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Hanukkah music (orChanukah music) (Hebrew:שירי חנוכה) contains several songs associated with the festival ofHanukkah.
There are three Hanukkah blessings (Modern Hebrew: בְּרָכוֹת לֵחֲנֻכָּהBerakhot Laḥanukka,Lit: Hanukkah blessings) that are sung for lighting the candles of themenorah. The third blessing (shehecheyanu) is only sung on the first night. After the two or three blessings are sung,Hanerot Halalu is chanted. The following blessings are transliterated according to proper Modern Hebrew.
The popular tune for these blessings was composed bySamuel E. Goldfarb and his brother Israel Golfarb in the early 20th century.[1]
| English | Hebrew | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights. | בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְווֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה׃ | Barukh Atta Ado-nai Elo-heinu melekh ha'olam, asher kiddeshanu be-mitzvotav, Ve-tzee-vanu le-had-leek ner shel ḥanukka. |
| Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous miracles for our ancestors, in those days, at this moment. | בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה׃ | Barukh Atta Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam, she'asah nissim la'avotenu bayamim hahem baz'man hazeh. |
| Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment. | בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה׃ | baruch Atta adonai eloheinu melekh ha'olam sheheḥehyanu vekiyy'manu vehiggi'anu lazman hazeh. |
"Ma'oz Tzur" (Hebrew:מעוז צור), also a widely known English version as "Rock of Ages", is aJewish liturgical poem orpiyyut. It is written inHebrew, and is usually sung on the holiday ofHanukkah, after lighting the festival lights. Its six stanzas correspond to five events of Jewish history and a hope for the future. Of its six stanzas, often only the first stanza is sung (or the first and fifth), as this is what directly pertains to Hanukkah. "Ma'oz Tzur" was written sometime in the 13th century.
"A psalm, a song for the Dedication,Hannukat HaBeit, of a House.."מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית
Judas Maccabaeus is an oratorio byGeorge Frideric Handel. During Hanukkah, the melody for "See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes" is used by Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities for the hymn En Kelohenu.
Mrs. Maccabeus, to the tune of "Oh Hanukkah." By Ben Aronin of Congregation Anshe Emet in Chicago.
"Oh Chanukah" (also "Chanukah, Oh Chanukah") is an English version of the Yiddish "Oy Chanukah" (Yiddish: חנוכּה אױ חנוכּהKhanike Oy Khanike). The English words, while not a translation, are roughly based on the Yiddish. "Oy Chanukah" is a traditional Yiddish Chanukah song and the English version, along with "I Have a Little Dreidel," is one of the most recognized English Chanukah songs. Both songs are playful with upbeat tempo and are sung by children. The lyrics are about dancing thehorah, eatinglatkes, playingdreidel, lighting the candles and singing happy songs.
"I Have a LittleDreidel"[2] (also known as the "Dreidel Song"[2]) is a very famous song in theEnglish-speaking world for Hanukkah, which also has aYiddish version. The Yiddish version is Ikh Bin A Kleyner Dreydl, (Yiddish: איך בין אַ קלײנער דרײדלIkh Bin A Kleyner DreydlLit: I am a little dreidel). TheEnglish version of the song is well associated with the festival of Hanukkah, and is known by many Jews and non-Jews alike. The lyrics of the song are simple and about making adreidel and playing with it. The lyrics are as follows:
I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay,
And when it's dry and ready
O dreidel I shall play.
O dreidel dreidel dreidel
I made it out of clay,
And when it's dry and ready,
O dreidel I shall play.
A popular Hebrew Hanukkah song, "Sevivon" or "S'vivon" (Hebrew: סביבוןsevivon) is Hebrew for "dreidel", where dreidel (Hebrew: דרײדלdreydl) is theYiddish word for aspinning top. This song, "Sevivon," is very popular inIsrael and by others familiar with theHebrew language. The English below is a literal translation, not an English version.
