Each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, all members of the family should gather around the Hanukkah Menorah. Before lighting the candles, the blessings below are recited.

The first two blessings below are recited each night. The third, a blessing of joy traditionally recited during each Jewish festival, is recited only the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit.

BLESSING 1

English:

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.

Sfaradi/Modern Israeli:

Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam Asher Kiddeshanu Be-mitsvotav Ve-tsivanu Lehadlik Ner Shel khanuka

Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):

Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom Asher Kiddeshonu Be-mitsvoysov Ve-tsivonu Lehadlik Neyr Shel khanuko

South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):

Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum Asher Kiddeshuni Be-mitsvoysuv Ve-tsivuni Lehadlik Nayr Shel khaniku

BLESSING 2

English:

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Sfaradi/Modern Israeli:

Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam She-asa Nissim La-avoteynu Ba-yyamim Ha-hem Ba-zzman Ha-zze

Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):

Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zze

South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):

Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-usu Nissim La-avosayni Ba-yyumim Hu-haym Ba-zzman Ha-zze

BLESSING 3

This blessing is recited only on the first night or the first time one kindles the Hanukkah lights.

English:

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.

Sefaradi/Modern Israeli:

Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam She-hekheyanu Ve-kiymanu Ve-higgi'anu La-zzman Ha-zze

Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):

Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-hekheyonu Ve-kiymonu Ve-higgi'onu La-zzman Ha-zze

South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):

Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-hekheyuni Ve-kiymuni Ve-higgi'uni La-zzman Ha-zze

Licensed by Lisa Katz