Hanukkah

Customs

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Text of Traditional Hannukah Candle-lighting Blessings & Songs

Text of Traditional Hannukah Candle-lighting Blessings & Songs

This document presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited upon lighting the menorah, as well as

Humanistic Hannukah Lighting Blessings & Ceremonies

Humanistic Hannukah Lighting Blessings & Ceremonies

This post offers several different home services for the Hannukah candle lighting, including blessings, intentions, readings and songs that reflect

How to Light Hannukah Candles (Sephardic Tradition)

How to Light Hannukah Candles (Sephardic Tradition)

In this instructional video (04:05), Rabbi David Benchlouch of the Sephardi Hebrew Congregation of Cape Town demonstrates how to light the

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim is a short paragraph added to the Amidah prayer and the Grace After Meals on Hannukah, thanking God

Chag HaBanot: The Festival of the Daughters – Introduction & Rituals

Chag HaBanot: The Festival of the Daughters – Introduction & Rituals

Written by Rabbi Jill Hammer, this post presents an introduction to Chag HaBanot, a women’s festival traditionally celebrated during Hannukah by some Sephardic

How to Light the Hannukah Candles (Conservative Tradition): Blessings & Songs

How to Light the Hannukah Candles (Conservative Tradition): Blessings & Songs

Created by the Rabbinical Assembly, this resource outlines the Hannukah candle-lighting ceremony according to Conservative tradition. The document provides the

Maoz Tzur: A Traditional Hannukah Song (multiple melodies)

Maoz Tzur: A Traditional Hannukah Song (multiple melodies)

Thought to have been written in the 13th century, Ma’oz Tzur is a liturgical poem traditionally sung by Ashkenazi Jews after lighting

Ya Hatzel: A Sephardic Hannukah Song

Ya Hatzel: A Sephardic Hannukah Song

This post provides an audio recording from the Sephardic Hazzanut Project and the Hebrew, English and transliterated lyrics for Ya Hatzel,

A Reform Prayer for Kislev & Hannukah

A Reform Prayer for Kislev & Hannukah

This link opens up the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of a prayer that can be read from the beginning of the

Hasidic Kavvanah (Intention) for Lighting the Hannukah Candles

Hasidic Kavvanah (Intention) for Lighting the Hannukah Candles

This link opens up the Hebrew and English text of a Hasidic prayer that can be recited prior to the

Psalm 30: The Daily Psalm of Hannukah

Psalm 30: The Daily Psalm of Hannukah

This audio recording presents Chazan Maor Cohen singing Psalm 30 with a Moroccan melody. Allegedly composed by King David to be sung

Morrocan Hannukah Candle Lighting Blessings & Songs

Morrocan Hannukah Candle Lighting Blessings & Songs

This post presents the Hannukah candle lighting blessings and songs sung according to Moroccan tradition by Rabbi David Kadoch. The first

The Scroll of Antiochus

The Scroll of Antiochus

This document provides the full English and Hebrew translations of Megillat Antiochus (The Scroll of Antiochus), an ancient historical account

Hanukkah Blessings & Hanerot Halalu with Feminine God Language

Hanukkah Blessings & Hanerot Halalu with Feminine God Language

This post presents alternative versions of “Hanerot Halalu,” as well as the blessings recited upon lighting the menorah. As explained in more

How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah (With Blessings)

How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah (With Blessings)

This short instructional video (02:59) demonstrates how to light the menorah on Hannukah, including where to place the menorah, in what order

Learn to Recite the Blessings Over the Hannukah Candles (Ashkenazi Melodies)

Learn to Recite the Blessings Over the Hannukah Candles (Ashkenazi Melodies)

With onscreen karaoke-style texts of the blessing in English, Hebrew and transliterated, this animated instructional video (02:20) teaches how to sing

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Learn How

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How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah (With Blessings)

How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah (With Blessings)

This short instructional video (02:59) demonstrates how to light the menorah on Hannukah, including where to place the menorah, in what order

How to make Moroccan Sfenj Donuts

How to make Moroccan Sfenj Donuts

This instructional video (04:09) from Jewlicious.com demonstrates how to make “sfenj,” Moroccan donuts traditionally eaten on Hannukah. The ingredient list

How to Play Dreidel

How to Play Dreidel

This short instructional video (01:50) demonstrates how to play dreidel, a family-friendly gambling game traditionally played on Hannukah with a four-sided spinning

Hannukah FAQ

Hannukah FAQ

This thorough article answers all of your questions about the Jewish Festival of Lights, including instructions for how to spell and

How to Light the Hannukah Candles (Conservative Tradition): Blessings & Songs

How to Light the Hannukah Candles (Conservative Tradition): Blessings & Songs

Created by the Rabbinical Assembly, this resource outlines the Hannukah candle-lighting ceremony according to Conservative tradition. The document provides the

