Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, began last Thursday, Dec. 7, and is observed for eight nights and days. 

It’s traditional to light candles in a candelabrum with nine branches, called a Hanukkah menorah (chanukiah). According to the story, Judah Maccabee and his followers entered Jerusalem to liberate the Temple, which had been overrun and defiled. When all was said and done, there was only one small jar of oil to keep the Eternal Flame alight in the Temple for a single day. That tiny bit of oil lasted miraculously for eight days. The Temple was re-dedicated and Hanukkah became an eight-day festival, emphasizing the power of light in darkness.

This year, Hanukkah happens as the Israel-Hamas war continues, and thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have died since this most recent conflict began on Oct. 7. With that in mind, many Jewish congregations across the U.S. are observing Hanukkah with a greater emphasis on peace, healing and light.

Let’s mark Hanukkah with music.

For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention light, miracles or peace?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
jeremy messersmith - Miracles
Indigo Girls - Happy Joyous Hanukkah
Minus 5 - Festival of Lights (Hanukkah Song feat. Mike Mills)
Jack Black - Oh Hanukkah
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - 8 Days of Hanukkah
Yo La Tengo - Eight Candles
The Rolling Stones - Shine A Light
The Beatles - Eight Days A Week