Your Favorite Christmas Tunes were Written by Jews

Did you know that many of the most  beloved Christmas tunes were written by, well, Jews? When I was growing up, a Jewish kid in a religious school in Ottawa, we weren’t allowed to listen or partake in any Christmas festivities. But the songs were omnipresent. You heard them everywhere, on the radio, tv, in the department stores. And they were lovely.

In 1990 I was on sabbatical at the University of Toronto. The Dean Norm Levine asked me to accompany (on piano) the Christmas carrolers from the Faculty. “What would my Mom say?” I asked Norm. “And who do you think is asking you to perform?” was his retort. Needless to say a good time was had by all (and yes I did feel just a bit guilty enjoying myself).

According to Nate Bloom who has done a great job chronicling the role of the Jews (see for example this recent article), Jews wrote the music, lyrics or both to many of the most popular Christmas tunes, including all the songs in this book. Another article of Nate’s is here for you to enjoy.

So now when I hear and enjoy these wonderful songs, what can I say?

I say I don’t feel that guilty after all. And if you’re Christian and a little queasy that your favorite Christmas songs were written by Jewish people, just remember – Jesus was Jewish too!

Happy holidays to all!

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire – cowritten my Mel Torme

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas – written by Irving Berlin

Let it snow – Sammy Cahn,

Not to mention, “Santa Baby”, perhaps the sexiest Santa Song to decorate the tree.

more info here:

https://www.newsweek.com/best-christmas-songs-were-actually-written-jews-758528

Johnny Marks

Not to mention, “Santa Baby”, perhaps the sexiest Santa Song to decorate the tree, by Joan Javits and Phil Springer

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/eartha-kitt/santa-baby-chords-2545797

more info here:

https://www.newsweek.com/best-christmas-songs-were-actually-written-jews-758528