Lamb Chops Special Chanukah / Instructional

As for me, I had very mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it's always nice for Jewish kids to see their favorite TV characters celebrating OUR holidays for a change. But on the other hand, the costuming and some of the themes in general were a bit "Christmasy" for my tastes. Sherry's bright red dress, for example, evokes "Santa" more than anything Jewish. And while the "Eight Days of Hanukkah" was a fun song (and I found myself humming it later), it is clearly a knock-off of "The 12 Days of Christmas."

One gets the impression that the producers of this show wanted to be "inclusive" by making Hanukkah "just another Christmas custom" -- something that I personally resist doing. Hanukkah and Christmas have nothing in common except that they both come in December.

So, I give it 4 stars for the idea of having Lamb Chop and friends be inclusive of Jews, but only 2 stars for its lack of Jewish authenticity -- which averages out to 3 stars. .


Our Kids Love It!   March 23, 2000
Lisa Browdy (Oak Park, IL)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This video is requested year-round by our 5 year old son and 2 year old daughter. Highlights include songs about making potato latkes and a great musical re-enactment of the Hanukah story put on by Shari and her 3 puppet friends.

The superhero storyline can be distracting, but it serves to illustrate the heroic qualities of Judah Maccabee. "Did you know that if Syria and Israel got together they would be Cereal?" is a typical joke. Great fun.


Although I am a Little Old for Lambchop, I still love it!   October 11, 2003
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Awesome! I have always loved Lambchop (and it's SOO sad that Sheri Lewis died-:(), and this, as a Hanukkah special, is really wonderful. Charlie-Horse uses his software gift to enter a make-your-own-superhero contest, and it is ente rtaining to see the gone-wrong 'heros' wreck havoc on the house. Hush-Puppy, as usual, is not exactly the main character, but he is in this video, wise-cracking in his one-of-a-kind voice. Lambchop and Sheri make latkes and sing together in the kitchen, and all the 'kids' anticipate the chocolate gelt. They hold their annual play (the story of Hannukah), and there are three guest stars that play Sheri's friends who attend the supper. All in all, this is an informative, cute, and over-all fun video! Please don't give it bad reviews- I love it too much.


One of the great Lamb Chop videos for your kids to see!   August 16, 2002
Sara (USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I'm a big fan of Lamb Chop and this Chanukah special kept the same tradition of your fav. puppet going. It will also teach your kids about what Chanukah is all about. Shari tells the stories of Chanukah and the puppets put on a play which is very interesting to watch and the meals that Shari make. One of the few things I like to add is the superheroes that Charile made, being this is the first time they put a little violence in the videos of Lamb Chop and I'm glad they dump the idea of putting violence in the other Lamb Chop videos. Overrall, it's a great video to watch for kids who love Lamb Chop and to the Jewish people who celebrate the holiday. One of the best delights for the whole family to watch.


My 4 year old hated this video   November 27, 1999
1 out of 4 found this review helpful

This video scared my 4 year old daughter. There is a bogus storyline about creating superheros on CharlieHorse's computer. They have fighting, destructive superheros coming and wrecking the place. The destructiveness of these guys really scared my kid and have nothing to do with the holiday, except perhaps to keep little boys who like fighting interested in continuing to watch it. I do not recommend this video at all.