Happy Chanukkill!

The sun is down and Chanukkah is here! Since I often celebrate Christmas here with collections of oddball links related to the holiday, it’s only fair for me to do the same with the Festival of Lights.

Let’s start things off with a book I’ve been meaning to cover here for ages: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel. Not only is the protagonist loosely based on an actual historical figure, but you can find the script for the stage adaptation online as well! But I recommend tracking down a copy of the original book, both for the full story and for the wonderful illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman.

Although Gary Shapiro’s song “Bubbe’s Dybbuk Polka” is not available for free download, ReverbNation does let you stream it for free. The term “Dybbuk” might sound familiar if you saw The Possession and you can learn more about this evil spirit from Jewish mythology by reading the Wikipedia entry for “Dybbuk box.”

Teleport City has an amazing article about the legendary Golem up which blows away my old article on the subject.

Did you know there is a deli with a painting of a giant monster on it? The Temple Delicatessen in Cincinnati is famous for its mural of “Kosherilla” the giant gorilla. You can learn more about the it at Urban Walls and see more pictures here.

While we’re on the subject of Jewish events, Purim is often referred to as “Jewish Halloween” due to the tradition of dressing in costume and even werewolves can enjoy Bar Mitzvahs.

Happy Chanukkah!