Writing & storytelling
Jewish stories with humor, heart, and a musical twist.
Cantor Jake writes scripts, holiday spiels, song parodies, and children’s programs that bring Jewish learning to life.
Selected writing sample
It’s Still Chanukah to Me
A six-scene retelling of the Chanukah story, featuring the Maccabees, an extravagant King Antiochus, comic dialogue, and adapted lyrics set to songs by Billy Joel.
Dialogue and parody lyrics by Cantor Jake. Based on songs by Billy Joel.
For inquiries about using, adapting, or performing this spiel, let’s connect. Rights to the underlying songs are separate; contacting Cantor Jake does not grant permission to use them.
From Scene 1
Mattathias: My sons, remember: faith is our greatest weapon. Also swords. Swords help.
John: But Abba, the Greeks are everywhere!
Mattathias: Then we’ll do what we Jews do best — We’ll form a committee!
Jonathan: A committee!?
Mattathias: Yes! A committee.
Simon: Wait… I have a better idea—why don’t we form a task force?
Looking for a Purim spiel, a holiday parody, or a script for your community? Talk with Cantor Jake about your program.
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Performance, commission, creative program, lifecycle event, or tutoring—let’s talk.
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