Playlist: Hanukkah Music and Spoken Word
Compiled By: PRX Editors
Hanukkah is celebrated December 7 - 15, 2023.
Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel... Check out our Holiday Music Specials and Christmas Editors' Picks as well. For more pieces about Jewish history and culture, take a look at our Jewish History Editors' Picks.
Below are picks chosen by PRX editorial staff. You can find other options for Hannukah by using our search.
New in 2023
Chanukah Memories and Melodies
From WQXR | 58:00
In this special from WQXR, six prominent artists share memories of Chanukah, and the music the holiday brings to mind. From soothing to surprising, from reverent to rowdy, their musical choices will inspire and delight you.
With Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh, social entrepreneur Aaron Dworkin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, Sephardic music virtuoso Daphna Mor, conductor Eric Jacobsen, and Yiddish music maven Henry Sapoznik.
Hosted by WQXR's Elliott Forrest.
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- Chanukah Memories and Melodies
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- WQXR
Program playlist:
Chanukah, oh Chanukah
Traditional
Daphna Mor, recorder
Candle Blessings
From “Hanukkah Cantata”
Music by David Ludwig
Choral Arts Philadelphia
Matthew Glandorf, conductor
Al Hanisim
Traditional
Jan Peerce, tenor
Gershon Kingsley, conductor
Shalom, Santa
Music by Douglas J. Cohen
Lyrics by Tom Toce, Additional material by Judy Gold
Sung by Tovah Feldshuh
Scott Cady, piano
Hanukkah Dance
Written and performed by Woody Guthrie
Tenebrae
By Osvaldo Golijov
Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166, “Dumky,” Third movement (Andante)
By Antonín Dvořák
Weilerstein Trio
Donald Weilerstein, violin
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, piano
Break Music:
Chanike Oy Chanike
Sruli and Lisa
Ner Li
Music by Daniel Samburski
Words by Levin Kipnis
Sung by Daphna Mor and by Pizmon, the co-ed pluralistic Jewish a cappella group of Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary
Mi Yimalel
By Menashe Ravina
Arranged by Marc Lavry
Kol Zion Lagola Choir
Hazeremos una merenda
Kita’l tas
Traditional
Arranged by Nell Snaidas
Daphna Mor, recorder
Adam Good, oud
Rex Benincasa, percussion
Singers:
Tracy Cowart
Ilana Davidson
Michele Kennedy
Daphna Mor
Sian Ricketts
Nell Snaidas
Kirsten Sollek
From a live performance at New York Public Radio, December 3, 2018
Piano Trio no. 2, Op. 66 in C minor, Second movement (Andante espressivo)
By Felix Mendelssohn
Colin Jacobsen, violin
Eric Jacobsen, cello
Ieva Jokūbavičiūtė, piano
From NPR’s Performance Today, November 19, 2005
Haneros Haluli
Traditional, arranged by Colin Jacobsen
The Knights orchestra
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Colin Jacobsen, violin soloist
Haneros Haluli
Traditional
H. Steiner, violin
Cimbalom player unidentified
Dance of the Dreydls
Based on Dance of the Reed Flutes from The Nutcracker, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Arranged by Michael Mclaughlin
Performed by Shirim
Glenn Dickson, clarinet
Gary Bohan, trumpet
Dan Fox, trombone
Jim Gray, tuba
Michael Mclaughlin, accordion
Eric Rosenthal, drums
Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl
Yiddish version by Mikhl Gelbart
Sung by Henry Sapoznik
B’rikh Sh’meh
Prayer when opening the ark before reading the Torah
Sung by Zindel Sapoznik
Pianist unidentified
Recorded in a Displaced Persons camp in Linz, Austria, 1947
(I’m Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica
Written and performed by Tom Lehrer
Maoz Tsur
From “To Celebrate a Miracle”
Arranged by Samuel Adler
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Wind Symphony
Rodney Winther, Conductor
Hour (49:00-1:00:00)
Chanukkah In Story & Song
From William Zukof | Part of the The Western Wind Judaica Series series | 57:48
Chanukkah In Story and Song
Sung by the The Western Wind
Narrated by Leonard Nimoy
The acclaimed vocal sextet and the renowned actor present 25 eclectic selections, from the Ladino songs of the Spanish Jews and Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe to modern Israeli tunes and their original version of “I Have a Little Dreydle.” The singers sing a cappella and are also joined by instruments including violin, accordion, bass and guitar. The narration written by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik sheds light on the holiday customs and rituals.
