חַג חֲנֻכָּה שָׂמֵחַ
Chag Chanukah Same'ach
“Happy Hanukkah”
Chag Chanukah Same'ach (חַג חֲנֻכָּה שָׂמֵחַ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “happy hanukkah,” pronounced “khag kha-nu-KAH sa-ME-akh.” The literal translation is “happy holiday of hanukkah (dedication).” The greeting for Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil.
| Hebrew | חַג חֲנֻכָּה שָׂמֵחַ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Chag Chanukah Same'ach |
| English Meaning | Happy Hanukkah |
| Literal Translation | Happy holiday of Hanukkah (dedication) |
| Pronunciation | khag kha-nu-KAH sa-ME-akh |
| Category | Celebrations & Holidays |
| Origin | The word Chanukah comes from the Hebrew root ח-נ-כ meaning 'to dedicate.' The holiday itself dates to 164 BCE and is described in the books of Maccabees and the Talmud (Shabbat 21b). It is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. |
Every winter, millions of menorahs flicker to life in windows from Jerusalem to New York, and the greeting on everyone's lips is Chag Chanukah Same'ach. The word 'Chanukah' itself means 'dedication' — it commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees' revolt against the Seleucid Empire in 164 BCE. According to the Talmud, when the Maccabees sought to relight the Temple's menorah, they found only enough consecrated oil for one day — yet miraculously it burned for eight. This is why Hanukkah lasts eight nights and why light is at the center of every celebration.
Where Does “Chag Chanukah Same'ach” Come From?
The word Chanukah comes from the Hebrew root ח-נ-כ meaning 'to dedicate.' The holiday itself dates to 164 BCE and is described in the books of Maccabees and the Talmud (Shabbat 21b). It is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
When and How to Say “Chag Chanukah Same'ach”
Used during the eight days of Hanukkah (usually in December). Greeting cards, social media posts, and in-person greetings all use this phrase. You can also simply say 'Chanukah Same'ach' (Happy Hanukkah) without 'Chag.'
Cultural Context of Chag Chanukah Same'ach
In Israel, Hanukkah is a national holiday season with school vacations, sufganiyot (jelly donuts) everywhere, and public menorah lightings. The tradition of placing the hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah) in the window is about 'publicizing the miracle' — pirsumei nisa in Aramaic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Happy Hanukkah” in Hebrew?
“Happy Hanukkah” in Hebrew is Chag Chanukah Same'ach (חַג חֲנֻכָּה שָׂמֵחַ), pronounced “khag kha-nu-KAH sa-ME-akh.” The literal translation is “Happy holiday of Hanukkah (dedication).” The greeting for Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil.
How do you pronounce Chag Chanukah Same'ach?
Chag Chanukah Same'ach is pronounced “khag kha-nu-KAH sa-ME-akh.” The literal meaning is “Happy holiday of Hanukkah (dedication).”
What is the miracle of Hanukkah?
According to the Talmud, when the Maccabees recaptured the Temple, they found only one small jar of consecrated olive oil — enough for a single day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare new consecrated oil. This is why we light candles for eight nights and why Hanukkah is called the Festival of Lights.
What is the difference between a menorah and a hanukkiah?
A menorah has seven branches and represents the lamp that stood in the ancient Temple. A hanukkiah has nine branches — eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah plus one 'shamash' (helper candle) used to light the others. In casual English, both are often called 'menorah,' but technically the Hanukkah candelabrum is a hanukkiah.
Why do we eat fried foods on Hanukkah?
Fried foods — particularly sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) — are traditional because they're cooked in oil, commemorating the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. In Israel, bakeries compete to create the most creative sufganiyot flavors, from dulce de leche to halva.
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