by Tasha Raymond

Created on: November 17, 2009

One of the most important symbols of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah, or the Hanukkiah. This is not only an event that brings family and friends together each night of the holiday, but it also helps remind those following the celebrating the holiday the significance of the miracle that came from the dedication of the Maccabees. As the light from the menorah grows with each candle that is lit, so does the power of the miracle itself.

As with any tradition, there is a form that is followed when lighting the menorah. While the events there after (playing dreidel, reading stories, praying, meditating on the holiday) vary from family to family, the act and method of lighting the menorah does not. Each lighting is similar to the last, but there are some nuances that must be observed.

First off, it is important to remember that lighting the menorah is a sign of religious celebration. In Judaism it is considered a sign of respect to cover one's head. When the family gathers to light the menorah, it is customary for the men to wear their kippas (yarmulkes) and for women to wear their shmatas (head scarfs). Especially stressed is that those lighting the candle should follow this tradition to respect to God.

On the first night of Hanukkah, as close to sun down as possible, the first candle is placed in the far right of the menorah. Before the first candle is lit, three blessing are offered.

Blessing one (transliteration): Baruk Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melek Ha-olam Asher Kiddeeshonu Be-mitzvasov Vi-tsivonu Lehadlik Ner Shel Chunukah.
Blessing one: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Blessing two (transliteration): Baruk Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melek Ha-olam She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zzeh.
Blessing two: Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Blessing three (transliteration) Baruk Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melek Ha-olam Sha-hekheeyonu Ve-keeyeemonu Ve-heeggee'onu La-zzman Ha-zzeh.
Blessing three: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time.

The shamash, or servant candle, is then lit and used to light the first candle. The shamash, the tallest candle in the menorah, is than placed into its spot in the middle where it stands as the only working candle as the Hanukkah candles

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