Hanukkah is a beloved Jewish holiday celebrating the miracle of oil lasting for eight days. Each night, traditional foods are cooked in oil to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Delicious dishes such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) are the stars of a Hanukkah meal and are always cooked in oil. But why?
The tradition of frying food in oil on Hanukkah is rooted in the miracle of the oil. According to the story of Hanukkah, a small jar of oil that could only last for one day, instead lasted for eight days as commanded by the Aaronic priests. Thus, to commemorate this miracle, foods are traditionally fried in oil on Hanukkah.
Breakdown of the Miracle of the Oil
- When the Jews reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem they found only one small jar of pure, undefiled, olive oil.
- This small quantity of oil was not enough to light the menorah for even one day.
- The Maccabees lit the menorah with the small jar of oil as a sign of hope and faith.
- By some miracle, the small jar of oil lasted for 8 days.
How the Miracle of Oil Influenced Hanukkah
The miracle of the oil is celebrated today by lighting a menorah and eating foods fried in oil. This symbolizes the miracle that occurred and demonstrates the enduring power and faith of Jews for centuries and even today.
Hanukkah foods made with oil are also meant to bring the family together and strengthen the bonds between them. All eight days of Hanukkah, friends and family gather together to share meals and stories. Eating fried foods is a celebration of these meals, traditions, and faith.
What Foods Are Traditionally Fried in Oil?
The most common food that is fried in oil for Hanukkah is a latke, or potato pancake. Traditional latkes are made of grated potatoes, onions, eggs, matzo meal, and spices, all fried in oil. A variation on the latke is a sufganiyot, a deep-fried jelly filled doughnut. The doughnut is usually filled with jam and then fried in oil. Other local variations may include cheeses, nuts, or sweet potatoes.
What began as a small miracle of a tiny jar of oil lasting for eight days has become a symbol of hope, faith, and family. Celebrating Hanukkah by frying traditional foods in oil is one way to keep the original stories and meanings alive and to be reminded of the strength and faith of Judaism. Eating fried dishes during Hanukkah is one of the best ways to remember this important holiday and all that it represents.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.