“AMEN SONGS”: Happy Hanukkah (Matisyahu)

Matisyahu’s “Happy Hanukkah” is a modern and uplifting celebration of the Festival of Lights. With its infectious rhythm and lyrics, the song encapsulates the joy and resilience that define this holiday. The simple yet powerful refrain—“Happy Hanukkah”—is a declaration of gratitude and light, reminding us that to experience joy is itself a blessing, and to share that joy with others is to be a blessing. This message resonates deeply with our theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing,” as the song calls us to bring light and hope into the lives of those around us.

The connection to Parashat Vayeshev adds an even richer dimension. In this portion, Joseph’s journey begins with dreams that set him apart, leading to betrayal, hardship, and ultimately, redemption. His story mirrors the resilience and faith of the Maccabees, who stood firm against overwhelming odds to reclaim the Temple and rededicate it to God. Like the Maccabees, Joseph’s ability to persevere through darkness and hold onto hope is a reminder that even the smallest light can dispel great darkness.

“Happy Hanukkah” captures this spirit of faith and perseverance, encouraging us to shine our own light and share it with others during the season of miracles. Just as Joseph’s dreams eventually became a source of salvation for his family, and the Maccabees’ courage inspired generations, the song invites us to carry forward the legacy of resilience and joy. On Chanukah and during the week of Parashat Vayeshev, we are reminded that by embracing the light within us and spreading it to others, we fulfill the message of both the festival and the parasha: to be a blessing through faith, gratitude, and the enduring power of hope.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you

Today is the day, tonight is the night
Sons of twilight had done come along, take flight
High and twinkling, and swindling and a shooting in the sky
I’m shining, and I’m feeling alright
Lite a candle for the one you love
Peace and light from below to above
Eight nights, celebrate till I flying in the sky like a dove
Let me unwind as I light up a flame in the name of the Lion of Judah
Drop like a hammer when I fall like the rain sun shower
Feel the power when I hit like a train

Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you
Happy Hanukkah! I wanna give a gift to you
Light up the night, my love shine through
From mount Zion, this is what we do, bring love to you

To get into the cosmos flows in top
When I write to excite, now I’m fighting back
Intertwined with the divine, it’s a battle to the spine
It’s a battle from the ancient line
Son of King David, Maccabee till the end of time
You’re my light in this hardest time
Yes you bring piece to my mind
Won’t you please let me unwind
As I light up a flame in he name of the Lion of Judah
Drop like a hammer when I fall like the rain sun shower
Feel the power when I hit like a train