Al HaNissim

Al HaNissim (For the Miracles) is one of very few texts that are specifically related to Hanukkah. Inserted into the Amidah prayers and into the Grace After Meals recited during the eight days of the holiday, it is normally chanted in the same style as other parts of those liturgies. American Jews, eager to find songs that can “compete” during a holiday season normally filled with carols from other religious traditions, have been particularly active in writing new songs that enhance the celebration of Hanukkah, and have frequently borrowed the text of Al HaNissim for those purposes. This example, by Cantor Robert Solomon, references the miracles of both Hanukkah and Purim (the other occasion on which a version of Al HaNissim is chanted), as well as the miracle of the creation of the State of Israel, in thanking God for having been an ally of the Jewish people in times of national challenge.

Ner Shel Chag

Ner Shel Chag is one of many extra-liturgical songs whose purpose is simply to enhance the joy of the holiday. It was written by Gratz Hebrew Instructor Nili Rabinowitz to provide accessible vocabulary for American Jewish children just learning Hebrew; in its arrangement by Dr. Marsha Bryan Edelman, Professor of Music and Education, it becomes a lovely addition to the holiday repertoire, perfect for singers and listeners of every age and Hebrew language level.