Adam Sandler helped many of us know that Hanukkah is the "Featival of Lights" and instead of one day of presents, there are "eight crazy nights." But most of us don't know about Hanukkah traditions, so here's a little help.
Pancakes for dinner...
In Biblical times, after their temple was ruined, the Maccabees only had enough oil to keep their light lit for one night, but the oil ended up lasting for eight nights. Since oil takes center stage during Hanukkah, there is a lot of fried fare. Latkes, the traditional potato pancakes, are always a crowd pleaser. The potato short stacks are fried in, you guessed it, lots of oil, and served with sour cream and apple sauce. Here is a Potato Latke recipe.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, I made it out of clay...
Hanukkah also comes with its own game...a gambling game at that! A dreidel is a special top with Hebrew letters. Players take turns spinning the dreidel and depending on what letter it lands on it dictates the amount of pennies and chocolate coins you win or lose! The game is mostly for kids, but it's a great thing for the family. Here are the rules of the dreidel game.
Festival of Lights
This year Hanukkah starts sundown on Wednesday, December 1, and ends Wednesday, December 8. The menorah is lit every night, and represents the oil lasting for eight nights. The ninth candle, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), is the candle used to light all other candles. The menorah is one of the most recognized symbols of Hanukkah.
We wish everyone a very Happy Hanukkah!
