Latke lovers on your marks

By Meredith Deliso

Do you have the chutzpah to compete in this contest?

The Chabad of Mineola is calling for contestants (and latke lovers) to participate in its first International Kosher Latke Eating Contest, to be featured during its 17th annual live Chanukah Telethon.

The chabad’s own Rabbi Anchelle Perl will be on hand to fry the latkes, a dish most associated with Chanukah which draws its origin from the Ukrainian potato pancake.

“I created the Kosher Latke Eating Contest to bring lightheartedness and joy into people’s lives that is part of this happy holiday,” said Rabbi Perl, who had celebrity Chef Jeff Nathan, of Abigail’s restaurant in Manhattan, teach him how to make the best latkes.

The telethon, which will air live on December 13 on WLNY TV 10/55, will also featuring the recipe for the latke, so you can make your own this holiday.

For those hungry for the competition, entry is limited to eight contestants, who will have three minutes to eat as many latkes as they can. The top three winners will receive Chanukah gelt in the amounts of $ 360 for first prize, $250 for second prize and $180 for the third prize. Rabbi Perl will also present all contestants with gifts, such as menorahs, books and silver coins.

In addition to the contest, the telethon will also feature the Chassidic Dancing Rabbis, a group of students from many neighborhoods in Brooklyn that nearly dance their fedoras off, as well as DJ Mickey B and mentalist David Levitan.

The goal of the telethon is to raise $500,000 to expand the charitable programs offered by the Chabad of Mineola, a Long Island schul which is part of the worldwide Chabad, headquartered here in Brooklyn in Crown Heights. Programs supported by the telethon include bringing toys to hospitalized children, drug and AIDS prevention outreach, a children’s matzah factory, and hospital visitation to the lonely, among others.

See it live December 13 from 7 to 11 p.m. on WLNY-TV 10/55, which will reach viewers in Brooklyn and the tri-state area. You can also view a simultaneous webcast here.

The deadline to enter the latke eating contest is December 1. For information about participating, call 516-739-3636, or send an email. The Chabad of Mineola is located in Long Island at 261 Willis Ave.