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Shabbat and the Jewish Holidays |
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Chanukah The primary ritual, according to Jewish law and custom, is to light a single light each night for eight nights. As a universally practiced "beautification" of the mitzvah, the number of lights lit is increased by one each night. The reason for the Chanukah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. Accordingly lamps are set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street.
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Typically
three blessings (Brachot, singular Brachah) are
recited during this eight-day festival. On the first night of
Chanukah, Jews recite all three blessings; on all subsequent
nights, they recite only the first two.
The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit
depending on tradition. On the first night of Chanukah one light
(candle, lamp, or electric) is lit on the right side of the
menorah, on the following night a second light is placed to the
left of the first candle and so on, proceeding from right to left
each night.
Two blessings are recited as the Chanukah candles are lit. On the first night, the shehecheyanu blessing is said as well. The blessing for the lighting of the candles:
Transliteration:
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu
b'mitzvotav vetzivanu l'hadlik ner (shel) hanuka.
Translation:
"Blessed are You, LORD, our
God, ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with His
commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights[s]." Blessing for the miracles of Chanukah: |
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