Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and commemorating the miracle of one day’s worth of oil lasting eight days. As the holiday occurs in mid December each year, Hanukkah is often thought of as a counterpoint to Christmas, though their religious and spiritual implications could not be more different. On the first day of Hanukkah, Jews around the world will light the first of the eight candles of the Menorah and chant blessings to commemorate the miracles of the holiday.
When celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, there are a few key tasks and rituals that can be incorporated into your celebration to make it meaningful and enjoyable for all.
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Lighting the Menorah
The first task of the night is to light the Menorah. Each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is added to the Menorah standing in your home until all 8 candles are lit on the 8th night. For the first night, only the Shamash and one other candle is lit in the Menorah. The Shamash is the candle in the middle of the Menorah and its purpose is to light the other candles – one for the first night and an additional one for each successive night. Additionally, the lighting is done in a specific order – with the one on the far right side lit first and then working toward the left.
Saying the Blessings
After the Menorah is lit, certain blessings and phrases are said to commemorate the event. The first blessing is Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah lights. One blessing is recited for each night of Hanukkah, although the second blessing, Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, Who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days at this season. is said for all the days of Hanukkah.
Singing, Dancing and Playing Dreidel
The next task to complete on the first day of Hanukkah is the singing, dancing and playing of dreidel. There are many traditional dreidel songs which can be sung to bring extra joy and celebration to the night, as well as a variety of related games which often involve gathering around the Menorah and playing dreidel.
Eating Latkes and Sufganiyot
The first night of Hanukkah is traditionally celebrated with a feast of fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). All of the fried foods to be eaten on Hanukkah symbolize the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days in the Temple.
Celebrating the first day of Hanukkah is the start of a joyous and meaningful holiday with important traditions. Lighting the Menorah, saying the blessings, singing, dancing and playing Dreidel, and enjoying some yummy fried foods are all essential components of this holiday and are a great way to bring family and friends together to begin this eight-day celebration.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.