Hanukkah Songs For Young Voices

by Teresa Jennings, Karl Hitzemann, and Paul Jennings

This collection of Hanukkah songs has lots of options for teaching and programming, including rounds, the topic of major and minor keys, and the incorporation of simple instruments. You'll find lots of variety in these songs, and your students will enjoy learning about the traditions, games, and history behind this old celebration.

From the pages of Music K-8 magazine, this collection includes:

Hanukkah O Hanukkah - This festive song is adapted from the old Yiddish folk song "Y'mey Hanukkah." Our setting has mixed a little folk style and a little klezmer at a moderate tempo.
Shalom Chaverim - A beautiful, traditional Hebrew folk song, the translation of the Hebrew text is basically: "Goodbye and be safe my friends. Until we meet again, have peace." Our arrangement is easy to sing and presents the Hebrew lyrics followed by a repeat in the English translation. Then, it repeats the English lyrics, but is sung as a 2-part round. A pronunciation guide is also included.
My Little Dreidl - This simple song is a round that any of your students can learn quickly and easily, though you may wish to use it with your younger ones. The light arrangement includes guitars, mandolin, bass, piano, bells, and antique cymbals.
Shalom - While "shalom" is recognized as a traditional Jewish greeting or farewell, it is a Hebrew word which literally means "peace." This partner song is appropriate for any peaceful, seasonal celebration. There are two independent melodies sung separately at first, then together.
Hanukkah Festival - This song is in a traditional major key and celebrates Hanukkah in a very upbeat, rollicking 3/4 feel. While it is written as a round, you can sing it unison, or even turn it into a 3-part round.
Happy Hanukkah! - For something lighter, happy, and in a major key, here's a very simple song that most students should be able to sing, even your youngest. It's unison, repetitious, and short, so it won't take long to learn. The bouncy and whimsical feel of the recorded accompaniment is a charming mixture of clarinets, muted brass, acoustic guitars, and chimes.
I Have A Little Dreidel - One of the best known Hanukkah tunes, this lively little song is over 100 years old. We present five verses, a combination of traditional verses and some of our own creation, including one that can be played on kazoos. There is also a Boomwhacker® part.
It's Hanukkah - This is a simple, singable tune for the celebration of Hanukkah. While the song is a natural for a holiday concert, you can also use it for a lesson on the difference between major and minor keys, since the song uses both.
A Song For Hanukkah - Using a more pensive and haunting but beautiful accompaniment, this song features piano, bass, strings, and a lovely cello solo. The lyrics refer to many Hanukkah traditions and customs, but they also speak of dedication, prayer, honor, and hope.
Light The Candles All Around The World - Bonus Song available in downloadable format - One thing many celebrations have in common is the use of candles. This song starts out very gently, with wistful melodies and progressions, and it slowly builds.