In the first century BCE, the Jewish sage Shammai proposed that we light eight lights on the first night of Hanukkah and one fewer each night — a countdown of the remaining time. His counterpart Hillel argued that we should light one light on the first night and add another each night because “holiness should increase.”
For 2,000 years, the Jewish people have followed Hillel: On Hanukkah, we add light. So do our kids. Each year when Hanukkah arrives, they discover a little more of the special light that makes them unique. This playlist radiates the light — inner and outer — that forms the heart of our Hanukkah celebration.
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Tracks 1 and 2
In the glow of Hanukkah candles, we can imagine our deepest wishes for our children. Meanwhile, our kids are focused on something else: how fun it is to watch the dancing flames!
In Hebrew, abba means “dad”, ima means “mom,” and shamash means “helper candle” (the one used to light all the other Hanukkah candles).
- When you gaze into the Hanukkah lights, what do you hope for?
Track 1 "Be a Light"
Written and performed by Rabbi Neal Katz.
Track 2 "Hurry up and Light the Candles"
Written and performed by The Macaroons.
Tracks 3 and 4
Track 3 is a Sephardic song is about the eight little candles (kandelikas)— not to mention the traditional pastries (pastelikos) made with almonds and honey — that make Hanukah linda (“a beautiful Hanukkah”). It’s followed by an American classic about how each one of us can bring our light into the world. Put together, these two songs highlight the lovely symbolism of the Hanukkah menorah: Individual lights combine to make a bigger and more beautiful light.
- Can you count along with the singers?
Track 3 "Ocho Kandelikas"
Popular Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) Hanukkah song with music and words by Flory Jagoda and performed by the US band Pink Martini.
Track 4 "This Little Light of Mine"
Traditional American folk song, performed by Alex Newell.
Tracks 5 and 6
On Shabbat during Hanukkah, the haftorah (additional reading) read in synagogues around the world includes a vision from the prophet Zechariah: A golden seven-branched lamp stands between two olive trees. Oil, dripping from the two trees, keeps the lamp’s flames perpetually lit. An angel calls out in God’s name, “Not by might and not by power but by My spirit alone.”
A widespread Hanukkah custom since ancient times is to light the Hanukkah lights near a window to “publicize the miracle” (in Hebrew, pirsum hanes).
The traditional Hanukkah story, which tells about an unlikely military victory and the miracle of long-burning oil, hints that anything is possible if our spirit stays strong. And that’s an idea worth sharing far and wide.
- What helps keep you strong?
Track 5 "Not by Might, Not By Power"
This song is based on a biblical passage and written and performed by the celebrated singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman.
Track 6 "In the Window"
A traditional Hanukkah song performed by the Jewish Wedding Band.
Track 7
This song says it well: “Don’t let the light go out / It’s lasted for so many years / Don’t let the light go out / Let it shine through our love and our tears.”
- What do you like about Hanukkah light?
Track 7 "Light One Candle"
Originated by the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary and performed by Esther Freeman.
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More
Learn All About Hanukkah
How to Light the Hanukkah Candles
Tell the Hanukkah Story
November 1, 2026