Blessings of Hanukkah

Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings

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 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.

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.

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.