Contemporary Hanukkah Songs for Your Playlist

The Chanukah Song — Adam Sandler (1994)

Adam Sandler first performed “The Chanukah Song” on Saturday Night Live in 1994. He wrote the song, as the lyrics say, “for all those nice little Jewish kids who don’t get to hear any Chanukah songs.” Sandler recognizes celebrities Jewish and non-Jewish alike. “The Chanukah Song” was an instant hit, and three subsequent versions have been produced since then.

Candlelight Hanukkah (Taio Cruz) — The Maccabeats (2010)

The Maccabeats, a Yeshiva University a cappella group, exploded onto the Hanukkah music scene in 2010 with their hit song and video “Candlelight,” a cover of Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” and a parody of Mike Tompkin’s a cappella video of “Dynamite.” The Maccabeats performed their song at the White House and were featured on many national morning shows.

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Hanukkah Recipes, Stories and Lessons

Haneirot Halalu — Six13 (2012)

Six13 is another a cappella group that has made the TV rounds and performed at the White House. One of their early Hanukkah songs, “Haneirot Halalu,” includes fans singing in the music video.

Fans of The Maccabeats and Six13 now eagerly await the release of their new Hanukkah songs and videos each year.

Eight Nights – Hanukkah Mashup – StandFour (2012)

In 2012, four members of The Maccabeats formed the group StandFour and released “Eight Nights – Hanukkah Mashup,” which includes covers of songs by Fun, Ke$ha and One Direction.

Light Up the Night — Fountainheads (2011)

“Light Up the Night” is the follow-up to the popular Rosh Hashana song “Dip Your Apple” by the Israeli group Fountainheads, a student group from the Ein Prat Academy for Leadership.

Happy Hanukkah — Matisyahu (2012)

Matisyahu released his reggae-style “Happy Hanukkah” in 2012, with proceeds going to the Jewish Federation of North America’s Hurricane Sandy relief charity.

 Click here for Moment’s Hanukkah Guide with more

Hanukkah Recipes, Stories and Lessons