Hanukkah

Each night of the eight day festival, we celebrate by reading the about the Maccabees, the story of the miracle of the oil, and the associated stories in Daniel. As believers in Yeshua we also read the story from John 10 and how the Messiah chose that time and place to announce that he was the one the prophets had foretold.

The most visual way to celebrate is to light the Hanukkiah, or Hanukkah menorah, which has nine candle holders instead of the normal seven. The “Shamash” or “Servant” candle is usually set off to one side, or elevated slightly in the middle.

On the first night we recite:

Baruch atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, she-he-khi-yanu v’kiyamanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are you, O L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us in life, sustained us and brought us to this season.

On the first night, a candle is placed in the shamash position and one candle on the end. Then we light the shamash with a match or lighter, then take the shamash from its holder and light the other candle(s). The second night, we would place the shamash and two candles, etc.

More Information:
Click here for a printable version of the above candle blessings.
You can read the short Hanukkah outline we present here.
Click here for a recipe for potato latkes, a traditional Hanukkah food.