Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The story behind Hanukkah centers on the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting for eight days, even though there was only enough to light the menorah for a single day, allowing the Jewish people to keep their light burning. This year, Hanukkah will begin on the evening of December 25, 2024, and run through January 2, 2025.
The central tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, a special candelabra with nine branches. Each night of the festival, a new candle is lit, accompanied by prayers and songs. The ninth candle, called the shamash, is used to light the others.
Families often come together for festive meals, creating moments of joy and togetherness. Traditional activities include playing dreidel, a spinning top game with Hebrew letters that remind participants of the miracle of Hanukkah, and exchanging gifts, which is a more modern custom. It is also customary to eat foods that are fried in oil, symbolising the miracle of the menorah’s oil. Two of the most popular dishes during Hanukkah are latkes, crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream, and sufganiyot, soft jelly-filled doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar. These traditions, steeped in symbolism, make Hanukkah a cherished time of celebration, reflection, and connection.
Sufganiyot are deep-fried doughnuts filled with sweet jam, traditionally raspberry or strawberry, and dusted with powdered sugar. These delicious treats are especially popular in Israel, where they are enjoyed throughout the holiday. These jelly-filled doughnuts not only satisfy sweet cravings, but they also serve as a reminder of the miracle that occurred thousands of years ago. Their round shape symbolises the cyclical nature of time, and their fried preparation honours the miracle of the oil.
Crosstown’s sufganiyot-inspired Homemade Raspberry Jam doughnuts are the ideal treat to enjoy during your Hanukkah celebrations. These doughnuts are crafted using our signature vegan sourdough and deep fried to perfection, combining the best qualities of traditional sufganiyot with a modern twist.
Sufganiyot have been a staple of Hanukkah for generations, and our version stays true to the essence of this beloved treat while bringing a fresh approach. These doughnuts are perfect for any occasion during the eight days of Hanukkah, offering a sweet and satisfying way to mark the holiday’s joyous occasion.
Food plays a central role in Hanukkah celebrations, serving as a delicious reminder of the holiday’s rich traditions and history. From crispy latkes to golden sufganiyot, these dishes honor the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Gathering around the table to share these symbolic foods brings families and friends together in joy and remembrance.
At Crosstown, our sufganiyot-inspired doughnuts are crafted to make your Hanukkah spread even more special. Filled with luscious homemade raspberry jam and lightly dusted with sugar, they perfectly capture the essence of this cherished tradition while adding a modern touch.
These doughnuts are available for delivery, ensuring that they arrive just in time for your celebration. To enjoy them for the start of the holiday, make sure to place your order before 4 PM on 23rd December, with delivery scheduled for 24th December. They’re the perfect way to add a sweet touch to your Hanukkah celebrations!
Please note: delivery is not available on 25th or 26th December.