How to be a gracious Hanukkah guest (2024)

FAQs

What to bring as a guest for Hanukkah? ›

Traditional foods include potato latkes, applesauce and brisket. Spinning the dreidel (a four-sided top) for “Hanukkah gelt” (gold-wrapped chocolate coins) is another part of the celebration. Your host might appreciate gifts of chocolate, gourmet applesauce, candles, books or board games.

Hanukkah doesn't have any dietary restrictions, but make sure not to bring food items that aren't kosher. Even if your hosts aren't observant, it's best to stick with kosher items out of politeness. You never know if the host might have invited observant guests!

Traditional Hanukkah celebrations include frying food in oil, playing dreidel, singing songs, and, of course, lighting the hanukkiah. The hanukkiah is a type of menorah with nine candle holders—one of which is the shamash.

There's no ceremony for giving gifts. Instead, appropriate Hanukkah gifts are usually small, thoughtful, and often food-related. Typical Hanukkah gifts, such as dreidels, board games, and fancy meats, are designed to show togetherness and bonding among Jews.

We see Jesus going to the Temple to commemorate Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication), and since Jesus celebrated the feast we should not consider it “unbiblical.” Instead, it can be a meaningful reminder for Christians about God's ongoing faithfulness beyond the pages of Scripture.

You can wish someone a happy Hanukkah by saying chag sameach, which is pronounced [ khag sah–meh-ahkh ]. This expression means “happy holiday.” If you want to make it a bit more Hanukkah-specific, you can say chag Hanukkah sameach, pronounced [ khag khah-nuh-kuh sah–meh-ahkh ], instead.

What Are the Flowers for Hanukkah? Though lilies are popular flowers as centerpieces in Hanukkah flower arrangements, there aren't any true “traditional Hanukkah flowers.” The colors or flowers, rather than the types of flowers, are what differentiate Hanukkah flower arrangements from those of other holidays.

It is customary for women not to work for at least the first half-hour of the candles' burning, and some have the custom not to work for the entire time of burning. It is also forbidden to fast or to eulogize during Hanukkah.

What to wear to any Hanukkah celebration. Go for classic blue, white, and gold when trying to style a Hanukkah dress. Not sure where to find a cute and stylish Hanukkah dress? Opt for a simple blue style like this gorgeous pleated midi dress from Prettygarden.

Can you drink alcohol on Hanukkah? ›

Red wines help bring out the rich juices in the meat and cut through some of the fat. Wine is also a very popular drink used by the Jewish people to commemorate occasions. Jason explains, “We celebrate Hannukah and other holidays with alcohol, particularly wine, because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

On Hanukkah, we can greet one another with “Hanukkah sameach!” which means “Happy Hanukkah!” or “Chag urim sameach” which means “Happy Festival of Lights.” As on any happy holiday or festival, we can say "Chag sameach!"Chag SameachHebrew for term meaning, "happy holiday." (“Happy holiday!”)

To greet your Jewish loved ones during these eight days, you can simply say “Happy Hanukkah” or use one of these options in Hebrew. Hanukkah — or Chanukah, both are common spellings — is taking place between Dec. 7 and Dec. 15.

Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season. Al Ha'Nisim is a short prayer of thanksgiving that is meant to express God's role in the miracle of Hanukkah.

Things to Avoid Doing

In particular, do not use the classic Christmas wrapping papers or get green and red gifts. Hanukkah has its own unique color associations and blue and white items are preferred.

Hanukkah is an ancient Jewish festival of dedication and miracles. Jesus himself celebrated this sacred occasion during his time on earth. Today, some Christians honor the miraculous rededication of the temple by observing Hanukkah. Christians who appreciate the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith celebrate Hanukkah.

Catholic & Jewish Communities Celebrate Hanukkah.

Matzo is unleavened bread, reflective of the same bread taken by the Jews as they fled Egypt. Though this Jewish comfort food is usually served at Passover, many families celebrate the Festival of Lights with matzo ball soup among their Hanukkah foods as well.

“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” —Chinese Proverb.

For the holiday of Hanukkah, the simplest way to wish someone a Happy Hanukkah is simply to just say "Happy Hanukkah." Now if you want to try and say that greeting in Hebrew, that would be Chanukah samayach, pronounced KHAH-noo-kah sah-MAY-ahkh, according to Chabad.org.

How to wish someone happy Hanukkah in Yiddish? ›

How to say Happy Hanukkah in Hebrew and Yiddish. You can wish someone a happy holidays in Hebrew by saying chag sameach, which is pronounced khag sah–meh-ahkh. Alternatively, you can wish someone a happy Hanukkah with Hanukkah sameach, pronounced khah-nuh-kuh sah–meh-ahkh, instead.

What to wear to any Hanukkah celebration. Go for classic blue, white, and gold when trying to style a Hanukkah dress. Not sure where to find a cute and stylish Hanukkah dress? Opt for a simple blue style like this gorgeous pleated midi dress from Prettygarden.

Pro tip: Bring a lighter or book of matches to the festivities. I have participated in more than one Hanukkah candle-lighting where matches seemed as scarce as the super-holy olive oil of 160-ish BC.