A Celebration of Hanukkah with Geoffrey Baer
Latkes! Dreidels! Gelt!
In this heartwarming, nostalgic, and humorous exploration of Hanukkah (or Chanukah, if you prefer!), discover the time-honored traditions of this joyous Jewish holiday. Learn the story of how it came to be, the significance of the season’s cherished foods and fun, and how families continue to celebrate together across generations.
The Traditions of Hanukkah
Jewish people everywhere, no matter where they live or their level of observance, celebrate Hanukkah in a similar way. Discover how lighting the menorah, eating fried food, and other traditions are at the heart of every celebration.
The Illuminating History of Hanukkah
Most people who observe Hanukkah agree that they celebrate the holiday to commemorate a great miracle. But was the miracle about the oil, or a military victory? That’s when it gets complicated. Dig into the history of the holiday.
Poll: You Say Chanukah. I Say Hanukkah. How Do You Spell the Festival of Lights?
Some opt for Hanukkah. Others spell it Chanukah. And there are lots of other variations out there, too. How do YOU spell it? Take the poll!
The Festive Fried Foods of Hanukkah
During Hanukkah, oily foods are eaten to remember the miracle of the oil – when the menorah in the temple in Jerusalem burned for eight nights, even though there was only enough oil for one night.
A Latke Recipe from Acclaimed Pastry Chef Mindy Segal
Chef Mindy Segal, a James Beard Award-winning pastry chef in Chicago, first fell in love with baking as a child when her mother bought her a KitchenAid mixer for Hanukkah. She demonstrates her take on her mother’s latke recipe.
A Recipe for Hanukkah Cookies from North Shore Kosher Bakery
Ayellet Benezra, the second generation owner of North Shore Kosher Bakery, shares her recipe for colorful Hanukkah cookies perfect for a holiday gathering.
Sharing the Miracle: A Brief History of Lighting the Menorah
The menorah is perhaps the most instantly recognizable symbol of Hanukkah today. But it was not always a highly public symbol of the Festival of Lights.
Meet the Band that Created a Rock Album for Hanukkah
Some of America’s most famous Christmas songs were written by Jewish songwriters, many of whom wrote under non-Jewish pen names. So where are the Hanukkah hits? Enter The LeeVees, a band formed in pursuit of expanding the Hanukkah repertoire.
Lead support for A Celebration of Hanukkah is provided by The Negaunee Foundation.
Major support is provided by The Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation in memory of Fred Cooper and The Crain-Maling Foundation.
Additional support is provided by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bobins, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation; The Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation; Sylvia Eisenstein Furner; and Robert J. and Roberta L. Washlow.