- Playing
- Chanukkah In Story & Song
- From
- William Zukof
Chanukkah In Story and Song Sung by the The Western Wind Narrated by Leonard Nimoy The acclaimed vocal sextet and the renowned actor present 25 eclectic selections, from the Ladino songs of the Spanish Jews and Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe to modern Israeli tunes and their original version of “I Have a Little Dreydle.” The singers sing a cappella and are also joined by instruments including violin, accordion, bass and guitar. The narration written by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik sheds light on the holiday customs and rituals.
Holiday Special
From The Children's Hour Inc. | Part of the The Children's Hour series | 58:00
The Children's Hour plays holiday favorites including the kids' favorite story
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- Holiday Special
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- The Children's Hour Inc.
This week on The Children’s Hour, winter break is here and we’re celebrating with a holiday special. We’ll play some of our favorites Christmas and Hanukkah songs. Hear our favorite holiday story, and dance along with us. We’ve got your family friendly soundtrack for the holiday season.
Welcome Hunukkah
From Mississippi Public Broadcasting | Part of the Sounds Jewish series | 59:00
Sounds Jewish welcomes Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with songs from around the Jewish world.
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- Welcome Hunukkah
- From
- Mississippi Public Broadcasting
Sounds Jewish welcomes Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with songs from around the Jewish world.
Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party
From WQXR | 59:00
Itzhak Perlman invites you to his Chanukah Radio Party. Join the superstar violinist as he tells the story of the Jewish festival of lights, and shares his favorite recordings for the holiday – some serious, some silly. This engaging one-hour special includes numbers from Itzhak Perlman’s radio-addicted childhood in Israel; evocative songs in Yiddish and Ladino; classical music that revolves around the Maccabee heroes of the story; and Chanukah gems by American folk singers. The master storyteller also regales you with jokes and memories, plus tales of three classic Chanukah symbols: the menorah, the latke, and, of course, the dreidel. A good time for the whole family, at Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party!
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- Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party
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- WQXR
Part 1
Maoz Tsur (Rock of Ages)
Traditional
Kristen Gygi, flute
Hava Narimah (Let’s Raise the Banner and Torch)
Music by George Frideric Handel, words by Levin Kipnis
Cindy Paley, singer
Chanukah: A Singing Celebration
See the Conquering Hero Comes
from “Judas Maccabaeus” by George Frideric Handel
The King’s Consort, Choir of New College, Oxford
Robert King, conductor
Handel: Judas Maccabaeus
Hyperion CDQ66641/2
Sound an Alarm
from “Judas Maccabaeus” by George Frideric Handel
Richard Tucker, tenor
Chanukiah Li-Yesh (I Have a Chanukiah)
Hannah Aharoni, singer
Hed Arzi 787 LP
Chanukah Blessings
Ilene Safyan, singer
Just in Time for Chanukah
Avi Hidlik (My Father Lit the Candles)
Geula Gill with Dov Seltzer and Group
Holiday Songs of Israel
Rounder 8017
Variations on a theme from Handel’s oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus”
Theme + Variations 1, 2, 3
By Ludwig van Beethoven, WoO 45
Mischa Maisky, cello and Martha Argerich, piano
Beethoven: Cello Sonatas
DGG 453 748-2
The Latke Song
Written and performed by Debbie Friedman
Debbie Friedman – Live At The Del
Sounds Write Productions
Levivot (Pancakes)
Geula Gill with Dov Seltzer and Group
Holiday Songs of Israel
Rounder 8017
Hazeremos Una Merenda (Let’s Make a Meal)
Phillis Elaine Clark and Cheryl Bensman Rowe, singers
