This game was inspired by the Hanukkah picture book “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel. If you are not familiar with the story, I encourage you to read a copy or find a Youtube video of a readthrough so you understand what a Hanukkah goblin is. The Introduction will make much more sense if you know the story that inspired this game. If you are unfamiliar with Hanukkah, read the next section to learn more.
This game includes themes of anti-semitism, racism, and xenophobia. This game explicitly does not include violence or physical harm. The most combat you will see is someone getting hit with a fluffy sufganiyot. Bolded terms are defined in the Definitions section.
Goblins have long been a scapegoat for anti-semitic depictions of Jewish people. Recall J.R.R. Tolkein’s anti-semitism and how it manifested in the Lord of the Rings series by including Jewish stereotypes in the evil portrayals of dwarves, goblins, and orcs. Even Kimmel portrays goblins as foolish, greedy, stupid, and evil creatures. Hanukkah Goblins both seeks to create a fun and engaging story while subverting racist stereotypes of Jewish people.
Hanukkah Goblins is a parody or satire to the original book by both making the goblins Jewish themselves and the heroes of the story you will create. I unequivocally denounce racism, sexism, and xenophobia of all forms. If you are offended by this, I will happily donate the purchase price of your copy to a charitable organization.