How to Light Hannukah Candles (Sephardic Tradition)

How to Light Hannukah Candles (Sephardic Tradition)

In this instructional video (04:05), Rabbi David Benchlouch of the Sephardi Hebrew Congregation of Cape Town demonstrates how to light the

How to Make Potato Latkes

How to Make Potato Latkes

This short instructional video (01:36) demonstrates how to make latkes, fried potato pancakes traditionally eaten on Hannukah by Ashkenazi Jews. For an

How to Make Sufganiyot

How to Make Sufganiyot

This short instructional video (01:26) demonstrates how to make sufganiyot, jelly-filled donuts traditionally eaten on Hannukah. For an ingredient list and full

Learn to Recite the Blessings Over the Hannukah Candles (Ashkenazi Melodies)

Learn to Recite the Blessings Over the Hannukah Candles (Ashkenazi Melodies)

With onscreen karaoke-style texts of the blessing in English, Hebrew and transliterated, this animated instructional video (02:20) teaches how to sing

How to Light the Menorah for Hannukah

How to Light the Menorah for Hannukah

This short instructional video (01:12) presents a basic explanation of how to set up and light the menorah on Hannukah.

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Informative Articles & Videos

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What is Hannukah?

What is Hannukah?

This short animated video (03:51) presents an excellent overview of the origins, significance and customs of Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights. Useful

8 Videos for 8 Days of Happiness

8 Videos for 8 Days of Happiness

This post contains a series of eight thoughtful, one-minute-long, animated videos exploring various Hannukah themes from a psychological, relationship-focused perspective. The first video, featured

Judith & The Hannukah Story

Judith & The Hannukah Story

Produced by the Jewish Women’s Archive, this informative video (02:24) emphasizes the feminist Jewish history angle of the Hannukah story, briefly

The Pardes Hannukah Companion: 8 Articles

The Pardes Hannukah Companion: 8 Articles

Created by educators at The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, this 8-page long booklet provides one article for each night of

What is Hannukah Gelt?

What is Hannukah Gelt?

In this introductory article, Ariela Pelaia explains the origins of  the custom of giving “gelt” to children on Hannukah, including the

The Deeper Meaning of the Word ‘Hanukkah’

The Deeper Meaning of the Word ‘Hanukkah’

Written by Aviya Kushner, the language columnist at The Forward, this article explores the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word

What You Need to Know About the Hannukah Story

What You Need to Know About the Hannukah Story

Reprinted from Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holiday Handbook by Lesli Koppelman Ross, this article summarizes the story of Hannukah from the

Who Are the Maccabees: Heroes or Fanatics?

Who Are the Maccabees: Heroes or Fanatics?

Along with a minute long video introducing the Maccabees role in the Hanukkah story, this thought-provoking article by Michele Alperin

A Kabbalastic Infographic: 8 Hannukah Insights

A Kabbalastic Infographic: 8 Hannukah Insights

Created by the Bnei Baruch Kabbalah Education & Research Institute, this infographic presents Jewish mystical insights and symbolism behind eight Hannukah-related

8 Insights for 8 Nights of Hannukah

8 Insights for 8 Nights of Hannukah

Created by NCSY, an Orthodox organization dedicated to inspiring Jewish youth to engage with Judaism, this one-page document presents one Hannukah-themed thought

Kabbalistic Numerology and the Miracle of Chanukah

Kabbalistic Numerology and the Miracle of Chanukah

Written by Orthodox psychotherapist, Karen Wolfers-Rapaport, this profound article from Chabad.org explores the connection between Hannukah – the eight day festival of

Humanistic Judaism’s Approach to Hannukah

Humanistic Judaism’s Approach to Hannukah

This introductory article from the Society for Humanistic Judaism explains the themes and customs of Hannukah according to the Humanistic community. The community focuses on

Chag HaBanot: The Festival of the Daughters – Introduction & Rituals

Chag HaBanot: The Festival of the Daughters – Introduction & Rituals

Written by Rabbi Jill Hammer, this post presents an introduction to Chag HaBanot, a women’s festival traditionally celebrated during Hannukah by some Sephardic

Hannukah 101

Hannukah 101

This introductory article briefly explains the history, customs and significance of Hannukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. A helpful resource for anyone interested

Hannukah FAQ

Hannukah FAQ

This thorough article answers all of your questions about the Jewish Festival of Lights, including instructions for how to spell and

Hannukah in 60 Seconds

Hannukah in 60 Seconds

This minute long introductory video presents a brief overview of the origins, significance and customs of Hannukah. This video is provided by Parsha in 60

Why do Jews Play Dreidel on Hannukah?

