How to Light Candles on Rosh Hashanah

In this thorough instructional video (9:31), Dr. Rachael Turkienicz describes how to light the holiday candles for Rosh Hashanah, including technical and spiritual explanations for this mitzvah, as well as on-screen English transliteration of the Hebrew blessings. The Hebrew, English and transliterated blessings are provided below. Dr. Rachael Turkienicz is the founder of Rachael’s Centre for Torah, Mussar and Ethics, a pluralistic, community-based organization which focuses on sharing Jewish wisdom in a modern world from a woman’s perspective. 

Rosh Hashanah Candle Lighting Blessing

ברוך אתה א-דני א-לוהינו מלך העולם אשר קידשנו במצוותיו וציוונו להדליק נר של יום הזיכרון

Bo-ruch a-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ho-olom a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi-vo-nu le-had-lik ner shel Yom Ha-zi-karon.

Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Day of Remembrance.

 Shehechiyanu Blessing:

ברוך אתה א-דני א-לוהינו מלך העולם שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה

Bo-ruch a-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ho-olom she-he-che-ya-nu vi-kee-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gee-an-u liz-man ha-zeh.

Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and let us reach this time.