Hanukkah Dreams

Often called the Festival of Lights, the eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, falls in November or December each year. It's celebrated with the lighting of a menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. "Hanukkah Dreams" is a simple, quiet song for this happy celebration. Its lyrical melody is easy-to-learn and would work well for singers of all ages.

The tune is in 3/4 time and, at times, it sounds like a lullaby. The recorded accompaniment includes strings, winds, piano, guitar, and mandolin. To enhance your performance, you could add to that accompaniment by having members of your choir play a triangle, tambourine, and/or finger cymbals.

Referring to the lyrics of the song, be sure to explain to your singers that "shalom" (used in measure 30) is a Hebrew term of greeting or farewell and can mean "peace," "be well," "be safe," or something similar.