Latke-Hamantaschen Debate

Latke-Hamantaschen Debate

Which is better, latkes or hamantaschens? When the relative merits of the fried potato pancakes made for Chanukah and of Purim's triangular fruit- or poppyseed-filled cookies are debated each spring, the answer - if one is even decided upon - is beside the point.

"More people were hoodwinked into thinking the potato was perfectly healthy to eat, when in fact, everyone knows it is healthier to eat a food drenched in butter."

Sponsored by Ruach, past debates have pit a mathematician against a musician, a religion professor against a dean, and an historian against an economist - aided by Mr. Potato Head himself. Highlights from these exchanges, as reported in the Daily Gazette, include these morsels:

  • "There is nothing more satisfying than something fried in hot oil."
  • "[T]he term latke could be drawn from the name Lot from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and thus [is] sinful."
  • "Potatoes are dirty. They spend their whole life in the dirt." 

Ruach, which means "spirit" in Hebrew, is the student group responsible for most Jewish events on campus. In addition to the debate, recent activities include performances, a musical jam and sleep-out in the Sukkah, a Purim party, a traditional and an environmentally-themed seder, and a havdallah bonfire, among others.