Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The festival is marked by the lighting of ceremonies, traditional foods, the spinning of the dreidel, and the exchanging of gifts. Of these traditions, perhaps one of the most popularly known is the eating of fried foods. Fried food has its own place in the holiday tradition, and it is something that has been done for centuries.
The custom of frying food during Hanukkah is believed to have originated in the 16th century the times of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Heller. He instructed that it was customary to eat fried foods on this holiday as a means of celebrating a miracle that occurred during the reclaiming of the temple which was the miracle of the “cruse of oil”. According to Jewish tradition, when a Jewish priest named Judah Maccabee and his family reclaimed the temple, there was only enough oil to light the Menorah, or Temple lamp for one night. Miraculously, that one night turned into eight, providing them with enough time to produce a fresh supply of oil.Table of Contents
Why Fried Food On Hanukkah?
Remembrance of the Miracle of the Oil
The reasoning behind the custom of eating fried food on Hanukkah is to commemorate the miracle of this small amount of oil that lasted for eight nights. Fried foods are eaten to remember this act of good fortune. As such, potato pancakes (known as latkes) and doughnuts (known as sufganiyot) are the most popularly eaten fried dishes, because they are symbols of the miracle of oil.
Symbolism of the Oil
The oil used for frying is also a symbol for the holiday. Oil represents joy and happiness, and is a reminder to Jews of the holiday’s miracles. For this purpose, it is traditional to use olive oil before the holiday begins or some other edible vegetable oil.
Connecting with Ancient Traditions
It is also believed that by eating fried food on Hanukkah, one is able to connect with and revive the ancient Jewish traditions of the time during which the Maccabees reclaimed the holy temple. This is because fried foods such as drinking oil are thought to have been a dietary staple for Jews in the ancient times.
Enjoyment and Taste
Fried food is also served during Hanukkah as it is the most delicious and enjoyable food during this time of year. Latkes and sufganiyot are served with applesauce, sour cream, honey, and even jams or preserves. Fried dough becomes a symbol for drawing togetherness and fellowship, it brings families and friends in celebration of the holiday.
Fried food on Hanukkah has become an integral part of the holiday’s traditions for many centuries. Eating fried food on Hanukkah is a symbolic representation of the miracle of the “cruse of oil”, a reminder of the ancient Jewish traditions, and an excuse to enjoy the delicious fried dishes of the holiday season. Every year, millions of Jews around the world will come together to honor the customs of this Jewish holiday and celebrate the miracle of the oil.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.