Scholars Square Off in Duke’s First Latke vs. Hamentasch Debate
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More than 160 students, faculty, staff and community members recently gathered at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life to discuss an important question: Which Jewish treat is better: the fried potato pancake known as the latke, or the jam-filled hamentasch cookie? It was the first time the Duke community held what’s known as the Latke vs. Hamentasch Debate, a tradition at the University of Chicago since 1946.
Math professor Adam Levine and physics professor Dan Scolnic — who is also the 2025–2026 Duke Presidential Fellow — engaged in a lighthearted yet rigorously framed debate, each presenting a case for their chosen holiday delicacy.
Their arguments blended serious scholarship with humor, ranging from Talmudic interpretations to imaginative mathematical and scientific justifications to a homemade video set to the music of Enya for the superiority of the latke or the hamentasch.
The debate was judged by a panel of Duke leaders, including Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain Elana Friedman, Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Affairs Mary Pat McMahon, and Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship professor Aaron Dinin.
The judges listen intently.
Complete with spirited audience engagement and refreshments featuring both holiday foods, the program highlighted the vibrancy of Jewish cultural life and was a moment for laughter and joy.
Seriously, which do you prefer? The latke or the hamentasch?
A surprise visit from the Blue Devil mascot adding to the festive atmosphere.
At the end of the evening, Scolnic, arguing for Team Latke, took home the trophy, awarded by the Duke Blue Devil. Scolnic was recently announced as the keynote speaker for the Class of 2026 Jewish Baccalaureate Ceremony, which will take place on May 8.
Physics professor Dan Scolnic included a scientific argument for the latke.
The success of the night suggests that the Latke vs. Hamentasch Debate may become a new Duke tradition, offering an annual occasion for humor, community building, and a good-natured celebration of cherished Jewish treats.
