Essential Hebrew Phrases To Learn for Hanukkah

With Hanukkah quickly approaching, it’s time to think about brushing up on your Hebrew so you can impress your Jewish friends and family members. If your Hebrew knowledge only goes as far as asking someone where the latkes are, it’s time to add more complicated Hebrew phrases to your vocabulary. Here’s a list of some of the most common Hebrew phrases you can incorporate into the conversation at your next Hanukkah party.

Common Hebrew Phrases

Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah over eight days each winter to recognize the hardships and tenacity of their people along with the holy miracles they have witnessed along the way. Several phrases can help you as you participate in the events that surround this particular season. Some of them include:

Hanukkah — חנוכה

Hanukkah means “dedication” or “rededication,” and Jewish people celebrate this occasion for eight days by lighting candles, eating traditional food, and celebrating with friends and family. This festival of lights is a celebration to remember the Maccabees who recaptured the Temple from the Greeks many years ago.

Lehadlik et hanerot — להדליק את הנרות

This phrase translates to “light the candles” in English, and it’ll come in handy since Jewish people light a candle each night during Hanukkah.

Nes gadol hayah sham — נס גדול היה שם

Translated as “a great miracle happened there,” this phrase is represented on the four faces of a Dreidel, and in Israel, the term is slightly different, and it’s expressed as “a great miracle happened here.“

Hag orim sameah — חג אורים שמח

“Happy festival of lights” is a joyful phrase you can use to greet your Jewish friends as you’re invited inside for a Hanukkah celebration. You can also omit the word orim to say “chag semeah to you!”

Dreidel — סביבון

This four-sided toy is used when players spin the Dreidel like a top to see which face lands facing upward. Each face is marked with a Hebrew letter that designates a different play in the game, and you probably recognize the word from the popular Jewish song of the same name.

Hanukkiyah — חנוכיה

Otherwise known as the menorah, this beautiful candelabra holds nine candles lit individually throughout the festival of light’s eight days and the Shamash. This candle is used to illuminate the others. The word Hanukkiyah translates to “Hanukkah lamp,” a familiar symbol representing this Jewish celebration.

Gelt — חגורה

Gelt is Yiddish for “money,” and chocolate coins are commonly given to Jewish children to use while playing with the Dreidel. Spinning the dreidel is a winner take all game of chance, and these chocolate coins are the perfect currency.

Al hanisim — עַל הַנִּסִּים

This phrase, meaning “on the miracles,” is commonly used during the blessing spoken after meals. It’s incorporated into the Amidah prayer to give thanks for the miracles, redemption, deeds, and saving acts performed to save the Jewish people throughout the generations.

Learn Hebrew in Time for Hanukkah

If you’re just getting started with the Hebrew language, you probably will not become a master in time for Grandma’s party. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn enough to make her proud! Our conversational lessons will get your Hebrew skills in working condition just in time for the holiday. Enroll today or contact us to learn more!