KT258 Judith the Sword And the Cheese

12/14/20 • 0 min

The Gratitudinal Leader with Anthony Zolezzi

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GRATITUDE IN A MINUTE WITH KAREN TREIGER
There is a lesser-known Chanukah food – cheese. The tradition of eating cheese is associated with the heroine Judith. Judith was a beautiful widow who lived in the town of Bethulia in Israel. An Assyrian army set siege on the town, and Judith went into the enemy camp to meet with their leader, Holofernes, a general for the Assyrians. Judith dined with the general, feeding him cheese, so he’d be thirsty and drink too much wine – which he did – after which he passed out. After he passed out, Judith took the general’s sword and cut off his head. The severed head inspired the Israelites to attack, and the Assyrians fled. This story was passed down orally and by the 14th century there was a strong tradition of eating cheese on Chanukah to celebrate Judith’s heroic act. Even Reb Moshe Isserliss, known as the Rama, one of the greatest Ashkenazik Rabbis, recommends eating cheese on Chanukah in honor of Judith. Think about Judith next time you have wine and cheese – but keep your sword well hidden.

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KT257 Chanukah Latkes and other fried delights

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GRATITUDE IN A MINUTE WITH KAREN TREIGER
On Chanukah, there is a tradition to eat food fried in oil. The oil became the big thing because of the miracle in the Temple. Oil was needed to light the Menorah, but they could only find a small jar of pure oil – enough for one day. Well, this small amount of oil kept the Menorah lit for eight days and nights – enough time to produce more pure oil.
So we fry. The Sephardim fry bumwellos – fried dough dripping with honey. In Israel, droughts of all kind are consumed. But Jews of Ashkenazik heritage fry potatoes, turning them into savory golden-brown Latkes. Now some eat Latkes with sour cream, but really, I believe that applesauce is the better choice. I believed that Latkes were uniquely Jewish. But, in 2016 I traveled to Belarus to visit the remnants of my grandmother’s tiny Shtetl, Samke. When I stepped off the plane in Minsk, I was handed a welcome to Belarus bag. Inside there was a postcard with a picture of a Latke – and it said: “The national food of Belarus.” So much for the Latke being a Jewish food.

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KT259 Gratitude For Chanukah At Home

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GRATITUDE IN A MINUTE WITH KAREN TREIGER
Today is the fifth day of Chanukah and I’m traveling back home. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to light candles and celebrate with my New York based family. The twins, Sammy and Evie, who are three months old, were delightful and smiled and coo’ed their way through the first days of Chanukah. I appreciate that I was able to travel to New York and see them, hold them and give them some Bubbi love. I had a wonderful trip and spending time with my two daughters and son-in-law (and his family) was a treat. I am deeply grateful for my mechuten’s hospitality. But I am so happy to be heading home – to Seattle – and to have three more days and nights of Chanukah to light candles and celebrate with my Seattle family, especially my mother, my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and 15-month-old grandson. It’s really nice to travel, but its especially nice to come back home.