The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble
The Chanukkah Story
Western Wind Records 1818CD
Ocho Kandelikas (Eight Little Candles)
Written and performed by Flory Jagoda
Kantikas Di Mi Nona
Altaras Recordings 837101132114
I Have a Little Dreydle
By Michael Gelbart
Theme played on recorder
The Chanukkah Story
Western Wind Records 1818CD
Break music
Variations on a theme from Handel’s oratorio “Judas Maccabeus”
Variations 10, 11 (partial)
By Ludwig van Beethoven, WoO 45
Mischa Maisky, cello and Martha Argerich, piano
Beethoven: Cello Sonatas
DGG 453 748-2
Part 2
Al Hanisim (For the Miracles) from “Hanukkah Cantata”
By David Ludwig
Tune by Dov Frimer
Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia
Matthew Glandorf, conductor
Choral Music of David Ludwig
Al Hanisim (For the Miracles)
Music by Dov Frimer, arranged by Hankus Netsky
Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, singer
Itzhak Perlman, violin
Hankus Netsky, piano
Recorded live at the National Menorah Lighting, 2010
Courtesy of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad)
Mi Yimalel (Who Can Retell)
Traditional
Kol Yisrael Choir
Chanukah, Oh, Chanukah from “To Celebrate a Miracle”
by Samuel Adler
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Wind Symphony
Rodney Winther, conductor
A Hanukka Celebration
Milken Archive of American Jewish Music, Naxos 8.559410
Chanukah, Oh, Chanukah
Pete Seeger, singer and banjo
With Voices Together We Sing
Folkways FW02452 / FA 2452
O Ir Kleyne Likhtelekh (O You Little Lights)
Music by Zavel Zilberts, words by Morris Rosenfeld; arranged by Hankus Netsky
Judy Bressler, singer
Hankus Netsky, piano
Oy Chanukah!
Rounder
Nerot Chanukah (Chanukah Lights)
Hannah Aharoni, singer
Or (Light)
By Naomi Shemer
Shoshana Damari, singer
Or
Hed Artzi 15329
Light One Candle
Written and performed by Peter Yarrow
Celebrate Hanukkah
Sweet Louise Music
Hanuka
Music by Judy Frankel, text by Lina Kohen Albukrek
Judy Frankel, singer
Celebrate Hanukkah
Sweet Louise Music
Svivon (Spinning)
Hannah Aharoni
I Had a Little Dreidel
By Michael Gelbart
Rachel Buchman, singer, with children
Shine Little Candles: Chanukah Songs for Children
Concord Music Group
I Have a Little Dreydel
By Michael Gelbart, arranged by Matthew Lazar
Mat Zaitchick, soloist
Zamir Chorale of Boston
Joshua Jacobson, conductor
Lights: Music for Chanukah
Drei dreidele (Spin the Dreidel)
Moishe Oysher, singer
Moishe Oysher: Passover Seder, Kol Nidre & Chanukah Party
Leisure Time Music LTM-158CD
Maoz Tsur (Rock of Ages)
Traditional
Kol Yisrael Choir
Credits music:
Mi Yimalel from “To Celebrate A Miracle”
by Samuel Adler
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Wind Symphony
Rodney Winther, conductor
A Hanukka Celebration
Milken Archive of American Jewish Music, Naxos 8.559410
Hanukkah: A Great Miracle Happened There
From RadioArt(r) | 58:10
A conversation between Rabbi Ismar Schorsch and Host Larry Josephson about the history, rituals and meaning of Hanukkah--and its importance in our time. (Revised 2013)
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- Hanukkah: A Great Miracle Happened There
- From
- RadioArt(r)
"A Great Miracle Happened There: A Hanukkah Special," is a conversation between Rabbi Ismar Schorsch and Host Larry Josephson about the history, rituals and meaning of Hanukkah--and its importance in our time. Cantors David Lefkowitz and Elisheva Dienstfrey sing the music of Hanukkah. Rabbi Ismar Schorsch explains that Hanukkah is really about a Jewish civil war, a war between assimilated, Hellenized Jews and a pious band of zealots, the Maccabees. The well-known "miracle of the oil," occurs at the end of the story--after the Temple has been retaken by the Maccabees, and rededicated and cleansed. Rabbi Schorsch also talks about Hanukkah as "the Jewish Christmas." Dr. Ismar Schorsch is Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Larry Josephson is a veteran public radio host and interviewer, whose programs have been heard in New York, and nationwide for over 35 years. Glorious music of Hanukkah is sung by Cantor David Lefkowitz of The Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, and by Cantor Elisheva Dienstfrey, now of Congregation Agudas Achim in Alexandria, Virginia. Both are graduates of the Seminary. Additional music from "Voice of the Turtle" and the Zamir Chorale of Boston.
