From potato latkes to jelly donuts, fried foods are an essential part of many beloved Hanukkah traditions. But why? Why is fried food seen as an integral part of the eight-night Jewish holiday? Read on to understand the symbolism behind the traditional fried Hanukkah foods.
A Symbol of Survival and Perseverance
The tradition of eating fried foods during Hanukkah is deeply rooted in Jewish history. It stems back to the tale of the miracle of Hanukkah and the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the powerful Syrian-Greek army in 165 B.C.E.
The Jews had won the war, but their temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed and their sacred vessels desecrated. Upon its rededication, they searched for enough oil to light the menorah, which is a candle holder with 9 branches. They found only one cruse of oil that had the seal of the High Priest – enough to light the menorah for just one night.
Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and nights, and it was on that day that the Jews celebrated the miracle of Hanukkah. This miracle is why Hanukkah is known as “the Festival of Lights”. To highlight the importance of this miracle, Jews celebrate it by eating fried foods.
The Oil Connection
Because oil was such an obvious connection to the miracle, it is the ingredient most associated with this holiday. Jews cook traditional treats such as potato latkes (pancakes) and doughnuts in oil to symbolize the oil that burned for 8 days and nights – that fateful miracle that saved them from an otherwise certain defeat.
A Social Ritual
To further commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah, many Jewish families gather around the table to light candles, join together in prayer, spin the dreidel (a four-sided spinning top) and enjoy fried foods. This ritual of eating fried food together is an opportunity for family and friends to come together, in celebration, despite the painful history of attempted tyranny and genocide.
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In summary, the custom of eating fried foods on Hanukkah is a way to honor and remember the miracle that helped the Jewish people free themselves from oppression and desecration. As an integral part of the holiday’s celebration, Jewish families would come together to consume favourite treats like potato latkes or doughnuts fried in oil – a reminder of the oil that burned in the temple for 8 days and nights. Ultimately, the fried foods served on Hanukkah signify joy, liberation, and the powerful will to survive.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.