Hanukkah music
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Hanukkah music (or Chanukah music) (Hebrew: שירי חנוכה) contains several songs associated with the festival of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah blessings
There are three Hanukkah blessings (
The popular tune for these blessings was composed by Samuel 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
"Ma'oz Tzur" (
- Ma'oz Tzur for instruments and voice by Chibat haPiyut.
Psalm 30
"A psalm, a song for the Dedication, Hannukat HaBeit, of a House.." מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית
- Psalm 30 in Vizhnitz melody, by Invitation to Piyut
Judas Maccabaeus
Judas Maccabaeus is an oratorio by George 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
"Oh Chanukah" (also "Chanukah, Oh Chanukah") is an English version of the Yiddish "Oy Chanukah" (
I Have a Little Dreidel
"I Have a Little Dreidel"[2] (also known as the "Dreidel Song"[2]) is a very famous song in the English speaking world for Hanukkah, which also has a Yiddish version. The Yiddish version is Ikh Bin A Kleyner Dreydl, (Yiddish: איך בין אַ קלײנער דרײדל Ikh Bin A Kleyner Dreydl Lit: I am a little dreidel). The English 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 a dreidel 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.
Sevivon
A popular Hebrew Hanukkah song, "Sevivon" or "S'vivon" (
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
"Al Hanisim" (or "Al Hanissim") is a popular Hebrew song for Hanukkah taken from liturgy (see Hanukkah → Special additions to the daily prayers), and is also an Israeli 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
"Mi Y'malel" (or "Mi Yimalel") (
- Mi Y'malel with instruments and 2 voices, by Rosenthal and Safyan.
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! |
Ner Li
Literally translated as "I have a candle," "Ner Li" is a simple Hebrew Hanukkah song that is popular in Israel. The words are by L. 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.
Chanukah Chanukah
Another traditional Chanukah folk song with origins in Israel is Chanukah, Chanukah Words by Levin Kipnis Transliterated 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 חנוכה עממי מילים: לוין קיפניס לחן: 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 Kandelikas
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) |
Drey dreydl
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 comes I 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 comes I feel very lucky. Who feels vindicated By this tiny sliver of light, Tray-lay-lay-lay-lay-lay, It has burnt for generations And 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. |
Non-traditional songs
(I'm Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica
"(I'm Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica" is a song written by satirist singer-songwriter and mathematician Tom Lehrer.[8]
Light One Candle
"
The Chanukah Song
Eight Days of Hanukka
"Eight Days of Hanukka" is a Hanukkah song written by Senator Orrin Hatch and Madeline Stone, a Jewish songwriter from the Upper West Side of Manhattan who specializes in Christian music. The song was written at the suggestion of Jeffrey Goldberg.[9]
Hanukkah Hey Ya
"Hanukkah Hey Ya" is a Hanukkah spoof of a chart-topping 2003
Candlelight
"Candlelight" is a song written and sung by The Maccabeats, an undergraduate a cappella group at Yeshiva University. The song is a cover parody of "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz, with lyrics retelling the Hanukkah story. It was released in late 2010 and quickly achieved viral status.[14][15][16] Since 2010, The Maccabeats have produced an annual Hanukkah music video.[17]
References
- ^ זמרשת: ברכת הנרות (לחן האחים גולדפרב)
- ^ a b University of Pennsylvania Library: Freedman Collection of Recorded Jewish Music
- ^ "Al Hanisim – 1972 (Shivat Zion) | Jewish Musical Notes". Retrieved 2022-12-19.
- ^ "Custom On-line Liturgy". Liturgy.lashon.net. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^ "Ner Li". Zemerl. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^ "CHANUKAH, CHANUKAH - Jewish Songs | Hebrew Songs".
- ^ "Tablet Mag - Ocho Kandelikas". Retrieved 2011-03-15.
- ^ Beckerman, Gal (20 December 2011). "Hanukkah in Santa Monica". Jewish Daily Forward. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ^ Mark Leibovich (December 8, 2009). The New York Times. "A Senator's Gift to the Jews, Nonreturnable"
- ^ December 1, 2009, Smooth-E's Jewtronic Music-Making, By Ryan Torok, Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, [1]
- ^ "Hanukkah Flash Mob". Urlesque. 2009-12-16. Archived from the original on 2011-09-08. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^ Feeling the beat, By YAEL BRYGEL, Jerusalem Post, June 3, 2009[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Nefesh B'Nefesh Hanukkah Flash Mob (Official NBN Release)". YouTube. 2009-11-23. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^ Hesse, Monica (4 December 2010). "Harmony group's Hanukkah anthem lights a fire on Web". The Washington Post. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
- ^ Berger, Joseph (6 December 2010). "A Hanukkah Miracle, Set to Music". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
- ^ Freeman, Paul (16 March 2016). "Love of music and faith combine in The Maccabeats". The Mercury News. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
- ^ Fierberg, Ruthie (16 December 2016). "This Music Video Tells the Channukah Story, Hamilton Style". Playbill. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
External links
- Chanukah Song Sheet (pdf)
- Chanukah Song Sheets
- Chanukah Song Sheets PDF creator
- Hanukkah Songs in Hebrew and English with transliterations.
- Hanukkah songsheets
- Hanukkah songs