Good afternoon, Redwood City!
Lotsa latkes
There’s nothing quite like that first batch of latkes. The sizzle of the oil, the smell of greasy, onion-y potatoes, the necessary sweetness of the applesauce… the sounds and smells transport me back to the family Hanukkah parties of my childhood.
As we lit our menorah yesterday, one candle for the first of eight nights, we talked about the history of the tradition and the “miracle of Hanukkah.” As the story goes, in celebration of rising against their oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt, the Jews were instructed to cleanse the Second Temple in Jerusalem, rebuild its altar and light the menorah. Though there was only enough oil to burn for one night, the candles burned for eight nights.
And so, every year for eight nights, we light candles, play dreidel and come together for latkes and jelly donuts. Not a bad way to spend a week, I’d say.
Did you make it to yesterday’s Chanukah festival in downtown Redwood City? If so, I’d love to see your photos or hear your favorite memories!
Your reporter,
Leah
Photo of the Day Caption: Sunset over Bair Island. Photo by Chris Fuller. | To have your photo featured, send us an email.
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