Haman on Wry

A A A Comments By Jason Heller Thursday, Feb 25 2010

The potato-based latke, a Hanukkah tradition. The sweet hamantasch, a staple of Purim. Which is better? That’s a longstanding, semi-satirical debate that Sarah Pessin, director of the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver, is keeping alive with today’s The Great Debate: Latke or Hamantasch?, during which Pessin and her fellow CJS scholars will break down the pros and cons of pancake versus pastry.

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"Not to reveal my bias, but the hamantasch is clearly superior," says Pessin. "It's a triangular pastry designed to mimic the shape of the hat of the historical antagonist Haman, who tried to destroy the Jewish community in the Persian Empire, an episode commemorated during the Purim holiday.”

The tasty debate begins at 7:30 p.m. at Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan Street. Admission to the event — which includes the opportunity to purchase and enjoy homemade samples of each delicious contender — ranges from $5 to $7. “The Center is dedicated to building intercultural bridges,” Pessin explains. “We hope that this fun event with Buntport can work toward our goal of bringing people together from a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds — and hopefully learn a bit about Jewish culture and holidays in the process."

For information, call 303-871-4633 or visit www.du.edu/cjs.
Sun., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., 2010

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