You probably know that Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, comes at the darkest time of the year (at least in the northern hemisphere). It also comes at the darkest time of the month when the moon disappears completely. Every year on the sixth night of Hanukkah, a new moon peeks out, and the Jewish month of Kislev (when Hanukkah starts) becomes the Jewish month of Tevet. What all this means is that the sky is really dark during Hanukkah. And that means that the stars shine their brightest. Welcome to “Celebrity Hanukkah,” a playlist in which the musical stars shine their brightest.
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Tracks 1, 2, and 3
It seems that everyone’s singing Hanukkah songs! That’s great because the more varied the voices, the more beautiful the holiday. We don’t have to all agree on what Hanukkah is — whether it’s about human bravery or divine miracles, Jewish survival or the awesome universality of light. In the time of the Maccabees, Jews definitely didn’t agree on how much Greek influence was desirable or acceptable, and that diversity of Jewish identity still holds today. There are many different ways to be Jewish.
When we light the candles, spin the dreidel, and sing Hanukkah songs in different styles and languages, we’re adding our voice to a long-lasting and worldwide chorus of Jewish joy.
- What’s your favorite Hanukkah song?
Track 1 "Oh Hanukkah"
Written by Mordkhe Rivesman and performed by Jack Black.
Track 2 "8 Days (of Hanukkah)"
Performed by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.
Track 3 "Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)"
Performed by Leslie Odom Jr. and actress-singer Nicolette Robinson.
Track 4
Time out! This break is brought to you by the word Hanuka Hanukka Hannuka Hannukah Januka … (At least we know how it’s spelled in Hebrew)
Track 4 "How do You Spell Channukkahh?"
Written and performed by the LeeVees.
Tracks 5 and 6
We’re always taught to stand up for what’s right. Folk singer Woody Guthrie was known for his powerful protest songs, and in this Hanukkah song he hints that the five Maccabee brothers (led by Judah) stood up to the oppressive king of their time, Antiochus IV. If the Maccabees and their followers hadn’t fought for the Jewish people’s right to exist, the Jewish story might not have continued until today. Sara Bareilles brings this idea to our everyday lives:
“Everybody’s been there / Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy … Maybe one of these days you can let the light in / Show me how big your brave is.”
- When have you been brave (or wished you had been)?
Track 5 "Happy Joyous Hanukkah"
Written by Woody Guthrie and performed by The Indigo Girls.
Track 6 "Brave"
Written and performed by Sara Bareilles.
Tracks 7 and 8
Hanukkah starts at home. That’s where we light the Hanukkah menorah (in Hebrew, hanukkiya), one more candle each night until the house is rocking with light. But Hanukkah doesn’t end there; the light radiates from our homes out into the world. That light carries with it hope for the future and joy in the present. And so we end in the spirit of joy, with such profound thoughts as these:
“Our light of love will stay reflected / Eight times longer than expected” (from Track 7)
“I’m spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica / Wearing sandals / Lighting candles by the sea” (from Track 8)
- What brings you joy on Hanukkah?
Track 7 "A Week and a Day"
Performed by James Corden, Zach Braff, Charlie Puth, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Josh Peck.
Track 8 "(I’m Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica"
Written and performed by Tom Lehrer.
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