Why is it customary to eat latkes and donuts on Hanukkah?

Latkes are fried potato pancakes that are a traditional Hanukkah food. They are typically made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour, and are fried in oil. Latkes are often served with applesauce or sour cream.

The tradition of eating latkes on Hanukkah is said to have originated with the story of Judith. In the story, Judith used her beauty to seduce the Assyrian general Holofernes. After he fell asleep, she decapitated him with his own sword. The Jewish people then used the oil from his lamp to make latkes, as a symbol of their victory over the Assyrians.

Donuts

Donuts are another traditional Hanukkah food. They are typically fried in oil and are often filled with jelly or jam. Donuts are also a symbol of Hanukkah because they are round, like the coins that the Maccabees used to pay for the oil that they needed to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem.

In addition to latkes and donuts, there are many other traditional Hanukkah foods, including matzah ball soup, challah, and sufganiyot. These foods are all eaten to celebrate the miracles of Hanukkah and the victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors.