2025 Hanukkah Videos

Happy Hanukkah everyone! It's that time of year when I share Hanukkah videos from around the world. With the tradition of pickles at Hanukkah growing each year (at least in my mind), I was curious to see if 2025 Hanukkah videos mentioned pickles or at least showed pickles in the background. Enter the dream collaboration of Monty Pickle and Kosha Dillz!

Monty Pickle has lots of wonderful Hanukkah content. Here's the dreidel song as an opera.

On to videos without talking/singing pickles. The rivalry between Six13 and Maccabeats might be at a level never seen before. They both have K-Pop Demon Hunters themed Hanukkah songs this year. 

Maccabeats include dancing pigs in their video but not a pickle?!? C'mon!

Y Studs enters the chat with a Jonas Brothers medley.

Huge credit to the Miami Boys Choir is keeping donuts on their desks without eating them.

So many a cappella groups! We need other songs and activities.

And for real little kids, there are some cartoons including one by Cocomelon.

Again, no pickles other than Monty Pickle. I challenge artists and educators to include pickles in their 2026 Hanukkah songs and videos.

April 2025 Random Ramblings

The Moose's 8th grade civics class recently did a mock trial at school. As he was describing his class to us at home, he mentioned the role of the prostitute in the case. It took a minute or two to figure out that he meant prosecutor or prosecuting. So close!

My wife makes an egg casserole with cheese, bread, and eggs. While it sounds simple, it's really good. The Moose recently asked for a piece of the carousel. Again, so close!

I'm late to this, but I started watching Cobra Kai. So much fun. So much nostalgia. My one question is how does Ralph Macchio look so young? He's 63. The first season was released in 2018 which means he was probably about 56 when the show was first made. Macchio doesn't look like he's older than 35 or 40!

I have had the same cleats for being a soccer referee for probably at least 10 years. They are slowly falling apart enough and now the stitching is coming out from the side of the right shoe. That's a nice way of writing that there's a hole in my shoe. I ordered new cleats, and they are a little tight. There's room at the toe and the heel, but it's tight around the rest of my foot. I'm trying to wear them around the house and hoping to loosen them up, but I think I may need to just give up and buy a different pair. (And wear the cleats with a hole for my next group of games and hope that they don't fall apart or that it rains.)

Six13 has a new Passover song. It's really good. 

I might be late to this, but I just watched the movie Casablanca. Really disappointed in the CGI and special effects. 

Photo by Mark Von Holden/Variety

Hanukkah 2024 Videos

It's time for my annual trip around YouTube to find some of the best videos about and celebrating Hanukkah. White the videos below are fun and/or entertaining, none of them mention the new-ish tradition of pickles during the holiday. I don't have any musical talent, so maybe next year someone will mention pickles in one of their songs.

A long-running subplot of this blog is that there must be some type of rivalry between the a cappella groups Six13 and The Maccabeats. They're like the sharks and the jets. Or Coca-Cola and Pepsi. This year, both groups took this rivalry to a whole new level by both having songs related to Wicked. 

 

There's a new (at least to me) a cappella group on the scene, Y-Studs. It's almost like they're the channel 2 news team in Anchorman. 

Since I visited Winnipeg earlier this fall, let's hear about the Hanukkah celebration in Manitoba.

How about some historical context about the holiday courtesy of Epcot.

A big deal is being made about Christmas and Hanukkah falling on the same day. This is from CBS:

Back to music. Kosha Dillz has a new Hanukkah song.

A land called Sufganiyot? Yes please!

Finally, this is just a clip of Spidey and The Thing saving Hanukkah by getting latkes back. I really want to see how this started (and if there are pickles involved). 

Happy Hanukkah to those who are celebrating. And Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating too.

Happy Rosh Hashanah 5785

It's an odd time for Rosh Hashanah. I mean, the Jewish New Year is always in the fall and the start being in October is a little later than usual, but the world is different this year. Except for three posts in October and November last year, I have not written about the Israel-Hamas war. I have not written about the protests at many college campuses across the United States or what appears to be the start of wider war between Israel and Hezbollah and Iran. I have lots of thoughts and opinions, but either I don't know how to express them here or don't really want to. (It's much more of the second option.) I don't want to write something and then get drawn into a debate about the history of the Middle East or Israeli politics. While I'm certainly thinking about what is happening in and around Israel and hope for a peaceful resolution with the release of hostages in Gaza, I want to wish those who are celebrating a Shana Tova (or Happy New Year).

Here are some maybe happier videos.

Six13 is back, all right!

 

Disposable plates are the way to go.

Here are two recipes that I will never make.

This video doesn't really have anything to do with Rosh Hashanah. It's just someone taking an hour worth of videos around Jerusalem.

This is a few years old but still funny to me.

Finally, check out this video from the amazing show Parks and Recreation. Starting around the 3:00 minute mark is the reason why.

I share this because there are hundreds of videos every year about the rapture being on Rosh Hashanah. Seems to go perfectly with the Parks and Rec video. Save yourself some time and don't search for those videos on YouTube. They'll be around next year too.

