Sunday, December 16, 2012 -
Family traditions: Hanukkah
E
ven when she was very young, Leah Schwartz wanted everyone to know what she celebrated at this time of the year. Anyone who greeted her with a “Merry Christmas” or asked her if she had written to Santa was met with a polite correction: “We celebrate Hanukkah.” Leah’s mom recalls it was especially cute when she was really young and couldn’t quite pronounce the word Hanukkah. Now 13, Leah celebrates Hanukkah each year with her family, including her 10year-old brother Jacob. The family cooks traditional meals together, but the kids admit their mom and grandma do most of the cooking. Jacob’s favourite Hanukkah treat: sufganiyot, which are similar to jelly donuts. Leah agrees they’re “Super good.” It’s not surprising that Jacob’s favourite part of Hanukkah is “Being with the family and eating food.” “And lighting the candles,” adds Leah. “Yea, I like seeing the candles,” says Jacob. When they were younger they argued about who would light the candles on the family menorah, but now they take turns. They also tell stories and play games. Sometimes their friends visit. Their family traditions are based on what their parents did growing up in Montreal, and this year, the family is planning to travel to Florida to visit
“We don’t eat it every day because it’s relatives, including their two-year-old kind of special when we only have it on cousin, and then Montreal to visit more Hanukkah,” says Jacob of the latkes. family, including their 96-year-old Jacob and Leah say they were great-grandmother. always surrounded with Leah describes traditions stories and traditions of as “Something like a Hanukkah at home and celebration, something you at Hebrew school (from do every year or maybe which Leah graduated last even every month.” year and celebrated her Bat She agrees that family Mitzvah). traditions are important, Sometimes they buy each “because as you other presents for Hanukkah, get older you but Jacob is hard-pressed to have your remember his favourite. grandchildren He does, however, remember or children, a favourite birthday present (and) you get from Leah: “A really cool to pass on a Latkes Olympic T-shirt,” and a lot of stories are a Star Wars trilogy book. and it’s fun favourite Leah also loves Star Wars for them to Hanukkah and notes with a laugh that know what dish. she was named after the you did as you character of Princess Leia. Her were growing mom quickly disagrees. up.” Leah also can’t remember the best One tradition they Hanukkah present her brother has given have shared with their her, but notes, “Whatever it is it’s always classmates over the years is learning thoughtful.” how to make latkes. Latkes are a type She then remembers how he often buys her of potato pancake usually eaten during two-bite brownies from the corner store Hanukkah. Both Jacob and Leah attended Larson elementary (Leah is now when they have to go there to pick up milk or other staples for their parents because he in her first year of high school), and their knows how much she likes brownies. parents and grandmother would visit the “That’s always a good present,” she says. elementary school to teach kids how to make latkes and play the dreidel game. ROSALIND DUANE
Holiday cooking is a special treat
- A33
PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN
Leah and Jacob Schwartz enjoy being with family during the holidays.
THE BEST COLD SMOKED SALMON FOR CHRISTMAS! at
Maplewood Farm
Christmas Special Fresh out of the smoker. Smoked Wild Sockeye salmon side. (Not Sliced) $ 35/Kg ($16/lb) Approximate weight 0.9kg to 1.2kg (2lbs to 2.6lbs)
Limited quantity! All Natural! The product will be available only during December 20 - 24 from 9AM to 4PM. Open Saturday & Sunday during this week - Cash only!
Masa’s Salmon Smokehouse
130 Garden Avenue, North Vancouver • 604-988-8785 Fax: 604-988-8729