Hava Nagila

“Hava Nagila” (“Let us rejoice”) is an Israeli folk song traditionally sung at Jewish celebrations. While not specifically a Hanukkah song, it is frequently heard at Hanukkah celebrations.

This is an instrumental, surf-rock arrangement that seems to suit the song very well.

Rock of Ages

“Rock of Ages” (“Ma’oz Tzur”) is a Jewish liturgical poem. It is written in Hebrew, and is usually sung on the holiday of Hanukkah, after lighting the festival lights. Its six stanzas correspond to five events of Jewish history and a hope for the future. Of its six stanzas, often only the first stanza is sung (or the first and fifth), as this is what directly pertains to Hanukkah. “Ma’oz Tzur” was written sometime in the 13th century.

I have given it a instrumental setting in the style of the Shadows.

Mi Y’malel

“Mi Y’malel” (“Who can retell?”) is a popular Hanukkah song. The opening line, which literally means “Who can retell the mighty feats of Israel,” is a secular rewording of Psalms 106:2, which reads “Who can retell the mighty feats of God.”

I have given it a surf-rock instrumental setting with a prominent baritone guitar.

S’vivon

S’vivon is a popular Hebrew Hanukkah song, “Sevivon” or “S’vivon” is Hebrew for “dreidel”, where dreidel is the Yiddish word for a spinning top. “S’vivon,” is very popular in Israel and by others familiar with the Hebrew language.

I have given it a surf-rock instrumental setting.

The Dreidel Song

“I Have a Little Dreidel” (also known as the “Dreidel Song”) is a very famous song in the English speaking world for Hanukkah, which also has a Yiddish version. The Yiddish version is “Ikh Bin A Kleyner Dreydl”. The English version of the song is associated with the festival of Hanukkah, and is known by many Jews and non-Jews alike. The lyrics of the song are simple and about making a dreidel and playing with it.

I have given it a surf-rock instrumental setting with a bit of drum solo.

Sixties Xmas Playlists

For Christmas, here is a playlist for my 60’s style, instrumental Christmas music tracks.

I wish a very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it, as well as a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year.

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends and relatives. To help you celebrate, here is my surf-rock arrangement of “Oh Hanukkah”. I confess I am borrowing a page here from Meshugga Beach Party by arranging this familiar holiday song as if done by the Ventures. It’s still fun.