Welcome
Calendar
Today's Word
Lauds
Terce
Sext
None
Vespers
Compline
MatinsSet up your Manorah or row of candles 8 small and 1 large servant candle on a table facing the street or the front door at a pinch. Have the curtains open and well away from the candles - lets be safe and fire conscious people. Everyone can have their own candles to light or the family can share one set. Here in NZ getting an actual Manorah where I live was not possible so I use a special large candle for the servant candle and 8 tealight candles in holders for the others - they burn more than the required half-hour usually but I don't really mind.
Supervise children lighting candles, and make sure not to put the candles within the reach of a toddler or pet who might knock them over. Never leave burning candles unattended. Spread a sheet of aluminum foil underneath the chanukiah so that it doesn’t drip hot wax on the table or window sill.
The lamps or candles should be arranged in a straight row, and should be of equal height. The shamash — the “servant” candle that kindles the other lights — should be placed apart from the rest (higher, outside the row, etc.)
Perform the candle-lighting at nightfall shortly after sunset.
Light the Shamash (servant candle) then recite the blessings below
the candles will look GREAT!!!
See if you can count ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT!!!
But wait.....
Let's not forget the SHAMASH,
the tallest in the line!!
When you count it with the others
You will reach the number NINE!!
Blessings
Blessed are You, Lord our God,
King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
Amen
Blessed are You, Lord our God,
King of the universe,
who performed miracles for our forefathers
in those days, at this time.
Amen
After you finish reciting the blessings, pick the shamash candle up with your dominant hand. Use the shamash to light the candle/s, going from left to right. In other words, light the newest candle first, then light the preceding candles. After lighting the candles, return the Shamash (servant candle) to its holder.
Prayer
We kindle these lights for the miracles and the wonders,
for the redemption and the battles
that you made for our forefathers,
in those days at this season,
through your holy priests.
During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred,
and we are not permitted to make ordinary use of them
except to look at them in order to express
thanks and praise to Your great Name
for Your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations.
Amen
