The song is getting raves not only for its catchy beat, but also for added touches that make it a legit Hanukkah classic: mentions of potato latkes (with sour cream and applesauce, thank you), the "shammas," (the extra candle used to light the others on the Hanukkah menorah), the Hebrew blessing over the candles (made cooler through autotune), the klezmer clarinet in the background. Diggs even works in the melody to a traditional children's song, "S'vivon, sov sov sov." But maybe the most exciting aspect of the video is that it features children of color — an inclusive decision that reflects the actor's own background.
Diggs, who played both the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton, is biracial; his mother is white and Jewish; his father is Black (per Broadway.com). He attended Hebrew school, and though he opted out of a bar mitzvah, he still identifies with his faith. "I was honored when Disney Channel approached me to come up with a fresh Hanukkah tune and embraced the opportunity to share my love of music and a little piece of my culture," he said in a statement to the network.
It's that acknowledgement that Judaism comes in all colors and nationalities that sets "Puppy for Hanukkah" above other humorous holiday songs (we're looking at you, Adam Sandler's "The Hanukkah Song"). That in itself makes it a gift that will last long after this year's candles have melted into a waxy puddle on the dining room table. Chag sameach, Daveed!
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