Happy Hanukkah 2022

Happy Hanukkah to those of you who are celebrating! Hanukkah started on Sunday evening and whether or not you are partaking in the annual celebration of eating latkes, donuts, and pickles, playing dreidel, and lighting the menorah, here are some videos to enjoy this year:

Giving It Up For Hanukkah is truly a viral success story. As of Saturday evening, Brothers of Song had 108 followers on Instagram, which is even less than the number of people following me on Instagram. Their YouTube channel has 8 videos with all of them under 1,000 views except for one with 69K views. Then, out of nowhere, Giving It Up For Hanukkah has over 2.7 million views in less than 2 weeks. Good for the brothers!

Six13 is back (are back?) with a Hanukkah tribute to Elton John. 

There's a fantastic Cameo video out there of the legendary Smokey Robinson wishing someone a Happy Chanooka. Kosha Dillz along with Gangstagrass created their own Hanukkah song based on the mispronouncement. 

Sure, this looks like a Best Buy commercial to get you to visit their stores but notice the menorah on the windowsill while the family opens gifts. I like how this shows diversity within the Jewish community. 

This David Ross, who does not appear to be the Chicago Cubs manager, was able to create numerous versions of himself for A Funky Chanukkah. I could be wrong, but this may be an ode to Michael Keaton and the movie Multiplicity. 

Thanks to members of the US Armed Forces for their service and also for singing this Hanukkah medley.

The Kurstin x Grohl Hanukkah sessions are back with special guest Judd Apatow.

Let's finish up with the small screen. My kids have outgrown Disney Kids, so I'm not familiar with the show Firebuds. This is their Hanukkah episode.

And there is now a Hallmark Hanukkah movie called Hanukkah on Rye featuring Ithaca College graduate Jeremy Jordan, Yael Grobglas, and Lisa Loeb. I might "Stay" and watch it.

Happy Hanukkah 2021

Hanukkah started on Sunday night, and I'm excited to share some videos to celebrate the holiday. First up, Dave Grohl and producer Greg Kurstin return for another year of their Hanukkah Sessions. 

It's nice to see A Cappella groups The Maccabeats and Six13 back with new Hanukkah songs.

I know this isn't real, but Lady Latka is a potato pancake making more potato pancakes. She's shredding her own kind! Plus, while I haven't spent much time around dogs lately, why wouldn't Blue eat her? It's food on the ground!

Nissim Black and Kosha Dillz teamed up for a new song. 

I have no idea what this is.

While I've mentioned this several times over the years, if you celebrate Hanukkah, please include pickles as part of your celebration. This is the story of how the pickles at Hanukkah tradition started, and this is the Facebook page dedicated to pickles at Hanukkah!

Finally, this is a now deleted tweet by Leeds United apparently hoping that Hanukkah lasts for 10 days instead of 8.

Happy Hanukkah 2020

I've written an annual Happy Hanukkah post for many years now with various videos of Hanukkah songs and messages. This year may be the strongest group of videos since I started this nearly a decade ago.

You know how there is regularly a "Song of the Summer?" Well, the first video, "Puppy for Hanukkah" by Daveed Diggs, is the song of Hanukkah 2020. 

The Foo Fighters, or more specifically Dave Grohl and producer Greg Kurstin, are doing the extremely cool Hanukkah Sessions featuring a song by a Jewish artist every night of Hanukkah. This is their version of "Hotline Bling" by Drake.

If I'm doing a post with Hanukkah songs, you know that The Maccabeats will be in it. This year, they take on BTS' "Dynamite."

Meanwhile' The Maccabeats' fierce rival, Six13, did a medley of Ariana Grande songs. 

But Shir Soul looks like they are here to compete with the a cappella groups. 

I've written a lot about the new tradition of eating and tasting pickles during Hanukkah. With the stage name Kosha Dillz, Rami Matan should be the spokesperson for spreading the word about this.

Speaking of pickles, My Jewish Mommy Life made a latkes bar complete with pickles!

And just for fun, let's here from the Israel Philharmonic.

Finally, South Paw, the Chicago White Sox mascot, is here to wish Griffin a Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah 2019

Happy Hanukkah everyone! If you celebrate, I hope that you're enjoying the tradition of eating pickles during the Hanukkah festivities! Here are some videos to get you into the holiday spirit.

The Maccabeats are back with their annual Hanukkah song.



We can't have a song by The Maccabeats without a song by their bitter rival, Six13.



But wait. An Israeli singer named Shefita clones herself to have her own medley.



Did you know that Alton Brown likes latkes?



Someone named DJ Raphi has a dance.



Boris Johnson says Happy Hanukkah.



Finally, I didn't know that I've been missing a Hanukkah laser show my entire life!

Happy Hanukkah 2018

Happy Hanukkah for those of you who are celebrating! 2018 marks a milestone year in the Hanukkah tradition. It’s now been 20 years that pickles have been part of Hanukkah festivities. While you likely know that latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts are regularly eaten during Hanukkah, you may not be familiar with the new-ish tradition of eating pickles too. I explained this several years ago, but eating pickles at Hanukkah started in San Diego, California in 1998. So if/when you light the candles over the next few nights, please also include pickles with your meal. Unlike fetch, this tradition of eating pickles is going to happen!

