Section Seven: Hannukah: The Absolute Minimum

1. You will need Hanukkah candles (9 candles) and a Hanukkiah (Hon-a-key-ah) (a holder for each of the nine candles.)

2. You will pray this prayer first: (Only on the first night do you say or sing She-hech-e-ya-nu prayer) Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, and sustained us, and brought us to this season.

**Short explanation of Shekianyu prayer: This is a traditional prayer for all festivals and for special occasions in your family's life. We have used it for anniversary blessings, baby's first tooth, birthdays, immersions, house dedications, etc. If it's a first time for anything then this is the prayer you would say. Remember this is only said on the FIRST night of Hanukkah.

3. Light the Shammash candle. (The Aservant candle,@ or Shammash candle, can be found in several positions in a holder. It usually is elevated. It can be in the center as ours is pictured and some are on your far right. You will light this candle first and then use it to light the other candles with. It doesn=t count in the 8 candle counting. It is the extra candle that is lit every night.)

Each night of Hanukkah you would say or sing the following blessings BEFORE kindling the other lights.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with Thy commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who didst perform miracles for our fathers in those days at this season.

4. Light the candle on your far right as you face the Hannukkiah. The following passage is to be read following the lighting of the first candle after Shammash.

Hanukkah Candle Lighting Illustration

Day 8: (Start left & work to the right) 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8

Day 7: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3-4-5-6-7

Day 6: (Start left and work to the right)1-2-3-4-5-6

Day 5: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3-4-5

Day 4: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3-4

Day 3: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3

Day 2: (Start left & work to the right) 1-2

Day 1:(Light Far Right Candle) -1

"We kindle these lights to commemorate the miracles and the wonders, and the victorious battles that Thou achieved for our fathers in those days, at this season, through Thy holy priest. During all the eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them; but we are only to look at them, in order to give thanks and to praise Thy Name for Thy miracles, Thy wonders, and Thy salvations."

(You may add other words from your heart if you wish. Share the candle lighting with everyone. Let HIS light so shine before men that they see HIM!)