Put on your yarmulka, it's time for Chanukah!

Have you seen Adam Sandler’s updated version of his Chanukah Song?

I like it!  So do the more than 1.2 million people who watched it on Youtube.  Sandler, in his inimitably crazy way, lists all sorts of celebrities who are Jewish (or partially Jewish), while listing some Jews who have shaped our world: no polio thanks to Jonas Salk; Google’s founders are Jewish.

The song is on ode to Jewish relevance and influence.  While it is not an example of deep Jewish learning or serious commitment, the song captures how much Jews have accomplished and can instill a little Jewish pride in those not as Jewishly engaged. 

The very fact that such a song is so popular is proof of Judaism’s historic and continued influence.  Think about how large a role Judaism plays in pop culture.  Whether it be film, music, or late night television, Judaism is relevant.

Here’s my latest favorite.  Watch James Corden work behind the counter at a Kosher supermarket.

It’s funny stuff, but also very relevant and timely.

Chanukah is all about the survival, continuity, and relevance of Judaism throughout the ages.  There is no logical or numeric reason for Jews to have such an influence.  We just do.

For me, Chanukah is about reminding ourselves and our children and the whole wide world that Judaism is relevant and has the capacity to improve - light up - our world.

The laws and traditions of Chanukah provide the foundation for a holiday incredibly filled with this message of relevance.  Sometimes, however, a little humor or pop culture gives the tradition a little push. This is why Sandler’s Chanukah Song is so timely.

Chanukah’s relevance is why it is a holiday that we cannot keep to ourselves.  We MUST spread the message. 

We light the candles in the window where they can be seen.  But that is not enough.  We need to be more active than putting the lights in the window.  We need to reach out.

We need to “go big.”

That’s why each year we host a Chanukah in the Park and light a giant Menorah.

We can also “go small.”

On Chanukah, it is so easy to reach out to others.  All it takes is a menorah, and you can create a “Home of Light.”  Each year, my family invites neighbors from our building to join us for one night of Chanukah.  We light the menorah, sing a little, and, of course, serve Chanukah treats.  (Here are pictures from last year.)

It is just too easy to share Chanukah.  Everyone needs to try it.

I hope you have an illuminating and enlightening Festival of Lights.  Celebrate it with family and friends – and celebrate it beyond the walls of your home in ways both big and small. 

And, in the immortal words of Adam Sandler, “If you really, really wannaka, have a happy, happy, happy, happy, Chanukah!”