While Adam Sandler and Woody Guthrie ventured into writing Hanukkah songs, they don’t hold a candle to another singer-songwriter. It was American musician, satirist and mathematician Tom Lehrer who arguably wrote and performed the holiday’s best American-based tune.
While Mr. Sandler’s Hanukkah tune is quite funny, there is no dreydeling around on this choice. Mr. Lehrer’s timeless humor takes him over the top.
His song is also rich with the American experience. Like the great Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” Mr. Lehrer’s song ventures across the United States. He surveys the nation for the best place to celebrate Hanukkah. Of course, for reasons in the song, he chose Santa Monica.
This year, unfortunately, Mr. Lehrer passed at the ripe old age of 97. As such, “Hanukkah in Santa Monica” will never be quite the same.
So, it is the opportune moment to appreciate his artistic effort.
Be well!!
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