Notes from Cantor Avima

     There are two traditional prayers/songs we sing after lighting the Chanukkah candles. One, of course is the well known song Maoz Tsur.  But, there is another prayer we recite reminding us of the purpose of the Chanukkah candles (to honor the miracles) and also a reminder that we do not use the light of the candles for any utilitarian purpose. In fact, one of the reasons we have a shamash is that the shamash is not technically one of the chanukkah lights and therefore it CAN serve as a source of light for a utilitarian purpose. The paragraph is called "Hanerot Halalu/These Candles".  This is the paragraph we recite after lighting the candles: 

   "These Chanukkah lights we kindle in honor of the miracles, the wonders and salvation wrought and wars You fought for our       fathers in days of yore and in present time, by the hands of Your holy priests. 

   And throughout Chanukkah's eight days, these lights shall be sacred, No right to make use of them have we, Only to look at them and see, That Your great name we may thank and praise, For the miracles and salvation You brought and for Your wonderous deeds." 

    Oh... so many beautiful settings... how to choose? Here is one of my favorites: a classic choral piece of Louis Lewandowski (1821-1894) Haneros Halawlu Louis Lewandowski Zamir Chorale

And, here is a really fun setting by Boruch J. Cohen: Hanerot Halalu Borch J. Cohon arr. Blanche Chass 

     And, finally, a melody which is one of my favorites to sing while I watch the candles. This melody is so medidative and only uses the first few words "Hanerot halalu, anu madlikin" . Here it is sung by Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz, Yosef Goldman and Chava Mirel.  Hanerot Halalu Deborah Sacks Mintz, Yosef Goldman and Chava Mirel