Happy Hanukkah

Blessing over Candles

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)
Blessing for Chanukkah

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein)
Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time


Shehecheyanu (first night only)

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein)
who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)

25 Kislev - (1312 BCE) - Mishkan completed
The vessels, tapestries, wall sections and other components of the Mishkan (the portable sanctuary or "Tabernacle" which was built under Moses' direction to house the Divine Presence during the Israelites' journeys through the desert) were completed on the 25th of Kislev of the Hebrew year 2449 (1312 BCE). However, the Mishkan was not assembled until 3 months later, when, beginning on Adar 25 of that year, it was set up and taken down daily for a 7-day training period prior to its dedication on the 1st of Nisan. The Sages said that Kislev 25 was compensated 12 centuries later, when the Maccabees dedicated the Holy Temple on Kislev 25, 3622 (139 BCE).

25 Kislev - (162 BCE) The Greeks make pagan sacrifices in the Temple
"Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God." (1 Maccabees 1:59)

25 Kislev - (164 BCE) - The Hanukkah miracle