What are some Chanukah prayers or readings that are done in Jewish homes?
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is observed for eight days, beginning on the evening of the twenty fifth day of the month of Kislev. This year, (2009), Chanukah starts at sundown, Friday, December 11, and lasts for eight days thru Shabbat, December 19 . Please see special instructions below for Friday and Saturday Menorah candle lightings. Chanukah is a wonderful holiday of renewed dedication, faith, hope and spiritual light. It’s a holiday that says: “Never lose hope.” Chanukah commemorates the victory, thru the miracles of Hashem, of a small band of Maccabees over the pagan Syrian-Greeks who ruled over Eretz Yisroel (Israel). WHAT DOES “CHANUKAH” MEAN? DEDICATIONS Chanukah has two meanings. First, and foremost, it means “dedication” because it was on Chanukah that the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was purified and rededicated to the service of Hashem, in 165 BCE, after many years of pagan defilement. For more about Chanukah and “dedications” click here. The other meaning gives us an
Chanukah Hymns- Various hymns have been composed in honor of Chanukah. The two most popular ones are Maoz Tzur and Haneirot Halalu, which are traditionally sung after the lighting of the Menor Hallel- Every day of Chanukah, we recite the complete Hallel in the course of the morning prayers. The Hallel is a sequence of praise and gratitude-themed psalms (Psalms 113-118) that is recited on Jewish holidays. Sources: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/597180/jewish/Prayers-Blessings-Overview.
