Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy on Hanukkah Traditions

1 Star, 1. Poor: Lacks any coherent humor or appeal, failing completely to engage or amuse the audience.2 Stars, 2. Weak: This sketch has few redeeming qualities, with humor that falls flat and performances that don't deliver.3 Stars, 3. Below Average: Lacks consistent laughs, with uneven pacing or humor that doesn't quite land.4 Stars, 4. Average: An ordinary sketch with some humor, but it struggles to leave a lasting impression.5 Stars, 5. Above Average: Decent overall with enough humor to keep it engaging, but not particularly memorable.6 Stars, 6. Good: Solidly entertaining with some great moments, though it may lack some flair to make it standout.7 Stars, 7. Very Good: This sketch has notable humor and creativity, making it a strong and enjoyable watch.8 Stars, 8. Great: Very entertaining with consistent laughs and clever writing that impresses and delights.9 Stars, 9. Excellent: Exceptionally funny and well-crafted, this sketch captures perfect comedic timing and strong performances.10 Stars, 10. Masterpiece: This sketch is a comedic gem, delivering unparalleled laughter and originality that's unforgettable.

Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy
Vanessa Bayer • Cast
Weekend Update Anchor
Seth Meyers • Cast

I don't know Seth, I'm just a very nervous boy!

The menorah is lit with a special candle called a shamash. Which is fine, I guess. But you know what else is lit? The graphics on Xbox 360.

We play dreidel, which is a spinning top game. It's okay, but honestly I'd rather be spinning discs on my Xbox 360.

We eat latkes, which are potato pancakes. They're pretty good, but you know what else is good? Playing Xbox 360.

On Hanukkah we celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days. Which is cool, I guess. But you know what else lasts a long time? The battery life on my Xbox 360 controller.

Antiochus was this mean Greek king who tried to make Jews worship Greek gods. Which is messed up! But you know what else is messed up? When my mom limits my Xbox 360 time!

I just want to say Seth, you've been like a big brother to me and I'm really gonna miss you.

In this Weekend Update segment, Jacob (Vanessa Bayer), a nervous 13-year-old who recently had his bar mitzvah, appears to discuss Hanukkah traditions. True to his character, Jacob compares every Hanukkah tradition unfavorably to his beloved Xbox 360. He discusses the menorah, dreidel, latkes, and the Hanukkah story while constantly expressing his anxiety and preference for gaming. The segment is particularly special because it was one of Seth Meyers' final Weekend Update appearances before leaving SNL, and Jacob breaks character at the end to give Seth a heartfelt goodbye.

This was a particularly emotional episode as Seth Meyers was preparing to leave SNL to host Late Night. Vanessa Bayer breaks character at the end to say goodbye to Seth Meyers. Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy was a recurring character that appeared on Weekend Update multiple times between 2010-2016. The character is known for being extremely nervous and comparing everything to Xbox 360. Host Paul Rudd's episode aired December 7, 2013, with musical guest One Direction.

Cast