L’HADLIK NER

You are worshipped as the source of blessings, adonai, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights.

Recited in English; sung in Hebrew

BLESSING NO. 1

READER:
In every beginning there is darkness.
The darkness of chaos seems eternal,
Yet form emerges: light dawns, and life is born.
In every beginning there is darkness:
The darkness of ignorance, which smothers human dignity;
The darkness of fear, which chokes the creative will;
The darkness of tyranny, which stifles freedom.
The Most High said: Let there be light!

SOLOIST:
Barukh atta adonai eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kid’shanu
b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel shabbat.

[You are worshiped, O Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has made us holy through His commandments, and who has commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights.]

Translation: Rabbi Morton M. Leifman

READER:
May God bless us with Sabbath joy. (CHOIR: Amen.)

May God bless us with Sabbath holiness. (CHOIR: Amen.)

May God bless us with Sabbath peace. (CHOIR: Amen.)

BLESSING NO. 2

READER:
Come, let us welcome Shabbat and give thanks for its light.
May our homes shine with the lights of Shabbat
And our hearts glow with Shabbat joy
This week and every week.

SOLOISTS:
barukh atta...shel shabbat.

READER:
May the Eternal One bless us with Sabbath joy. (CHOIR: Amen.)

May the Almighty One bless us with Sabbath holiness. (CHOIR: Amen.)

May the Holy One bless us with Sabbath peace. (CHOIR: Amen.)

BLESSING NO. 3

READER:
It has been said:
“You shall keep the flame burning on the altar continually;
It shall not go out....”
In this spirit would we keep alive within us
The flame of faith.
And in this spirit we kindle the yom tov light.

SOLOIST:
barukh atta...shel shabbat v’shel yom tov.

[You are worshiped...to kindle the Sabbath and Holy Day lights.]

READER:
May we be blessed with light. (CHOIR: Amen.)

May we be blessed with joy. (CHOIR: Amen.)

May we be blessed with peace. (CHOIR: Amen.)