The Festival of Chanukah begins Tuesday night, December 4th 2007 with the lighting of the first candle. On the next night, two candles are lit, and one more candle is added every night until eight are lit on the eighth night. The lighting of the Chanukah candles can be a meaningful ceremony not only in terms of the warm family spirit that is created, but in deepening the understanding of the holiday's historical and contemporary significance. The following service, taken from Gates of Prayer, is suggested as a basic pattern which can be modified to meet the desires of any particular family.
Before Kindling the lights:
The lights of Chanukah are a symbol of our joy. In time of darkness, our ancestors had the courage to struggle for freedom; freedom to worship in their own way. Theirs was a victory of the weak over the strong, the few over the many, and the righteous over the arrogant. It was a victory for all ages and all peoples.
Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame.
Blessed is the flame that burns in the heart's secret places.
Blessed is the heart with strength to stop its beating for honor's sake.
Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame.
Within living memory, our people were plunged into deepest darkness. But we endured! The light of faith still burns brightly, and once again we see kindling the name of freedom. Our people, Israel, has survived all who sought to destroy us. Now, through love and self sacrifice, we labor to renew our life.
Let the light we kindle shine forth for the world. May they illumine our lives even as they fill us with gratitude that our faith has been saved from extinction time and again. (The candles are placed in the Menorah from right to left, and kindled from left to right).
The Shammas Candle is Lighted:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitsvotav, v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who hallows us with His Mitzvot, and commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, sheasa nisim laavoteinu, bayamim haheim, bazaman hazeh. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.
On the first night only, add:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, shehecheyanu, vekiyemanu, vehigianu lazman hazeh. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us and enabling us to reach this season.
