WhatsappDo you know about the miracles of Hanukkah? Do you know that there is a special song to remind us of all the good that G-d did and does?
The Miracles of Hanukkah
Every year on Hanukkah, Jews recite the Al Hanisim prayer/song in the prayer services everyday as well as in the Grace After Meals. (The beginning part is also said on the holiday of Purim, but the ending is different for Purim and for Hanukkah). The prayer recounts the miracles of Hanukkah that G-d performed for the people of Israel. The words are beautiful. The beginning part is often sung to a tune, and there are various tunes that have been created – such as the one in this video.
The translation of the words are as follows:
“And [we thank You] for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the saving acts, and for the wonders which You have wrought for our ancestors in those days, at this time.”
Here is the translation to the beautiful words that follow this song when praying and reciting Grace After Meals:
“In the days of Matityahu, the son of Yochanan the High Priest, the Hasmonean and his sons, when the wicked Hellenic government rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah and violate the decrees of Your will. But You, in Your abounding mercies, stood by them in the time of their distress. You waged their battles, defended their rights, and avenged the wrong done to them. You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the wanton sinners into the hands of those who occupy themselves with Your Torah. You made a great and holy name for Yourself in Your world, and effected a great deliverance and redemption for Your people Israel to this very day. Then Your children entered the shrine of Your House, cleansed Your Temple, purified Your Sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courtyards, and instituted these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great Name.”
Let’s all spread a little bit more light on this Hanukkah to thank G-d and remember why we are celebrating this beautiful holiday!
