Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Reason We Say Lehadlik Ner Hanukah and Not Shel Hanukah



The Reason We Say Lehadlik Ner Hanukah and Not Shel Hanukah

Day: Wednesday
Date: December 13, 2017
Parashat: Miketz
Yalkut Yosef: O"H: 676

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As mentioned previously, the correct text of the beracha on the Hanukah candles is “lehadlik ner Hanukah” and not shel Hanukah. This is different than Shabbat and other holidays for which the correct beracha is “lehadlik ner shel Shabbat” or “shel Yom Tov.” One reason given for the difference is to point out that the Hanukah candles are lit only for the mitzvah, and not for use of their light. However, the reason for lighting Shabbat candles is specifically to enjoy their light, which we note in the beracha by effectively saying that these are the candles that we are lighting for the purpose of using on, or enhancing, Shabbat. Furthermore, the entire mitzvah of Hanukah is to light the candles, whereas the Shabbat and holiday candles are one of many mitzvot connected to the day.


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