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What To Say During Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a special time of year to celebrate the miracles of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple. Many families observe the holiday by traditional celebrations that are often led by creative and meaningful words. Whether you are joining a friend’s Hanukkah party or taking part in a Zoom gathering via video call, here is what to say during Hanukkah.

    • The Blessings of Hanukkah

    One of the main elements of the Hanukkah celebration is the lighting of the festival candles and reciting one or more blessings. Before the lighting of the first candle, the prayer over the Hanukkah lights is said. During Hanukkah, there are two blessings that one might say, depending on what is being lit- the candle or the Havdalah candle. The traditional blessing over the Hanukkah or Havdalah candle goes as follows:

    Blessing Over Candles

    • בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ

    This blessing is said in Hebrew and translated to English as, “Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe.”

    Blessing Over Wine or Olives

    • בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ, הַגָּבֹהִים

    This blessing is said in Hebrew and translated into English as, “Blessed are You, Lord, our God, Ruler of all, the Exalted.”

    Additionally, after the candle lighting, the traditional prayer for Hanukkah, Al Hanisim, can be said in Hebrew. The Al Hanisim is a prayer of thanks that recounts the Hanukkah story and speaks of gratitude to God for performing the miracles of Hanukkah.

    The Dreidel Game

    The Dreidel game is a popular Hanukkah tradition that is fun for kids and adults alike. Before playing the game, everyone participating should recite the dreidel song which goes as follows:

    • Nes gadol hayah sham (A great miracle happened there)
    • Poh rentz yofay sham (Poh – hey – Here it happened there)

    Rules of the Game

    • Each participant begins with an equal number of game pieces, typically chocolate coins or dried fruits
    • Each person takes turns spinning the dreidel and the outcome of the spin determines how many coins/fruits the spinner receives or has to put in the pot
    • The one with the most coins/fruits in the end wins the pot

    Playing the Dreidel game is a great way to bring people together during the festivities of Hanukkah.

    Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the miracle of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple with friends and family. Whether you are lighting the festival candles and saying the blessings or playing the Dreidel game, Hanukkah provides many opportunities to get together and share meaningful words. Gathering virtually or in-person, all are welcome to join and gain insight into the traditions and rituals of the Hanukkah celebration.

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