| Hebrew | Transliteration from Hebrew | English Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|
סְבִיבוֹן סוב סוב סוב (In Israel) (Abroad) | Sevivon, sov, sov, sov (In Israel) (Abroad) | Dreidel, spin, spin, spin. (In Israel) (Abroad) |
"Al Hanisim" (or "Al Hanissim") is a popular Hebrew song for Hanukkah taken fromliturgy(seeHanukkah → Special additions to the daily prayers), and is also anIsraeli folk dance. The song is about thanking God for saving the Jewish people. The most popular tune, however, is relatively recent, having been composed by Dov Frimer in 1975.[3]
"Mi Y'malel" (or "Mi Yimalel") (Hebrew: מי ימלל "Who can retell?") is a very well known Hebrew Hanukkah song. The opening line, which literally means "Who can retell the mighty feats of Israel," is a secular rewording of Psalms 106:2, which reads "Who can retell the mighty feats of God." Below is a singable version of this song called "Who Can Retell," with words based on the Hebrew, as well as a literal translation. The song can also be sung in around or canon.
| Hebrew | Transliteration from Hebrew | English (singable version) | English (alternate lyrics) | English (literally translated version) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
מי ימלל גבורות ישראל שמע | Mi yimalel gvurot Yisrael, Shma! | Who can retell the things that befell us, Hark! | Who can retell the things that befell us, Hark! | Who can tell of the heroic deeds of Israel? Listen! |
Literally translated as "I have a candle," "Ner Li" is a simple Hebrew Hanukkah song that is popular in Israel. The words are byL. Kipnis and the music, by D. Samburski.[4]
The transliteration of the Hebrew is as follows:
Ner li, ner li, ner li daqiq,
Bakhanukah neri 'adliq.
Bakhanukah neri ya'ir
Bakhanukah shirim 'ashir.[5]
The literal translation is:
I have a candle, I have a small thin candle
On Hanukkah, my candle I will light.
On Hanukkah my candle will glow
On Hanukkah I will sing songs.
Another traditional Chanukah folk song with origins in Israel is Chanukah, Chanukah Words by Levin KipnisTransliterated and translated by Gila Ansell Brauner of Jerusalem, Israel[6]
Chanukah, Chanukah, Chag yafeh kol kach Or chaviv, misaviv, Gil leyeled rach.
Chanukah, Chanukah, Sevivon sov sov Sov sov sov, sov sov sov, Mah na'im vatov.
CHANUKAH, CHANUKAH
Chanukah, Chanukah,What a lovely holiday!Cheerful lights around us shine,Children have fun and play.
Chanukah, Chanukah,The dreidel spins and spins.Spin your top until it stops,Have a good time, see who wins!
חנוכה חנוכהעממי מילים: לוין קיפניסלחן: עממי
חנוכה, חנוכה, חג יפה כל כך אור חביב מסביב, גיל לילד רך. חנוכה, חנוכה, סביבון סוב סוב ,סוב נא סוב, סוב נא סוב מה נעים מה טוב.
Ocho Kandelikaslit. 'Eight Little Candles') is aLadino song celebrating the holiday ofHanukkah, written by theJewish-American composerFlory Jagoda in 1983.[7]
| Ladino (transliterated) | English | Español |
|---|---|---|
| Hanukka linda sta aki, ocho kandelas para mi. (×2) | Beautiful Hanukkah is here, eight candles for me. (×2) | Hannuka linda está aquí, ocho candelas para mi. (×2) |
| O — Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, trez kandelikas, kuatro kandelikas sintyu kandelikas, sesh kandelikas, siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi. | O — One little candle, two little candles, three little candles, four little candles, five little candles, six little candles, seven little candles, eight candles for me. | Una candelita, dos candelitas, tres candelitas, cuatro candelitas, cinco candelitas, seis candelitas, siete candelitas, ocho candelas para mi. |
| Muchas fiestas vo fazer, kon alegriyas y plazer. (×2) | Many parties to have, with happiness and pleasure. (×2) | Muchas fiestas van hacer, con alegrías y placer. (×2) |
| Los pastelikos vo kumer, kon almendrikas y la myel. (×2) | Little pastries to eat, with little almonds and honey. (×2) | Los pastelitos voy a comer, con almendritas y miel. (×2) |
Drei dreidl is a Hanukkah song written by Moyshe Oysher. The melody is the same as that of Itsik Manger's "Yosl Ber", composed by D. Beygelman [see "Pearls of Yiddish Song", by Chana & Joseph Mlotek, p. 173]. According to the Mloteks, the melody has also been used for the Holocaust song, "Ikh leb in geto in kavkaz" [I live in the ghetto in the Caucasus], by Khane Kheytin, and for the song "Vi der zeyger tut a klung" [When the clock strikes], by Sam Liptzin.
