The annual University of Chicago Latke-Hamantash Debate, a curious tradition since 1946, took place in a new venue this year. For the first time, the event was held at the Rockefeller Chapel instead of the usual Mandel Hall. The debate featured the playful theme: "What’s trending now: latke or hamantash?"
Andrea Okun, a third-year student, expressed her excitement about the venue: “We’re excited to be back in this space. Hillel’s first home on campus was right here in Rockefeller [Chapel], so this is kind of a homecoming for us.”
Historically, scholars including Nobel laureates and university presidents have engaged in debating the merits of the latke, a potato pancake traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah, against the hamantash, a triangular pastry popular during Purim. A notable feature of this year’s debate, held on March 30, was a husband and wife taking the stage against each other.
Rabbi Anna Levin Rosen of UChicago Hillel moderated the debate, while the speakers included Profs. Seth Himelhoch, Sheila Jelen, and Jon Rogowski. Each speaker presented their arguments clad in academic gowns.
Prof. Seth Himelhoch, championing the hamantash, cited gematria—assigning numerical value to words—as evidence pointing to the pastry’s superiority. He quipped about the formula, which showed that his spouse, “Sheila is always right,” suggesting an implied victory for the hamantash.
Jelen, arguing for the latke, referenced a passage in the Palestinian Talmud, highlighting its historical mention in Jewish literature. She questioned the historical credentials of the hamantash with dry wit: “Is there an early record of hamantaschen? Anyone? Absolutely not.”
Political scientist Jon Rogowski brought a political take, examining presidential proclamations to determine trends. His research revealed no such proclamations for either food in 150 years. Humorously noting this absence, Rogowski mentioned Vice President Dan Quayle, who allegedly commented on the appeal of fried potatoes, suggesting softness for the latke at the national level.