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		Chabad.org » Jewish Holidays » Chanukah » Printable Chanukah Guide - 2011 » Chanukah Foods

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Chanukah Foods

Latkes, Donuts and Cheese

Oil played a significant role in the Chanukah story—the small jug of oil that miraculously provided fuel for the Temple Menorah for eight days. It is a Jewish tradition to eat foods that reflect the significance of a holiday – such as matzah on Passover, and apple dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah – and Chanukah is no exception. For at least the last thousand years, Jews have traditionally eaten oily foods on Chanukah.

Among the most popular Chanukah dishes are potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiot (deep-fried doughnuts).

Oil is also symbolic of the spiritual war waged by the Maccabees. See The War Is All About The Oil for more on this topic.

It is also customary to eat dairy foods on Chanukah, in commemoration of the bravery of Yehudit. Click here to read the story of this brave woman whose daring courage led to a great Maccabee victory.

Click here for traditional Chanukah recipes.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:

Posted: Nov 28, 2011

chanukah

I always refer to your site for the Jewish holidays-the holidays are explained clearly and unencumbered. I didn't realize dairy was a traditional category of food to eat on Chanukah-is that why we use sour cream on the latkes? Keep up the great site!!!

Posted By karen, old tappan, new jersey

Posted: Dec 14, 2010

the food

I am doing the food of haukkah for my class. We are doing different holidays I wanted to do it cause I thought that It would be fun. I love it

but im not jewish so thats sad but the recipes look really good.

thank you !!!!!!!!!

Posted By Audrey Draper

Posted: Dec 2, 2010

Chanukah Information

excellently done! Thank you.

Posted By Evi Teitler, Zurich, Switzerland