At every show, the Broadway cast of Leopoldstadt perform a resonant story about several generations of one Jewish family. 

This Hanukkah, the show's actors are giving us a small piece of their own personal stories by sharing their favorite Festival of Lights traditions, giving us photos from their cast holiday party, and why their family's latkes are the best latkes.

Jesse Aaronson

"In college a group of friends and I decided to make latkes for a holiday party. I made the mistake of leaving my down jacket in the kitchen while frying them. The jacket was never the same. That ever familiar smell of deep-fried latke oil lived in the down for the rest of the coat's life. About a year later I pulled the jacket out of the closet to pack into a suitcase. As I pressed down a big puff of fried potatoes wafted up to my nose. I love latkes!"

Reese Bogin

"One of my favorite Hanukkah traditions is decorating our apartment. And this year we got countdown blocks that my sister and I love changing each day. It gets us extra excited for Hanukkah! Another tradition I love is getting together with my whole family for a big dinner where we light the menorah and open gifts."

Max Ryan Burach

"My favorite Hanukkah tradition is that my whole family gets into matching Hanukkah pajamas, we light the menorah, and then we dance in a circle singing the Dreidel song. I spin around like I’m a Dreidel—it’s so much fun! I’m loving celebrating Hanukkah with my Leopoldstadt family!"

Remy Cohen

"My favorite tradition is lighting the menorah and eating jelly donuts (specifically Do Rite in Chicago)."

Michael Deaner

"My favorite part of Hanukkah is the latkes. It doesn't matter how many pounds of potatoes my mom makes, it's never enough and my sister, AnnaBelle, and I always try to get to be the one who eats the last pancake."

Pearl Scarlett Gold

"Pearl has been making challah with her family since she was a very small kid. She especially loves putting the toppings on the bread: sprinkles, chocolate chips, M&M’s, sesame seeds!"

Joshua Satine

"Our family gathers at my grandparent’s home. My grandmother serves latkes and dinner which includes her special apple kugel. It is the best. Then my grandfather and all my cousins and I light menorahs. All the kids then get to open lots of presents and eat donuts. I love our family tradition."

Aaron Shuf

"My favorite Hanukkah tradition is lighting the candles every night, and on the first night we always have homemade latkes with apple sauce (my mom's are the best!). This year I'm starting a new tradition and just like my character in the play, I'm putting a Star of David on top of our tree!"