Revised, 2014.
Two Holidays and a Blizzard
From Playing on Air | Part of the Playing on Air Hour Length Episodes series | 53:00
'The Blizzard', a mystery thriller by David Ives, features Jesse Eisenberg as a snowed-in screenwriter facing unexpected guests. Ryan brings his new girlfriend home to celebrate the holiday in 'The Miracle of Chanukah.' And in our third short play, 'Christmas Breaks', a girl and a guy exchange some unexpected Christmas gifts. Lively group interviews follow each.
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- Two Holidays and a Blizzard
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- Playing on Air
The Kabbalah of Chanukah
From Russ Jennings | Part of the Days of Wonder series | 55:54
Mystical tales & teachings & Jewish sacred music from around the world.
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- The Kabbalah of Chanukah
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- Russ Jennings
The Kabbalah of Chanukah: An Inspirational Program for the Festival of Lights A jazz-virtuoso cantor and a kabbalistic psychotherapist bring their respective talents together, to provide new inspiration for Chanukah! Weaving a tapestry of tales and teachings from the Kabbalah together with sacred music from around the world, this dynamic duo reveals some of the hidden treasures of this ancient spiritual tradition. This program is being offered for Chanukah programming in 2006. (Chanukah is from after nightfall on 12/15, ending at nightfall of 12/23.)
Yiddish Radio Project Holiday Special, Hour One
From Sound Portraits | 58:59
Two self-contained hours of special programming based on the acclaimed ten-part ATC series, with a Web site filled with photos, features, background, and sound at YiddishRadioProject.org. View Hour Two here.
Two self-contained hours of special programming based on the acclaimed ten-part ATC series, with a Web site filled with photos, features, background, and sound at YiddishRadioProject.org
Portraits of Faith
From Aaron Henkin | 49:27
Nine people of nine different faiths and philosophies attempt to answer a deceptively simple question: What does it mean to you to believe?
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- Portraits of Faith
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- Aaron Henkin
This is a one-hour, talk-clock-formatted documentary special that might make a nice addition to your program schedule if you're looking for some holiday programming or just wanting something contemplative to put on your airwaves. Here in Baltimore, my friend Jason and I set out on a simple mission: We criss-crossed our city and met with nine people of nine different faiths. We asked them each a set of identical questions about what it means for them to 'believe.' We talked with an Orthodox Muslim, a Buddhist monk, a Christian minister, a Jewish cantor, an atheist, a Quaker, a United Methodist / Episcopalian, a Catholic, and a Keetowah Cherokee. They all spoke eloquently about how their beliefs give them strength and comfort, and also about how those beliefs can sometimes give way to doubt when tested. We ended up with nearly nine hours of audio, and when we finally whittled it down and cut it together into this radio special, we realized there's a pretty incredible amount of common ground beneath the religious differences that often seem to divide us. If you're interested in licensing this special, I'd be happy to custom-tailor a promo for you and help you out with whatever else you might need. Just click the 'contact me' button and send me an email.
