Debate continues over merits of latke, hamentash

The annually resurrected, age-old feud between proponents of the latke (potato pancake) and proponents of the hamentash (a triangular pastry) continues with the 48th Latke-Hamentash Symposium at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 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 Robert Perlman, Professor in Pediatrics and Master of the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division; Sherwin Rosen, the Edwin A. and Betty L. Bergman Distinguished Service Professor and Chairman of Economics; Barbara Stafford, Professor in Art; and Josef Stern, Associate Professor in Philosophy. Ted Cohen, Professor in Philosophy, will moderate the debate, and Rabbi Daniel Leifer, director of the 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 and cider will be served.

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