Chanukah

Chanukah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem.  The modern home celebration of Chanukah centers around the lighting of the chanukiyah a special menorah for Chanukah; foods prepared in oil including latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts); and special songs and games.  

HOW TO LIGHT THE CHANUKIYAH:

Candles are added to the chanukiyah (menorah) from right to left but are kindled from left to right.  The newest candle is lit first.  (On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the chanukiyah before the Shabbat candles)

Light the shamash (the helper candle) first, using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights.  As you do, say or sing:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotzv v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Chanukah lights

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu v'imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz'man hazeh
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season

On the first night, we add:

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Haolam, shechecheyanu vi'kiy'manu v'higianu laz'man hazeh
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach the season