Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration of light that marks the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BC. On each of the nights of Hanukkah, families light a special nine-branched menorah, also known as a Chanukiah, and enjoy a variety of games, storytelling, and food. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah as a lifelong tradition or are hosting a gathering with friends, here are a few ideas to make the holiday season more special.
Table of Contents
Day 1 – Light The Menorah
The first night of Hanukkah is a special time to kindle the lights of the Menorah. Start by saying the traditional blessings over the candle-lighting. Then it’s time to light the Menorah. Traditionally, the center candle is used to light the other candles. On the first night, light one candle, seated on the right-hand side of the Menorah. Each night, you’ll add one additional candle to the Menorah until all eight are lit. Families often enjoy singing traditional Hanukkah songs as they light the candles and sing blessings.
Day 2 - Make Some Latkes
A traditional and delicious snack served during Hanukkah is the latke. Latkes are potato pancakes that are usually served with sour cream and applesauce. To make your own latkes, you’ll need grated potatoes, onion, egg, egg yolk, matzo meal, and vegetable oil. After mixing the ingredients, heat the oil in a skillet, and then carefully drop spoonfuls of the latke mixture into the pan. Fry them until they’re golden and crispy, then enjoy.
Day 3 – Play Dreidel
Dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game played with a four-sided spinning top called a dreidel. Each side of the dreidel is inscribed with the letters nun, gimel, hey, and shin, which stand for the phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there.” Players take turns spinning the dreidel and collecting candy or coins depending on which side lands face up.
Day 4 – Enjoy Some Hanukkah Treats
No Hanukkah celebration would be complete without some traditional Hanukkah treats! Try making some chocolate-dipped pretzels, vegan donuts, or even a sweet potato latke casserole. Or, you can visit a local bakery to pick up some traditional pastries like sufganiyot, the jelly-filled donuts that are a Hanukkah staple.
Day 5 – Read The Story Of Hanukkah
On the fifth night of Hanukkah, gather family and friends to read aloud the story of Hanukkah. While most recountings focus on Judah Maccabee’s victory over Antiochus and the miracle of the oil, some stories also include the story of Judith and her bravery, as well as how Judah Maccabee rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem.
Day 6 – Give Gifts
On the sixth night of Hanukkah, give special Hanukkah gifts to friends and family. Consider giving traditional Hanukkah gifts such as a dreidel or a menorah, or giving a more modern and creative gift such as a Hanukkah-themed scarf. You can also give gift cards for local Jewish restaurants or suggest attending a local Hanukkah event such as a parade or public Menorah lighting.
Day 7 – Have A Party
The seventh night of Hanukkah is the perfect time to plan a party to celebrate the holiday. Have everyone bring a potluck dish, light the Menorah, and enjoy playing dreidel together. If you want, you can get creative and plan some Hanukkah-themed games like candle pin bowling, where each set of pins is a lit menorah.
Day 8 – Give To Charity
Tzedakah, which means righteousness in Hebrew, is the practice of giving to those in need. On the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, consider donating to a charity or volunteering with an organization to give back to the Jewish community. This could be as simple as collecting canned goods for a local food bank or making a financial donation to an organization that works for social change.
Hanukkah is a time of joy and giving. On each day of Hanukkah, there are traditional and modern activities to enjoy with friends and family. From lighting the menorah and playing dreidel to giving to charity and having a Hanukkah party, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate this special holiday. Have a wonderful Hanukkah!
Related Products:
- What To Do On The First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What To Do On First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What To Do First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Do You Do On The Last Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Do You Say To Someone On The First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Do You Do On The First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What To Do Each Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Do You Do Each Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Do You Do The First Day Of Hanukkah?
- How To Celebrate First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Do People Do To Celebrate Hanukkah?
- What Day Do You Wish Happy Hanukkah?
- How Do You Say Happy First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Day Of Hanukkah Do You Give Gifts?
- What To Say To Someone On The First Day Of Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.