Judaism is diverse – so are Hanukkah foods

+ the best books for the darkest day of the year US Edition - Today's top story: 'Untraditional' Hanukkah celebrations are often full of traditions for Jews of color [View in browser]( US Edition | 19 December 2022 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Celebrating Hanukkah means menorahs, dreidels – and oil, lots of oil. To commemorate the original Hanukkah miracle, when oil intended for just one day lasted eight, Jewish families in the U.S. often fry up batches of latkes, the famous potato pancakes usually enjoyed with applesauce or sour cream. For lots of Americans, those treats are strongly associated with Judaism. More specifically, though, latkes are Ashkenazi, referring to Jews whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe – one of many Jewish cultures around the world. And in recent years, non-Ashkenazi Jews and Jews of color have brought new attention to their roots by incorporating their own traditional foods into Jewish holidays. Samira Mehta, associate professor of women and gender studies and Jewish studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, unpacks how [some people are using holiday meals to bring together multiple parts of their identities]( – and recalls a memorable Hanukkah celebration of her own. Also today: - [When astrologers served in governments and worked in hospitals]( - [Don’t feed your pets these holiday foods]( - [Studying fish eyes for signs of mercury exposure]( Molly Jackson Religion and Ethics Editor Hanukkah creates opportunities for families to celebrate their heritage – especially in the kitchen. zilber42/iStock via Getty Images [‘Untraditional’ Hanukkah celebrations are often full of traditions for Jews of color]( Samira Mehta, University of Colorado Boulder Multicultural Jewish families and Jews of color are innovating food-centered holidays to bring their whole selves to the table. 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