Family’s Parisian Train Journey Inspires Original Hanukkah Song
A family’s recent trip to Paris sparked a creative endeavor: the composition of a unique Hanukkah song, born from a need to entertain during a long train ride. The heartwarming story highlights the power of family, tradition, and a little bit of musical ingenuity.
A long train journey with family can present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to keeping everyone entertained. One traveler recounted the struggle to find activities that would appeal to all ages, noting, “After all the provisions had been eaten, all the games had been played and no one was in the mood to read, I had to come up with something new.” Rejecting the option of a babysitter, the traveler found inspiration in an unexpected place: the upcoming celebration of Hanukkah.
The idea, initially described as “brilliant,” involved crafting original lyrics to the tune of “Jingle Bells.” This sparked a collaborative brainstorming session within the train compartment, as family members contributed elements central to the Jewish festival. The discussion quickly encompassed key symbols and traditions, including oil, candles, the significance of the number eight, sufganiot (jelly-filled doughnuts), gifts, miracles, the traditional hymn Maoz Zur, latkes (potato pancakes), light, the dreidel, the story of the Maccabees, and the holiday itself – Hanukkah.
The lyrics took shape during the train’s approach to Gare de Lyon in Paris. The author emphasized the importance of attention to detail, stating, “Even in a self-made song, syllables, rhyme and rhythm should not be underestimated, after all you want to create something beautiful.”
The completed song accompanied the family as they explored Paris, from the Seine river to Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Eiffel Tower. The traveler playfully anticipated the song’s potential success, joking that it would take “over two weeks” to reach the charts – a timeframe coinciding with the start of Hanukkah. A visit to Rue des Rosiers, a historic Jewish quarter, provided the perfect opportunity to gather “Hanukkah blingbling” in anticipation of the holiday.
The traveler envisions a joyful Hanukkah celebration filled with light, gifts, and cherished family moments. “So on Sunday everything will shine for us: from Hanukkah, when its first light shines, to the delighted children’s faces when they are allowed to open their presents, to the grandpas who will bite into jam-filled Berliners with abandon,” they shared. The author plans to internally sing their creation instead of the traditional “Maoz Zur” during the festivities.
While the official release of the song remains uncertain, a snippet offers a glimpse into its cheerful spirit: “The time has come / It’s Hanukkah time / We’re eating Berliners and thinking about the miracle…” The author encourages others to embrace their own creativity, offering “Much inspiration and Hanukkah Sameach!”
