What does Hanukkah prayer mean?
On the first night of Hanukkah, a third prayer is said, “Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.” This translates to “Praised are you, our God, ruler of the universe, who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.”
What is a traditional Hanukkah greeting?
To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).
What are the menorah prayers?
Saying the Blessings Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Which candle is lit first on the menorah?
On the first night of Hanukkah, place a candle in the holder on the far right, and light it with the shamash. Then put the shamash back in its spot (leaving it lit). On the second night, light the candle second from the right, then the candle on the far right, and replace the lit shamash.
Why are there 9 candles on the menorah?
The defining characteristic of a Hanukkah menorah is eight lights in a row, with a ninth lamp off to the side or above, separated from the other eight. The ninth lamp is called a shamash, a “servator,” and it symbolically differentiates the eight holy flames from other, mundane light sources.
Do you put all the candles in the menorah at once?
Yes! Unlike the other eight candles, which represent the eight days of Chanukah, the shamash’s job is to light the other candles. Not only should you insert the shamash into the menorah before you light it, you should insert all the candles that need to be lit that day before you start lighting any of them.
What is the difference between a 7 candle menorah and a 9 candle menorah?
A menorah, which has only seven candleholders, was the lamp used in the ancient holy temple in Jerusalem — now a symbol of Judaism and an emblem of Israel. A Hanukkiah, however, has nine candlesticks — one for each night of Hanukkah and an extra one to light the others.
What do the 8 candles of Hanukkah mean?
Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others. Families light one candle on the first day, two on the second (and so on) after sundown during the eight days of Hanukkah, while reciting prayers and singing songs.
Where in the Bible is the menorah mentioned?
biblical book of Exodus
What does the Star of David symbolize?
The star was almost universally adopted by Jews in the 19th-century as a striking and simple emblem of Judaism in imitation of the cross of Christianity. The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.
How many arms should a menorah have?
Ancient images of Hanukkah menorahs usually had seven arms, per the divine dictate, but alternatives may have arisen due to bitter mourning, and a rabbinical ban. The menorah today has nine branches: one for each of the eight days of the Hanukkah miracle, and the central stem holding the shamash.
Is a Hanukkah menorah?
A menorah, the Hebrew word for lamp, has seven branches. A hanukkiyah is a Hanukkah menorah used specifically to light the candles (often used today instead of oil) on Hanukkah. With nine branches, it is lit each night to celebrate the miracle of oil lasting eight days.
How old is the menorah?
The menorah was engraved in stone around 2,000 years ago and found in a synagogue recently discovered by the Sea of Galilee.
How many days does Hanukkah last?
eight days
What do Jews do every night during Hanukkah?
Many modern Jewish families celebrate by lighting the hanukkiah. One candle per night of Hanukkah is lit, like Hebrew is read, from right to left. People might also play dreidel games and eat certain foods like sufganiyot (similar to jelly donuts) and latkes (fried potato pancakes).
What food is eaten during Hanukkah?
One of the most popular foods eaten during Hanukkah are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes. Some Jewish people eat latkes sweet, accompanied with apple sauce, while others prefer them savoury, served with sour cream. Either way, they’re a treat for the taste buds.