One week in December marks the beginning of the Jewish Hanukkah Holiday, and the small but active Jewish community of Greater New Orleans celebrates this special time in true New Orleans fashion with food, music and fellowship. Jewish solo travelers are welcomed to join in the various celebrations throughout the Crescent City.
Latkes are a Must
It would not be a Hanukkah celebration without latkes! Latkes, for the record, are Jewish potato pancakes and are traditionally cooked on Hanukkah, along with other fried foods, to commemorate the miracle of the menorah oil in the Jewish Temple.
New Orleans Hanukkah Parties and More Latkes
Named one of Washington Post's Most Amazing Hanukkah Parties, Latkes With a Twist is a community-wide Hanukkah party which takes place on a Thursday in December. The event is held at The Little Gem Saloon from 7:00-10:00 pm and Chefs Mike Freidman and Greg Augarten, co-owners of Pizza Delicious will be creating amazing latkes and more throughout the night. Enjoy live music by The Marc Stone 3, a silent auction and complimentary Vodka Latke Punch all night long. . Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased here!
Menorah on French Quarter Balcony. Photo by Quinn Dombrowski via flickr.
Speaking of good lakes, Marjie's Grill on Broad Street is celebrates Hanukkah with 8 Nights of Latkes. Every night of Hanukkah will feature a new and exciting latke preparation in honor of the holiday season. The menorah will be lit at sun down each evening and there will be drink specials while the candles are lit. Learn more here.
Shaya also serves a Hanukkah menu featuring Israeli cuisine. The four-course menu, served family style, runs from 4 p.m. until close (10 p.m. or 11 p.m. depending on the night) and includes dishes like crispy potato latkes with salmon caviar and veal brisket schnitzel with Persian cherries.
Additional New Orleans Hanukkah Celebrations
There will be plenty of parties and gatherings around town. Including the Chabad Jewish Center of Metairie's Community Celebration. The event is on or near December 15 at the Chabad Center begins at 4:30 p.m. with a menorah and Shabbat Candle lighting. A Shabbat service follows at 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 p.m. There will be a sufganiyah bar, and of course, latkes. Visit the center’s website for more information.
Head Uptown on St. Charles Avenue to celebrate the 6th night of Chanukah at the Jewish Community Center. Sunday, on or near December 17 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., you can light the Menorah, nosh on fried chicken and latkes, and enjoy a live concert by folk duo, Eric & Happie. Sponsored by Cathy and Morris Bart, this event is free and open to anyone.
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to theAbout page!
As with many holidays, New Orleans celebrates Easter in its own unique way. From Easter Mass to really big egg hunts, from Charoset to drag queens - New Orleans celebrates Easter like no other!