Eight Nights, Eight Meanings

Nightly Traditions

A guided walk through blessings, songs, and rituals — drawn from generations of Jewish homes around the world.

The Three Blessings

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה.

Blessed are You, our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who sanctified us with mitzvot and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

Blessed are You, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

Blessed are You, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season. (First night only)

Night

Place the chanukiah in a window. Light the shamash first; with it, kindle the first candle (rightmost as you face it).

Sing tonight: Maoz Tzur

Night

After candles, share the story of the Maccabees with one new detail you didn't know last year.

Sing tonight: Hanerot Halalu

Night

Fry latkes together. Whoever flips the first one gets the first taste.

Sing tonight: Sevivon Sov Sov Sov

Night

Give to a cause that brings light to others — and let children choose where.

Sing tonight: Mi Y'malel

Night

Pull out the dreidels and gelt. Play until someone wins it all (or shares it back).

Sing tonight: I Have a Little Dreidel

Night

Invite a neighbor — Jewish or not — to watch you light. Pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle.

Sing tonight: Ocho Kandelikas

Night

Light, sit, and watch the flames until they burn down. Speak only of what you're grateful for.

Sing tonight: Al Hanissim

Night

All eight + shamash burn. Take a photo of the chanukiah; it will be your screen saver until next year.

Sing tonight: Maoz Tzur (Reprise)