Hanukkah is one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays. It’s the eight-day Festival of Lights in which Jews around the world remember the Maccabean Revolt and a miracle that happened there. One of the symbols of this holiday is the sufganiyot, a type of deep-fried filled doughnuts. But why are these doughnuts so closely related to the holiday? Here is why.
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History of the Sufganiyot
The custom of eating sufganiyot as part of Hanukkah began in the Middle East in the Middle Ages. The tradition was adopted by the Ashkenazi Jews, who were living in Germany at the time. They passed this tradition down to other Jewish communities.
In Hebrew, the word sufganiyot is derived from the word “sfog” or “sfogah,” which means “a pellet or a handful” and is usually associated with cake or pastry. The word “sufganiyah” mentioned in the Talmud was used to mean a deep-fried pastry filled with a fruit or jelly-like substance. In the Middle Eastern countries, Sufganiyot was traditionally filled with date jam.
Doughnuts and the Miracle of the Oil
The connection between doughnuts and Hanukkah comes from the miracle recorded in the Talmud and the Book of Maccabees – the miracle of the oil. After the Hasmoneans regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem, they only had enough sacred oil to keep the menorah burning for one night, yet it miraculously lasted for eight days. Sufganiyot fried in oil commemorate this miracle.
Another possible connection is that a number of scholars point to the round shape of a doughnut symbolizing the cycle of life – birth and death, fertility and eternity. Furthermore, some say that there is an allusion to unity, completeness, and holiness in its shape – something else that is associated with Hanukkah.
How are Sufganiyot Made?
Sufganiyot is a very simple doughnut recipe, featuring just a few basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and yeast. The dough is then formed into small balls and then deep-fried in oil until they are golden-brown. Then they are filled with a choice of jelly, cream, or custard and dusted with powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Sufganiyot is an essential part of Hanukkah celebrations, and its deep-frying in oil is a reminder of the miracle of the oil as it is written in the Talmud. As simple doughnuts, they symbolize the cycle of life and unity, two of the main themes of the holiday. For all these reasons, sufganiyot are a sweet reminder of the Hanukkah celebrations.
For centuries, sufganiyot have been part of Hanukkah celebrations. The sufganiyah doughnuts are a reminder of the miracle of the oil and a symbol of life, fertility, and unity. As a Hanukkah tradition, sufganiyot will continue to be enjoyed each holiday season.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.