Historically speaking, it may have been more than 2,100 years in coming, but XM Satellite Radio has nevertheless managed another programming first over its terrestrial cousins with the company’s announcement to broadcast "Radio Hanukkah" during the Jewish Festival of Light.

Starting the day before, and concurrent to the observed dates of Hanukkah (this year being Dec. 16 through 23), XM Radio’s channel 108 will offer a national broadcast channel devoted exclusively to Jewish culture. Featuring a broad spectrum of Jewish music and conversation, Radio Hanukkah also will be available through XM Radio Online, an Internet streaming service.

A specific focus on Hanukkah music and traditions will include classic and off-the-wall renditions of traditional songs, nightly broadcasts of the traditional Hanukkah candlelight blessings (airing at appropriate times in the Eastern and Pacific time zones), and specials focused on contemporary and traditional Jewish music, comedy and children’s programming.

Participating Jewish celebrities will include the rock band Barenaked Ladies, reggae artist Matisyahu, comedian Al Franken, satirist Kinky Friedman, Sen. Ben Cardin, Sen. Carl Levin, singer Neil Sedaka, sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer and comedian Larry Miller.

Fans across the country will be able to enjoy an extended free trial of Radio Hanukkah (and XM Radio Online) by entering the promotional code "TheChosen" when signing up at http://www.xmradio.com.

"It’s part of our holiday programming," said XM Radio spokeswoman Anne-Taylor Griffith. "Personally, I think Hanukkah is just as much a part of the holiday season" as Christmas and Kwanzaa, though listeners of mainstream radio may not be reminded of it "maybe beyond a song or two."

She added "certainly that’s part of the benefit of the satellite platform, offering niche marketing beyond what our terrestrial colleagues might be able to."

As for whether the offering of Radio Hanukkah foretells any programming trends for the new year, Griffith said the immediate response was very positive, and "like with our channel offerings throughout the year, we can evaluate options."