By Sheryl Rowling
SAN DIEGO–Thanksgivukkah
I’m so fermished! I usually write a themed column for Hanukkah and usually don’t devote a separate piece for Thanksgiving. This year, how can I do one without the other? This is almost as disturbing as when Leap Year adds an extra day of tax season. But, that’s a different story …
After much thought, instead of the Hanukkah fairy, my guest columnist will be Judah, the kosher turkey. Jude (as we call him for short) chose his own questions from the thousands we receive each week. (Yes, I’m exaggerating, but I can always dream!)
Hey Jude (you knew that was coming),
I am trying to plan my menu for Thanksgivukkah. We’re supposed to have roast turkey with stuffing and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving while Hanukkah calls for potato latkes, sufganiyot and chocolate gelt. I’m not so sure a combined menu can work.
Regards, Ringo
Don’t be afraid, Ringo,
I can make it better. First of all, I recommend roast chicken rather than turkey – for obvious reasons. If you want to cut your budget by combining the holidays, you need to get creative with your menu. You don’t need fried sufganiyot if you fry your poultry. That seems to be trend these days anyway. Just be careful you don’t burn the house down. Forget about stuffing, latkes go with everything! And, remember, no mixing meat and milk, only garnish with applesauce, not sour cream. Finally, go ahead and serve pumpkin pie. Chocolate gelt, like latkes, goes with everything!
Shalom, Jude
Dear Judah,
Am I encouraging my children to gamble by teaching them dreidel?
Perplexedly, Paul
Dear Paul,
I, myself, am an optimist. I prefer to think of it as teaching them about money. When you give the kids gelt, it’s just like giving them an allowance or a paycheck. They use the money to play a game that resembles gambling. In this game, they learn addition, subtraction, and fractions. They also experience the harsh reality of shin (losing coins). After a few rounds of dreidel, your little ones will be math masters and learn to not risk the “chocolate in the hand.”
Yours sincerely, Judah
Greetings Jude,
What is an appropriate gift for Thanksgivukkah?
Generously, George
Dear George,
Pepto Bismol.
Sincerely, Jude
Hello Jude,
How can we incorporate the thankfulness of Thanksgiving into our Hanukkah gift-giving?
Jewishly, John
What a wonderful idea, John!
Our Jewish tradition always emphasizes tzedakah. Why not give the gift of giving? On Thanksgivukkah (the second night of Hanukkah), give checks for whatever amounts you’d like with the “payee” line blank. Each recipient can then write in the name of the charity of their choosing. You can collect the checks and send them to the named organizations. I have a Yiddishe kop, don’t I?
Happy Thanksgivukkah to all from Judah and the Money Maven!
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Rowling is a certified public accountant, personal finance specialist, and principal of Rowling & Associates. She may be contacted via sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com