8 (Wild and) Crazy Nights

This year, I was invited to 12 parties during Chanukkah (all but two were actually Chanukkah parties but the number is higher, therefore I appear more popular, if I include the non-Chanukkah specific outliers). I have no idea how the forces of the universe aligned to bless me with so many invitations, alas in addition to a plethora of latkes and some fun times with my friends, my back-to-back Chanukkah party schedule makes for excellent blog fodder.

Although the gatherings had many factors in common (potato pancakes, Jews, and in most cases a location within the District of Columbia), they also differed greatly. I have evaluated each party using a very complex scoring system and am prepared to reveal the results of my highly scientific Chanuakh party evaluation project here...

Rebecca F.'s "First Night of Chanukkah and Mezuzah Hanging Shabbat Party" is the clear winner for the "highest number of Jewish-themed activities in one evening" award. Rebecca also wins the "highest concentration of people with the name Rebecca at a party" as there were three people boasting this biblical moniker at her 13 person gathering. Congratulations, Rebecca! For this, Rebecca has received a "brucha keychain" (thanks Becky W.).

Special recognition for the winning "non-Chanukkah-party-party in the Chanukkah party category" goes to Amber W. and Jeremy B. for their "5th Annual Disgrace the Tree" party. I was thrilled to finally be able to participate in this unique fiesta after being unable to make it for the past three consecutive years. It should also be noted that Amber and Jeremy are also the winners of BOTH the prestigious "highest number of non-Jews at a party" and "most creative party platform" awards. My hearty congratulations to the winners of this year's disgrace the tree ornament contest, especially to Rachel M., for her homemade "Santa getting married to a snowman" tree ornament.


The award for "highest number of former employees of Hillel's Schusterman International Center" goes to Beth K. for her "Second Night of Chanukkah Gathering in DuPont Circle." This party featured some excellent potato pancakes which were created using a food processor borrowed from friends Jill and Amir S. (which also means Beth will take home the "best potato pancakes created with a borrowed kitchen appliance" award). Beth and Amy B. will also receive the coveted "best edible holiday themed craft project"award for the Chanukkah cookie decorating activity completed during these festivities.

Shira G. really cleaned up in the "Chanukkah party with most University of Louisville paraphernalia" category in addition to a surprise win for "fewest guests with degrees from Brandies University." Shira's celebration also doubled as a graduation party and a party to celebrate her impending aunthood so it takes the win for "multi- (non Jewish) purpose party."

Ruthie B.'s "Mid-Week Chanukkah Candle Lighting" takes home three honors: "most relaxed atmosphere," "best video doorbell system," and "most fantastic song books created by a mom." I was so happy to be included in Ruthie's gathering and enjoy the festive Chanukkah themed items her mom sent, including menorah and Jewish star string lights along with homemade song books complete with Chanukkah stickers.

Ben L., Josh K., and Akiva F. win the award for "celebration closest to my bed" for their "Chanukah Extravaganza" which just so happened to take place in the apartment across the hall from mine! This gang of three is also the lucky winner of the "Chanukkah party with most guests" and the elusive "party requiring you to move all of your furniture into one room due to space constraints" prize. I would also like to mention that these party planning experts should be commended for receiving the "exclusive use of social networking websites" award as the invitation to their party was extended solely through Facebook.

Jessica T., Teddy T., and Stephan K. should be proud. Their gathering wins the following honors: "most Unitarian Universalist guests," "best kitchen back splash," and "most entertaining Chanukkah themed dog costume modeling contest." Most importantly, these event planning pros take home the "best Chanukkah chatchkie" for their menorah and dreidel embroidered dish towel proudly on display during their party. Thanks to Teddy for keeping me company during the festivities and working your way into my heart with your fluffy caramel covered fur and sweet, kind personality.


Toward the end of the eight nights of Chanukkah, the competition was steep. Jill and Amir S. really brought it for their "Final Night of Chanukkah Party and Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange" on U Street. Not only did they take home the "best homemade jelly doughnut" award (they were the clear winners, hands down...recipe here), they are also the lucky recipients of the "most delicious latke" in the "alternative latke" category (thanks to Amir for translating the Israeli recipe from the metric measuring system). I also walked away with a cupcake decorating kit and book from the gift exchange. BEST.

Award for "gathering featuring the smallest, softest, and cutest guest still learning to walk" goes to Olivia, Sarah, and Erik R. for their "Post Chanukkah Goodstein Family Present Swap" in Clarendon. Held during DC's biggest snowstorm in over ten years, Sarah and Erik will also receive the "powering through inclement weather" award. It should be noted that Peter and Lois G. assembled and cooked the potato latkes consumed at this gathering in Maryland and transported them (mid-snowstorm) over the river to Virginia. For this, they will receive the "golden latke distance award" for traveling the farthest with the seasonal delicacy.



Judging note: Thanks to Alyx A., Greg V., and Craig F. for your party invitations! I was unable to attend your festivities due to metro inaccessibility and/or scheduling conflicts. You are, however, eligible to submit a recap of your gatherings in the comments section of this post for retroactive/absentee judging.