Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why are latkes associated with Hanukkah?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Hanukkah
Lighting the menorah in celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Latkes, which are potato pancakes, are associated with Hanukkah because they are fried in oil. This tradition serves to recall the miracle of the oil associated with the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.123
According to the Talmud, when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found only enough pure oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, providing sufficient time to prepare a fresh supply. Consequently, eating foods fried in oil—such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts)—has become a cherished custom to commemorate this event.312