Lekach facts for kids
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| Alternative names | lekekh, leykekh, etc.; Jewish honey cake, honey cake |
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| Type | Cake |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Serving temperature | Room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Rye flour, honey, spices, baking powder |
Lekach is a delicious cake made with lots of honey. It's a special treat for Jewish people, especially during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. In Hebrew, it's called ʿougat dvash, which simply means "honey cake." The word "lekach" comes from Yiddish. This cake is often eaten by Ashkenazi Jews during Rosh Hashanah. It's a symbol of hope for a sweet and happy New Year.
Lekach: A Sweet Honey Cake
Lekach is a type of cake that is sweetened mainly with honey. It is a traditional food for Jewish communities, especially during the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. People eat it to wish for a sweet year ahead.
A Sweet History
Cakes made with honey have been around for a very long time. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans enjoyed them. These sweet traditions spread to places like Sicily and Moorish Spain through Arab travelers.
Around the 11th century, a thick, spicy cake made from breadcrumbs and honey became popular in Italy. It was a bit like a panforte. Jewish people from Italy helped bring these cake styles to other parts of Europe, like Germany.
The first time we see the word lekach in a Jewish book was in the Middle Ages. It came from a German word meaning "to lick." By the 13th century, many versions of Lekach were inspired by German honey cakes called Lebkuchen or Honigkuchen. These spicy cakes were popular across Europe, similar to English gingerbread.
Over many centuries, Lekach has changed a lot. Today's versions look very different from the old ones. There are many kinds now, from dark and heavy cakes to lighter, more delicate ones. Lekach is usually not frosted. Jewish immigrants brought Lekach to the Land of Israel, where it is still enjoyed today.
Different Kinds of Lekach
Recipes for Lekach can be very different. Most Lekach cakes are dense and shaped like a loaf of bread. But some versions are lighter, like a sponge cake or pound cake, with honey and spices added. Sometimes, coffee or tea is used to give the cake a darker color. Other types of Lekach are more like gingerbread or pain d'épices.
A very traditional Lekach from the Jewish community in Austria uses equal amounts of white rye flour and dark honey. It often has strong Austrian coffee instead of water. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, and allspice are common. This version might also include golden raisins and slivered almonds on top. It also contains eggs, vegetable oil, salt, and baking powder.
Images for kids
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Haredim giving lekach to members of the community before Yom Kippur. This tradition was started by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
