Lighting the Chanukah Candles

The kindling of the lights is the most significant ceremony of the Festival. It should be observed in the spirit of reverence and solemnity, and in a beautiful and impressive manner.

On the third night of Chanukah, Friday, December 27, the Chanukah candles are kindled before nightfall and before the Shabbat candles. On the fourth night of Chanukah (Saturday, December 28), the Chanukah candles are kindled after Havdalah. On all other nights, the Chanukah candles should be kindled after nightfall. The Menorah should be placed near the window for all to see, safely away from curtains and shades.

Instructions for placing and lighting the Chanukah candles: As your face your Chanukiah, place the candles in their holders from right to left. As you light them, you light them from left to right, starting with the newest candle.

Chanukah Blessings

Recited after the Shamash, the Helper candle, is lit but before the other candles are kindled.

Baruch Ata Ah-do-nai Eh-lo-haynu Melech Ha’olam asher kid’sha-nu b’mitz-vo-tav vitzi-va-nu l’had-lik nayr shel Chanukah.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah. .

Baruch Ata Ah-do-nai Eh-lo-haynu Melech Ha’olam she’ Asa ni’sim la’avotaynu ba’ ya’min ha’haym ba’zma ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in days of old at this time of the year.

(Recite the prayer below on the first night only)

Baruch Ata Ah-do-nai Eh-lo-haynu Melech Ha’olam she-che-ya-nu, v’ki-yî ma-nu- v’hi-gi-a-nu- la’z’man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us and permitted us to celebrate this season.

Chanukah Candles

Chanukah candles are now available! They will be placed on a table inside the building. Please come anytime on Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am -4:45 pm and on Fridays from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

If you are unable to come to Park, we can mail a box to you. Please contact Mary at lauriel@parksyn.org or by calling (216) 371-2244, ext., 135, and give us your address. One box per household please.

Donated through the generosity of the Myron & Rose Glass Chanukah Fund.

Upcoming Chanukah Events

  • The Goffman Congregational Chanukah Dinner

    Friday, Dec. 13 • 6:00 pm
    Park Synagogue

    Celebrate Klezmer Shabbat and a special pre Chanukah Dinner! Enjoy services followed by a festive dinner with lots of latkes, gelt and fun! Goodie bags for all children 12 and under.

    The event is free and open to all congregants, however RSVP’s are requested by Thursday, Dec. 5 to Liz Gregory at LGregory@parksyn.org or (216) 371-2244, ext. 165. Limited Seating, RSVP early.

    Donations can be made in memory of Cyndi to help provide gifts for children in our community online at www.parksynagogue.org/donate. Please select the Cyndi Goffman Chanukah fund. We graciously acknowledge the support of The Park Synagogue Wolf Religious School and the Goffman family in memory of Cyndi Goffman.

    RSVP Here

  • Newborn Chanukah Shabbat

    Saturday, Dec. 16 • Park Synagogue

    Each year we honor all Park families who have celebrated the arrival of a child since last Chanukah. The official "newborn ceremony" will take place after 11:15 am. Chanukah gifts given to each Park child honored on this Shabbat are provided through the generosity of the Barry P. Garson Memorial Fund.

    RSVP by December 4th by contacting Eva at (216) 371-2244, Ext. 127 or for more information.

    Email Eva Simpson

  • Pre-Chanukah Pizza Party (Park Family Connection)

    Join the Park Family Connection for a Pre-Chanukah Pizza Party on Thursday, December 19th at 5:30 pm after Hebrew School. The Pizza Party is in Davis Hall.

    Hebrew School parents and families - meet your student(s) at the conclusion of Hebrew school for fun and easy dinner! RSVP below.

    RSVP Here