The Hanukkah Movie We’ve Been Waiting For

There is a cornucopia of Christmas movies out there—Hallmark alone boasts over 300 titles, and IMDb lists a staggering 1,542 related films. While I love a feelgood holiday movie, there is always something noticeably missing: the perfect Hanukkah movie. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a film that doesn’t simply fall back on tired stereotypes like owning a deli or overbearing Jewish mothers! Hanukkah is rich with material, and I have two ideas with the potential to become cult classics (if I say so myself). So if you have Marc Platt, Steven Spielberg, or any other Jewish Hollywood heavyweight on speed dial, send them this article. Let’s make it happen!

Remember the success of Gladiator and the hype surrounding its sequel last month? How about Dunkirk and Hacksaw Ridge? Audiences love a gritty historical war drama, and yet, somehow, we have yet to have the epitome of that: the “Maccabees”. (Shoutout to my Fiance for the inspiration)

The synopsis practically writes itself. In the heart of ancient Judea, the Maccabees, a small but determined group of Jewish rebels, rise up against the oppressive empire settled in their land. Led by the fearless Judah Maccabee, they wage a series of brutal battles to reclaim their desecrated temple and restore their faith. Outnumbered and facing an enemy determined to erase their culture, the Maccabees give it their all. 

It’s sweeping battlefields, grim landscapes, and fight scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat.

Instead of just lighting the menorah in a movie and labeling it a Hanukkah classic, we have the potential for an epic film that explores faith, freedom, and how, under enough pressure, people can either break or grow in ways they never imagined.

If war epics aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry, I totally get it. Though I love the idea for “Maccabee” some of my favorite movies are the lovey ones like Me Before You, About Time and The Theory of Everything. They inspired me for my next idea, I call it “How to Fall in Love in 8 Nights,” the ultimate strangers-to-lovers Hanukkah rom-com.

Two recent college graduates, both burnt out after finals, carpool home for winter break. Unfortunately, snow begins to fall—and keeps falling, inch after inch. When they arrive at her family’s house in upstate New York, it’s clear the roads are impassable, and there’s no way for him to go home. Her family’s guest room it is.

With eight nights of Hanukkah and a week left of the blizzard, the two get to know each other. They share family customs, secret smiles and an epic snowball fight that begins a much longer night of fun. In eight nights, they fall deeply in love.

But there’s a catch: he’s leaving for a new job in California after the holidays. Will he go, or will he take a leap of faith (very on theme for Hanukkah) and stay?

From the gritty triumph of “Maccabee” to the sweetness of “How to Fall in Love in 8 Nights”, these are the stories audiences and I are beyond excited for.

So, Hollywood… What are we waiting for? Let’s make it happen.