FAVORITE HANUKKAH MEME — I’ve seen it all over the internet in the past few weeks and I wish I knew how to credit this — “Imagine if your cell phone was at 10% and it lasted eight days. Now you understand Hanukkah.”
HANUKKAH MUSIC — SiriusXM’s Radio Hanukkah begins tomorrow, Dec. 20, on channel 788. It features an extensive collection of Hanukkah music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s Hanukkah selections. We’re told this year it is streaming only. Thanks Maury Kohn for the information. But don’t fret if you aren’t a subscriber to Sirius XM. Thanks to Kveller.com, I discovered you can find Hanukkah songs for free on Spotify. It takes just a few minutes to sign up for it. The first song I heard when I clicked on Hanukkah songs is Adam Sandler’s “The Hanukkah Song.” It was so “funnukkah” to hear that song, but if you are more of a traditionalist, you can hear instrumentals of “Ma’oz Tzur” and the blessings, Carole King’s beautiful “Chanukah Prayer” and The Barenaked Ladies singing “I Have a Little Dreidel” and “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah,” among many other choices. Check it out. I had the best luck just searching Hanukkah songs. Remember this is on free Spotify. You don’t have to enroll in the premium service to listen to these songs.
LATKE TIPS — Thanks to the Vaad and Ellenberg Experience Catering, here are a couple of tips for making latkes: • To achieve the best results, make sure your latke batter isn’t too wet. Squeeze out excess juices from the shredded potatoes. • Add an onion to get that savory flavor in your latkes. • Put a quarter of your shredded potatoes into the food processor to mince and add this back to your batter. Your latkes will have a little more body.
MORE VAAD HANUKKAH NEWS — Did you know the Krispy Kreme located at 105th and Metcalf is kosher and dairy (not CY). During Hanukkah they will have a special blue and white design on glazed and jelly donuts. Fluffy Fresh donuts near 103rd and State Line on the Missouri side is also kosher dairy (not CY). They sell out quickly, Vaad Executive Director Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi said, so get there early or order in advance. He asks that you mention you are a kosher customer.
FREE MENORAHS — Chabad House Center is offering free menorahs in an innovative approach to spreading the custom of lighting the menorah in celebration of Chanukah. You can find menorahs placed on the big menorah outside the building on Indian Creek Drive, you don’t need to go inside to get them. Chabad has also been giving away menorahs at a stand inside Hen House at 117th and Roe. If you need a free menorah or want more information, contact Blumah Wineberg at 913-940-1113.
CHANUKAH ON ICE — Chabad is hosting its annual Chanukah on Ice party from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Ice at Park Place. Skate to Chanukah music and enjoy hot cocoa and fresh sufganiyot. Join the lighting of the 6-foot Menorah with music and singing. Admission is free; $10 to skate.
CHAG URIM — In the category of you learn something new every day, last week, through Congregation Beth Shalom’s weekly e-newsletter, I learned that Hanukkah is called “chag urim,” meaning holiday of light. Thank you Beth Shalom for enlightening me!