Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, began last Sunday, Dec. 14, and is observed for eight nights and days.

It’s traditional to light candles in a candelabrum with nine branches, called a Hanukkah menorah (chanukiah). According to the story, Judah Maccabee and his followers entered Jerusalem to liberate the Temple, which had been overrun and defiled.

When all was said and done, there was only one small jar of oil to keep the Eternal Flame alight in the Temple for a single day. That tiny bit of oil lasted miraculously for eight days. The Temple was re-dedicated, and Hanukkah became an eight-day festival, emphasizing the power of light in darkness.

Let’s create a playlist full of songs that celebrate the Festival of Lights.

So, for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs that celebrate Hanukkah would you like to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Indigo Girls- Happy Joyous Hanukkah
The Smiths- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
The New Standards- Miracles
Bela Fleck and The Flecktones- The Hanukkah Waltz
Jack Black- Oh Hanukkah
Loudon Wainwright III- Eight Nights A Week
Beirut- A Candle's Fire
Bob Mould- See A Little Light