The discussion delves into the complexities of Jewish identity and tradition in modern times, particularly focusing on the controversies surrounding Jewish symbols like the bark mitzvah and shrimp-topped latkes.

In episode 208 of "Unorthodox," the podcast discusses the tragic anti-Semitic shooting in a Jersey City kosher market before delving into the real story of Hanukkah as explained by Rabbi Ari Lamm, focusing on Jews battling assimilation.

Disney Junior's show "Elena of Avalor" introduces a Hanukkah episode focusing on Elena and her family learning about and participating in Jewish traditions through their friendship with Rebekah, a Jewish princess.

The text describes the author's difficult first Hanukkah as a single mother, grappling with the challenges of managing a household alone after a contentious divorce.

The text discusses a selection of Jewish children's books from 2019 that offer a wide range of themes beyond the Holocaust.

In episode 206 of Unorthodox, Hanukkah preparation is in full swing with interviews featuring designer Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan discussing pottery, drag culture and Barbra Streisand's influence, Stephen Schragis of One Day University talking about Jewish love for learning, and Molly Yeh promoting her latke-filled Food Network special.

The podcast discusses the origin of the Maccabiah Games, likening their inception to a great miracle similar to Hanukkah.

The article highlights five recommended Christmas-themed books for Jewish kids to help them feel less left out during the holiday season.

In "Darkness Will Envelop Me: A Meditation on Hanukkah," Devora Steinmetz explores the Talmudic story of Adam's fear as he experiences the changing seasons for the first time, interpreting it through the lens of Psalms 139.

Eliezer Ben-Yehuda's father-in-law, Shlomo Naftali Hertz Jonas, lamented the absence of Judah Maccabee in prayers during Hanukkah, emphasizing Maccabee's importance as a hero and a symbol of Jewish resilience.

The article discusses the Jewish pastry known as Japonesas, half-moon shaped fried doughnuts soaked in honey, which can be found in La Linea de la Concepcion and Gibraltar.

The text discusses the theme of navigating cultural identities and historical allegiances, highlighting the story of the York Massacre in 1190 and the poetry of Marion and Celia Moss from mid-19th-century England.

In the late 19th century in the United States, American Jews initially focused on decorating for Sukkot rather than Hanukkah.

The article discusses the Jewish history of pancakes, focusing on latkes - potato pancakes fried in oil, traditionally eaten on Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the Hanukkah menorah.

The op-ed written by Mark Oppenheimer in The New York Times questions the usage of the term 'Jew' versus 'Jewish.'

In a thought-provoking exploration, the essay discusses a theoretical dialogue between Rabbi Nahman of Breslov and Franz Kafka about the symbolic significance of the dreidel in Jewish tradition and philosophy.

"Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" challenges the idea of a singular, canonical Hanukkah story by introducing goblins and magical elements into the narrative.

In this episode, Noah Efron, Don Futterman, and Allison Kaplan Sommer discuss three main topics: the controversy over an Israeli musician covering his eyes with duct tape to avoid seeing women dancing and whether this should be condemned, the struggle of Israel's Left to convey their patriotism effectively to fellow citizens, and the diminishing importance of Hanukkah as a Zionist and political holiday in Israel.

In a discussion led by Noah Efron, Don Futterman, and Haaretz journalist Allison Kaplan Sommer, three main topics were covered: the controversy surrounding an Israeli musician who covered his eyes with duct tape to avoid seeing women dancing, the challenge faced by Israel's Left in convincing others of their patriotism, and the diminishing importance of Hanukkah in Israel, once considered a significant Zionist holiday.

The article challenges the traditional understanding of Hanukkah as a conflict between Judaism and Greek culture by suggesting a more nuanced view of historical events in 175-164 BCE.

Hanukkah celebrations in America often revolve around the classic potato latkes, although historically, latkes were made with cheese rather than potatoes.

The author reflects on the evolution of latkes beyond the traditional potato version to include zucchini, sweet potato curry, celery root, and apple variations, influenced by modern culinary curiosity and the invention of the food processor.

The article discusses the historical significance and evolution of lighting practices during Hanukkah and Christmas.

The article discusses the popularity and significance of the Maccabeats' song "Candlelight" as a standout Hanukkah pop song filling a void in the genre.

The article discusses the creation and impact of the animated film "Lights," a midrash on the Hanukkah story focusing on anti-Semitism and assimilation.