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Why My Janky Hanukkah Made Me Feel More Jewish Than Ever
I wasn’t working with a strong foundation, but I managed to have my best Hanukkah yet this year.
When I checked out the Hanukkah stock at my local Target earlier this week, there were no menorahs or gelt or dreidels. On a single pitiful shelf tucked away within one of the many aisles of Christmas decorations, there were a few stray boxes of menorah candles, the Mitzvah Moose, a light-up blue stuffed animal made by a company called Mensch Pets, and a mug that said Oy Vey!
Despite the lack of Hanukkah goods to be found in my immediate vicinity, I nevertheless forged ahead with my celebration, sans dreidel and gelt. Latkes were formed into patties, fried to a golden crisp, dipped in sour cream and applesauce, and voraciously consumed. Challah was braided, more messily than I would have liked, left to rise, and then baked to a perfect deep tan.
“Should we light the menorah before or after dinner?” I asked my gentile boyfriend (aka my goyfriend).
“How should I know?” he said.