Why do Jews Play Dreidel on Hannukah?

This short video (0:40) from My Jewish Learning, briefly explains the historical reasons behind the custom of playing dreidel – a gambling

Miracles: Now, Then & Every Day

Miracles: Now, Then & Every Day

Produced by Jewish Educational Media, the multimedia archive of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, this inspiring video (07:43) encourages viewers to

The History & Meaning of the Menorah

The History & Meaning of the Menorah

This informative video (02:24) explores the significance of the menorah as the eternal symbol of the Jewish nation throughout history, from the

Hannukah: Tap into the Light

Hannukah: Tap into the Light

In this inspiring video (02:20), Rabbi Yitzchak Botton explains that Hannukah is not the commemoration of a one-time historical event,

How Holidays of Light Make Hanukkah Brighter: In Talmudic & Modern Times

How Holidays of Light Make Hanukkah Brighter: In Talmudic & Modern Times

In this interesting video (03:36), Rabbi Judith Hauptman explores the Talmudic references to Hannukah, suggesting that the significance of the

Menorah vs. Channukiah

Menorah vs. Channukiah

In this short video (01:15), Joshua Mallett clearly explains the difference between the 7-branched menorah lit in the ancient Temple

Carrying the Torch: The Menorah and the Eternal Jewish People

Carrying the Torch: The Menorah and the Eternal Jewish People

In this moving video (03:53), Rabbi Yaakov Cohen attributes the miraculous spiritual and physical survival of the Jewish people throughout history to

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: 8 Thoughts for 8 Nights

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: 8 Thoughts for 8 Nights

This post contains a series of eight 2-3 minute-long, thought-provoking videos in which Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the previous Chief Rabbi of

Ben Shapiro: The Story & Takeaways of Hannukah

Ben Shapiro: The Story & Takeaways of Hannukah

In this short informative video (01:55), Ben Shapiro provides a quick historical overview of the history of Hannukah, emphasizing the

An Animated Story of Hannukah for Kids

An Animated Story of Hannukah for Kids

Produced by Speakaboos, an educational company promoting children’s literacy, this short animated video (02:15) presents the Hannukah story and the historical

Mayim Bialik: A True/False Quiz Introducing Hannukah

Mayim Bialik: A True/False Quiz Introducing Hannukah

In this humorous, informal video (05:58), actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik presents a short true or false quiz to clear up some misconceptions about

The Historical Origins and Customs of Hannukah

The Historical Origins and Customs of Hannukah

Produced by the American TV Network, History, this introductory video (03:50) presents the historical origins and modern customs of Hannukah, the Jewish festival

The Power of Light in Judaism

The Power of Light in Judaism

Inspired by both nature and Jewish mysticism, this short article explores the physical and spiritual power of light in Jewish tradition

The Significance of Fire in Judaism

The Significance of Fire in Judaism

This excerpt notes the universally recognized power of fire, as well as its particular significance in Jewish ritual, such as

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Music

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Maoz Tzur: A Traditional Hannukah Song (multiple melodies)

Maoz Tzur: A Traditional Hannukah Song (multiple melodies)

Thought to have been written in the 13th century, Ma’oz Tzur is a liturgical poem traditionally sung by Ashkenazi Jews after lighting

The Fountainheads’ Hannukah Songs

The Fountainheads’ Hannukah Songs

This post presents three fun and creative Hannukah-themed music videos created by The Fountainheads. The Fountainheads is an artistic project, led

Peter, Paul and Mary: Light One Candle

Peter, Paul and Mary: Light One Candle

This video features the American folk group Peter, Paul and Mary performing their popular Hannukah song, “Light One Candle.” Written

Ocho Kandelikas (Eight Candles) – A Ladino Hannukah Song

Ocho Kandelikas (Eight Candles) – A Ladino Hannukah Song

Written by Jewish American artist, Flory Jagoda in Ladino (Judaeo-Spanish), “Ocho Kandelikas” (Eight Little Candles) is a Hannukah song describing

Six13’s Hanukkah Songs

Six13’s Hanukkah Songs

This post presents ten fun and creative Hanukkah-themed music videos created by Six13, an all-male Jewish a cappella group driven by

Hasidic Hannukah Medley (Yiddish)

Hasidic Hannukah Medley (Yiddish)

This upbeat video presents a medley of classic Yiddish Hasidic Hannukah songs, performed by Belz Hasidic singer, Shulem Lemmer, the Freilach

Julie Geller: Hannukah Hymn (A Contemporary Al Hanisim)

Julie Geller: Hannukah Hymn (A Contemporary Al Hanisim)

A contemporary take on the traditional Al Hanisim prayer for Hannukah, this Jewish folk song by Julie Geller encourages us