With the Queen movie coming out recently, Bohemian Rhapsody, a cappella group Six13 released a new song for Hanukkah, Bohemian Chanukah.



Not to be outdone, The Maccabeats released their own Hanukkah song, I Have a Little Dreidel.



It seems like advantage goes to Six13 this year. I’ve shared several videos from both these groups over the years, and I really wonder if they’re rivals. I just imagine them meeting on a random street one day, joined by other a cappella groups just like what happened in Anchorman.

My friend Sarah wrote a romance novella, Lighting the Flames, a few years ago. I enjoyed it! Meanwhile Pop Culture Happy Hour is one of my favorite podcasts, so it made my day seeing host Linda Holmes praising Sarah’s work. (Worlds colliding!)

This is your reminder that there are a zillion Christmas romances, but you shouldn't forget this lovely Hanukkah romance from @SmartBitches that I liked very much. https://t.co/msMd2Hnexq

— Linda Holmes (@lindaholmes) November 29, 2018

Finally, this is just a normal day on the New York City subway. I keep waiting for him to drop, but it never happens!

Happy Hanukkah 2016

Hanukkah begins on Saturday evening, so if you're doing some last minute shopping for latkes (potato pancakes) or donuts, don't forget to buy pickles too. Seriously, I'd love for my legacy to be helping pickles become part of the Hanukkah tradition. You can click here to see how the tradition of eating pickles on Hanukkah started way back in 1998 in San Diego. Please help make this happen!

Let's check out some videos to celebrate the Festival of Lights:

The Maccabeats are back with a Hamilton-themed song.



Meanwhile, Six13's Hanukkah song this year also has a Hamilton theme. The feud between these two groups must be at an all-time high!



Shir Soul Singers want into this a cappella mix and look to differentiate themselves from the others via face painting.



I honestly don't know what this is.



Tex-Mex Latkes? I'm not sold, but I'd be willing to try this if someone wants to make them and bring them over.



This guy wants you to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas together.



And this woman came up with a name to celebrate the holidays together, Chrismukkah.



Apparently, this family listened to the last two videos and is celebrating the two holidays together. Welcome to the show! (Enjoy the WWE action around the 1:20 mark.)



And finally, a Happy Hanukkah from Technion, Israel Institute of Technology.



One more finally. This is a Happy Hanukkah from Ottawa.



Happy Hanukkah to those who are celebrating!

2015 Hanukkah Guide

Hanukkah begins on Sunday evening, so I thought I would prepare a guide for everything you need to know about this year's Festival of Lights.

A Dr. Dreidel? Yes please!

The Maccabeats and Six13 are back to their dueling holiday songs again. First up, The Maccabeats with Latke Recipe based on the tune of Walk The Moon's Shut Up and Dance With Me.



And here's Six13's Watch Me (Spin/Drey-Drey) based on Silento's Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).



I asked this last year, but is there a rivalry between these two groups? I must know!

Meanwhile, Adam Sandler has the 4th version (yes, really) of The Chanukah Song.



As a reminder, don't forget to include pickles as part of your Hanukkah festivities. Pickles: A Hanukkah tradition since 1998.

I'll end with a few more videos. Some are better than others.







Happy Chanukah! However, you choose to spell it!

Uptown Passover Vs. Passover Funk

Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, what have you done? I mean sure you created an incredibly catchy and successful song Uptown Funk, but now you've inspired dueling Passover songs.

In this corner, we have Six13 with Uptown Passover featuring the line, "Don't be slavin', just nosh."



And in this corner, there's Aish with Passover Funk and the line, "Fill it up, the Four cups."



Meanwhile, The Maccabeats went old school with Dayenu.



So who is going to settle the Uptown Passover-Passover Funk debate? Let's ask The Kosher Coupon Lady.



I'm so confused. How can you use a store coupon to get free matzo if you spend $75 at an entirely different grocery store? You lost me here, Miriam.


If you celebrate, have a very Happy Passover! It hasn't even started yet, but I'm already sick of matzo.

Happy Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chattanooga!

Although the holiday completely snuck up on me this year, Hanukkah begins this evening. While you light the Menorah and eat potato latkes, don't forget to celebrate the Hanukkah tradition of pickle tasting. This tradition of eating pickles is now 16 years old! I think this counts as multiple generations!

Here are some videos to celebrate the holiday:

Six13 - Chanukah (Shake It Off)



There are way too many Hanukkah songs based on Taylor Swift lyrics this year (though this one is probably the best).

Maccabeats - All About That Neis



Is there some type of rivalry between Six13 and the Maccabeats? I envision this like the Hatfields-McCoys or the Sharks-Jets.

Hanukkah Song Mashup - Dance Spectacular! - Elliot Dvorin | Key Tov Orchestra



Finally, these are kittens celebrating.



Happy Hanukah, Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chanukkah!