Jews & Candy

Candy holds a special place in Jewish celebrations and holidays, adding sweetness to festive occasions. During Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, Jews indulge in sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) and chocolate gelt (coins). These treats commemorate the miracle of the oil and are symbolic of abundance and joy. Purim, another joyous holiday, features hamantaschen, triangular pastries filled with sweet fillings like poppy seeds or fruit preserves. These pastries are shared among friends and family to mark the holiday's festivities. Passover, with its strict dietary restrictions, sees the creation of kosher-for-Passover candies, ensuring that even during this holiday, Jews can enjoy sweet delights. These holiday-specific candies not only satisfy the taste buds but also deepen the cultural and religious significance of Jewish celebrations.

In B'nei Mitzvah celebrations, candy plays a fun and symbolic role. As the young individuals become Bar or Bat Mitzvah, marking their coming of age, it's customary for guests to toss candy or sweets at them during or after the ceremony. This joyful tradition represents well wishes for a sweet and prosperous future. The candy-throwing gesture adds a touch of lightheartedness to the solemnity of the occasion and is cherished by both the celebrants and their guests.

Jews from Eastern and Central Europe have made a significant impact on the global candy industry. As they immigrated to various regions, they brought cherished candy recipes and cultural confectionery traditions with them. In countries like Poland, Hungary, and Russia, Jewish confectioners established candy shops specializing in traditional Jewish sweets, infused with local ingredients and flavors. This cultural exchange enriched candy traditions, allowing non-Jewish communities to savor and adopt the unique flavors and textures introduced by Jewish confectioners. The legacy of Old World Jews continues to shape the global candy landscape, highlighting the enduring influence of their culinary expertise.

Jewish immigrants who arrived in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them culinary traditions related to sweets and confections. Many of these immigrants, especially Russian Jews, seized the opportunity to establish candy businesses in America, drawn by the industry's relatively low startup costs and potential for success. Their cultural heritage played a pivotal role in shaping the candy industry in America.

Several iconic candy brands and companies have strong Jewish roots. Mars, Inc., Hershey Company, Tootsie Roll Industries, and Russell Stover Candies are among them. These companies produced some of the most beloved candies, like Snickers, M&M's, Tootsie Rolls, and high-quality chocolates, all of which continue to have a significant presence in the market.

Many Jewish consumers adhere to kosher dietary laws, which encompass candies and confections. In response, candy manufacturers pursued kosher certification to meet these dietary requirements. Kosher-certified candies assure consumers that the products adhere to specific food production and ingredient standards, making them suitable for those who observe kosher dietary laws.

Jewish-owned candy stores and delicatessens played a vital role in local neighborhoods, serving as community hubs. These establishments not only offered a wide selection of sweets, including kosher options, but also provided a sense of community and cultural connection. Candy stores and delis were places where people could enjoy both traditional and innovative candies while fostering a sense of togetherness.

• https://aish.com/how-and-why-candy-and-jewish-immigrants-became-intrinsically-entwined/ 

• https://www.myjewishlearning.com/the-nosher/the-jewish-history-of-tootsie-rolls-and-other-classic-american-candy/ 

• https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/food/articles/sweet-old-world 

• https://thetakeout.com/sunkist-fruit-gems-best-candy-thrown-at-bar-mitzvah-1846815479 

• ChatGPT helped me format some of this information.