Matisyahu ("Gift of God" in Hebrew), born Matthew Paul Miller, is -- or was -- a Hasidic reggae artist (he has re-invented himself, and no longer identifies as Hasidic). Tony Cavalero starred in the music video for his song "Miracle" (2011):
At Hanukkah time, Matisyahu is skating with his kids, when Tony accidentally knocks him over! While unconscious, he dreams that he is bed with King Antiochus (Tony ), the evil Greek emperor who was defeated by the Maccabees. Afterwards there was only enough oil in the lamp to light the Temple for one night, but miraculously it stayed lit for eight days: thus we celebrate Hanukkah.
In bed, Antiochus invites Matisyahu to a party: "there's going to be babes, food, chocolate stuff." He agrees to go, but then Mattityahu (Alfonso McAuley), the priests whose refusal to sacrifice to the Greek gods started the rebellion, convinces him to rebel instead.
Left: Alfonso McAuley
They skate through a forest of Christmas trees and rap:
You look so down, look so puzzled.
Huddle round your fire through all the rubble.
Bound to stumble and fall but my strength comes not from man at all
Antiochus captures them and puts them in a cage in Santa Claus suits, guarded by a Nutcracker. They escape and fight through a hockey game.
No need to worry, no need to cry.
Light up your mind no longer be blind
Him who searches he'll find
Leave your problems behind
We will shine like a fire in the sky
What's the reason we're alive.
Finally Antiochus warms up to the idea of religious freedom, and they all hug and dance under a menorah.
More after the break
