Best Hanukkah Traditions to Celebrate the Festival of Lights
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Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a joyous holiday filled with rich traditions that bring warmth, light, and delicious food into Jewish households worldwide. From lighting the menorah to playing dreidel and savoring potato pancakes, Hanukkah is a celebration over 8 days and nights of miracles, togetherness, and resilience.
While according to Jewish law, Hanukkah is one of the less important Jewish holidays, it has become much more popular in modern practice because of its proximity to Christmas. So get ready to celebrate Hanukkah with your loved ones by participating in both new and old Hanukkah traditions that make the holiday so special!
The Story Behind Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrates the miracle that occurred with the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks in 164 BCE and the rededication of the Jewish temple to God. Upon rededicating the temple, they found only a small jar of oil, enough to keep the Hanukkah menorah (or Hanukkiyah) lit for one night. However, in what is now referred to as the Hanukkah miracle, the oil lasted for eight days, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. This is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights, with traditions that honor the miracle, resilience, and spirit of the Jewish people.
Lighting the Menorah
The lighting of the menorah (the Hebrew word for ‘lamp’) is the most important part of Hanukkah, commemorating the miracle of the Hanukkah oil. The menorah, also called the Chanukiah, is an eight-branched candelabra with a spot for a ninth candle called the shamash or helper candle. The shamash is lit first and then used to light one additional candle each night until on the eighth and final night, all candles are lit.
Before lighting the Chanukah candles at sundown each night, families recite or sing special blessings in Hebrew—three blessings on the first night and two on each of the following nights. Once lit, the candles are left to burn down completely, and new candles are placed in the menorah for the next night.
The menorah is placed in a window to spread the triumph of light and share the celebration with others. This nightly tradition, filled with warmth and light, is a beautiful way to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah and reflect on the Jewish holiday season.
Fun fact: While many families use Hanukkah candles, some prefer using a traditional oil Menorah or prefilled Menorah oil cup candles.
Displaying the Menorah
In Jewish households, one of the key and most beautiful parts of the Chanukah celebration is placing the lit menorah in a window for all to see. This is a reminder of the great miracle that happened in ancient times. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a handmade menorah from a Jewish celebration craft session, displaying it is a way to share the light with the world.
Giving Out Gelt
Handing out gelt (the Yiddish word for “money”) is another fun and meaningful Hanukkah tradition. Hanukkah Gelt typically takes the form of chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. These coins often feature Jewish symbols, like those from the Books of the Maccabees or the ancient temple. While gelt is commonly used during dreidel games, it also holds deeper meaning as a symbol of generosity and giving during the holiday season.
The tradition of giving gelt dates back to the 16th century, when money was collected to buy clothing for the poor. By the 19th century, it evolved into families giving coins directly to children. In the 1920s, American confectioners introduced chocolate coins, making gelt the sweet treat we enjoy today. Many families now also incorporate charity into this tradition, donating to those in need during the holiday season.
Playing Dreidel
One of the most fun and beloved ways to engage in Hanukkah customs is playing dreidel. The game is a lighthearted and competitive way to celebrate the holiday, and is often played with chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil called ‘gelt’.
The game is played with a four-sided spinning top, or dreidel, which is marked with Hebrew letters—Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin. Each letter represents an action: Nun means you take nothing, Gimel means take all, Hey means take half, and Shin means you have to put one of your coins in the pot.
These letters not only serve as the game’s instructions, but they also form the first letters of the Hebrew phrase “Nes gadol haya sham,” meaning “a great miracle happened there”. This tradition, rooted in ancient times, combines fun with history and is loved by both kids and adults!
Fun fact: The dreidel game has its origins in ancient times and was played to secretly study Jewish life during oppressive regimes.
Eating Foods Cooked in Oil
One of the most delicious Hanukkah traditions is enjoying foods cooked in oil, which further commemorates the miracle of the oil. Potato latkes (or potato pancakes) are often topped with sour cream and applesauce, while jelly-filled donuts (known as sufganiyot) bring sweetness to the table. In recent years, American Jews have also added dairy foods to their Hanukkah feasts in honor of Judith, a legendary Jewish woman who helped save the Jewish nation.
Fun fact: The festival of the daughters is a holiday within Hanukkah that celebrates the bravery of Jewish women like Judith!
Exchanging Gifts
While gift exchanges weren’t always part of Hanukkah celebrations, it has become a beloved modern tradition. Some families give a gift each night, while others focus on one larger Hanukkah gift. American culture has influenced this custom, making it a special way to show love and appreciation during the Jewish holiday season.
Singing Hanukkah Songs
No Jewish celebration is complete without music! Hanukkah songs like “Ma’oz Tzur” and “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” are often sung during the lighting of the menorah and at family gatherings. Singing these songs not only brings extra joy to the nights of Hanukkah, but it also helps pass on the stories and history of the holiday to younger generations.
Hosting a Hanukkah Feast
There’s no better way to end a Hanukkah celebration than with a delicious meal. From traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot to savory noodle kugel and brisket, a Hanukkah feast brings everyone together around the table. It’s the perfect time to share stories, laugh, and enjoy the warmth of family and friends.
Want to add a modern twist to your dessert table? Check out some non-traditional Hanukkah desserts like my blue and white swirled Hanukkah Candy Bark and Hanukkah Haystacks for a fun, creative take on the holiday!
Bonus: Creating DIY Hanukkah Decorations
In addition to celebrating Hanukkah with the traditional customs, why not try something new by creating your own family traditions? A fun idea, much like how Christians decorate their Christmas trees, is to make DIY Hanukkah decorations together.
From crafting dreidel garlands to designing your own menorah, these hands-on activities bring the holiday spirit to life. Use blue and silver accents, and add some glitter to make your decorations truly shine with that special Hanukkah sparkle!
Final Thoughts
Hanukkah is all about light, love, and tradition. The eight days and nights are filled with meaningful traditions that have been passed down through generations. From lighting the menorah to spinning the dreidel, these customs celebrate the Hanukkah miracle and the resilience of the Jewish people.
Whether you’re playing dreidel games, enjoying delicious foods like potato pancakes, or lighting the menorah to honor the Hanukkah miracle, these traditions bring the holiday to life. So gather your loved ones, light the candles, and enjoy the magic of Hanukkah!