Hannukah Songs for Kids

Hannukah Songs for Kids

This child-friendly animated video features nine English Hannukah songs for young children, including classics such as “Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel” and

Ari Lesser: Hannukah Hip Hop & Yehudit

Ari Lesser: Hannukah Hip Hop & Yehudit

This post features two Hannukah raps by American Jewish rapper, singer, and spoken word artist, Ari Lesser. Hip Hop Hannukah retells the

Exploring Jewish Peoplehood Through Hannukah Songs

Exploring Jewish Peoplehood Through Hannukah Songs

This educational resource compares the Hebrew, English and Yiddish versions of popular Hannukah songs “Chanukah Oh Chanukah” and “Mi Yimallel

Yonina: Mashup of Traditional Hannukah & Modern Israeli Songs

Yonina: Mashup of Traditional Hannukah & Modern Israeli Songs

In this music video, husband-wife team, Yonina, perform a creative medley of traditional Hannukah songs, including Maoz Tzur and Al Hanissim, with modern

Michelle Citrin: Left to Right

Michelle Citrin: Left to Right

Written by William Levin and performed by Michelle Citrin, this song not only reminds us in which direction to light

Hannukah Oh Hannukah (English & Yiddish)

Hannukah Oh Hannukah (English & Yiddish)

With onscreen captions, this video presents both the English and Hebrew versions of this popular Hannukah song, originally written in

Shir Soul’s Hannukah Songs

Shir Soul’s Hannukah Songs

This post presents five fun and creative Hannukah-themed music videos created by Shir Soul, an all-male Jewish a cappella group,

The Maccabeats’ Hannukah Songs

The Maccabeats’ Hannukah Songs

This post presents eight fun and creative Hannukah-themed music videos created by the Maccabeats , an all-male Jewish a cappella group that

Adam Sandler: The Hannukah Song (I-IV)

Adam Sandler: The Hannukah Song (I-IV)

This post presents all four versions of The Hannukah Song, a humorous song by Adam Sandler, in which the Jewish

Ya Hatzel: A Sephardic Hannukah Song

Ya Hatzel: A Sephardic Hannukah Song

This post provides an audio recording from the Sephardic Hazzanut Project and the Hebrew, English and transliterated lyrics for Ya Hatzel,

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim is a short paragraph added to the Amidah prayer and the Grace After Meals on Hannukah, thanking God

Psalm 30: The Daily Psalm of Hannukah

Psalm 30: The Daily Psalm of Hannukah

This audio recording presents Chazan Maor Cohen singing Psalm 30 with a Moroccan melody. Allegedly composed by King David to be sung

Morrocan Hannukah Candle Lighting Blessings & Songs

Morrocan Hannukah Candle Lighting Blessings & Songs

This post presents the Hannukah candle lighting blessings and songs sung according to Moroccan tradition by Rabbi David Kadoch. The first

Learn to Recite the Blessings Over the Hannukah Candles (Ashkenazi Melodies)

Learn to Recite the Blessings Over the Hannukah Candles (Ashkenazi Melodies)

With onscreen karaoke-style texts of the blessing in English, Hebrew and transliterated, this animated instructional video (02:20) teaches how to sing

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What else?

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Exploring Jewish Peoplehood Through Hannukah Songs

Exploring Jewish Peoplehood Through Hannukah Songs

This educational resource compares the Hebrew, English and Yiddish versions of popular Hannukah songs “Chanukah Oh Chanukah” and “Mi Yimallel

Unity: A Resource for Hanukkah from Limmud

Unity: A Resource for Hanukkah from Limmud

Created by the Limmud Chavruta Program for Hanukkah, this 4-page long document contains sources that explore the complex concept of unity in

Hanukkah in the Old City of Jerusalem

Hanukkah in the Old City of Jerusalem

This short video (01:55) captures the magical festive atmosphere of Hanukkah in the Old City of Jerusalem, including tables of sufganiyot,

A Hannukah Website for Children

A Hannukah Website for Children

This link will take you to an entire website dedicated to teaching children about Hannukah holiday in a fun and interactive

An Interactive Map of the Hannukah Story

An Interactive Map of the Hannukah Story

This article contains an interactive map that shows where the events and battles described in the Hannukah story are believed to

A Hannukah Booklet: Readings & Skits

A Hannukah Booklet: Readings & Skits

This Hannukah booklet contains short pieces of Jewish and universal wisdom for each night of the holiday, the text of the

8 Insights for 8 Nights of Hannukah

8 Insights for 8 Nights of Hannukah

Created by NCSY, an Orthodox organization dedicated to inspiring Jewish youth to engage with Judaism, this one-page document presents one Hannukah-themed thought

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