Hanukkah Food Traditions
As with many holidays, the foods served during Hanukkah are significant to the holiday’s history.
During the 2nd century BC, a small army of Jews, known as Maccabees, surprisingly won a battle against the Greek army, which allowed them to regain control of Jerusalem and keep religious freedom in Israel. The Maccabees attended daily service in the Temple they had secured in the battle. An important part of this service was the Menorah candelabra. As they worshiped and worked to re-dedicate the Temple, The Maccabees found a small amount of olive oil with which they could fuel the Menorah. There was only enough fuel for one day, but miraculously, the Menorah stayed lit as the oil burned for eight days and nights.
This is why many of the foods celebrated during Hanukkah are cooked with oil and include Sufganoit, which are deep-fried doughnuts, loukoumades, also known as bimuelos or deep fried honey puffs, and everyone’s favorite, latkes.
A second Hanukkah celebrated event occurred around 600 BC, when Judith saved her village from the Babylonians. She lured their general to sleep with cheese and wine, and then assassinated him. Judith is known historically as a representation of all Jews, and the power of the small and weak to overcome their enemies.
In honor of Judith, dairy products such as cheesecake and blintzes are also a tradition in Hanukkah meals. This is to commemorate Judith’s bravery.
This year, why not celebrate the festival of lights with variations on the delicious Latke. Take your pick from any number of recipes at Chabad.org, and let us know which you recommend!
The staff at C’s Home & Office Management wish our clients and friends a very happy Hanukkah.
