Hanukkah Poems: English Poetry on Jewish Festival of Lights

For Hanukkah ~ H. N. Bialik

Short Cute Poem For Hanukkah Holiday

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights, wherein the Jews light a special nine-branched candelabrum called Menorah or Hanukkiah. The festival is celebrated to pay tribute to Maccabees, who had a historic victory over the Hellenistic Syrians. Music forms an integral part of the Hanukkah celebration. Along with the songs, people also recite poems during the festival. There are innumerable poems written on the Hanukkah festival. Some poems are exclusively dedicated to the festival, while others convey the philosophical note associated with it. However, all these poems are surely informative and comforting in nature.

“For Hanukkah” is one of the Hanukkah poems that are extremely popular among the people. It is a cute short poem, written by H.N. Bialik. This poem is of main interest to the children, though the adults too enjoy reciting it. It has been written from a child’s perspective, who is expressing his thought on receiving gifts for Hanukkah. The child receives gift of candles, pancake, top and old penny from his father, mother, teacher and uncle respectively. He is extremely elated over receiving them and says that these gifts are in the honor of Hanukkah festival.

The poem uses simple language and clear expression. One can feel the innocence of the child speaking out through the lines of the poem. It does not dwell on high level philosophies; still convey the importance of the festival aptly to the children. The simplicity of the poem allows children to interpret the meaning of the poem on their own, with no difficulty. The poem can be recited in schools. People can also make their children recite the poem at the Hanukkah feast. Even the adults can relive their childhood days back by reciting it. Read on to enjoy the enchanting lines of the poem.

For Hanukkah

Father lighted candles for me;
Like a torch the Shamash shone.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Teacher bought a big top for me,
Solid lead, the finest known.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Mother made a pancake for me,
Hot and sweet and sugar-strewn.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.

Uncle had a present for me,
An old penny for my own.
In whose honor, for whose glory?
For Hanukkah alone.