Home

How to Light the first candle on the menorah for Hanukkah (and say the blessings)

A person sitting at a table with a birthday cake and a candle in a room with yellow walls.

This video gives a perfect demonstration for starting out Hanukkah 2010 right. See how to light the shamash and the first candle (on the right) for the first night of Hanukkah, along with all three blessings that need to be made.

Blessing 1 (for the candles): "Barukh ata adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam asher kidishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah."

English Translation: 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 (for Chanukah): "Barukh ata adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam she'asa nisim la'avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh."

English Translation: 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 (for only the first night): "Barukh ata adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam she'hekheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higiyanu lazman hazeh."

English Translation: 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.

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.