Last Updated on September 1, 2023
Blessings for Jewish festivals.
Candle lighting blessings
The lady of the house lights candles before sunset to usher in a Jewish festival. After lighting the candles, the blessing on the festival candles is said. On the first night of a festival, we also recite the Shehecheyanu blessing.
Blessing on Festival Candles
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדֹנָ-י אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יום טוב
English Translation: Blessed are you, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holiday
Transliteration: Baruch a-ta A-do-nay Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-o-lam a-sher ki-di-sha-nu bi-mitz-vo-tav vi-tzi-va-noo li-had-leek ner shel Yom Tov.
- International Shabbat and festival candle lighting times
- Blessings for the Rosh Hashana Simanim
- Blessings for Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement
- Blessings for Passover
- Blessings for Simchat Torah
Shehecheyanu
Shehecheyanu is a blessing that gives thanks to God for enabling us to experience a new or special occasion. On the first night of a festival it is customary to recite the Shehecheyanu blessing, after the blessing for the candles, as follows:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
English Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Transliteration: Baruch Atah Adonay E-loi-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam she-he-chee-ya-nu v’ki-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man ha-zeh.
Blessing on the Bread (Challah)
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ
English Translation: Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth.
Transliteration: Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.
