Hanukkah (also known as the Festival of Lights) is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. The first day of Hanukkah marks the beginning of the celebration that lasts for a full eight days. This year, the start of Hanukkah is on December 10th, 2018 and it’s important that the holiday is celebrated in the right way, and that the first day of Hanukkah is the best it can be! Here’s what to do on the first day of Hanukkah.
Light the Menorah
The central ritual of Hanukkah is the kindling of the menorah. The menorah should be lit in a visible place where passers-by will be able to see it and remember the holiday of Hanukkah. On the first night of Hanukkah, two candles (or “shamash”) are placed in the center of the menorah and one candle is lit from the shamash and placed on the right side of the menorah first. On the subsequent nights of Hanukkah, the shamash will be used to light an additional candle on the right side of the menorah each night. In this way, all of the candles in the menorah will be lit and burning brightly by the end of the 8th night. Be sure to kindle the menorah to usher in the first day of Hanukkah.
Recite the blessings
The traditional blessings are recited at the time of the kindling of the menorah. On the first night of Hanukkah recite the following blessing: Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Translated this means, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.” After this first blessing is recited, a blessing for each night should be said, for example, Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.
Play the dreidel
The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters inscribed on each side. During the holiday of Hanukkah it is traditional to play a game with the dreidel in which players take turns spinning the dreidel and then either receiving or giving away a set amount of either gelt (chocolate coins), money, or other treats depending on which letter the dreidel lands on. It’s a great game for the whole family to enjoy during the holiday!
Sing Hanukkah songs
One of the most enjoyable parts of Hanukkah is singing traditional Hanukkah songs. There are a variety of popular Hanukkah songs that are sung during the holiday, such as Rock of Ages, O Hanukkah and Mi Y’ Malel. Gather together with your family and friends and join in on the singing of these songs. It’s sure to make the holiday even more enjoyable!
These are some ways to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. From lighting the menorah, to reciting special blessings, singing songs and playing the dreidel, there’s no shortage of fun to be had on this special holiday! Whether you’re spending Hanukkah with family, friends, or loved ones, your first night of Hanukkah is sure to be memorable. Celebrate the holiday responsibly and it’s sure to be a happy one!
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.