The short answer: the classic Chanukah songs to play are Ma'oz Tzur, Chanukah Oy Chanukah, Al Hanisim and the two Yevanim melodies, plus newer favorites such as Light Up the Night (Miami Boys Choir) and Lo Amus / Pischi Li (MBD). Each one is a printable lead sheet here: the melody in clear notes, the chords above it, and the words underneath. Or get all 27 songs in one Chanukah songbook.
Chanukah songs as lead sheets
| Song | Singer / origin | Keys | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ma'oz Tzur | Traditional | A minor | $3.99 |
| Chanukah Oy Chanukah | Traditional (Yiddish) | A minor | $3.99 |
| Al Hanisim | Traditional | A minor | $3.99 |
| Yevanim | Traditional | A minor | $3.99 |
| Oy Yevanim | Traditional | A minor | $3.99 |
| Ana Bekoach | Traditional | 6 keys (A, C, D, E, F, G minor) | $3.99 |
| Light Up the Night | Miami Boys Choir (Yerachmiel Begun) | A minor | $5.99 |
| Lo Amus / Pischi Li | Mordechai Ben David | A minor | $3.99 |
| Chasof Zeroa Kodshecha | Yaakov Schwekey | 5 keys (A, C, D, F, G minor) | $3.99 |
See every Chanukah song we have on the Chanukah collection page.
The traditional Chanukah songs
Ma'oz Tzur is the song most families sing after lighting the menorah, and the one to learn first. Al Hanisim sets the words of the prayer added on Chanukah. Chanukah Oy Chanukah is the Yiddish song everyone joins in on, and the two Yevanim melodies take their words from Ma'oz Tzur. All of them sit comfortably in A minor, so you can play them one after another without changing key.
Songs for a Chanukah kumzitz
After the Chanukah songs, most tables move on to slow kumzitz songs. The Play It Simple Chanukah Kumzitz Songs book puts 27 of them together, all in A minor:
- Chanukah: Oy Chanukah, Ma'oz Tzur, Oy Yevanim, Yevanim, Al Hanisim
- Kumzitz favorites: Keili Ata, Ma Ashiv and Ani Ma'amin (MBD), Racheim (Yaakov Schwekey), Ana Hashem, Shifchi Kamayim and Gam Ki Eilech (Shlomo Carlebach), Neshama (Shloime Gertner), V'ahavta (Meilech Kohn)
- Upbeat: Light Up the Night and Tov Lehodos (Miami Boys Choir), Ivri Anochi and Fill the World With Light (Benny Friedman), Davenen (Yingerlach)
The book is a PDF download, so it's ready to print tonight.
Which key should I play in?
A minor suits most voices and is the easiest on piano and guitar, which is why the Chanukah sheets and the songbook are in A minor. If you sing lower or play with a band, Ana Bekoach and Chasof Zeroa Kodshecha come in several keys: pick yours on the song page. Need a song in a different key? Ask us.
Questions
What song is sung after lighting the Chanukah candles?
Ma'oz Tzur is the song most families sing after lighting. Our Ma'oz Tzur lead sheet has the melody, chords and words.
Is there a Chanukah songbook?
Yes: Play It Simple Chanukah Kumzitz Songs has 27 songs, the Chanukah classics plus kumzitz favorites, as one PDF.
What is a lead sheet?
A one- or two-page arrangement with the melody written out, the chord symbols above it and the words underneath. Pianists, guitarists and singers can all play from it.
Can I share these with my students?
Yes, with a teacher license: tick "Add a teacher license" when you add a sheet or songbook to your cart.