▷ What To Say On The First Day Of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Jewish holiday that celebrates the faith, family and freedom. Every year, Jewish communities gather to light the menorah and join for festive feasts. As Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, it’s important to know the right words to use to start the festivities off on the right foot. The first day of Hanukkah marks a special occasion, and there are many different ways to recognize and commemorate the joyous holiday.

<h2>Understand the Meaning Behind Hanukkah’s Traditions</h2>

The main aspect of Hanukkah is to recognize and remember the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army by lighting a menorah. This miracle is often referred to as “nes” in Hebrew, which means “miracle”. On the first night of Hanukkah, two candles will be lit and used to light the rest of the candles, one in each night of the following week. To honor the eight days that the Jewish Maccabees used a small jar of oil to fuel the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem, adults and children also engage in other activities such as singing songs, eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and exchanging gifts with each other.

<h3>Proper Etiquette on the First Day of Hanukkah</h3>

On the night of the first day of Hanukkah, it is traditional for the holiest member of the household – typically a grandparent – to light the first candle of the menorah. Then, it is customary to gather around the candle and say prayers such as the She’hechiyanu or Haneirot Halalu prayer, which are traditional Jewish blessings that thank G-d for the miracle of Hanukkah. After the blessings, it is appropriate to recite examples of traditional Hanukkah songs. If any presents are exchanged, it is customary to distribute them one by one and have the recipients thank the gift-giver.

<h3>Translate the Blessings into Plain English</h3>

If you’re not familiar with the traditional Hebrew blessings, you can express the same sentiment in plain English. For example, you can say something like “I am so thankful that we are able to celebrate this special holiday together. This day is a reminder to cherish ones faith, family, and freedom.” Additionally, you can let children express themselves as well by saying something like “It’s time to light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah! May this holiday bring health, joy, and hope to our lives.”

<h3>Ways to Extend the Hanukkah Greetings</h3>

At the end of the ceremony, it is common to extend the celebration and encourage other attendees to say something. This is a great opportunity for children to participate and share their appreciation for the holiday. Traditional blessings to say on the first day of Hanukkah vary based on each family’s preference, but some examples include: “Light these holy Hanukkah candles and share the blessings”, “Let our faith in G-d guide us through this special holiday” or “Let us commemorate this great miracle with food, love and happiness”.

The first night of Hanukkah marks the start of the holiday season and is a time for families to come together to express gratitude and appreciation for one’s faith and freedom. Whether it is done through Hebrew prayers or plain English, the main goal is to recognize the miracle of the Maccabees and celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah with joy, love, and the warmth of the menorah. The first day of Hanukkah is a special occasion and there are many different ways to express the joyous holiday.

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