In seeking a practical expression for this holy day, believers in Messiah Yeshua can incorporate many beautiful traditions. The observance is centered on the menorah and what it represents. Each evening during Hanukkah the family and friends can gather to light the menorah with the appropriate number of candles. The branches of the hanukkiyah represent the eight days of Hanukkah, plus one shamash candle used to light the others.

On the first night of Hanukkah, after sundown, the shamash candle is lit, which in turn is used to kindle one other candle in the Menorah. The second night, we light the shamash again and use it to light two candles. This continues through the eight nights of the Hanukkah. It should be noted that the appropriate numbers of candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, yet they are kindled by the shamash from left to right.

During the lighting of the shamash and the appropriate number of candles, the following blessings are chanted:

Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvohtav, v’tzi-vanu l’hadleek ner, shel Hanukkah.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has set us apart by your commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Hanukkah.

These are the traditional blessings used by Jewish people. Some believers in Messiah adapt some of the words to reflect their messianic faith. For example, “...in the name of Yeshua, the light of the world.”

Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, she-asah nisim l’avotenu, bayamim ha-hem, bazman hazeh.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe, who has done miracles for our fathers in the days at this season.

First Night Only Add:

Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu melekh ha-olam, she-he-khi-yanu v’kiyamanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us in life, sustained us and brought us to this season.

After lighting the candles and singing the blessings, a rousing chorus of one of the Hanukkah songs is appropriate. Then its time to sit down to a festive meal.

As you enjoy these wonderful customs, remember the important lessons associated with the Feast of Dedication.

Potato Latkes

Ingredients:

2 eggs
3 cups grated, drained potatoes
4 Tbls. grated onion
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbls. cracker or matzah meal
1/2 cup oil or butter

Directions:

Beat the eggs and add the potatoes, onion, salt, pepper and meal. Heat half the oil or butter in a frying pan and drop the potato mixture into it by the tablespoon. Fry until browned on both sides. Keep pancakes hot until all are fried and add more oil or butter as required.

Serves 8. Serve with applesauce or sour cream.

How to Play the Dreydel Game

The Hebrew letters Nes, Gadol, Hayah, Sham, mean “A miracle happened there.” Those are the letters on the dreydel.

1. Give each person the same amount of candy or nuts.
2. Each player puts one piece in the pot.
3. The first player spins the dreydel and does what the dreydel says.
4. After a player gets a gimel, everyone puts one more piece into the pot.
5. Everyone gets a turn. When you are finished playing, you can eat your candy or nuts.