The Maccabees and the Pilgrims: A Thanksgivukah Ditty

So, for weeks I've been watching, somewhat amused, as the conflation of calenders bringing together Hanukkah and Thanksgiving has caused much giddiness and kitschy marketing throughout the Jewish world. Thanksgivukah (one “k” or two?) won't occur for another 70,000 years.  Even by Jewish standards that's a really long time. The possibilities finally struck home when a friend shared her dilemma: she is anxious to put up large, inflatable Thanksgivukah lawn decorations soon as possible. Her husband, would prefer they wait.  As she shared her deep desire to see Maccabees and Pilgrims, the Turkeys and Menorahs, the Cornucopias and the Dreidles should be displayed together for the maximum time, the "A-HA!" moment arrived. In that instant, my friends words morphed into a parody of Dar Williams' classic song, "The Pagans and the Christians" and the irresistibility of the possibility just plumb overwhelmed me. While Views From Outside the Box usually seeks to address significant conversations, there is also a time and place for some occasional whimsy. With no further ado, I share with you the first, and perhaps only, Thanksgivukah table song:

The Maccabees and Pilgrims

By David Greenspoon

(With thanks to Janet Hod for the inspiration, and deep apologies to the amazing Dar Williams)

Judah called up Myles and said “We down here for the holiday,

Hanukah is coming up we need a place to stay.”

And his blue-blood WASP buddy was raised to be polite,

And couldn’t leave his friends out in the cold dark night.

He said “We’re having Thanksgiving, and turkey is a kosher bird.”

And Judah said “I’ll bring some gelt and make sure that it’s pareve.”

So the Maccabees and the Pilgrims sat together at the table,

Enjoying their Thanksgivukkah the best that they were able.

And this crazy mashup won’t happen for another 70,000 years

Turkeys and Menorahs, Cornucopias and Dreidles!

The food was great and the hanukiyah alit, the meal was a big hit;

Until Buffy turned to Hannah and asked “Why can’t we serve some milk?”

Myles jumped up and said “Oh goodness!” while Judah said “Gevalt!

She doesn’t know from kosher; she’s a pilgrim, it’s not her fault!”

So the Maccabees and the Pilgrims sat together at the table,

Enjoying their Thanksgivukkah the best that they were able.

And this crazy mashup won’t happen for another 70,000 years

Turkeys and Menorahs, Cornucopias and Dreidles!

Sweet potato latkes appeared with organic applesauce,

And then a wondrous miracle when three pans of stuffing turned into kreplach.

At desert, sufaniyot filled with pumpkin made everybody smile,

And all agreed that the fried stuff was going to be felt for a while.

So the Maccabees and the Pilgrims sat together at the table,

Enjoying their Thanksgivukkah the best that they were able.

And this crazy mashup won’t happen for another 70,000 years

Turkeys and Menorahs, Cornucopias and Dreidles!