An Open Gate
From Claire Schoen | Part of the ILLUMINATIONS: Jewish Culture in the Light of the World series | 59:01
What happens to the children when Jews and Christians marry? An Open Gate looks at this question with humor and sensitivity. Jews and Christians speak about growing up within their faith and how intermarriage has redefined their perspective. Interfaith couples grapple with the challenge of celebrating holidays as a family as they attempt to instill a sense of religion, community and holiday spirit. This program also digs deep into the historical underpinnings of these two religions, exploring Jewish fears of Christian anti-Semitism and Christian desires to share Jesus' love with people they care about.
- Playing
- An Open Gate
- From
- Claire Schoen
Claire Schoen and Helen Stolzfus - CoProducers.
What happens to the children when Jews and Christians marry? "An Open Gate" explores this question with humor and sensitivity. Jews and Christians speak about growing up within their faith and how intermarriage has redefined their perspective. Interfaith couples grapple with the challenge of celebrating holidays as a family as they attempt to instill a sense of religion, community and holiday spirit. This program also digs deep into the historical underpinnings of these two religions, exploring Jewish fears of Christian anti-Semitism and Christian desires to share Jesus' love with people they care about. As couples in this program struggle with these questions, they shed light on the broader issues we all face in trying to preserve our own culture while becoming part of the global village. (Each of the 3 shows in this series can be broadcast as stand-alone programs.)
Happy ChallaDAY!
From Camino Real Productions, LLC | 53:39
Happy ChallaDAY! An original musical comedy for Hanukkah. Book, music and lyrics by Charles Moster.
- Playing
- Happy ChallaDAY!
- From
- Camino Real Productions, LLC
Inspired by the rather odd fact that the most famous Christmas song ever written, “White Christmas,” was composed by Irving Berlin, a Jew, Charles Moster has composed this light-hearted spoof parodying the old Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie “White Christmas.” General Waverlystein, retires from the Israeli army and opens a B&B on the Red Sea. Two of his old army entertainment corps buddies, now big stars known as the Sinai Schlamazels, join forces with the Schwartz Sisters to save his business by putting on a big holiday show.
Segments (9:00-23:59)
La Nona Kanta ("The Grandmother Sings")
From Julie Subrin | 14:22
Profile of Flory Jagoda, an 83-year-old Sephardic folk singer from Sarajevo.
- Playing
- La Nona Kanta ("The Grandmother Sings")
- From
- Julie Subrin
Flory Jagoda grew up in a family of singers. Her childhood, in a mountain village outside of Sarajevo, was filled with songs, sung in Ladino - the language passed down by Jews expelled from Spain during the Inquisition - that told of the loves, lives and rituals of her community. With the horror of World War II, all that changed. She and her parents were the only survivors of the 42-member Altaras family. Since then, Jagoda, winner of a 2002 NEA National Heritage fellowship, has dedicated her professional life to composing, performing and teaching songs that preserve her memories of that lost life. Her songs, sung in Ladino, echo the Spanish and Bosnian melodies and rhythms of her past. This piece combines Jagoda's stories - told unflinchingly, and with humor and warmth - with music from her 4 recorded CDs. "La Nona Kanta" could air anytime, but might be especially appropriate during Hanukkah, as Jagoda is perhaps best known for what has now become something of a Hanukkah standard, her original composition, "Ocho Kandelikas." This piece was recorded and produced in 2007.
Schnartzenholler
From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the CBC Radio's Outfront series | 13:20
It's not Christmas. It's not Hanukkah. It's Schnartzenholler! When Emily Pearlman was a child her Jewish father and Christian mother created their own unique holiday celebration.
