Latkes and Light

Duke marks Chanukah with celebration and community

A row of students clapping and cheering at a party.
Jewish Student Union executive board members Tali Sigal, Ava Claar, Ashley Rabinowitz and Isabel Edelman cheer during this year’s Latkapalooza.

Music, hot chocolate and, most importantly, latkes were on the docket as the Duke community celebrated Chanukah at the university’s annual Latkapalooza event in early December. In addition to Latkapalooza, Duke’s community gathered on the Bryan Center Plaza on the first night of Chanukah, Dec. 14, to light candles for the holiday, which lasts for eight nights.

“In the shadow of the terrible attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, it was especially meaningful to bring the Chanukah lights to Duke’s campus on Sunday,” said Joyce Gordon, director of Jewish Life at Duke. “Our sages teach us that even a small light, a single flame, can dispel darkness. Even in the face of hate and tragedy, we will continue to show up together, support one another, and keep Jewish life and Jewish joy visible on campus."

During Latkapalooza, sponsored by Jewish Life at Duke and the Jewish Student Union, attendees brought hundreds of non-perishable food items to donate to Durham’s Emanuel Food Pantry. Participants enjoyed a photo booth and games such as donut on a string and dreidel spinning.

A student dressed up as a dreidel being lifted onto a chair.
Zachary Patterson (center, dressed as a dreidel), is lifted in a chair — a Jewish tradition symbolizing community support.
People sitting at a table eating latkes and applesauce.
There was plenty of latkes and applesauce on hand for the celebration.

Jewish communities gather each of the eight nights of the holiday to fulfill the mitzvah, or commandment, of lighting the Chanukah candles. The candle-lighting event on the first night of Chanukah took place in the wake of an attack targeting a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people. 

The annual virtual Chanukah Candle Lighting, with Duke Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain Elana Friedman, with special guests President Vincent Price and Men’s Basketball Coach Jon Scheyer, will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17. The virtual event is open to all Duke students, alumni, parents and families, faculty, staff and friends of all religious identities.