Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates a miraculous event more than 2,000 years ago, when a one-day supply of oil provided enough fuel for the ancient Temple’s menorah for eight days. This holiday is a time for joyous celebration. While Hanukkah is not a major Jewish holiday, it is an occasion for reflection and appreciation, and many people choose to acknowledge the holiday in meaningful ways. Here are a few ideas for how to do just that.
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Light the Menorah
The menorah, a nine-branch candelabra, is an important symbol of Hanukkah. Lighting the Hanukkah menorah is a way to acknowledge the holiday and its importance. Each day of Hanukkah, a candle is lit and placed in the menorah, starting with the Shamash (helper) candle, which is lit first and used to light the others. This event is called the Lighting of the Menorah.
For the most traditional way to light the menorah,
- Start with the Shamash candle and the candle for the first night, which should be placed on the far right of the menorah.
- Light the Shamash candle at sundown and recite the blessings.
- Then light the first candle on the right side of the menorah
- Proceed to light candles from right to left, inserting a new candle each night.
It is customary to use plain, white, liquid wax Hanukkah candles. Some will use olive oil in clay receptacles; these will probably need to be replaced each night.
Add Other Rituals to Your Lighting Ceremony
Once the candles are lit, some families sing traditional Hanukkah songs such as Maoz Tzur. The story of Hanukkah can be read together as a family, and spinning the dreidel is a popular custom. Gifts are given to children and some people enjoy preparing traditional specialties like latkes.
Giving Charity
Carrying out acts of charity is a meaningful way to acknowledge Hanukkah and the holiday’s message of freedom. Giving Hanukkah gelt (coins or money) to charity is an important custom to recognize the holiday. Gifts may also include donations of food or clothing to those in need.
Gift Giving
Giving and receiving gifts is an important tradition. Children may receive gelt or Hanukkah tokens, such as dreidels or chocolate coins. Gifts may also be given to adults by friends and family as a token of appreciation.
Decorations
Display a menorah in a prominent place in the home to acknowledge Hanukkah’s importance. You may also choose to adorn your home or office with dreidels, Hanukkah decorations, or menorah shaped candles.
No matter how you choose to acknowledge Hanukkah, know that there are many ways to commemorate this special holiday. Whether you lay out gifts, light the Hanukkah menorah, hang decorations, or perform acts of charity, there are lots of ways to celebrate this special time of year.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.