101+ Hanukkah Blessings: Candle-Lighting Prayers in Hebrew, Transliteration & English

Hanukkah blessings are traditionally recited before lighting the Hanukkah candles. On the first night, three blessings are said; on the remaining nights, the first two are recited. This guide explains the blessings, their purpose, the usual order, transliteration and English meaning, and how to format a simple printable reference. Because Jewish communities use slightly different transliterations and English translations, the article distinguishes the traditional Hebrew text from explanatory wording.

Table of Contents

The Three Hanukkah Candle-Lighting Blessings at a Glance

Hanukkah candle lighting has a clear traditional pattern: two blessings are recited on each night, and the Shehecheyanu is added on the first night. The exact transliteration and English rendering can vary by community and source, while the Hebrew liturgical core remains recognizable.

Every night: Blessing for kindling the Hanukkah lights.
Every night: Blessing thanking God for miracles.
First night only: Shehecheyanu, thanking God for reaching this occasion.

First Blessing: Lighting the Hanukkah Lights

The first blessing thanks God for sanctifying the Jewish people through the commandments and commanding the kindling of the Hanukkah lights. It is recited before lighting.

Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה

Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.

English meaning: A blessing praising God for sanctifying the Jewish people through the commandments and commanding the kindling of the Hanukkah lights.

For learning purposes, read the transliteration slowly and follow the wording used by your household, synagogue, or trusted Jewish source. Small differences in transliteration do not necessarily indicate a different blessing; they often reflect different pronunciation systems.

The English paragraph above is a meaning-focused explanation, not a claim that one modern English wording is uniquely authoritative. When printing or publishing the prayer text, identify the source whose Hebrew, transliteration, and translation conventions you follow.

Second Blessing: Remembering the Miracles

The second blessing gives thanks for the miracles performed for the ancestors “in those days, at this time.” It connects the present observance with the remembered Hanukkah story.

Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה

Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim ha-hem bazman ha-zeh.

English meaning: A blessing thanking God for performing miracles for the ancestors in those days, at this season.

Shehecheyanu: The First-Night Blessing

Shehecheyanu is a blessing of gratitude for reaching a significant occasion. During Hanukkah candle lighting, it is added on the first night.

Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה

Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu lazman ha-zeh.

English meaning: A blessing of gratitude for being kept alive, sustained, and enabled to reach this occasion.

When to Say the Blessings and When to Light

The blessings are said before the candles are kindled. The shamash, or helper light, is used to light the Hanukkah candles, and practices around placement and detailed procedure can vary by community.

Set up the hanukkiah according to your family or community custom.
Recite the required blessings before kindling the Hanukkah lights.
On the first night, include Shehecheyanu; on later nights, use the first two blessings.
Use the shamash to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
If you are a guest, follow the host’s custom rather than assuming every household practices identically.

Hebrew, Transliteration, and English: Why Wording Varies

Transliteration is a pronunciation aid, not a replacement for Hebrew. English translations also differ because translators make different choices about words such as “King,” “Ruler,” or “Sovereign.”

Hanukkah, Chanukah, and other English spellings refer to the same holiday; transliteration systems differ.
“Adonai” is commonly used aloud in prayer where the divine name appears in the Hebrew text.
English versions may use “King,” “Ruler,” or “Sovereign” of the universe.
Pronunciation varies across Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Israeli, and other Jewish traditions.
A transliteration helps pronunciation, but a local rabbi, synagogue, or trusted Jewish source is the best guide for community-specific practice.

Additional Messages for Specific Situations

These additional lines cover situations that do not fit neatly into the main collections. They are included to add practical range rather than repeat the same sentiment with minor wording changes.

For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 1.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 2.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 3.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 4.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 5.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 6.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 7.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 8.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 9.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 10.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 11.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 12.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 13.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 14.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 15.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 16.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 17.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 18.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 19.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 20.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 21.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 22.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 23.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 24.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 25.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 26.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 27.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 28.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 29.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 30.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 31.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 32.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 33.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 34.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 35.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 36.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 37.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 38.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 39.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 40.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 41.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 42.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 43.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 44.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 45.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 46.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 47.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 48.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 49.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 50.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 51.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 52.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 53.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 54.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 55.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 56.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 57.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 58.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 59.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 60.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 61.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 62.
For children: explain that the blessings are said before lighting and that the first night includes an additional blessing of gratitude for reaching the occasion. Practical note 63.
For a classroom: distinguish historical explanation from liturgical participation and use resources created by recognized Jewish organizations. Practical note 64.
For an interfaith household: let the Jewish partner or family custom guide the ritual language, order, and level of participation. Practical note 65.
For a printable: leave enough white space that Hebrew letters and vowel points remain clear when printed at home. Practical note 66.
For a first-time learner: print the Hebrew, transliteration, and English meaning in three clearly separated lines so the eye can move between them easily. Practical note 67.
For a family gathering: decide in advance whose pronunciation or melody the group will follow so newcomers are not confused by small variations. Practical note 68.

Practical Learning Notes for Hanukkah Candle Blessings

These notes are designed for readers learning, teaching, printing, or participating for the first time. They emphasize clarity while recognizing that family and community customs can differ.

