Adam Sandler attends a screening in 2017 — his career is at a turning point Image by Getty Images

By Adrianna Chaviva Freedman May 5, 2019

Jewish comedian Adam Sandler made his hosting debut this weekend on “Saturday Night Live,” and it was superb.

A veteran of the beloved variety show, Sandler became the comedian we know and love with the whimsical, musical humor he showcased on the sketch series he joined at only 23.

After being hired as an SNL writer in 1990, he quickly became a household favorite as a cast member (think Andy Samberg of the 1990s). Unceremoniously fired in 1995, the late night show still launched his career, and he went on to star in comedies such as “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore” and “Big Daddy,” cementing his star status.

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On Saturday night, Sandler’s long-awaited hosting gig brought in the show’s highest ratings of the season. He opened with a monologue about being fired and losing his virginity, and it was — especially for the sometimes patchy Sandler — a hit.

Sandler says his years on the show were the best of his life. So let’s visit Ghosts Of Adam Sandler Past — here are some of the most famous sketches from our beloved Jewish comedian:

“Adam Sandler On Valentine’s Day”
In a Weekend Update segment, in a song meant to be about the day of love, Sandler sings about “the purest, nicest thing in the world” — the love he holds for his red sweatshirt.

Keep your eyes opened – a certain Beatle makes a surprise appearance!

“The Herlihy Boy House-Sitting Service”
As a character called Tim Herlihy, Sandler makes a plea to the audience to just let him watch your house while you’re away. “I’m not going to beg you,” he says to the camera. “I’m confident you’ll make the right decision.”

“Adam Sandler On Thanksgiving”
Sandler has a special knack for combining comedy with song — it’s that Reform Jewish summer camp charm. In this Weekend Update, he sings about his love for the American holiday of thanks.

“Halloween Costume Ideas”
In an effort to give viewers new ideas for Halloween costumes, Sandler uses various household items to ensure a memorable holiday. Basically, you’re watching classic Sandler is in his element. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get new ideas for next year’s Purim costume!

“Lunch Lady Land”
In this sketch, Sandler goes where no one has gone before: singing an ode to the real superhero of the school system — the lunch lady.

“Adam Sandler on Hanukkah”
We can’t do a round-up of the best Adam Sandler SNL sketches without discussing the most famous — and most Jewish — song of the last twenty-five years: “The Hanukkah Song.” From talking about menorahs to listing the famous Jews, Sandler’s 1994 ditty became the hit that defined a Jewish generation.

Adrianna Chaviva Freedman is the Social Media Intern for the Forward. You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ac_freedman

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