Try This Latke Recipe From Israel

Wife of Israeli consul general to the Midwest shares her Hanukkah potato pancake recipe.

Editor’s Note—Nitza Gilad is the wife of Roey Gilad, Israel’s consul general to the Midwest based at the Israeli Consulate in Chicago. Her explanation of the traditional Hanukkah potato pancake and her recipe are reprinted here from the Consular website with the permission of the consul general’s office. Where Does the Word Latke Come From? Here are some ideas … 1.   The word "latke" itself is derived (via Yiddish) from the Russian/Ukrainian word латка meaning "patch." 2.   The word לביבה leviva, the Hebrew name for latke, has its origins in the Book of Samuel's description of the love story of Amnon and Tamar.  Some interpreters have noted that the homonym לב lev means "heart.” 3.   Latka Gravas is a fictional character on the television …

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When Does Hanukkah 2012 Start?

The Jewish holiday begins a little early this year.

Mark your calendars for the 25th day of the month of Kislev. That's when Hanukkah starts in 2012. For those of us who aren't so tuned into the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday Dec. 8. The holiday, also called the Festival of Lights, lasts eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enought oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. Yet the oil lasted for eight, according to the story, and thus the holiday of Hanukkah was born. Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting a menorah over the course of eight days, playing dreidel and…

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Yuji and Kai

Celebrating Hanukkah, and Christmas, Too!

Anticipating a week of special moments.

We are one of THOSE types of families. Yes, we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.  Well, kinda, sorta.  We have a Christmas tree and a menorah. And our Christmas tree has a dreidel ornament. But please don’t ask me too many questions about the Maccabees.  My knowledge only goes so far. My wife and I grew up celebrating Christmas, so the Jewish holidays are still rather new to us. The details of why we now celebrate them are for another time. Suffice to say that we now have dear family members who are Jewish. Because of our joint celebrations, this is a huge week for our son.  The past two years, there was no overlap between Hanukkah and Christmas.  Last year, for example, Hanukkah began in early December. So there was a clear …

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