Best Christmas Songs – 8 Days of Hanukkah

Well, Day 13 of my 25 Days of Christmas Songs (Yes I know I’m a day behind), in which I count down what I think are the best Christmas songs, has to take a brief detour. The first day of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Eve this year so I thought I’d go with a Hanukkah song today.

Now Hanukkah isn’t known for its songs. In fact, none of the Jewish holidays are known for catchy songs. So the pickings are pretty slim. But I found one that I think is great.

8 Days of Hanukkah – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

Before I get to the song, let me say how sad I was when I learned that Sharon Jones passed away in November. She was only 60. She left us far too soon but her music and spirit remain.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings will be showing up later in my list but today they make their first appearance with the soulful song “8 Days of Hanukkah.” It’s pretty hard to come up with a good song about driedels and latkes but Sharon has done pretty well. I think my favorite lyrics is –

“Day 5, I like it more than Pesach, Let’s leave the Manischewitz on the shelf.”

True story.

So get out there, get your Hanukkah game face on, and stuff yourself with brisket while listening to probably the only good song about Hanukkah.