Stuck on what message to write in your Hanukkah greeting cards? We’re here to help.
Hanukkah, which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks and the miracle of the little cruse of oil that improbably burned for eight full days, is a celebration of miracles, religious freedom and light overcoming darkness. It falls close to the winter solstice and so many consider it a time to convey seasonal holiday greetings.
Read: What you need to know about the Hanukkah story.
Sending Hanukkah cards is a relatively new Jewish tradition and primarily parallels the popularity of Christmas cards. (A slightly less new Jewish tradition is sending Rosh Hashanah greeting cards in the Jewish new year.)
Many Hanukkah cards allude to the fact that Hanukkah is the Festival of Light. It’s an opportunity to wish others that they will have light in their lives at this time and throughout the year.
Another common theme in Hanukkah cards is that of miracles. You can wish people a year full of miracles, large or small!
If you wish to go in a more light-hearted direction, you can reach for a silly Hanukkah pun. We’ve seen a lot of cards that say “I love you a latke” and “Happy challah days.” Borrow one of these or see if you can dream up your own!
If you wish to add some art to your Hanukkah card, pictures of a menorah, dreidels, Hanukkah gelt and Jewish stars are all traditional. Blue and silver are popular colors but there are no rules.
Jews follow a lunar/solar calendar which means that Hanukkah can fall any time between late November and late December. Be sure to check when it falls this year so that you can send your card on time. Happy Hanukkah!
Explore Hanukkah’s history, global traditions, food and more with My Jewish Learning’s “All About Hanukkah” email series. Sign up to take a journey through Hanukkah and go deeper into the Festival of Lights.
