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The Hanukkah blessings are recited before lighting the Hanukkah candles. On every night, two blessings are said: the blessing for lighting the Hanukkah candle and the blessing for the miracles. On the first night, or the first time a person lights that year, the blessing of Shehecheyanu is added. This page includes a printable text, a simple explanation, a practical family lighting order, a kids version FAQ a Hanukkah quiz idea and source/licensing notes.
This page is designed for families, teachers, group leaders, communities and anyone looking for a clear sheet before the holiday. It does not replace a siddur, community custom or halachic guidance. Before producing an official PDF, the exact Hebrew text, vowels and treatment of God's name should be reviewed according to the site's publishing policy.
In Short: Which Blessings Are Said on Hanukkah?
The blessings are said before lighting the Hanukkah candles. On the first night, three blessings are recited. On the remaining nights, two blessings are recited.
| When | What is said | Printing note |
|---|---|---|
| Every night | Blessing for lighting the Hanukkah candle | Said before lighting |
| Every night | Blessing for the miracles | Recalls the miracles of Hanukkah |
| First night only | Shehecheyanu | Also relevant when lighting for the first time that year |
Text of the Hanukkah Blessings
First Blessing: Lighting the Hanukkah Candle
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, asher kidshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner Hanukkah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah candle.
Second Blessing: Who Made Miracles
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu, bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who made miracles for our ancestors, in those days at this season.
First Night Only: Shehecheyanu
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this time.
Text note: Some communities say "ner shel Hanukkah" and others say "ner Hanukkah." Before an official PDF is published, choose a consistent version according to the site's or community's custom.
When Are the Blessings Said?
The Hanukkah blessings are said before lighting the mitzvah candles. In practice, the shamash is lit first, the blessings are recited, and then the Hanukkah candles are lit using the shamash.
On weekdays, lighting is usually in the evening, around sunset or nightfall depending on community custom. On Friday afternoon, Hanukkah candles are lit before Shabbat candles, so the candles should be prepared to burn long enough. On Saturday night, lighting is done after Shabbat ends and Havdalah is made, according to local custom.
Printable Hanukkah Lighting Order
A printable sheet should be short, clear and easy to read near the menorah. This structure works well:
- Prepare the menorah, candles or oil, and the shamash.
- Place the candles according to the night of Hanukkah.
- Light the shamash.
- Recite the blessings before lighting the Hanukkah candles.
- On the first night, add Shehecheyanu.
- Light the Hanukkah candles with the shamash.
- After lighting, sing or recite Hanukkah passages according to family custom.
- Stay near the candles for a short conversation, song, story or quiz.
How Many Candles Are Lit Each Night?
| Night of Hanukkah | Hanukkah candles | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| First | 1 | Shamash |
| Second | 2 | Shamash |
| Third | 3 | Shamash |
| Fourth | 4 | Shamash |
| Fifth | 5 | Shamash |
| Sixth | 6 | Shamash |
| Seventh | 7 | Shamash |
| Eighth | 8 | Shamash |
Hanukkah Blessings for Kids
You can explain it to children this way:
Before we light the candles, we pause and say thank you. The first blessing reminds us that lighting the Hanukkah candles is a mitzvah. The second blessing reminds us of the miracles that happened to the Jewish people. On the first night, we add a special blessing because we have reached Hanukkah again.
A good family question near the menorah: What can today's small light remind us to do tomorrow?
Short family activity:
- Each child chooses one word: light, thanks, miracle, family, Jerusalem, courage.
- After lighting, each person says one short sentence using the word they chose.
- End with one quiz question about the blessings or the number of candles.
Printable Hanukkah Blessings Sheet: What to Include
Hanukkah Quiz Idea
Create a game round called "Before We Light." Participants answer short questions about the blessings, lighting order and candle count.
Sample questions:
- Which blessing is added only on the first night?
- How many Hanukkah candles are lit on the fifth night, not including the shamash?
- Are the blessings said before or after lighting?
- Why do we use a shamash?
- What does the blessing "Who made miracles" remind us of?
Suggested CTA: Open a family Hanukkah quiz and add a "Blessings and Light" round: identify the blessings, count the candles and turn a short moment beside the menorah into a conversation of gratitude.
FAQ
How many blessings are said on Hanukkah?
On the first night, three blessings are said: the blessing for lighting, the blessing for the miracles and Shehecheyanu. On the remaining nights, two blessings are said: the blessing for lighting and the blessing for the miracles.
When are the Hanukkah blessings said?
The blessings are said before lighting the Hanukkah candles. After the blessings, the candles are lit using the shamash.
Is Shehecheyanu said only on the first night?
Yes. In general, Shehecheyanu is said on the first night only. If someone did not light or participate in lighting on the first night, they should check the relevant custom and halachic guidance for their first lighting that year.
Do we make a blessing over the shamash?
No. The shamash is used to light the candles and for practical light, but the blessings are recited over the mitzvah of Hanukkah candles.
What if we forgot to say the blessing before lighting?
That is a halachic question that depends on the timing and situation. In that case, consult a rabbi or a reliable halachic guide according to your community's custom.
Can the blessings be printed for children?
Yes. A children's sheet should be visually clear: large title, obvious marking for the first-night blessing, a short candle chart and one family question.
Are there different versions of the Hanukkah blessings?
Yes. There are small differences among customs, especially "ner Hanukkah" versus "ner shel Hanukkah" and vowelization. An official sheet should be reviewed before broad distribution.