Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah: The Illustrated Classic Song adapted by Shari Eskenas; lyrics by Mordkhe Rivesman; (c) 2026; Sundae Books; ISBN 9798998-158611.
By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
The first thing a reader notices is how much the author’s concept of Hanukkah resembles Christmas. It’s as if hanukkiahs, dreidels, and Jewish stars hare replaced Santa Clauses, creches, and peppermint sticks as symbols of the winter holidays.
There also is a bit of cultural appropriation in this book. A string of blue and white lights outline the roof of a house, which has a Hanukkah wreath on its door. The adorable family who live inside, including two dogs and three children, wear sweaters embroidered with magen Davids (six-pointed Jewish stars), dreidels, and hanukkiyot (Hanukkah menorahs). The same miniaturized symbols are strung against interior walls.
But the illustrations of the lyrics by Mordkhe Rivesman are true to Jewish tradition. “Let’s have a party; We’ll all dance the hora!” is pictured with gift-bearing guests arriving at the front door and in the next double-page spread dancing in a circle around the two besweatered dogs. The two adult guests are dressed in blue and white (or light blue) clothes without Hanukkah symbols. Their elementary school-aged daughter in contrast wears a Hanukkah-themed party dress.
“Dreidels to play with and latkes to eat.” The four children play with dreidels bearing the Hebrew letters Shin, Hey, Gimmel, and Nun. After being spun, the dreidels fall besides individual stacks of gold-foil wrapped chocolate gelt. The next double page spread shows grandma and two children eating latkes, the youngest of the trio stuffing her mouth with a potato pancake, while grandma and grandson use forks. Toppings include individual bowls of applesauce and sour cream. A side dish includes sliced pickles, presumably kosher dill.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.