How to be a gracious Hanukkah guest (2024)

FAQs

What to bring as a guest for Hanukkah? ›

Traditional foods include potato latkes, applesauce and brisket. Spinning the dreidel (a four-sided top) for “Hanukkah gelt” (gold-wrapped chocolate coins) is another part of the celebration. Your host might appreciate gifts of chocolate, gourmet applesauce, candles, books or board games.

Hanukkah doesn't have any dietary restrictions, but make sure not to bring food items that aren't kosher. Even if your hosts aren't observant, it's best to stick with kosher items out of politeness. You never know if the host might have invited observant guests!

Traditional Hanukkah celebrations include frying food in oil, playing dreidel, singing songs, and, of course, lighting the hanukkiah. The hanukkiah is a type of menorah with nine candle holders—one of which is the shamash.

There's no ceremony for giving gifts. Instead, appropriate Hanukkah gifts are usually small, thoughtful, and often food-related. Typical Hanukkah gifts, such as dreidels, board games, and fancy meats, are designed to show togetherness and bonding among Jews.

What Are the Flowers for Hanukkah? Though lilies are popular flowers as centerpieces in Hanukkah flower arrangements, there aren't any true “traditional Hanukkah flowers.” The colors or flowers, rather than the types of flowers, are what differentiate Hanukkah flower arrangements from those of other holidays.

It is customary for women not to work for at least the first half-hour of the candles' burning, and some have the custom not to work for the entire time of burning. It is also forbidden to fast or to eulogize during Hanukkah.

What to wear to any Hanukkah celebration. Go for classic blue, white, and gold when trying to style a Hanukkah dress. Not sure where to find a cute and stylish Hanukkah dress? Opt for a simple blue style like this gorgeous pleated midi dress from Prettygarden.

Red wines help bring out the rich juices in the meat and cut through some of the fat. Wine is also a very popular drink used by the Jewish people to commemorate occasions. Jason explains, “We celebrate Hannukah and other holidays with alcohol, particularly wine, because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

"You can wish someone a happy Hanukkah by saying chag sameach, which is pronounced [ khag sah-meh-ahkh ]," according to thesaurus.com. "This expression means 'happy holiday. ' If you want to make it a bit more Hanukkah-specific, you can say chag Hanukkah sameach, pronounced [ khag khah-nuh-kuh sah-meh-ahkh ], instead."

Should you tell people Happy Hanukkah? ›

To greet your Jewish loved ones during these eight days, you can simply say “Happy Hanukkah” or use one of these options in Hebrew. Hanukkah — or Chanukah, both are common spellings — is taking place between Dec. 7 and Dec. 15.

There is no biblical mandate for Christians to celebrate Hanukkah.

Things to Avoid Doing

In particular, do not use the classic Christmas wrapping papers or get green and red gifts. Hanukkah has its own unique color associations and blue and white items are preferred.

Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish: חנוכה געלט ḥanukah gelt; Hebrew: דמי חנוכה dmei ḥanukah 'Hanukkah money'), also known as gelt (German: Geld), is money given as presents during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. It is typically given to children and sometimes teachers, often in conjunction with the game of Dreidel.

What to wear to any Hanukkah celebration. Go for classic blue, white, and gold when trying to style a Hanukkah dress. Not sure where to find a cute and stylish Hanukkah dress? Opt for a simple blue style like this gorgeous pleated midi dress from Prettygarden.

Pro tip: Bring a lighter or book of matches to the festivities. I have participated in more than one Hanukkah candle-lighting where matches seemed as scarce as the super-holy olive oil of 160-ish BC.