessings in Hebrew transliteration and English, with simple instructions for the first night and the evenings that follow.
Read them slowly. Consider what you are saying. Let the words become an opportunity for understanding, gratitude, and conversation around your table.
The blessings are freely available on this page. No signup is required to read or print them. Prefer a formatted PDF? Download it below, or leave your email and we’ll send the link.
Download the Free Printable (PDF) Email Me the PDF
Before You Light: What Are We Remembering?
Hanukkah means dedication. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration. Jewish tradition also recounts the miracle of a small supply of consecrated oil lasting eight days.
Hanukkah is a later historical remembrance, distinct from the appointed times commanded in Leviticus 23.
That distinction matters. We can appreciate its history and meaning while being clear about what Scripture commands and what developed as a commemorative practice.
John 10:22–23 records Yeshua in the Temple during the Feast of Dedication, walking in Solomon’s portico. The passage gives us a place to begin reading; it does not describe Him lighting Hanukkah candles or establish a command to observe the festival.
As we remember dedication, we can also examine our own lives:
Father, are our words, our attention, and the life of our home in agreement with what You have spoken?
A Note About the Traditional Blessings
The first blessing includes the words “commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.”
In traditional Judaism, this wording reflects the authority of rabbinic commandments. It does not mean the Torah contains a specific command to light Hanukkah candles.
We include the traditional wording accurately so you can understand the practice. If you prefer to offer a prayer of thanksgiving without that wording, you’ll find an original prayer farther down this page. It is clearly identified as our own prayer, rather than a translation of the traditional blessing.
How to Light the Hanukkiah
A hanukkiah is the Hanukkah lamp with eight lights, plus a separate helper light called the shamash.
The following describes a common Jewish candle-lighting practice:
- Begin on the right. Facing the hanukkiah, place the first night’s candle in the far-right holder among the eight festival lights.
- Add toward the left. Each evening, add one more candle immediately to the left of the previous night’s arrangement.
- Light the shamash. Keep this helper candle distinct from the eight festival lights.
- Recite the blessings before lighting the festival candles.
- Light the newest candle first, then continue toward the right.
First night: Recite all three blessings.
Nights two through eight: Recite the first two.
Place the hanukkiah on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and other flammable materials. Keep flames attended and beyond the reach of children and pets.
When Hanukkah Meets Shabbat
On Friday, light the Hanukkah candles before the Shabbat candles, with both lit before sundown.
Traditional practice calls for enough oil or sufficiently long-burning candles to remain alight for at least half an hour after nightfall. Prepare ahead so you have time to light without rushing.
On Saturday evening, wait until Shabbat has ended before kindling the Hanukkah lights. Household customs differ concerning the order of Havdalah and Hanukkah lighting.
The Traditional Hanukkah Blessings
Transliteration spellings and pronunciation vary among communities. The wording below follows a commonly used form.
1. For Kindling the Hanukkah Light
Every night
Transliteration
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
English
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.
2. For the Miracles
Every night
Transliteration
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
English
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this season.
3. Shehecheyanu: Thanksgiving for Reaching This Season
First night
Transliteration
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higianu lazman hazeh.
English
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
If your first lighting of the year takes place after the first night, traditional practice includes Shehecheyanu at that first lighting.
An Original Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
This prayer is written by We Be Shabbatin’. It is not a translation of the traditional blessings.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Creator of heaven and earth.
We give You thanks for Your faithfulness and for bringing us to this season of remembrance.
As we light these candles, turn our attention toward Your Word. Bring understanding where we have been uncertain, repentance where we have wandered, and courage where obedience has been difficult.
Teach us to honor You with what belongs to You—our lives, our homes, our words, and our time.
Thank You for Yeshua, the Light of the world. Help us hear His voice and follow Him faithfully.
Let this home be a place where Your truth is welcomed, Your goodness is remembered, and Your ways are taught with love.
In Yeshua’s name, amen.
Keep the Blessings Close
Download the free printable PDF — keep it near your hanukkiah, in your binder, or at the table.
Download Hanukkah Candle Blessings (PDF)
Would you rather receive it by email? Leave your address in the form below, and we’ll send the download link.
This request is for the Hanukkah printable. It does not enroll you in Shabbat Watch. You can read and print the blessings above without signing up.
Keep Learning With Us
Beginning with Shabbat?
Our free Your First 8 Shabbats email journey offers local Friday start times and simple guidance as you learn.
Join free Shabbat Watch
Would reminders help you prepare throughout the year?
Shabbat Watch Annual includes Feast Watch reminders, including preparation reminders for Hanukkah.
From our table to yours,
Beth & Daniel
We Be Shabbatin’