Hanukkah- December 8, 2012
Family Hanukkah Service- Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Hanukkah Holiday Kit
Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah (also called the Hanukkiah) is the essential observance of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Hanukkah candles are lit to commemorate the the miracle of the Maccabees' victory and the miracle of the oil that burnt for eight days in the Temple.
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 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.
As you face the Hanukkah menorah, place the first candle on your right. Subsequent candles are added to the left. As you face the menorah, light the candles with the shamash from left to right. The newest candle is always lit first.