Customs and Prayers Followed By Jews In Hanukkah
Hanukkah is not limited to the lighting of the Hannukiyah, though. Many traditional activities and customs are practiced during the holiday, as well For instance, music is at the forefront once Hanukkah comes around. Like Christmas carols, there are also quintessential Hanukkah songs that families play for the entire length of the eight-day celebration. The songs range from traditional ones like “Rock of Ages” to more modern songs like “I Have a Little Dreidel” and “Light One Candle”.
Besides singing songs, families also bond by playing the traditional top game of chance, Dreidel. The dreidel contains the first letters of each Hebrew word in the phrase "A great miracle happened there", which also honors the victory of the Jews over the Syrians. Additionally, like Christmas, gift-sharing is encouraged as well.
Before lighting a candle on the Hanukkiyah on the first day, a number of prayers have to be recited first. They are as follows:
1.) Blessed are You, Lord G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
2.) Blessed are You, Lord G-d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time
3.) Blessed are You, Lord G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Take note that it is only on the first day that all three should be recited, as only the first two prayers need to be recited on each subsequent day afterward.
