LIGHTING THE MENORAH
Chanukah, which always falls on the twenty-fifth of Kislev according to the Jewish Calendar, is usually held during the month of December. The Hebrew meaning of Chanukah is Dedication and Shamash is Servant. This year, the first evening of Chanukah candle lighting is on Thursday, December 21st.
Chanukah is a eight-day holiday which celebrates the Jewish people defeating the Syrian-Greek armies and reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem. After cleaning the Temple which was overgrown with vines and weeds, they finished their work on the twenty-fifth of Kislev. As they gathered to light the menorah, however, they could only find one small jar of pure olive oil which would last only one day. To their surprise, however, the oil burned and burned for eight days and nights until they could produce more oil. Thus, the eight-day long Chanukah holiday.
THREE BLESSINGS ARE RECITED ON THE FIRST NIGHT
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Blessed are you, Lord Our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah.
Baruch Atah Adonoi Eloheinu Melech ha-olom asher kideshanu bimitzvosov vetzivonu I'hadlik ner Chanukah. -
Blessed are you, Lord of Our G-d, King of the Universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
Baruch Atah Adonoi Eloheinu Melech ha-olom sheoso nisim la-avoseinu bayomim hoheim bizman hazeh. -
Blessed are you, Lord Our G-d, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this
season.
Baruch Atah Adonoi Eloheinu Melech ha-olom shecheyanu vkiyimonu vehigionu lizman hazeh.
Repeat Blessings #1 and 2 for the rest of Chanukah.
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Fire-Free Softest Memorah
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