Hanukkah prayer is a special part of the Jewish tradition. It is said each night of Hanukkah, beginning with the first night, and has been said for centuries. The prayer is called “Al HaNissim” and it is known for expressing gratitude for specific miracles that happened in the past. In English, it loosely translates to “For the Wonders”. The prayer is a way to remind Jews of the hardships that their ancestors faced and the miracles that happened so that Jewish law and identity could be preserved.
The Hanukkah prayer, Al HaNissim, thanks God for the miracles that occurred when the Seleucid army attempted to conquer Israel in the second century BCE. The prayer acknowledges various divine interventions such as the conquering army’s defeat and the brief period of independence Jews achieved under the rule of the Maccabees. It also thanks God for the enduring strength of the Jewish people in the wake of this victory, enabling them to re-dedicate the temple in Jerusalem.What Does Each Line Mean In English?
The prayer is traditionally recited three times each night, so it is split into four parts. These are:
- Blessed are You, our God, Ruler of the Universe, whose strength and power triumphs
- Who worked miracles for our forefathers in the days of the Maccabee
- At the time of the redeemer on Chanukah
- That they conquered in the battle and relieved Israel from the hands of the wicked
The first line is essentially saying: We thank you, God, for being powerful and triumphant. This line is a sign of the unwavering strength of faith and a belief in God’s power.
The second line is thanking God for the miracles He provided to the Jews during the period of the Maccabean Revolt. It is thanking Him for turning the tides of war and sending the Seleucid army back into exile.
The third line is recognizing God for bringing redemption to Israel and appointing the Maccabees as rulers. It recognizes the family’s heroic victory and their right to become the new ruling family.
The fourth line is thankful for the victory that the Maccabean forces achieved at Chanukah against the Seleucids. It acknowledges the Divine intervention that allowed for Jewish independence and the successful rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The recitation of the Hanukkah prayer each night is both a reminder of the past and a show of resilience for the future. Learning the meaning of each line of the prayer in English is not only important for those who want to learn more about Jewish traditions, but also a way to ensure that the heroic stories and circumstances behind the festival of lights are not forgotten. Through the words and recognition of the miracles that have occurred, Jews have been able to maintain their religious identity for thousands of years.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.