Menorah, Shammus, Hanukkah Prayer...Oh My!

Every night of Hanukkah the family gathers around the Menorah to say the Hanukkah prayer. 

We do it every night and it is the most intimate & beautiful practice...

It reminds me of ancient times crowding around candlelight reciting our wishes to the Gods to be brought up to their ears in the smoke! 

:)))

First we set up the Menorah: 

The Menorah is a nine-branched candelabra used on the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. The Menorah is a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and the emblem of the modern state of Israel. 

The Shammus candle is the candle at a different height than the others in the Menorah. Usually located in the middle. The literal translation of the word Shammus is servant. Bc this candle is used to light the other Hanukkah candles. Fun fact...The janitor or caretaker of a synagogue is also called the Shammus! 

Each night of Hanukkah one candle is added. The first night, only the Shammus and one Hanukkah candle is lit. 

By the final eighth night all of the candles will be lit on your Menorah. 

Like Hebrew writing, candles should be added to your Menorah from right to left. 

The Shammus candle is always lit first. While holding the Shammus, recite the following blessings. 

You can also sing it! 

Blessings over Menorah: 

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 Chanukkah. (Amein)

-to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

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)

After reciting the Hanukkah prayer, use the Shammus to light the Hanukkah candles from left to right. 

Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour. 

Now, is the time I usually say my own prayer in the candlelight. 

Blessing ALL I LOVE! 

This tradition was based on a miracle that happened over 2000+years ago! 

Today, light One candle if you don't have a Menorah and bless yourself and ALL those you LOVE :) 

Happy Hanukkah! 

Xoxo