Remembering Susan Stamberg: NPR's Hanukkah Lights Marks a New Chapter
For the first time in 35 years, NPR's beloved holiday special Hanukkah Lights will be aired without one of its founding voices, Susan Stamberg. The program, which has become a cherished tradition for many, will be significantly different this year, following Stamberg's passing earlier in 2025. This marks the end of an era for Murray Horwitz, Stamberg's long-time co-host, as he continues the special alone, reflecting on the legacy they built together over the years.
The Hanukkah Lights tradition began in the 1980s, a time when the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah was still finding its way into mainstream holiday programming. Initially, the show was conceived as a simple idea to bring something festive and meaningful to the airwaves. Horwitz, working at NPR at the time, pitched the concept to Stamberg, who initially hesitated at the idea of focusing again on Jewish stories. However, their partnership flourished, and the show quickly gained popularity. Over the years, they brought Hanukkah to life through commissioned stories from authors like Chaim Potok, Elie Wiesel, and even Harlan Ellison.
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For Horwitz, Hanukkah Lights became much more than just a radio program. It became a platform to share the significance of light, hope, and faith—key themes of Hanukkah. The holiday, which occurs near the winter solstice, carries with it a message that resonates deeply: even in the darkest times, there is always hope. Horwitz and Stamberg’s heartfelt performances of these stories provided not just entertainment but a sense of warmth, something listeners looked forward to each year.
The special was also notable for its unique blend of stories. Over the years, the program featured a wide array of Hanukkah-themed tales, from humorous to deeply philosophical, exploring themes of family, faith, and resilience. With each new Hanukkah season, the program was refreshed with new stories, ensuring that it never became stale. In fact, Horwitz recalled how the program had to commission new works since, initially, there weren’t many Hanukkah stories to choose from. Their ability to convince writers from various backgrounds to contribute to the show became one of its defining qualities.
This year, Horwitz will continue the tradition, honoring Stamberg’s memory by featuring some of her best performances from past broadcasts, while also introducing new stories. It’s a bittersweet moment for him, as the loss of Stamberg has made the program feel different, but it also serves as a way to keep her spirit alive in the hearts of listeners.
As Horwitz reflects on the history of Hanukkah Lights , he also looks ahead, acknowledging the importance of continuing the show in the years to come. In a recent interview, Horwitz shared that he plans to celebrate Hanukkah in his own home with his family, lighting candles, enjoying latkes, and passing on the tradition to his grandchildren. It’s clear that, despite the changes, the essence of Hanukkah Lights —a celebration of light in all its forms—will continue to shine brightly for many years to come.
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