The video "Six13 - West Side Chanukah Story" by the a cappella group Six13 is a festive parody that intertwines the Chanukah story and its associated traditions with the timeless music of West Side Story.
This award-winning Broadway musical, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, features a score by Leonard Bernstein, a libretto by Arthur Laurents, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. As a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story provides a dynamic backdrop for this creative Chanukah narrative.
The video’s production, including its lyrics and choreography, is supported by the Manhattan Jewish Experience. This organization seeks to connect young Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s with their Jewish heritage and the greater young adult Jewish community through Shabbat gatherings, holiday festivities, retreats, and trips to Israel.
Songs include:
1. "On Chanukah" (to the tune of "America"), highlighting Chanukah traditions like candle lighting, eating latkes and sufganiyot, spinning dreidels, and cherishing time with loved ones.
2. "Menorah" (to the tune of "Maria"), serving as a heartfelt tribute to the menorah, capturing the joy of lighting candles, highlighting the theme of freedom, and commemorating the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
3. "Gee, King Antiochus" (to the tune of "Gee, Officer Krupke"), offering a reflection on the Maccabees' triumph over King Antiochus and the Greek Empire, addressing themes of resistance to assimilation and idolatry.
4. "Eight Nights" (to the tune of "Tonight"), expressing gratitude for not only the miracle of Chanukah but miracles down through the ages and the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history.
