Hanukkah

Readings & Meditations

 

The celebration of Hanukkah focuses on the lighting of the menorah. It is a special time for families and friends to spend together singing, playing, giving gifts, telling stories, and meditating on the meaning of Hanukkah.

 

While there are a number of traditional prayers and songs recited after the candle lighting, alternative suggestions include Psalm 30 (traditional among Sephardim) and Psalm 44:2-9. Or you can develop your own reading, using the collection of biblical verses that follows. These can be read all in one night or divided among the eight nights...

The First Night of Hanukkah
The Revolt of Judas Maccabeus - 2 Maccabees 8:1-11 
Meditation

 

 

The Second Night of Hanukkah
Preparation for Battle - 2 Maccabees 8: 12-20
Meditation

 

 

The Third Night of Hanukkah
Judas defeats Nicanor - 2 Maccabees 8: 21-29
Meditation

 

 

The Fourth Night of Hanukkah
Judas Defeats Timothy and Bacchides - 2 Maccabees 8: 30-36
Meditation

 

 

The Fifth Night of Hanukkah
Last Campaign of Antiochus Epiphanes - 2 Maccabees 9: 1-12
Meditation

 

 

 

The Sixth Night of Hanukkah
Antiochus Makes a Promise to God - 2 Maccabees 9:13-18
Meditation

 

 

The Seventh Night of Hanukkah
Antiochus’s Letter and Death - 2 Maccabees 9:19-29
Meditation

 

 

The Eighth Night of Hanukkah
Purification of the Temple - 2 Maccabees 10:1-9    
Meditation