Hanukkah Treats

Hanukkah Food Traditions

Like most Jewish holidays, Hanukkah comes with its own yummy food traditions and recipes. Soofganiot (jelly doughnuts) and latkas or livivot (potato pancakes) are popular Hanukkah treats. Traditionally, fried food and dairy food are eaten during Hanukkah.

Why Fry?

Fried food reminds us of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days when the Maccabees purified and rededicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem. For this reason, potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts are traditional Hanukkah treats that are both fried in oil.

Why Dairy?

Dairy is often eaten on Hanukkah to remind us of the story of the Jewish heroine, Judith, who saved her village from the Syrians, who were trying to starve the Jews so they would surrender. She went to the governor of the Syrians troops and brought him cheese and wine. She got him drunk. After he collapsed on the floor, she took his sword and ended his life. The next morning the Jews attacked the Syrian troops. In memory of this story, it has recently become a tradition to eat dairy food (like sour cream with your potato pancakes) on Hanukkah.

Have Your Say

Do you know about any other Hanukkah treats? Let us know!