Related reading: Printable Shabbat Zemirot, PDF and Explanation and Shabbat Candle-Lighting Times.
Hanerot Halalu is the passage traditionally said or sung after lighting the Hanukkah candles. It reminds us why the candles are lit: not for ordinary light, but to give thanks for the miracles, deliverance, and spiritual light of Hanukkah. A person searching for a printable Hanerot Halalu page usually needs three things: a clear post-lighting order, a short explanation for family or classroom use, and a reviewed liturgical text before it is placed into an official PDF.
This page provides an original, print-friendly framework with explanation, a child-friendly version, quiz questions. It does not replace a siddur, community custom, or halakhic guidance. Any full Hebrew text, vocalization, divine-name treatment, transliteration, or official translation should be manually reviewed before publication in a site PDF.
Hanerot Halalu in Brief
After reciting the blessings and lighting the Hanukkah candles, it is customary to say or sing Hanerot Halalu. The passage emphasizes that the candles are set aside for the mitzvah and are not used for ordinary practical purposes. That is one reason the shamash is placed alongside the menorah: it is used for lighting and helps distinguish the mitzvah lights from light used for regular needs.
At home, in a classroom, or in a community setting, Hanerot Halalu can turn the moments after candle lighting into a short conversation about miracles, gratitude, courage, faith, Jerusalem, and the choice to add light even when the world feels dark.
When Is Hanerot Halalu Said?
Hanerot Halalu is generally said after the Hanukkah candles are lit. A simple practical order is:
- Prepare the menorah, candles or oil, and the shamash.
- Recite the Hanukkah blessings before lighting the mitzvah candles.
- Light the Hanukkah candles with the shamash.
- After lighting, say or sing Hanerot Halalu according to family or community custom.
- Stay near the candles for a few minutes of song, story, or a family question.
There are differences in wording, pronunciation, and custom among communities. An official printable page should identify which version is being used, who reviewed it, and whether it is intended for reading, singing, or study.
What Does Hanerot Halalu Mean?
The central message is simple and strong: the candles are not ordinary household lighting. They are a living reminder of the Hanukkah miracle, and we treat them with care. Their light is meant to publicize the miracle, awaken gratitude, and give the family a moment to pause.
One way to explain the passage is through three words:
| Word | What It Invites Us To Remember | Conversation Question |
|---|---|---|
| Miracles | Moments when reality opens beyond what we expected | What good thing happened this year that we should not take for granted? |
| Gratitude | The ability to notice goodness and say it out loud | What does each person want to give thanks for tonight? |
| Light | The choice to add goodness even when things are not simple | What small light can we add tomorrow? |
Printable Hanerot Halalu Page
A good PDF should not be crowded. It should be short, clean, and easy to read beside the menorah.
Recommended Page Structure
- Title: "Hanerot Halalu"
- Helper line: "Said or sung after lighting the Hanukkah candles"
- Space for the reviewed official text
- A short explanation of why the passage is said
- A child-friendly box: "What do the candles remind us of?"
- One family question for each night
- A brief safety note: never leave burning candles unattended
Full Text
The official PDF should include an approved version of Hanerot Halalu only after reviewing:
- The source and rights status of the text
- Community rite: Ashkenaz, Sephardic, Edot HaMizrach, Chabad, or another version
- Vocalization, punctuation, and divine-name treatment
- Transliteration or translation, if included
- Suitability for PDF, mobile, and print layouts
The explanation, tables, child-friendly activity, and quiz on this page are ready for publication.
Explanation for Children
You can explain it to children this way:
After we light the Hanukkah candles, we do not rush away. We look at the light and say: these candles remind us of a miracle, courage, and gratitude. We do not use them like an ordinary lamp. We let them light up the story of Hanukkah in our hearts.
A short activity beside the menorah:
- Each child chooses one candle and says what word it reminds them of.
- One participant explains why there is a shamash.
- Everyone says one good thing they want to add at home this week.
- End with the question: what is the difference between light we see with our eyes and light we feel inside?
Hanukkah Quiz: Questions About Hanerot Halalu
Try a short family quiz after lighting:
- When is Hanerot Halalu said: before the blessings, during lighting, or after lighting?
- Why are the Hanukkah candles not used for ordinary needs?
- What is the role of the shamash?
- Which idea fits the spirit of the passage: gratitude, practical use, or rushing ahead?
- How do the candles help publicize the miracle?
- Why is it worth staying near the candles for a few minutes?
- What can each person do to "add light" at home or in class?
Suggested CTA: Open a family Hanukkah quiz and add a Hanerot Halalu round: identify the shamash, explain why the candles are special, and let each participant choose one small act of light for the coming week.
FAQ
Is Hanerot Halalu said before or after lighting?
The common practice is to say or sing Hanerot Halalu after lighting the Hanukkah candles. The blessings are recited before lighting.
Must Hanerot Halalu be sung?
Some families and communities say it; others sing it to a familiar tune. The main point is to follow family or community custom and give the moment meaning.
Why are we not supposed to use the light of the candles?
The Hanukkah candles are for the mitzvah and for publicizing the miracle, not for practical use such as reading, lighting, or household illumination. The shamash is used for lighting and practical light when needed.
Is the shamash included in the candles referred to by Hanerot Halalu?
No. The shamash helps with lighting and stands near the menorah, but it is not counted as one of that night's Hanukkah candles.
Are there different versions of Hanerot Halalu?
Is this page suitable for children?
Yes, if shortened. For children, print one short explanation, space for the reviewed text, and one question: "What good light do I want to add today?"