Today is the first day of Hanukkah – also known as the Festival of Lights. This holiday marks the historic victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid monarchy and the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago. Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday characterized by lighting candles each night. Because today is the first evening of Hanukkah three blessings will be recited:
1. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
2. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
3. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion. (Recited only on the first night – this means today).
1. בָּרוּך אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנוּכָּה.
2. בָּרוּך אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ, בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
3. בָּרוּך אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְמָנוּ וְהִגִּעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה