If I didn't have class tonight, I'd love to attend this hoary and revered traditon - the Annual Latke/Hamentashen Debate at the University of Chicago's Mandel Hall, where participant stake sides and discuss the comparative merits of the traditional Jewish holiday treats.

Longtime moderator Prof. Ted Cohen will once again preside over the lively debates, PowerPoint presentations and tastings; in Rocky Horror Show fashion, attendees are invited to dress as either latkes (potato pancakes) or hamentashen (triangular pastries with a sweet filling like apricot or prune lekvar).

"People keep asking me when [the debate is] is," [Cohen said], "and it’s always the Tuesday before Thanksgiving." When forced to reflect further, he mused: "It very often happens that the participants simply subvert the whole thing. They don’t take any side at all or they tell us the whole thing is a mistake, that a thing like kreplach is better than either. This kind of bad behavior is common."

Perhaps you can taste some on my behalf; the event takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. Chicago. The debate is free to the public, and the tasting reception is a mere $3 in advance or $4 at the door - more details at Newberger Hillel Center website or by calling (773) 752-1127.

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