Along with lighting the , playing , and telling the story of the , one of the most recognizable and tastiest Hanukkah traditions is cooking (and eating) fried foods. While frying up a fresh batch of Hanukkah treats is certainly delicious, this practice is also deeply rooted in the meaning of the holiday.
On Hanukkah, Jews celebrate the many miracles experienced by the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish soldiers who fought against religious oppression in the second century BCE. One of these miracles occurred when the Maccabees regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem. They found a jug of oil that only contained enough fuel to keep the Temple's lamps lit for one day. However, the oil lasted for eight whole days! This miracle is the reason we eat foods fried in oil to celebrate Hanukkah and remember the Maccabees.
Jews from all over the world have developed different recipes for fried Hanukkah dishes. Learn more about global Hanukkah cuisine and try out a new recipe this Hanukkah!
