There are plenty of Jewish queers making Hanukkah hip this year
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Hanukkah is considered a lesser Jewish holiday about celebrating the ancient victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians. The eight-day festival kicks off on Saturday, and it’s traditionally observed with rituals of lighting candles, eating potato latkes, singing songs, playing with dreidels and receiving gelt: either chocolate coins or real currency.
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To get in the spirit, some GLBT-interest menorahs are coming down the pike. Celebrated gay ceramicist Jonathan Adler (Simon Doonan’s partner) has two sacred candelabras that look way nifty. The hip-Hebrew online store Jewcy.com carries a handmade Adler menorah ($100, pictured, top right). But if you’re an Adler fan and crazy about his signature striped-pottery look, plenty of Internet retailers, like Barrif.org carry his menorah and matching vase line. Adler also makes funky needlepoint yarmulkes, $44, pictured.
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Another gay-themed menorah also emerged this year: the rainbow menorah link. Made in Israel, each curve and candleholder is a separate piece. ($275, aluminum, available at JewishMuseum.org, pictured, bottom).
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SANDRA SPIRIT
Sandra Bernhard closes out a new seasonal CD, “Breaking for the Holidays,” ($14.99, Breaking Records). Our favorite Jewish American lesbian delivers a passionate performance on “Miracle of Lights,” an original track she co-wrote with longtime collaborator Mitch Kaplan.
But Bernhard’s effort can’t outshine a gorgeous little nugget, track 3: Chaka Kahn’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Originally recorded in 1962, Chaka’s soul-
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shaking vocals could bring down the heavens this holiday season.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 15, 2006