What is prayer for sukkot candle lighting?

The prayer recited when lighting candles for Sukkot follows the standard Yom Tov (Jewish holiday) candle-lighting formula, with the addition of Shehecheyanu on the first night. The blessings are recited after lighting the candles (or, according to some Ashkenazic customs, before), welcoming the holiness of the festival.

Key Takeaways

Two blessings are recited when lighting Sukkot candles: Lehadlik Ner and Shehecheyanu.
The blessing formula uses "Yom Tov" (Yom Ha-Zeh) language, not the Shabbat formula.
Shehecheyanu is recited on the first night (and in the Diaspora, also the second night).
If Sukkot falls on Shabbat, the Shabbat candle-lighting blessing replaces the Yom Tov version.
Candles should be lit before sunset, and the holiday fire may be kindled from a pre-existing flame.

The Biblical Source for Sukkot Sanctity

The Torah establishes Sukkot as a holy festival with rest days (Shabbaton) on the first and eighth days:

"אַךְ בַּחֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר יוֹם לַחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי... תָּחֹגּוּ אֶת־חַג־יְהֹוָה שִׁבְעַת יָמִים בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן שַׁבָּתוֹן" "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month... you shall celebrate the festival of Hashem for seven days; the first day is a Shabbaton (rest day)." [Leviticus 23:39, Source 1]

This Shabbaton status is what obligates festive observance, including candle lighting.

The Two Blessings

First Blessing — Kindling the Yom Tov Light

Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב

Transliteration: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.

Translation: "Blessed are You, Hashem our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Yom Tov light."

Note: If Sukkot falls on Shabbat, the blessing changes to: "...l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat v'shel Yom Tov" — "...to kindle the light of Shabbat and Yom Tov."

Second Blessing — Shehecheyanu (First Night Only)

Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה

Transliteration: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu la-z'man ha-zeh.

Translation: "Blessed are You, Hashem our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season."

This blessing of gratitude — Shehecheyanu — reflects the Torah's repeated emphasis on joy (simcha) on Sukkot:

"וּשְׂמַחְתֶּם לִפְנֵי יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם שִׁבְעַת יָמִים" "And you shall rejoice before Hashem your God for seven days." [Leviticus 23:40, Source 2]

Important Halachic Notes

Candle Lighting on Yom Tov vs. Shabbat

On Shabbat, fire may not be created; candles must be lit before sunset.
On Yom Tov (when it does not fall on Shabbat), fire may be transferred from a pre-existing flame [Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 502:1].
Many women maintain the practice of lighting before Yom Tov begins (like Shabbat), to avoid halachic complications.

Where to Light

Ashkenazic custom: candles are typically lit in the dining room or kitchen.
Some have the custom to light specifically in the Sukkah to honor the mitzvah space, though this requires care due to fire safety.

The Intermediate Days (Chol HaMoed)

Candles are not lit with blessings on the intermediate days of Sukkot (Chol HaMoed), only on the first night(s) and on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.

Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah

A fresh Shehecheyanu is recited when lighting candles for Shemini Atzeret, as it is considered a separate festival [Rashi, Leviticus 23:36].

For personal guidance on the exact custom in your community (especially if Sukkot falls on Shabbat or involves specific Ashkenazic/Sephardic variations), consult your local rabbi or posek.