Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Many of the most well-known Chanukah traditions are universal. Whether you're in Argentina or Zimbabwe, Jews will mark the eight-day festival by lighting a menorah, eating fried foods and recounting the victorious story of the Maccabees and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. 

But Jews around the world have also developed Chanukah customs that are unique to their local community. For example, while jelly-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are a mainstay among Ashkenazi Jews, Chanukah in southern India is celebrated by making gulab jamnun, a milk-based ball of dough that is deep fr...