Two blessings, excluding Shehecheyanu, are recited when lighting Hanukkah candles on weeknights.
The first blessing thanks God for commanding the lighting of the Hanukkah lamp. The second praises God for the miracles associated with the holiday, including the Maccabees’ victory and the restoration of Jewish worship. These two blessings are recited each night of Hanukkah before the lights are kindled.
Shehecheyanu is added only on the first night, bringing that night’s total to three blessings. It expresses gratitude for reaching the festival and the present moment. Because the question excludes it, the correct count remains two, even on the opening night.
Hanukkah lasts eight nights. One light is added each evening, while a separate helper light, the shamash, is used to kindle the others. The number of blessings does not increase with the number of candles.