In
a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of calendars, Chanukah and
Thanksgiving fall on the same day this year. But rather than choose
between which holiday to celebrate, some families are saying "more
please" to both. That means sweet potato latkes and challah-stuffed
turkey is getting served up beside a cornucopia overflowing with
chocolate gelt, lit by the flickering of a turkey-shaped menorah.Happy "Thanksgivukkah!"
Because the Jewish and Gregorian calendars aren't calculated the same way, Chanukah shows up at different times each year. Usually the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights happens in December, but this year, it falls on Turkey Day. The convergence has only happened once before, in 1888, and won't be seen again until 2070 and again in 2165, according to calculations by Jonathan Mizrahi, a quantum physicist at the Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. After that, the two holidays aren't set to overlap until 76,695.
So if you ever wondered what turkey would taste like if it had a little more "schmaltz" — rendered chicken fat, a staple of traditional Jewish cuisine — this is the year.
Trish Meyers, a 41-year old stay-at-home mom in Brandon, Fla., already has in mind to put together eight turkey-shaped tapers in her house to create a crossover menorah. She was brought up Christian and her husband is Jewish. Normally the Meyers and their two daughters, 12 and 19, observe Chanukah at home, and then visit family for Thanksgiving. This year, they're hosting both for all 20 guests. It will be the first time Trish's side of the family has experienced a Chanukah celebration.
Besides dreidel spinning and songs, bourbon sweet potato kugel, cranberry brisket sliders and challah-stuffed turkey are on order, combining cuisines from both menus into single dishes.
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