In a year filled with “Wicked” Hanukkah parodies (see here and here), the a cappella group Y-Studs decided to do something different. This year, the New York-based group opted for some sweet Motown nostalgia, sharing a Hanukkah parody of the Jackson 5’s greatest hits that’s as comforting and sweet as a freshly fried jam-filled sufganiyah.
The group, which comes out of Yeshiva University, took on three of the Jackson 5’s most iconic songs — “I Want You Back,” “I’ll Be There” and “ABC” — and gave them the Hanukkah lyrical treatment while showing off their best moves and ’70s outfits (love the fringe). While other groups have chosen to make their Hanukkah parodies a commentary on the current moment in Jewish history, the Y-Studs opted to retell the story of Hanukkah and celebrate the Festival of Lights, though “I’ll Be There” does give us the kind of comfort and solidarity we’ve been needing. All in all, it’s a well done parody that feels like a hug in song form (though I do feel like “1-2-3, Ma-ca-bee” is a missed lyrical opportunity).
Watch and enjoy below:
