oh hanukKah, oh hanuKkah

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oh hanukKah, oh hanuKkah

12/01/2024 09:00:00 AM

Dec1

Cantor Yonah Kliger

December is here, and that can only mean one thing… it’s time to break out your frying pan, oil and potatoes, and start working on your favorite recipe for latkes. Because, no matter how you spell it, Hanukkah is coming! And this year of course,it coincides with Christmas. And like clockwork every year, as soon as we’ve crossed the Thanksgiving threshold, the ubiquitous sounds of Christmas songs seem to fill the air at practically every turn. And indeed, so many of the most famous Christmas songs were written by Jews. (Think “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, The Christmas Song” aka “Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire”, by Mel Torme, “Let it Snow” by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne.)

But what about some of the great Hanukkah songs? While we might not hear them on a non-stop loop in just about every store at the mall at this time of year, one of the things that I love best about Hanukkah is the wealth of wonderful songs that can help us make our Hanukkah celebrations even more musical.

I’m sure that most of us are familiar with some of the “standards” like “Oh, Hanhukkah,” (1912) “Maoz Tsur/Rock of Ages” (12th/13th c) and of course the classic favorite “I have a Little Dreidel." (1927) But there are so many more.

Here then is a list of some lesser known Hanukkah gems that you might choose to incorporate into your family’s Hanukkiah lighting this year!

	Dreidel Song - Julie Silver Check out this fun, folksy, bluesy take on a Hanukkah favorite
	Maoz Tzur - Leslie Odom Jr. Who wouldn’t be completely swept away by Leslie Odom Jr’s scintillating voice singing one of our most beloved Hanukkah Songs?
	I am a Latke - Debbie Friedman In this fun and funny tune, the late Debbie Friedman imagines, what what Hanukkah is life from the perspective of our favorite Hanukkah fried treat. The latke! And she even manages to bring in an important message of social justice while she’s at it.
	Ner li Ner li In this simple, timeless Israeli classic the image of the light of a thin little candle is prominent, as songs are sung by the lights of the Chanukiah.
	How Do You Spell Channukkahh? The LeeVees In this rockin’ hit, the song basically begs someone to please decide once and for all how to spell the name of this festival of lights!
	Miracle - Mattisyahu This beatboxing-infused, reggae slow-jam by Orthodox alt-rocker Matisyahu is a staple on Jewish Rock Radio come Hanukkah season. "Just livin' in the miracle / Candles are my vehicle / Eight nights, gonna shine invincible.
	Michelle Citrin – Pass the Candle (left to right) If you are like many of us who need reminding, this song will help you remember which way to light the candles. (left to right)
	Mi Ymaleil - Craig Taubman This song, which means "Who can retell?" in English, has a groovy beat and an old-world feel. Even if you don't understand the words, you'll find yourself swaying and toe-tapping along.
	Puppy for Hanukkah - Daveed Diggs This song is just pure silliness. And while it doesn’t truly get to the meaning of Hanukkah, it’s just a lot of fun…and after all, Hanukkah is meant to be a joyous holiday for all! And nothing says joy more than cute little puppies!
	SPECIAL BONUS TRACK Spin Rabbi Spin - (Latkes v. Hamentashen) – Cantor Yonah Kliger Here’s a little Hanukkah rap I recorded a few years ago settling the debate once and for all. Latkes for the win!