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This year, the cosmos synced up the holidays with impressive efficiency: Hanukkah and Christmas are aligned—sort of. To be specific, the Jewish holiday lasts a total of eight nights that will kick off on the evening of December 25 and will run through January 2.
What that all means, practically speaking, is that you should probably have all your holiday gifts wrapped up before the end of the month, whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas.
To spark some inspiration for New Yorkers, we connected with Naama Shefi—author of The Jewish Holiday Table and founder of the Jewish Food Society—and picked her brain about her favorite gift shops in NYC, how she celebrates Hanukkah locally and, of course, where she goes for traditional holiday treats like latkes (those irresistible potato fritters) and sufganiyot, the jelly or custard-filled donuts that are a must during this festive season.
On what makes Hanukkah in New York special
"In a city where we constantly eat out, it's very special to have a holiday that inspires a series of home parties. It's tradition to eat foods fried in oil, dishes that go very well with martinis and wine. I also live on the Lower East Side, where you can see menorahs shining brightly through the many windows."
One her Hanukkah traditions
"It's a known tradition among Jewish people to spend Christmas Eve over Chinese food and, since the holidays overlap this year, I'll definitely be at Wu's Wonton King eating their signature wonton soup with some nice Riesling I'll bring along."
On her go-to local shops to buy Hanukkah gifts
"I love to find unique gifts in vintage and second-hand stores. I recently found some very cool Tom Dixon salad tongs (brand new, but old) and a gorgeous set of butter knives at Vintage Thrift in Gramercy.
Coming Soon is the ultimate gift shop in my neighborhood (and beyond). I always find unique, whimsical items there: beautiful cocktail glasses, games and golden fortune cookies.
Lastly, I love to give (and receive!) wine, so I’m always seeking out interesting bottles for gifts at Discovery Wines, Flatiron Wines or Parcelle."
On where she shops for menorahs
"I love Susan Alexandra’s Judaica collection, especially the martini menorah."
On the best local spots to grab latkes, sufganyots... and challahs
"Honestly, I don’t buy latkes: they are truly best freshly fried. So easy and fun! On the Jewish Food Society’s archive we have many versions including family recipes from Italy, Ukraine and right here in NYC. I love to get fun toppings at Nordic Preserves Fish & Wildlife Company in Essex Market. If you insist on buying, then try the ones from S&P or Russ & Daughters.
For sufganiyot, I love Breads Bakery and Fan Fan Doughnuts.
My go-to challah is also from Breads but I now have a new favorite at Elbow Bread by Zoe Kanan. Oh, and Zoe also makes stunning donuts that are show stoppers: squiggle shaped and with jelly too!"
On the NYC restaurants that serve special Hanukkah dishes
"I’m looking forward to the sunchoke latkes and chef Einat Admony’s iconic dish of fried olives with labneh and harissa oil at Balaboosta.
At Shmone, I can’t wait to try chef Nadav Greenberg’s sfenj (Moroccan donuts), especially since [they are made using] his grandmother’s recipe!
Beyond the holiday staples, I have a mini tradition to seek out phenomenal fried dishes during Hanukkah. The gnocco fritto with spicy coppa at Four Hoursemen is to die for. And the schnitzel night every Tuesday at Mesiba is another fun holiday option."