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In the Hanerot Halalu that we recite when lighting the Hanukkah candles, it says "anachnu madlikin." Why madlikin and not madlikim? Why is a final nun used and not a final mem? I have searched EVERYWHERE!

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Cantor Kim, welcome to Mi Yodeya, and thanks very much for bringing your question here! I look forward to seeing you around. – Isaac Moses May 9 '12 at 20:21
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related: judaism.stackexchange.com/q/12517/759 – Double AA♦ May 9 '12 at 20:35
can you elaborate on what the difference would be? – Menachem May 9 '12 at 20:43
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This difference is also seen between various nusachos in Shacharis by the first blessing before the Shema, where some have umvorchin umshabchin...umamlichin whereas some have umvorchim umshabchim...umamlichim. – yoel May 9 '12 at 20:52

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The source for this recitation is Tractate Soferim (20:4). Aramaic was a major lingustic influence on halachic literature in Babylonia during the Geonic period when that tractate was composed, and in Aramaic the plural form ends with a nun rather than a mem.

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That's what I thought... I just haven't been able to find a "proof text"! Thank you, Fred! – Cantor Kim May 9 '12 at 20:29
@CantorKim, sure thing. – Fred May 9 '12 at 20:30

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