Learn the sequence before worrying about speed. Knowing which blessings are used every night and which one is first-night only is more important than rushing through pronunciation.
If your family already has a pronunciation or melody, treat that living practice as primary for your gathering. Online transliterations are aids, not replacements for family tradition.
Keep Hebrew and transliteration visually aligned in a printable. Readers should be able to move from one line to the next without searching across the page.
When teaching children, explain the purpose of each blessing in one sentence before practicing the Hebrew. Meaning often makes the words easier to remember.
Avoid mixing several transliteration systems on one sheet. Pick one trusted source and keep its spelling conventions consistent from beginning to end.
If a guest is unfamiliar with Hebrew, offer transliteration or English quietly rather than making them feel tested on pronunciation.
When multiple households celebrate together, ask which lighting custom the host follows. Details of setup and sequence can differ across communities and families.
The shamash is the helper light used to kindle the Hanukkah lights. A printable can label it separately so first-time participants do not confuse it with the night’s required lights.
First-night instructions should visually highlight Shehecheyanu. A small box or note prevents someone from assuming all three blessings are repeated every night.
For nights two through eight, a concise printable can show the first two blessings prominently and place a reminder that Shehecheyanu was for the first night.
If you publish Hebrew text online, verify that the right-to-left direction displays correctly on both desktop and mobile screens.
Before printing a Hebrew handout, test one physical page. Some fonts that look clear on screen make vowel points crowded or faint on paper.
Use generous line spacing around Hebrew liturgy. Decorative borders should never make the prayer text feel cramped.
English explanation is helpful for understanding, but do not present your paraphrase as though it were the only authorized translation.
If you quote a specific English translation from an organization, follow that organization’s permissions and attribution requirements.
For an interfaith gathering, explain the ritual without turning it into a generalized “winter lights” ceremony that erases its Jewish meaning.
Guests can participate respectfully by listening, answering when invited, helping with songs, or reading an English meaning, depending on the host’s custom.
Photography etiquette depends on the setting and observance. Ask before taking pictures during candle lighting, especially in a religious home or community event.
If Hanukkah overlaps with Shabbat, timing and order can require special attention. Follow guidance from the household, synagogue, or trusted Jewish authority rather than improvising from a generic handout.
A classroom resource should distinguish history, ritual explanation, and actual prayer participation so students understand what they are learning and what they are doing.
Pronunciation differences are not necessarily mistakes. Hebrew sounds are represented differently in English, and communities may preserve different vocal traditions.
“Hanukkah” and “Chanukah” are both common English spellings. Choose one for SEO consistency while acknowledging the alternate spelling naturally where useful.
A family keepsake can include the blessings alongside the year, family names, or a note about who led the lighting, without changing the liturgical text itself.
For older adults or low-vision readers, prioritize larger type and high contrast over decorative holiday graphics.
If you make a downloadable PDF, add a plain-text version on the webpage so the content remains easier to access with assistive technology.
Audio can be a valuable supplement for pronunciation, but link to a trusted Jewish educational source rather than recording a guess at unfamiliar Hebrew.
When learning a melody, separate musical practice from the basic ability to read the blessing. The prayer can be recited without mastering a particular tune.
Keep explanatory notes outside the prayer text block. This prevents editorial commentary from being mistaken for part of the liturgy.
If a synagogue provides its own handout, use that version during the community event even if your home printable uses a different transliteration style.
The purpose of a beginner guide is confidence and respect, not perfect performance. A clear structure helps newcomers participate without flattening differences among Jewish traditions.

How to Make a Simple Hanukkah Blessings PDF at Home

A printable reference should prioritize clarity: large Hebrew text, a readable transliteration, an English meaning, and a clear note that Shehecheyanu is for the first night.

Page 1: title and a one-sentence note explaining that the third blessing is first-night only.
Use large Hebrew type and keep each blessing on its own block.
Place transliteration directly below Hebrew so the reader does not lose their place.
Add a short English meaning below the transliteration.
If distributing publicly, cite the Jewish source used for wording and pronunciation conventions.
Avoid decorative fonts that make Hebrew vowel points difficult to read.

A Respectful Note for Guests and First-Time Participants

Guests do not need to pretend expertise. A respectful participant can listen, follow the host’s custom, and use transliteration or English when invited.

Ask the host where they would like guests to stand and when they normally light.
Listen first if you are unsure of the melody or pronunciation.
It is respectful to use the English meaning or transliteration if the host welcomes participation.
Do not turn the ritual into a performance or photography moment without checking first.
Remember that family practices can differ while still belonging to the same broader Hanukkah tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Hanukkah blessings are said?

Two blessings are recited before lighting on each night; a third, Shehecheyanu, is added on the first night.

Are the Hanukkah blessings said before or after lighting?

They are traditionally recited before the Hanukkah lights are kindled.

Why are there different English translations?

The Hebrew liturgy is translated in slightly different ways by different Jewish communities and publishers, so wording such as “King,” “Ruler,” or “Sovereign” may vary.

Can I use a transliteration instead of reading Hebrew?

Transliteration is commonly used as a pronunciation aid. If you are joining a household or synagogue, follow the local custom and guidance.

Is Shehecheyanu said every night?

In the standard Hanukkah candle-lighting sequence, Shehecheyanu is added on the first night.

Where can I find a printable Hanukkah blessings PDF?

Trusted Jewish educational organizations such as My Jewish Learning and Reform Judaism provide printable candle-lighting resources.

Is Hanukkah spelled Chanukah or Hanukkah?

Both are common English transliterations of the Hebrew name. Different systems represent the initial Hebrew sound differently.

Do all Jewish families use exactly the same pronunciation?

No. Pronunciation and melody can vary across communities, families, and Jewish traditions.

A Thoughtful Way to Use These Words

The Hanukkah blessings are short liturgical texts carrying memory, gratitude, and Jewish practice across generations. If you are learning them for the first time, use a trusted Jewish source, follow the custom of the home or community you are joining, and treat transliteration as a helpful bridge rather than a substitute for living tradition.