Welcome to my Home this last Sunday in November. Today my friend Anna is visiting Me from the city. And sharing her family Hanukkah memories and a family recipe with me. So enjoy the first night of Hanukkah Lisa
The origins of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates a historical event that took place in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, when the Seleucid Greek empire was the ruling power. In 168 BCE, the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and defiled the Jewish Temple in the city by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios and sacrificing pigs.
A small army of Jews, known as the Maccabees, rebelled against this religious persecution. They regained control over the Temple, removed the symbols of Zeus and built a new altar so they could once again offer sacrifices in keeping with Jewish law.
According to a legend recounted in the Talmud, a compilation of 3rd to 6th century Jewish teachings, a miracle occurred at this time.
There was only enough oil to keep the Temple’s menorah, one of its most important ritual objects, burning for one day. But the flame stayed alight for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be found – the basis for the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah.
Anna Latkes Pancakes:
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds potatoes
- 2 onions, peeled
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canola oil, frying
- Applesauce, or sour cream, for garnish
Peel the potatoes. Place them in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover them, so they won’t turn brown. When ready to prepare the latkes, drain the potatoes. Place potatoes and onions in a food processor fitted with a knife blade (also known as the s-blade). Pulse until smooth. Drain the mixture well. Pour the potato mixture into a large bowl. Add the beaten eggs, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Add enough flour so that the mixture holds together.Carefully drop 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Flatten the pancake slightly so the center will cook. Repeat Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. with additional batter, taking care not to crowd the pan. . Transfer to the paper towel-lined platter to drain, and continue frying the remaining latke batter in batches. Serve immediately with applesauce or sour cream.
First night of Hanukkah :
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/category/celebrate/hanukkah/ChanukahFirst Day of Hanukkah 2022
The first day of Hanukkah marks the start of Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah or Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people’s struggle for religious freedom. On the first day of Hanukkah, only the shammash and the first candle are lit.
Lisa s Everyday Life 