All Manner of Merry Things: Hanukkah in the ‘20s
Ever wonder what Hanukkah in the Gershwins’ world was like? Turns out it was only just coming into its own as the celebratory holiday we know today. Let’s take a peek at this well-loved festival’s face in the 1920s…
By Cassidy Goldblatt
Prior to the ‘20s, Hanukkah as celebrated by America’s Jewish population was a rather humble holiday, centered around lighting the menorah candles in commemoration of the 2nd-century BC Maccabean Revolt and the Temple’s subsequent purification. But the 1920s saw the rise of new opinions about tradition and religious devotion. Victor Emanuel Reichert quoted a rabbi in 1927 speaking on “the new currents of life,” claiming that “[w]e [Jews] too will change… An astonishing array of painters and poets have recently arisen in Israel. Beauty in all its forms has captured the soul of our youth.” This rabbi declared that the new generation would “reclothe Judaism in the garb of beauty,” fitting Jewish holidays (including Hanukkah and Purim) with a renewed life and beauty inspired by truth. In similar vein, Rabbi Jacob Singer argued in 1923 that music was a powerful element of expressing religious devotion and should be embraced in various settings. An appreciation for art and the celebration of culture seemed to be spreading amongst the now somewhat-settled Jewish population of the United States.
It is in this context that Hanukkah—also somewhat inspired by the Americans’ lavish, festive Christmas traditions—began to blossom as a Jewish holiday, evolving into a full-fledged celebration ornamented with plays, music, and gift-giving. In 1920, a group of Jewish children from Arizona produced a highly successful play recounting the Hanukkah story in the context of a modern home. Around the same time, a Jewish temple in Cincinnati held Hanukkah celebrations for its attendees in the form of a play and music performed by kindergarteners. 1928 saw the National Federation of Temple Brotherhood sponsor mass Hanukkah dinners, attended by 1500+ persons in New York City and 434 in Chicago. Perhaps most heartwarmingly, Mrs. Harry Prenzlauer established a 25-year-long (and counting) Detroit tradition of hosting a Hanukkah party for 600 Jewish orphans, entertaining them with films, live music performances, and a hand-picked gift for each child fulfilling his particular wish as ascertained through prior interviews.
Although the Gershwin brothers may not have recorded memories of their holiday celebrations at home, we know that their world was one in which the concepts of custom, tradition, and joyous celebration were valued. So as you sing and make merry this year—and especially if you’re lighting the menorah and chorusing “Maoz Tzur” tomorrow evening—thank your ancestors of the 1920s for establishing traditions which have carried on an entire century.
Very best wishes for lovely holidays and a brilliant New Year from all at the Gershwin Initiative!
FURTHER READING:
“Dr. John Malick to Address Reading Road Round Table.” The American Israelite (1874–2000), 7 Dec. 1928. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The American Israelite, p. 8.
Feldberg, Michael. “How Christmas Transformed Hanukkah in America.” My Jewish Learning. American Jewish Historical Society. Web.
“Gifts Gratify Orphan Wishes.” The Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 1927. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Detroit Free Press, p. 4.
“Hebrew Children to Present Play.” Arizona Republican (1890–1922), 11 Dec. 1920. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Arizona Republican, p. 10.
“History: The Hanukkah Story.” Reform Judiaism.org.
“Jewish Holiday Ended with Play.” Arizona Republican (1890–1922), 14 Dec. 1920. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Arizona Republican, p. A3.
“More Than 1500 Present at Brotherhood Dinners.” The American Israelite (1874–2000), 21 Dec. 1928. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The American Israelite, p. 3.
Reichert, Victor Emanuel. “From the Rocking Chair: The Reaction against Liberalism.” The American Israelite (1874–2000), 10 Nov. 1927. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The American Israelite, p. 5.
Singer, Jacob. Jewish Advocate (1909–1990), 2 Aug. 1923. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Jewish Advocate, p. 10.
