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Community Corner

Sharon Resident Rabbi David Paskin's "Thanksgivvukah" Ballad Becomes International Sensation

Sharon resident Rabbi David Paskin, spiritual leader of Canton's Temple Beth Abraham, took the rare convergence of America's Thanksgiving and  the Jewish holiday Hanukkah viral.  Months ago, the unusual combined holiday set Rabbi David’s creative juices flowing, and the “The Ballad of Thanksgivukkah” resulted.  Rabbi Paskin’s original composition led the way for musical tributes to the merger of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah and introduced the masses to Thanksgivukkah through the ballad that immediately went viral.  Like a whirlwind the ballad and the new found connection between secular Thanksgiving and the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah crossed the state, then the country and then across the world. 

“The Ballad of Thanksgivukkah,” was picked up by Associated Press within days of the ballad being posted on YouTube and Facebook.  The story, song, and interviews with Rabbi David started to appear on news outlets.  Media coverage included The Patriot Ledger, The Boston Globe, New York Daily News, Washington Post, Detroit News, Dallas Post, Arizona Central, Daily Mail (UK), Times of Israel, NPR, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS to just name a few.   

With his widespread notoriety, Rabbi David teaches the worldwide community what the convergence of the two holidays really means.  Behind the witty lyrics, a more important message is delivered.  “Imagine Judah Maccabee sitting down to roast turkey, passing the potatoes to Squanto,” Paskin sings, and we begin to learn of the connection between the merging of these two holidays.

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Paskin draws a link between Hanukkah and the very similar Thanksgiving. Both the Jews and the Pilgrims were religious minorities searching for religious freedom.  "It's pretty amazing to me that in this country we can have rich secular and rich religious celebrations and that those of us who live in both worlds can find moments when they meet and can really celebrate that convergence. There are a lot of places in the world where we would not be able to do that," Paskin said. The spirit of these holidays delivers a message that connects people of all religions across the world.  We are thankful for the quirks of the Gregorian and Jewish calendars that brought these two celebrations together in 2013. 

To hear Rabbi David live along with other local musicians, Temple Beth Abraham, 1301 Washington St., Canton, MA invites the community to join us for a Coffeehouse on Saturday, December 14 at 8pm.  This will be a relaxing evening of music, friends and fun.  Light refreshments and coffee will be included in the $10 admission ($15 at door).  Cash bar will be available.  Tickets will be available at www.templebethabraham.org.

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Temple Beth Abraham and Rabbi David Paskin inspire the community in Canton and surrounding towns with a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment filled with song. Through religious, educational, community service, cultural, and social opportunities, our progressive, close-knit congregation serves the many needs of the current and future community of Jews.

For more information on this event or inquiries regarding the congregation, please call Temple Beth Abraham at 781-828-5250.




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