Go Applesauce! Sheryl Hoffman presents the case for applesauce being the best condiment to enhance to Latke-eating experience. She quoted health reasons, sweetness and versatility among the many factors presented by the Applesauce Team. The reigning Latke-Eating champ, Michael Isaacson argued that it was the moisture of the applesauce which allowed him to eat so many Latkes in the Latke Eating Competition just moments earlier.

Danyel Goldberg did extensive online research to defend the old tradition of Sour-Cream and discussed its many unknown health benefits. This team also did a skit and enactment corresponding to their arguments. having the Rubin kids on the team helped press their case.

Ketchup was the smallest team of all. Led by Elliot Cowan, Hillel's new engagement associate who hails from England and Raizy Rubin, Shabbos House co-director, tehy argued that generally potatoes are best eaten with Ketchup which is virtually an American institution. Raizy read a poem promoting Latkes and Ketchup and the team showed good sportsmanship.

Mike Sloman the host poses with the three judges (L-R) Wendy Miller, Natalie Lesser and Jen Sovronsky. While Applesauce and Sour-Cream had the stronger voice out in the crowd, they liked ketchup's arguments and felt it was like the little band of Maccabees that stood up against the more numerous and stronger Greeks, or like the little cruise of oil that miraculously stretched for 8 days. So Ketchup won! Unfortunately, the hour was running late and there wasn't much time for rebuttals, maybe next year!

Plain Latkes was supposed to be another option, but John Taylor didn't garner enough support to make it viable candidacy. The good thing is that John gets support for more important issues than eating plain Latkes without a condiment!

More pictures & activities at the 8 Crazy Lights Event...

See Chanukah Index for other years of Chanukah Celebrations at the University at Albany