Age-old debate over merits of latkes, hamentashen continu

The age-old feud between proponents of latkes (potato pancakes) and proponents of hamentashen (triangular pastries) continues with the 47th annual Latke-Hamentash Symposium at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Max Palevsky Cinema.

Within the format of a symposium, panelists will draw upon their various academic disciplines to extol the virtues of latkes or hamentashen. This year's panelists are Ariela Finkelstein, Lecturer in Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations; John Lantos, Assistant Professor in Pediatrics; Ingrid Monson, Assistant Professor in Music; and Geoffrey Stone, the Harry Kalven Jr. Professor and Dean of the Law School. Ted Cohen, Professor in Philosophy, will moderate the debate, and Rabbi Daniel Leifer, director of Hillel Foundation, will give the introduction.

The debate concerns the relative merits of latkes, commonly eaten during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and hamentashen, which take their name from Haman, whose failed attempt to massacre the Jews is commemorated by the Jewish holiday of Purim. The style of the debate follows the Jewish practice of spoofing rabbinic tradition and mimicking teachers that is common and acceptable during Purim. In the University's secular environment, the debate parodies both Jewish custom and the rigorous and highly academic nature of the University.

Following the debate, latkes, hamentashen, sour cream, applesauce and cider will be served.

The debate is free and open to the public; the post-symposium feast costs $2. For more information, call Hillel Foundation at 752-1127.