A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

Hanukkah

‘Sunday Night Football’ to feature first-ever Hanukkah menorah lighting

Jacob Gurvis, JTAPublished December 14, 2022

(JTA) — When the New York Giants and Washington Commanders face off on “Sunday Night Football” this weekend, there will be two extra lights inside the stadium. Sunday is the first night of Hanukkah, and for the first time ever, the National Football...

The Hanukkah merch market has exploded. But are Jews feeling more represented?

The Hanukkah merch market has exploded. But are Jews feeling more represented?

Philissa Cramer, JTAPublished December 13, 2022

(JTA) — It was early November when Nicholas Wymer-Santiago walked into his local Target in Austin, Texas, and realized it was beginning to feel a lot like Hanukkah. Instead of an endcap with a limited array of Hanukkah basics, as he had seen in...

An American Jewish man wears a sweder with the Star of David and a lit Hannukkia (Menorah) during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, at the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, on December 25, 2019. Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** ירושלים חנוכה תייר תיירים מנורה חנוכייה שוק מחנה יהודה

10 reasons why Hanukkah is the most fun holiday

By Naama BarakPublished December 13, 2022

Hanukkah is probably the most fun holiday the Jewish calendar has to offer. And for good reason, too. Not only is it a beautiful festival of light, but it involves plenty of fried goodness, chocolates, gifts, family and friends. Still not convinced? Scroll...

Depiction of the Maccabees at the Or Torah Synagogue in Acre, Israel. (PikiWiki Israel)

Why the Maccabees, the stars of the Hanukkah story, aren’t in the Bible

BY RACHAEL TURKIENICZ, My Jewish LearningPublished December 13, 2022

The First and Second Books of Maccabees contain the most detailed accounts of the battles of Judah Maccabee and his brothers for the liberation of Judea from foreign domination. These books include within them the earliest references to the story of...

Where to find great Hanukkah desserts in St. Louis

Where to find great Hanukkah desserts in St. Louis

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished December 12, 2022

While there are probably dozens, if not hundreds, of different ways Jewish St. Louisans celebrate Hanukkah, I'm betting we all have one thing in common: We love to eat well during the eight nights of celebration. But after our briskets and potato...

Even more Hanukkah gift ideas you can find locally

Even more Hanukkah gift ideas you can find locally

Published December 11, 2022

In 2022, the first night of Hanukkah is Sunday, December 18, and the last night is Sunday, December 25, which means you only have a few weeks left to find and acquire the best Hanukkah gifts. Last week we shared Part 1, but we have more: Craft...

The best latke hack ever

The best latke hack ever

By Shannon Sarna, KvellerPublished December 8, 2022

I love making a latke. But I loathe grating potatoes and cleaning the food processor and making a starchy mess in the kitchen. And I bet you do, too. For those who want to fry up some latkes but cut out a few steps, I have got such the hack for you:...

Yep, Manischewitz introducing Crypto Gelt

Yep, Manischewitz introducing ‘Crypto Gelt’

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished December 8, 2022

Just months after releasing its "gefilte dogs" for July 4th, our good friends at Manischewitz are at it again this holiday season, launching a brand-new product that will forever change Hanukkah for the better. Introducing Manischewitz Crypto Gelt: the...

The new Hanukkah and Shabbat pajamas are here

The new Hanukkah and Shabbat pajamas are here

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished December 8, 2022

If you ask me, life is always better when wearing pajamas. Last year, I rediscovered the true joy of comfy pajamas after receiving them as a gift for Hanukkah. Soon, I learned that Hanukkah wasn't the only holiday to be celebrated in sleepwear....

Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s ‘lower guilt’ latkes

Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s ‘lower guilt’ latkes

Gabrielle BirknerPublished December 8, 2022

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz — South Florida congresswoman, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, mother of three school-age children — is also, apparently, something of maven in the kitchen. Wasserman Schultz (aka @cleancookingcongresswoman)...

Overwhelmed by glut of cookbooks? Here are suggestions for Hanukkah gifting—or keeping

Overwhelmed by glut of cookbooks? Here are suggestions for Hanukkah gifting—or keeping

By Margi Lenga Kahn, Special to the Jewish LightPublished December 7, 2022

Walk into any bookstore and you will be astonished by how much space is dedicated to cookbooks. Likewise, check out a library near you. The stacks are overflowing with cookbooks. It is wonderful and can be overwhelming. So, what makes a good cookbook...

Sizzling latkes taste sensational -- but oh that post-frying odor. Photo: Shannon Sarna

Four secrets for making great homemade latkes for Hanukkah

By Beth Harpaz, The ForwardPublished December 6, 2022

I’m always surprised when friends say they can’t be bothered to make homemade latkes for Hanukkah. Takeout latkes or latkes from the frozen foods section or a mix never taste as good as latkes made from scratch. There’s nothing like a golden...

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