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Hanukkah 2025: Light, Latkes & Laughter

Hanukkah 2025: Light, Latkes & Laughter

Hanukkah 2025: Light, Latkes & Laughter

Tina Khatri

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the first Hanukkah candle flickers to life, marking the start of eight nights of light, joy, and tradition. Golden latkes sizzle in the kitchen, their warm aroma filling the home, while colorful origami spinning tops whirl in playful celebration.

As the menorah glows and the dreidel spins, families gather to share stories, blessings, and laughter. Hanukkah is not just about food or games — it is a celebration of hope, heritage, and togetherness, shining bright through every night.

Potato Latkes

Ingredients

  • Four large russet potatoes, peeled
  • One medium onion
  • 1/4 cup flour or chickpea flour
  • One teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-3 tablespoons oil

Instructions

1. Prep

  • Grate potatoes and onion.
  • Squeeze liquid out of the mix; save the liquid.
  • Pour off liquid after five minutes, keeping the starch.

2. Mix

  • Combine squeezed mix and starch.
  • Stir in flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

3. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  • Oil a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Scoop 1/4-cup portions, flatten into discs, and brush with oil.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 12-15 minutes until crispy.

Origami Spinning Top

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Crease Diagonals: Start with the coloured side up. Fold and unfold along both diagonals to create an ‘X’ crease in the centre.
  2. First Square: Fold all four corners to meet the centre point.
  3. Turn Over: Flip the paper to the opposite side.
  4. Second Square: Fold all four new corners to meet the centre point.
  5. Final Flip: Flip the paper over one last time.
  6. Form the Top: Gently push the centre point down while pulling the four outer flaps (pockets) up and out until the paper forms a spinning top shape.
  7. Sharpen: Gently pinch the central point to ensure it is sharp for a good spin.

Hanukkah Time: Fill-in-the-Blank Story

During the first night of Hanukkah, Jonah helped his mother set up the family __________ (1) on the windowsill. Each candle was carefully placed, and soon the soft __________ (2) filled the room.

Before lighting, the family gathered to recite the traditional __________ (3). Jonah loved the feeling of togetherness and the warmth of the __________ (4) surrounding them.

Afterwards, he went to the kitchen to help his grandmother with the __________ (5). The smell of sizzling __________ (6) made his stomach rumble.

Later, Jonah and his sister spun the __________ (7), cheering when it landed on the winning letter. Their grandfather told stories about the ancient __________ (8) and the miracle of the small jar of __________ (9) that burned for eight nights.

Throughout the week, the children made small gifts for relatives, sang old __________ (10), and decorated the table with colourful __________ (11). On the final night, the menorah’s glowing __________ (12) reflected in everyone’s eyes.

Jonah realized that Hanukkah was not only about delicious food and games, but also about family, __________ (13), and remembering history. He felt proud to continue the __________ (14) passed down from generations. As he blew out the last candle, he silently hoped that the __________ (15) of the holiday would stay in his heart all year.

Suggested Answers

  • 1. menorah
  • 2. light
  • 3. blessings
  • 4. warmth / glow
  • 5. frying
  • 6. latkes / pancakes
  • 7. dreidel
  • 8. history / traditions
  • 9. oil
  • 10. songs / melodies
  • 11. decorations / crafts
  • 12. flame / reflection
  • 13. unity / togetherness
  • 14. traditions
  • 15. spirit / magic / joy

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