| YIVO transliteration | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Oy, breng mir broyt un breng mir vayn, Veln mir ale freylekh zayn,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Kh'hob shoyn latkes, fleysh un fish,Un a vays badektn tish,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Kh'hob di brokhes shoyn gemakht,Di menoyre shaynt a prakht,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Toyznt zinen yeder flam,Shtolts bin ikh mir mit mayn shtam,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Drey dreydl fun nun tsu gerotn,Drey dreydl tsum gerotn,Kumt di vokh fun khanike,Iz alts bay mir gerotn.Yeder likhtl hot a zin,Es dermont mikh ver ikh bin,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Di menoyre iz oysbashaynt,Ale zenen mayne fraynt,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Apikorsim ruf arayn,Zoln zey nisht gerekhnt zayn,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Zoln zey take zen aleyn,S'iz a groyser nes geshen,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Drey dreydl fun nun tsu gerotn,Drey dreydl tsum gerotn,Kumt di vokh fun khanike,Iz alts bay mir gerotn.Ver hot zikh oyf dem gerekht,Aza shtikl brekl lekht,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Brenen vet dokh doyres lang,Un balaykhtn unzere gang,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Breng afile soynem mit,Shrek zey got nor shtroft zey nit,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Breng mir broyt un breng mir vayn,Veln mir ale freylekh zayn,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay. | Oh, bring me bread and bring me wine, Let's all be happy,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,I already have latkes, meat and fish, And a white tablecloth on the table,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.I've already recited the bessings,The menora is shining proudly,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,Every flame has a thousand souls,I am proud of my origin,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Turn, dreidel, from nothing to all,Turn, dreidel, and turn out well,When the Hanukka week comesI feel very lucky.Every little candle has a soul,It reminds me who I am,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,The menora looks brilliant,Everybody is my friend,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Call the non-believers in,They will not be counted,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,They will be alone,A great miracle has occurred,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Turn, dreidel, from nothing to all,Turn, dreidel, and turn out well,When the Hanukka week comesI feel very lucky.Who feels vindicatedBy this tiny sliver of light,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay,It has burnt for generationsAnd lit up our way,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Bring even enemies with you,They will fear God and not dispute,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay.Bring me bread and bring me wine,Let's all be happy,Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay. |
"(I'm Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica" is a song written by satirist singer-songwriter and mathematicianTom Lehrer.[8]
"Light One Candle" is a 1983Hanukkah song written byPeter Yarrow ofPeter, Paul, and Mary. It is a very popular song and it has been sung by the trio at their concerts. It is a song that encourages the Jewish people to remember the history of the holiday and continue their heritage.Light One Candle lyrics
The Chanukah Song is a series of popular Hanukkah songs byAdam Sandler that are each a slightly different variation of a list of Jewish celebrities listed by Sandler for Jewish children who feel isolated during theChristmas season. It began as a skit onSaturday Night Live and then appeared on his albumWhat the Hell Happened to Me?. Due to its popularity, Sandler recorded three follow-ups of the song. The songs often getsairplay during the winter holiday season.
"Eight Days of Hanukka" is a Hanukkah song written by SenatorOrrin Hatch andMadeline Stone, a Jewish songwriter from the Upper West Side of Manhattan who specializes in Christian music. The song was written at the suggestion ofJeffrey Goldberg.[9]
"Hanukkah Hey Ya" is a Hanukkah spoof of a chart-topping 2003OutKast song, "Hey Ya!," by American comedianEric Schwartz. The song was made into an e-card in 2004.[10] In 2009Nefesh B'Nefesh produced a HanukkahFlash Mob viral video that became a major success.[11] The mob assembled on Jerusalem'sBen Yehuda Street and was choreographed by new immigrantMarvin Casey.[12][13]
"Candlelight" is a song written and sung byThe Maccabeats, an undergraduatea cappella group atYeshiva University. The song is a cover parody of "Dynamite" byTaio Cruz, with lyrics retelling the Hanukkah story. It was released in late 2010 and quickly achievedviral status.[14][15][16] Since 2010, The Maccabeats have produced an annualHanukkah music video.[17]
This is an album of ten original songs written and performed byAdam Gardner ofGuster andDave Schneider of theZambonis, as a side project calledThe LeeVees, released in 2005.[18] Their motivation stemmed from an observation that there was a dearth of contemporary songs about that holiday. They also had a collaboration withMatisyahu called "Outside of December."[19]
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