IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 12, 2023)

Welcome back to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! This week we are celebrating along with our Jewish friends the holiday of Hanukkah. Settle in now with your favorite beverage and a comfy blanket; we are about to begin.

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, delicious fried foods, dreidels and chocolate coins; the Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.”

In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah (commandment) observance and belief in God. Against all odds, a small band of faithful (but poorly armed) Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, rededicating it to the service of God.

When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. To commemorate these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah.

At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (“attendant”), which is used to kindle the other eight lights. On the first night, just one flame is lit. On the second night, an additional flame is lit. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight lights are kindled.

Very special thanks to my friend David ben Alexander (The Skeptic’s Kaddish) for lending a helping hand in selecting today’s videos. David, you made my “job” immeasurably easier!
חנוכה שמח! תודה לך חברי היקר

The stage has now been set; let the music begin!

“I Have a Little Dreidel” (“The Dreidel Song”) is a playful song that is often sung during Hanukkah. It celebrates the spinning of the dreidel, a traditional Hanukkah game, and is a catchy tune that children and adults enjoy.

“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah”: This song is a cheerful and lively song that celebrates the holiday and its traditions. It is often sung as a part of Hanukkah celebrations and is known for its festive spirit.

“Ma’oz Tzur” (מָעוֹז צוּר): Also known as “Rock of Ages,” this traditional Hebrew song is typically sung during Hanukkah to praise and thank God for delivering the Jewish people from their enemies. The song has several verses and is often sung with great emotion and devotion.

“Haneirot Halalu” (הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ) is a Hebrew song recited or sung after the Hanukkah candles are lit. It expresses gratitude and joy for the miracle of Hanukkah and the opportunity to kindle the lights. It is a short, simple, and beautiful melody that is often part of the Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony.

Thank you, David! Now for two videos of my own because you can never have enough holiday music!

This is “Happy Hanukkah” by Matisyahu

Live from the Levon Helm Studios, this is Woodie Guthrie with “Happy Joyous Hanukkah”.

Wishing all my friends who observe Hanukkah a most blessed, peaceful and happy celebration!

I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Sounds Of The Season. Please join me again next week as we continue this holiday edition of In The Groove.

Happy Hanukkah! 🕎

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023