In December, Jews all across the world will start celebrating Hanukkah and Costa Rica is no exception. The holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated the Syrians, who had desecrated the Holy Temple.
The victory of the Maccabees, in a revolt that took place around 165 BCE, allowed the Jews to reclaim and rededicate the Temple of Jerusalem from the Syrian king, Antiochus IV. They entered the Temple and cleared it of the idols placed there by the Syrians. The Maccabees then built a new altar and made a new Menorah (candelabrum) from a cheaper metal since their golden one was stolen by the Syrians.
When they wanted to light it, they found only enough sacred olive oil to burn for one day, however, it miraculously continued to burn for eight days until new oil was made. The eight days of thanksgiving and lighting candles commemorate the event.
A moveable feast, Hanukkah usually occurs in December but sometimes falls in late November. This year this important celebration runs December 7–15.
Traditions
– The lighting of the Menorah: Jews light candles in a special candleholder called a menorah or a hanukkiah. The middle candle, called the shamash, is lit first and then is used to light each of the other candles every night. Each night, one more candle is added. On the first night of Hanukkah, two candles are lit (the shamash and the candle of the first night) and on the last night, there are nine lit candles.
– The saying of the blessings: specific blessings are recited each day during the lighting of the candles.
– Songs: it is customary to sit by the Hanukkah lights and sing traditional songs.
– Food: dairy foods and foods fried in oil are eaten during these eight days. Some examples are cheese, potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiots (jelly donuts).
– Gelt: after lighting the candles it is customary to give gelt (money) to the children and to charity. This adds to the festive spirit and brings happiness to all.
– Dreidel: also called sevivon, it is a spinning four-sided top that is used to play a guessing game: on which side will it fall? The dreidel dates back to the times of the Hanukkah story. Since Jews were prohibited from gathering to study their religion, they would hide to do so. If caught they would pretend to be playing with the dreidel.
Public Celebration
During the eight days of Hanukkah, Chabad Lubavitch of Costa Rica will light daily the Menorah next to the Costa Rican Soccer Federation in La Sabana.
All the Jews of Costa Rica are welcome to attend the public event regardless of which congregation they belong to. For the exact time in which the lighting will take place, please call the offices of Chabad Lubavitch at 296-6565.
Hanukkah Shopping
– Little Israel: Pavas, in front of the Shell Gas Station, sells everything you need to prepare a Hanukkah feast: potato latke mix, ingredients for jelly donuts, several types of cheese and many other Jewish foods. Also sells latkes and donuts, 290-2083.
– Hallmark: Hanukkah cards and wrapping supplies.
– Chabad Lubavitch of Costa Rica: in Pavas, 20 m north of the Cuscatlan Bank, has candles, candleholders and books for blessings for sale.
Yummy Potato Pancakes for Hannukah
Potato Latkes Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 5 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 large onion
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 cup oil for frying
Use: 10-inch skillet
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Grate potatoes and onion on the fine side of a grater, or in a food processor, or put in a blender with a little water.
Strain grated potatoes and onion through a colander, pressing out excess water. Add eggs, flour, and seasoning. Mix well.
Heat oil in skillet. Lower flame and place 1 large tablespoon batter at a time into hot sizzling oil and fry on one side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown. Turn over and fry on other side 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue with remaining batter until used up, adding more oil when necessary.
Serve with applesauce on the side.
Variation: Zucchini or Carrot Latkes: Substitute 5 medium zucchini or 5 medium carrots for potatoes.
From: “Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook,” published by Lubavitch Women’s Cookbook Publications.
