What’s your favorite Chanukah song? “I Have a Little Dreidel?” “O Chanukah”? “Light One Candle”? Ocho Kandelikas? The one by Adam Sandler? Or the parodies by The Maccabeats?

Given the history, artistry and reflection of Jewish music on the places throughout the world in which Jews have lived and composed, Chanukah songs do not measure up to such sounds as “Kol Nidre,” “Sim Shalom,” “HaTikva,” or contemporary music such as Julie Silver, Debbie Friedman, or Josh Nelson’s music or even “V’ahavta” for that matter.

Why not?

I believe the lack of quantity and depth of Chanukah music is a reflection of the relatively minor status of Chanukah. Yes, its messages are important but have a different flavor from our story of redemption; the fight against assimilation, the impact of working together, the small against the many, bringing light to both actual and metaphoric darkness and, of course, the promise of miracles. We all also recognize that the rituals of lighting the Chanukiah, playing dreidel and eating latkes and sufganiot are lovely and low-key.

Let us not make Chanukah more than it is and yet let us make Chanukah all that it can be. Let us take the themes of Chanukah and make them our own: fight against assimilation by giving a gift or experience that deepens the recipient’s connection to, and understanding of, Judaism. Join a class or study group or social action effort or worship experience because in so doing, your experience will be deepened as will your connection be to others. The small against the many: let us realize that every single one of us can make a difference if only we have the courage of the Maccabees. Let us bring the light of the Chanukiah beyond the 8 days so that we can be a shamash, a helper. Play dreidel: allow Judaism to be fun and family-oriented and not have to include electronics and fancy things in order to capture our attention. Cook and eat latkes and sufganiot and more than that: try cooking the many Chanukah recipes coming from Jewish kitchens around the world. And yes, sing Chanukah songs that you already know and learn some new ones.

May your dreidel land on “gimmel.” Happy Chanukah!