- Playing
- Schnartzenholler
- From
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Schnartzenholler It's not Christmas. It's not Hannukah. It's Schnartzenholler! When Emily Pearlman was a child her Jewish father and Christian mother created their own unique holiday celebration to bridge the gap and give the family something to celebrate together. As Emily and her brother grew up Schnartzenholler lost its appeal. Now, as adults, can the family revive and reinvent it? by Emily Pearlman Producer: Steve Wadhams Outfront Opening and Closing Theme available - (see Timing and Cues section for more details) SEE ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS
Cutaways (5:00-8:59)
Chanukah with Byron
From Terin Mayer | 08:54
Celebrating Chanukah in a dingy dorm lounge with an unlikely companion.
- Playing
- Chanukah with Byron
- From
- Terin Mayer
Emma Cohen finds herself working on campus during the winter holidays, living in a dingy little room in your quintessential college dorm. For a practicing, but non-beliving Jew, Chanukah is a particularly important holiday for Emma. Its about tradition and ritual. But this winter, she doesn't go home. Instead, and by complete coincidence, she spends the festival of lights with Byron White. He's a big personality on campus, the kind of guy who's friends with everybody, but that nobody really knows. This is the story of their dorm-lounge Chanukah, and how they got to know each other. Every night, after the candles were lit, there was nothing to do but talk.
Like Hanukah Oil, Endangered Ladino Language Endures Among Jews
From Rhonda J. Miller | Part of the Ladino: The Endangered Language of the Spanish Jews series | 04:56
As Jews around the world prepare to celebrate Hanukah, some in Boston are singing in Ladino, a language UNESCO rates as "severely endangered" in its 2009 Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger. Ladino has been traveling with the Jews since they were expelled from Spain in 1492.
The endangered Ladino language, also called Judeo-Spanish, is a language without a country. Ladino has been traveling with the Jews since they were expelled from Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. It has been kept alive in pockets of culture around the world, including Israel and Turkey, and some places in the U.S., such as New York, Florida and Seattle, Washington.
Some universities in Israel have established programs on Sephardic culture and the Ladino language, but in the United States, the longest-running - and many say the only consistent - Ladino instruction at a university is by Professor Gloria Ascher at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, near Boston. Ascher is Co-Chair of the Judaic Studies program at Tufts and initiated Ladino classes 10 years ago. Some students, professors and people from the community have studied up to four semesters of Ladino.
Besides Ascher, others find Ladino calling to them. Vocalist Julia Madeson has performed many styles of music, and now performs Ladino with area musicians, some of them students at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she is Coordinator of the Guitar Department.
As Hanukah approachs and Jews prepare to commemorate the miracle of oil supposed to burn for one day -but lasting eight days - the singing of Ladino songs is also a reminder of the endurance of Jewish culture, despite the Jews' often forced scattering around the globe.
Drop-Ins (2:00-4:59)
Ladino Hanukah Songs Shed Light on Endangered Language of Jews
From Rhonda J. Miller | Part of the Ladino: The Endangered Language of the Spanish Jews series | 04:24
As the candles of Hanukkah connect Jews around the world, holiday songs in Ladino shine a light on a language UNESCO rates as “severely endangered.” An increasing number of musicians in many countries are singing in this Judeo-Spanish language, which means it is no longer just your grandmother's Ladino.
The Stories of Hanukkah
From Eric Molinsky | 04:58
Hanukkah can be seen as a holiday about assimilation.
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- The Stories of Hanukkah
- From
- Eric Molinsky
Hanukkah has become the pinnacle of assimilation for American Jews. Dreidels and Menorahs hang in holiday displays alongside Christmas trees and wreaths. But the real history of Hanukkah is sometimes forgotten. The ancient war that Hanukkah celebrates was very much a civil war between religious and secular Jews. A former Orthodox Jew explains (while cooking latkes) how this 2,000 year old struggle over assimilation has affected her life.