BY KAILEY SIEGEL
Director of Social Media
The Jewish Student Union hosted their Hanukkah celebration, the first official event since the formation of the club earlier this year, on December 8. The event included traditional Jewish foods, a latke eating contest, and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah.
Students who attended enjoyed latkes, a thin potato pancake treat, gelt, cookies, and donuts. “We knew we wanted to light menorahs and eat latkes, but we were also really stuck on what else to do,” said JSU President Lila Feldman “Playing dreidel and teaching those who don’t know how to play dreidel was also a top thing on our list. Slowly, ideas evolved and came together to form what we saw on the 8th.”
The JSU held a latke eating contest where students and teachers alike raced to finish their plate of eight latkes in a minute. “The food was very enjoyable, and I was proud to take home the latke contest championship,” said English teacher Christopher McGrath.
In addition to the food, the event featured engaging activities. “We got to play dreidel and it was fun because it’s basically gambling with chocolate,” shared Margret Conklin.
This celebration helped give many Jewish students and teachers an opportunity to celebrate their traditions with others. “It felt really good being able to celebrate the holiday with so many peers,” Jordan Feldman shared.
The event welcomed students and faculty of all religions. “It felt really comforting because I was surprised about how I didn’t know a lot about the actual celebration!” senior Samuel Tropea shared. “It also made me feel closer to my friends because I experienced their traditions.”
This event started a tradition that the JSU can build on in the future. “With every holiday, we celebrate a little more each year, and we wanted to share our joy with Old Bridge,” said Feldman.
Posted on 12/21/23
Photos by Tim O’Neill
Knight Life 