The Ultimate List: 4 Versions, 50+ Stars, And The Enduring Legacy Of Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song In 2025
As the 2025 Hanukkah season approaches, the question of whether Adam Sandler will finally release a long-awaited "Part 5" of his iconic holiday anthem is once again on the minds of fans. Since its debut on Saturday Night Live over 30 years ago, "The Chanukah Song" has transcended novelty status to become an indispensable staple of Jewish-American culture, providing much-needed representation during a time dominated by Christmas carols.
The song, first performed in December 1994, was a watershed moment for many Jewish kids who felt excluded from the mainstream holiday narrative. It’s a comedic masterpiece that has evolved through four distinct versions, each one a time capsule of pop culture, name-dropping a sprawling list of celebrities who are either Jewish or have a connection to the faith. This is the complete, updated look at the song's history, its cultural impact, and the massive roster of stars it immortalized.
The Adam Sandler Biography and The Song’s Origin Story
Adam Sandler, born on September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and film producer. He was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, after his family moved there when he was six.
- Full Name: Adam Richard Sandler
- Born: September 9, 1966 (Age 59 as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Education: New York University (BFA, 1988)
- Spouse: Jackie Sandler (m. 2003)
- Children: Sadie and Sunny Sandler
- Career Highlights: Cast member on Saturday Night Live (1990–1995), founder of Happy Madison Productions, star of films like Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and critically acclaimed roles in Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems.
- The Song's Debut: "The Chanukah Song" (Part 1) was first performed on SNL's "Weekend Update" on December 3, 1994, co-written with SNL writers Lewis Morton and Ian Maxtone-Graham.
- Album Release: The original song was released on his 1995 comedy album, What The Hell Happened To Me?
The song was born out of a simple need for representation. Sandler noticed the lack of Hanukkah-themed holiday songs and sought to create a funny, celebratory anthem for Jewish people, especially children, to enjoy alongside their non-Jewish friends' Christmas traditions.
The Cultural Phenomenon: Why The Song Endures (30 Years Later)
The song’s longevity and cultural impact cannot be overstated. After three decades, it remains the most popular and recognizable modern Hanukkah song, defining the holiday for a generation of American Jews.
For many, "The Chanukah Song" was the first mainstream acknowledgment of Jewish identity during the holiday season that wasn't overly serious or historical. It normalized Jewish celebrities and figures in a fun, lighthearted way, creating an instant sense of community and pride. Its success led to three official sequels, each released years apart, keeping the tradition fresh.
The song is so ingrained in the culture that a seminar on American Jewish culture at the University of London in 2004 actually included a discussion of its international influence.
In the lead-up to the 2025 season, the song’s legacy is being celebrated through various events, including a "MusicTalks presents Adam Sandler's Chanukkah Song + Music of Saturday Night Live Extravaganza" scheduled for December 2025 in New York, proving its continued relevance.
The Latest Update: The Search for Part 5
The latest official version, "The Chanukah Song Part 4," debuted in 2016 at a New York Comedy Festival event, introducing a new roster of modern stars. Since then, there has been no official "Part 5" from Sandler, despite continuous fan speculation, especially as the 30th anniversary (1994-2024) recently passed. One fan-made "Part 5" for the 2025 season has even gained traction online, highlighting the demand for a new official update.
In recent interviews, Sandler has reflected on the song's impact, mentioning that he has shown his own daughters the spot in New York where he first wrote it, a testament to its personal and professional importance.
A Complete Roster: The 50+ Celebrities of The Chanukah Song Universe
The core genius of "The Chanukah Song" lies in its ever-expanding list of Jewish and Jewish-adjacent celebrities. Across the four official versions, Sandler has named over 50 different figures, creating a definitive, humorous pop-culture census of Jewish identity. This comprehensive list is the topical authority of the song's legacy:
The Chanukah Song (Part 1) - 1994
The original anthem, which appeared on SNL, established the song's iconic structure, mentioning 21 celebrities in its debut.
- Paul Newman (half-Jewish)
- Goldie Hawn (Jewish)
- Captain Kirk (William Shatner - Jewish)
- Spock (Leonard Nimoy - Jewish)
- The Three Stooges (all Jewish)
- Larry Fine
- Moe Howard
- Curly Howard
- Dinah Shore (Jewish)
- James Caan (Jewish)
- Kirk Douglas (Jewish)
- Harrison Ford (half-Jewish)
- Mel Brooks (Jewish)
- Aretha Franklin (not Jewish, for comedic contrast)
- Rod Carew (not Jewish, but daughters are)
- Ann Landers (Jewish)
- Dear Abby (Jewish)
- OJ Simpson (not Jewish, for comedic contrast)
- Don Rickles (Jewish)
- Bob Dylan (Jewish)
The Chanukah Song (Part 2) - 1999
Part 2, which debuted on Sandler's album Stan and Judy's Kid, expanded the list with a focus on fashion and film.
- Winona Ryder (whose father is Jewish)
- Ralph Lauren (Jewish)
- Calvin Klein (Jewish)
- Louise Post (Jewish, from the band Veruca Salt)
- Dustin Hoffman (Jewish)
- Garry Shandling (Jewish)
- Jon Bon Jovi (not Jewish, for comedic contrast)
- Phoebe Cates (Jewish)
- David Lee Roth (Jewish)
- Shia LaBeouf (Jewish mother)
The Chanukah Song (Part 3) - 2002
Part 3 was performed on SNL and featured a mix of classic TV stars and contemporary figures, including some from the cast of Friends.
- Ross and Phoebe from Friends (David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow - both Jewish)
- Melissa Gilbert (Jewish)
- Michael Landon (Jewish)
- Ben Stiller (Jewish)
- Jack Black (Jewish)
- Tom Cruise (not Jewish, for comedic contrast)
- Natalie Portman (Jewish)
- Jake Gyllenhaal (Jewish mother)
- Adam Levine (Jewish, from Maroon 5)
The Chanukah Song (Part 4) - 2016
The most recent official update, debuted at the New York Comedy Festival, brought the list into the modern era, including a major hip-hop star and a beloved fantasy actor.
- Drake (Jewish mother)
- Daniel Radcliffe (Jewish mother, aka Harry Potter)
- Ben and Jerry (Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield - both Jewish)
- Ron Jeremy (Jewish, mentioned for comedic shock value)
- Seth Rogen (Jewish)
- Scarlett Johansson (Jewish mother)
- Geddy Lee (Jewish, from Rush)
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jewish)
- Idina Menzel (Jewish)
- Ezra Miller (Jewish)
- Stan Lee (Jewish)
- Jesus (for comedic shock value, mentioned as Jewish)
The sheer volume of names, from the subtle (Rod Carew's daughters) to the surprising (Ron Jeremy), demonstrates the song's depth as a cultural document. It is not just a joke; it is a celebration of Jewish people in all facets of life, from comedy and film to music and even porn. The enduring curiosity about who Sandler will name next is what keeps the song relevant year after year, fueling the perennial hope for an official "Part 5" to ring in the next decade of Hanukkah celebrations.
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