What is the blessing said before lighting the Menorah?

The following two (or three) blessings are said before the menorah is lit. (Click here for full lighting instructions, and Click here for a printable PDF of the blessings.) First blessing: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר חֲנֻכָּה. read more

There are two blessings recited every night, and one additional prayer — the shehechiyanu prayer celebrating things that are “new” and that is not specific to Hannukah — that is recited on the first night in addition to the regular two. read more