This medley of Hanukkah songs includes some of the most well-known and most loved Hanukkah melodies. The blessings recited over the menorah lighting and the hymn Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages) sung afterward evoke the history and religious significance of the holiday, while kids' tunes such as "Sivivon" remind us of the more playful side to Hanukkah.

First Blessing

Baruch ata adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam asher kidishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel chanuka.

Blessed are you God, ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to light the Hanukkah candle.

Second Blessing

Baruch ata adonai elohenu melekh ha-olam she-asa nisim la'avoteinu ba-yamim ha-hem ba-zman ha-zeh.

Blessed are you God, ruler of the universe, who has done miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season.

Maoz Tzur/Rock of Ages

Maoz tzur yeshuati
L'kha na-eh l'shabeakh
Tikon beit t'filati
V'sham todah n'zabeakh
Le-et takhin matbeakh
Mitzur ham-nabeakh
Az egmor b'shir mizmor
Khanukhat ha-mizbeakh

Rock of Ages let our song,
Praise thy saving power;
Thou amidst the raging foes,
Wast our shelt'rng tower.

Furious they assailed us,
But Thine arm availed us,
And Thy word broke their sword,
When our own strength failed us.
And Thy word broke their sword,
When our own strength failed us.

(Translation reprinted from Not Just For Kids)