Celebrate Hanukkah like a Pro

Ever wondered what Hanukkah really symbolizes or which foods are most traditional?

My friend, fellow cookbook author, and authority on Jewish culinary traditions, Sheilah Kaufman explains why Hanukkah is celebrated by saying " After the Syrian King Antiochus Epiphanes IV seized Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago the Temple was turned over to the worship of the Greek gods and swine were sacrificed on its altar. After a successful revolt against Antiochus under the Jewish priest Mattathius (and his five sons) the Temple was recaptured."

"During the cleansing for the re dedication there was only enough pure oil to burn for one day. Instead it lasted for eight while new oil was being prepared by the priests. This event is commemorated to this day by Jews as the Feast of Channukah, celebrated by lighting candles, one each night for eight days, and eating foods fried in oil, like ladkes, or fried donuts stuffed with jam.. This reminds us that a great miracle happened there. It is interesting to note that Jews do not celebrate this holiday because of the victory over the Syrians, but because of the miracle that happened with the oil."

"It was during this time, that Judith, a beautiful widow invited the enemy general Holofernes to dine with her. She plied him with cheese which made him very thirsty. After drinking a lot of wine, he fell into a drunken stupor and passed out. At that point, she beheaded him with her sword. Because her bravery is said to have inspired the Macabees, Jews remember Judith by eating cheese during Hanukkah. "

To learn to how to create your own Hanukkah favorites, check out Sheilah's videos. For personal lessons or private classes/events or lectures, contact Sheilah directly.