▷ How To Say The Hanukkah Prayers?

Saying the Hanukkah prayers can be an important part of celebrating the holiday, as it reminds us of the miracle that is at the center of the eight-day holiday. Learning the various blessings can be an enjoyable and meaningful way to appreciate the beauty of this Jewish festival of lights. Here, we take a look at some of the Hanukkah prayer traditions and share some tips to make reciting the prayers a breeze.

Knowing the Basic Hanukkah Prayers

The two main Hanukkah prayers that are usually recited are Al HaNissim and a blessing atop of lighting the Hanukkah Menorah.

Al HaNissim is a prayer thanking God for the miracle of Hanukkah and can generally be recited:

On Shabbat immediately preceding Hanukkah
On Hanukkah, usually incorporated into any of the three daily prayers in the morning service
In the Grace After Meals recited on Hanukkah

The Hanukkah Menorah blessing is said after lighting the menorah each night of Hanukkah and is:

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.“

Tips to Get the Hang of It

It’s usually best to practice saying the prayers out loud in a low voice until it feels natural.
Work with the cadence of each prayer to properly emphasize each key point.
Gather with friends, relatives, or a small group and recite the prayers together.
Read aloud from a translation of the Hebrew text for reference and guidance.
There are a few Hanukkah-themed books that can help in learning the prayers.

Learning about and saying the Hanukkah prayers can add an additional layer of warmth to the Hanukkah celebration. Having a basic understanding of each prayer makes saying the prayer more spiritual and meaningful. However, if the Hanukkah prayed have not been previously learned, there is no need to worry, as the prayers can easily be learned with a bit of patience and practice.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.