And here we are at #5. I know it’s not Chanukah yet, but I thought I’d throw this one in here right now.
Yes, it’s Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler.
Seriously, I don’t know how it happened, but this became the popular anthem of Chanukah for non-Jews. Like, it’s the only Chanukah song we non-Jews know, aside from Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel.
And it’s awful.
If you haven’t heard it, please don’t click on the above link. Actually, don’t click on the above link anyway. I don’t even know why I put it there. I guess I felt obligated to include the actual song somewhere.
Basically what it is, is Adam Sandler (who is Jewish) lists names of celebrities who are also Jewish and thus celebrating Chanukah. With the clever and catchy refrain, “Put on your yarmulke, it’s time for Chanukah.” It’s full of funny and up-to-date jokes, like a line about OJ Simpson (not a Jew, and also it’s not the 1990s anymore). And also Adam Sandler is a comedian, not a singer, so his singing is like Bob Dylan except that Bob Dylan was actually, like, talented and could sing in his own special way. So basically nothing like Bob Dylan. And not only is Adam Sandler a bad singer, he’s also a bad comedian. It’s the worst of all worlds.
I actually vastly prefer this fun cover by the Maccabeats, and wish it could become the official Chanukah song. Plus it’s a cool video.
Adam Sandler has updated his “Chanukah Song” at least three times since the original, including such celebs as Courtney Love and Lenny Kravitz and of course a whole bunch of others. In its various versions, it still remains the favorite song of my seventh graders who take pride in the naming of the Jewish celebrities. Adam Sandler is a major reason why my students today (and for the past ten years) say that among their peers being Jewish is considered “cool.”
Oh THANK GOODNESS this song has a purpose in life! So glad it helps young boys celebrate their heritage! And for the adults, the Neil Diamond version my friend pointed out is quite wonderful. It’s Adam Sandler I dislike! 🙂
Neil Diamond does a pretty awesome cover of the Chanukah Song if it’s the Adam Sandler element that is most annoying for you. With so few Chanukah songs around I can’t really turn my nose up at any of them. My son loves the Maccabeats song because every kid in elementary school is hyper familiar with song the music is taken from and it’s very danceable.
OMG, the Neil Diamond version is like a hundred gazillion times better than Adam Sandler!! Maybe it IS just Sandler who annoys the crap out of me. And hey, isn’t it about time for you to win the Ugliest Menorah contest?
Lol, the ugly menorah is out and ready to frighten any house guests I have. We also inherited the second ugliest menorah in the world this year so I am prepared in case anything every happens to the ugliest menorah in the world.
I adore the Maccabeats! I discovered that song last year, and I’ll bet that I listened to it at least 5 times a day for a good month. I hadn’t watched it yet this year, so thanks for the reminder.
I have to agree that the Chanuka Song is old and tired (but doesn’t need updating, Adam, thank you!). However! Adam can sing. My husband was playing his version of Werewolves of London in the car for a few months before I realized it wasn’t Warren Zevon. Then it took me a while longer to believe that it was Adam Sandler. Here it is on YouTube.
My Year With The Mouse 
Adam Sandler has updated his “Chanukah Song” at least three times since the original, including such celebs as Courtney Love and Lenny Kravitz and of course a whole bunch of others. In its various versions, it still remains the favorite song of my seventh graders who take pride in the naming of the Jewish celebrities. Adam Sandler is a major reason why my students today (and for the past ten years) say that among their peers being Jewish is considered “cool.”
Oh THANK GOODNESS this song has a purpose in life! So glad it helps young boys celebrate their heritage! And for the adults, the Neil Diamond version my friend pointed out is quite wonderful. It’s Adam Sandler I dislike! 🙂
Neil Diamond does a pretty awesome cover of the Chanukah Song if it’s the Adam Sandler element that is most annoying for you. With so few Chanukah songs around I can’t really turn my nose up at any of them. My son loves the Maccabeats song because every kid in elementary school is hyper familiar with song the music is taken from and it’s very danceable.
OMG, the Neil Diamond version is like a hundred gazillion times better than Adam Sandler!! Maybe it IS just Sandler who annoys the crap out of me. And hey, isn’t it about time for you to win the Ugliest Menorah contest?
Lol, the ugly menorah is out and ready to frighten any house guests I have. We also inherited the second ugliest menorah in the world this year so I am prepared in case anything every happens to the ugliest menorah in the world.
One of these days I’m going to send you an attractive menorah!
I adore the Maccabeats! I discovered that song last year, and I’ll bet that I listened to it at least 5 times a day for a good month. I hadn’t watched it yet this year, so thanks for the reminder.
Now I’ve seen the other video, and it’s awesome! Thanks for passing on the smiles.
I have to agree that the Chanuka Song is old and tired (but doesn’t need updating, Adam, thank you!). However! Adam can sing. My husband was playing his version of Werewolves of London in the car for a few months before I realized it wasn’t Warren Zevon. Then it took me a while longer to believe that it was Adam Sandler. Here it is on YouTube.
Hi there,
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Thanks,
Jonathan
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