As you prepare to celebrate this wonderful holiday, remember the importance of cherishing your heritage and sharing the joy of Hanukkah with your loved ones.
Good morning from Rhode Island, USA
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is a meaningful Jewish holiday that brings eight days of sheer joy. It is a time for Jewish people worldwide to reflect, remember, and celebrate miracles. Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah boasts a rich history, distinctive traditions, mouthwatering cuisine, and countless stories that make it a beloved holiday.
The origins of Hanukkah can be traced back to the 2nd century BCE when Judea was under the dominion of the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucids, who held significant political power, made concerted efforts to suppress Jewish religious practices. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish victory against the Seleucids and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabean Revolt, led by the Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees, with Judah Maccabee as a notable figure, is the subject of this historical account. The main aim of the revolt was to recapture the Temple in Jerusalem and free the Jewish people from religious oppression.
In 164 BCE, after successfully recapturing the Temple, the Maccabees rededicated it by lighting the menorah. This seven-branched candelabrum symbolizes spiritual and physical freedom. They discovered a single cruse of consecrated oil, sufficient for one day. Still, it lasted eight days by a miracle, providing enough time for new oil to be prepared. This miracle is at the heart of the Hanukkah celebration, commemorated by the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. The central candle, called the “shamash,” is used to light one additional candle for each night of Hanukkah.
The festivities involve various customs, with the most notable being:
1. Menorah Lighting: The menorah lighting is the central act of Hanukkah celebrations. Families come together each night to light the candles, recite blessings, and sing traditional songs. The candles are arranged from right to left, with the newest one lit first, and the shamash ignites the others.
2. Dreidel Game: The dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, is a popular Hanukkah game. So, you know that little spinning top called dreidel? A Hebrew letter on each side of it says, “A great miracle happened there.” Pretty cool. Players spin the dreidel and act according to the letter it lands on, often involving a pot of chocolate coins called “gelt.”
3. Fried Foods: Hanukkah foods like potato latkes and sufganiyot are traditionally fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of the oil.
4. Gift-giving: Present-giving has become a contemporary Hanukkah custom, with children receiving eight-night gifts. This practice has been influenced by the proximity of Hanukkah to Christmas.
During Hanukkah, many people enjoy indulging in traditional and delicious foods. Some popular favorites include:
Potato Latkes: These crispy potato pancakes combine grated potatoes and onions with eggs, flour, and seasoning. They’re fried to perfection and often served with sour cream or applesauce.
Sufganiyot: These sweet, jelly-filled doughnuts are a symbol of the miracle of the oil. They come in various flavors and are typically dusted with powdered sugar.
Kugel: This baked pudding or casserole can be made with egg noodles or potatoes and can be sweet or savory. Popular variations include cinnamon and raisin kugel or noodle kugel.
Rugelach: These crescent-shaped pastries have a flaky dough filled with sweet fillings like jam, nuts, and cinnamon. They make for a perfect Hanukkah dessert.
Jewish households are known for their legendary debates over whether the traditional grated potato latkes or the creamier, mashed potato version are better for Hanukkah celebrations. On Hanukkah, rabbis used to reward their students with money called “gelt” to encourage their Torah studies. This tradition has evolved, and today, chocolate coins are given as Hanukkah gelt. Additionally, some Jewish families have adopted the practice of decorating a Hanukkah bush, similar to a Christmas tree, to infuse their homes with the holiday spirit. While this practice has gained popularity in recent years, it is still a topic of discussion and debate within the Jewish community.
Here is a unique recipe for Zucchini Noodle Kugel that adds a healthy twist to the traditional Kugel. This lighter alternative is packed with flavors and is perfect for your Hanukkah celebration.
Ingredients:
4 cups zucchini noodles (about 4-5 medium zucchini)
Three large organic eggs
1/4 cup matzo meal (or breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
One small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
Cooking spray or vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×9-inch dish with cooking spray. Make Zucchini Noodle Kugel.
Then, place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Once the noodles have boiled, allow them to drain for 10-15 minutes. After that, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove any excess moisture. It is crucial to eliminate as much moisture as possible before using the noodles in your recipe.
Whisk the eggs vigorously in a large mixing bowl until well beaten and combined. Then add the matzo meal, grated Parmesan, olive oil, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Stir the drained zucchini noodles into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spread the prepared mixture evenly in the baking dish using a rubber spatula.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the Kugel is golden and set in the center. Allow the Kugel to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This Zucchini Noodle Kugel is a delightful twist on a classic Hanukkah dish, which embraces the holiday’s traditional foods while adding a touch of modern creativity.
Jewish Culture in America
Throughout history, the Jewish community has contributed significantly to shaping American culture. Dating back to colonial times, Jewish immigrants from various parts of the world, including Eastern Europe, Russia, and Germany, have played pivotal roles in American society. The American Jewish community is religiously diverse, with various denominations like Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and others. Synagogues and Jewish community centers are hubs for religious and cultural activities, contributing significantly to literature, music, art, and film. Some of the most celebrated Jewish-American figures include writers like Philip Roth, musicians like Leonard Bernstein, and filmmakers like Steven Spielberg.
Jewish-American cuisine is a unique blend of traditional dishes and diverse influences. Delicacies like matzo ball soup, bagels, lox, and knish have become well-loved staples, alongside brisket and other classic Jewish dishes. Jewish delis like Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City are celebrated for their delicious offerings.
Jewish communities in the U.S. are actively involved in Holocaust remembrance and education, preserving the memory of the Holocaust through museums and memorials such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Jewish Americans are also known for their deep engagement in their local communities, participating in social justice movements, interfaith dialogues, and charitable initiatives. The Jewish cultural principle of “tikkun olam,” which represents the commitment to repairing and improving the world around us, is an integral part of the Jewish tradition and is highly esteemed by those who practice it. Jewish holidays like Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur are celebrated with cultural and religious significance, allowing Jewish Americans to connect with their heritage and community.
My final summary:
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a momentous occasion that brings the Jewish community together to celebrate their heritage and honor past miracles. With rich traditions, delicious foods, and engaging anecdotes, Hanukkah holds a special place in the hearts of Jewish communities around the globe. Whether lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, or savoring traditional delicacies, Hanukkah is a time of reflection, celebration, and unity. As you prepare to celebrate this wonderful holiday, remember the importance of cherishing your heritage and sharing the joy of Hanukkah with your loved ones. M.C. W.P.
CWCS
There is a constant, recognizable thread in Walter Potenza's career to elevate the level of Italian culinary culture in the United States. Besides his unquestionable culinary talent and his winning business perspective, Chef Walter has been a relentless educator with passion and knowledge who contributes to defeating stereotypes. His life, career, and values are a model, an example to follow, by any Italian gastronomy chef working outside Italy. A native of Mosciano Sant' Angelo in Abruzzo, Italy, is known as one of the most passionate and accomplished practitioners of traditional and historical Italian cooking in the nation. His fields of expertise include Terracotta Cookery, Historical Cookery from the Roman Empire to the Unification of Italy, the Cuisines of the Sephardim Italian Jewish Heritage, and the Mediterranean 21 Health & Wellness, with major emphasis on Diabetes, Celiac and the Cuisines of the 21 countries present in the MED basin.
