The annual lighting of the menorah at Jane Warner Plaza took place on December 15, 2025, just a day after the official start of Hanukkah, which will end on December 22. The observance is made possible by Castro Merchants, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, Sha’ar Zahav, and the Castro Community Benefit District. The multi-branched menorah signifies different aspects of Jewish tradition and resilience, along with the idea of spreading light into darkness.
Speakers included President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rafael Mandelman, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Mayor Daniel Lurie. Leading the Menorah Lighting were Rabbi Mychal Copeland, Cantor Sharon Bernstein, and other leaders from Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.
Members of the San Francisco Bay Times team also attended the Hanukkah Block Party in Berkeley located in front of Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen. There is a Latke Tent where homemade sufganiyot (donuts) are additionally served. There are also cozy heat lamps, live music, special Hanukkah cocktails, and more. See the video at https://bit.ly/3Yw2ObK
The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market that runs the seasonal Castro Farmers’ Market shared a favorite recipe for latkes. Happy Hanukkah!
Mia’s Potato Latkes
Ingredients
3–4 large Russet potatoes (about 1 1/2–2 pounds), scrubbed and cut lengthwise into quarters
1 large onion (8 ounces), peeled and cut into quarters
2 large eggs
½ cup matzo meal or unseasoned fine breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt), plus more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
Safflower or other oil, for frying
Method
Grate potatoes and onion and mix together. Squeeze as much moisture out of the mixture as you can. Mix in all other ingredients except oil. Heat oil in a big skillet, preferably cast iron. Oil should be about 1/2-inch up the side of the pan. Keep adding oil as you cook the whole batch. Fry big spoonfuls of the potato mixture, flattening then frying on each side until golden. Make them about 4–5” wide. Serve with applesauce and sour cream.
Castro Menorah Lighting
Published on December 18, 2025
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