The Proper Bracha When Lighting the Hanukkiah – the 9th Middah of Rahamim
When reciting the bracha upon lighting the Hanukkah candles, it is not customary to say the word “shel”, as we do when lighting Shabbat candles: “Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbat,” but rather to say – “Lehadlik Ner Hanukkah.” The first letters of these words – “lamed,” “nun,” and “chet” – form the phrase: “Notzer Hesed La-alafim” – (Who remembers the kindness of the forefathers for thousands of generations of their descendants) – and this is the ninth of the Thirteen Names corresponding to the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. (Ben Ish Chai, Hanukkah) “Nahal” (stream) is also an acronym for “Nafsheinu Chiktah La-Shem” (Tehillim 33:20) – (our souls waited for Ha-Shem) – the Jewish people have always been saved because they believed in G-d and awaited yeshuot from Him. Therefore, this word contains a matrix of salvation. (Ben Ish Chai, Hanukkah) the Ari HaKadosh teaches that “lehadlik ner hanukkah” – ח נ ל – form “nahal” (stream); from these “nehalim” – streams – blessings flow, washing over us with “kedushah” – holiness. (from Marina Fein’s Hanukkah lesson) Also, the first letters of the phrase “Lehadlik Ner Hanukkah” form a triad associated with healing. Most people do not know this and miss the opportunity for profound kavanah during the eight days of Hanukkah. (Ben Ish Chai, Vayeshev, Hanukkah) The book “Kaf HaYashar” explains that when lighting the Hanukkiah, we recite the bracha “Lehadlik Ner Hanukkah” without the word “shel,” unlike on Shabbat, because the first blessing contains 13 words, and by reciting them we arouse the 13 Attributes of Mercy of the Almighty. The second bracha also contains 13 words, and it has its own kavanah. Together, there are 26 words, which equals the gematria of the four-letter Name of Ha-Shem expressing Rahamim. Through the light of these candles and these brachot, the mercy of the Almighty descends upon us if we omit the word “shel.” (Rabbi Yaakov Doktor, “At the Holiday Table”)
The Proper Bracha When Lighting the Hanukkiah – the 9th Middah of Rahamim
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Tags: Segulot, The Power of Hanukkah, The 13 Attributes of Mercy, The 9th Middah: Rachamim, Hanukkah Blessing, Hanukkah Blessing—a Segula for Healing, The Blessing for Lighting the Chanukiah – A Segula for Healing, Lehadlik Ner Chanukah, Segula for Salvation, How Is the Hanukkah Blessing Different from the Shabbat Blessing? , The Correct Blessing for Lighting the Hanukkah Candles, Chanukah Secrets
