In the cozy, quaint town of Schitt’s Creek, where eccentric characters find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery, the holiday season brings about a special charm. However, amidst the festive decorations and heartwarming traditions, there lies a deeper significance for one particular character, Johnny Rose, and his Jewish heritage. In a poignant holiday special, Schitt’s Creek beautifully explores the idea of maintaining cultural identity and traditions, even in the face of diaspora.

For those unacquainted, Schitt’s Creek is a Canadian sitcom created by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, which gained widespread acclaim for its humor, warmth, and character development. At the heart of the series is the Rose family—formerly affluent socialites who lose their fortune and are forced to relocate to the titular town, which they once jokingly bought as a gag gift.

Throughout its six-season run, the show captivated audiences with its clever writing and endearing characters, including the patriarch of the Rose family, Johnny (played by Eugene Levy). While the show predominantly focuses on the Roses’ comedic misadventures and personal growth, it also subtly touches upon themes of identity, acceptance, and belonging.

In the holiday special, which serves as a standalone episode set outside the show’s regular timeline, the spotlight shifts to Johnny Rose and his Jewish background. As the town of Schitt’s Creek prepares for its annual holiday festivities, Johnny finds himself reflecting on the significance of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, amidst the predominantly Christian celebrations.

Hanukkah holds a special place in Jewish tradition, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. For Johnny, a man who once epitomized material success but now finds himself far from his comfort zone, Hanukkah represents resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of his people.

As Johnny navigates the quaint streets of Schitt’s Creek adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, he finds solace in the familiarity of his Jewish heritage. Despite being thousands of miles away from the bustling Jewish communities of his past, Johnny takes solace in the simple act of polishing the family menorah and lighting its candles each night of Hanukkah.

Through Johnny’s journey, the holiday special explores the universal theme of diaspora—the scattering of a people from their homeland—and the challenges of preserving cultural identity in unfamiliar surroundings. Despite the Rose family’s wealth and privilege, they find themselves displaced in a town where they are the outsiders. Yet, amidst their trials and tribulations, Johnny’s commitment to upholding his Jewish traditions remains unwavering.

The menorah serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and continuity for Johnny—a tangible link to his heritage and a source of comfort in times of uncertainty. As he struggles to adjust to life in Schitt’s Creek, Johnny finds strength in the rituals of Hanukkah, drawing parallels between the ancient miracle of the oil and his journey of reinvention and renewal.

In one of the episode’s most touching moments, Johnny shares the story of Hanukkah with his newfound friends in Schitt’s Creek, inviting them to join him in lighting the menorah and partaking in traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Through this gesture of inclusivity, Johnny bridges the gap between cultures, fostering understanding and camaraderie among the town’s diverse residents.

Schitt’s Creek has been widely praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes of acceptance and love, making it a beacon of inclusivity in the realm of television. In the holiday special, the show extends this message of acceptance to encompass cultural diversity as well, celebrating the richness of Jewish traditions and the importance of embracing one’s heritage, regardless of background or circumstance.

As the holiday season draws to a close and the residents of Schitt’s Creek bid farewell to their festive celebrations, Johnny Rose stands amidst the glow of the menorah, his face illuminated by the flickering candles. In that moment, surrounded by loved ones and newfound friends, Johnny finds a sense of belonging that transcends geography and circumstance.

Schitt’s Creek holiday special serves as a poignant reminder that no matter where life may take us, the light of tradition and the spirit of community will always guide us home. And for Jews like Johnny Rose, the menorah will continue to be polished and lit, a beacon of hope and resilience in the midst of the diaspora.