Best lakte to be judged during Congregation Beth Shalom event.

Whose potato pancake reigns supreme? Members of Congregation Beth Shalom of the Santa Clarita Valley will soon determine who makes the tastiest latke, the traditional Hanukkah taste treat, during its “Latke Throwdown” on Sunday, December 28, which falls this year on the last day of the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights. It will be Latke vs. Latke with skillets firing up at 3:30 p.m. and contestants vying for the title of “Best Latke.”

Congregants who enter the culinary competition will prepare their best recipes for an “expert” panel of judges, who will determine a winner. Servings of latke will be “plated” for the panel that is scheduled to include Rabbi Ira Rosenfeld, Cantor Beth Wasserman Rosenfeld and Arleen Gold, president of the CBS Board of Trustees. Judging will be based on a pre-determined set of criteria that includes categories for “presentation,” “taste” and “tradition/comfort.”

Contestants will also prepare additional tasting portions for the crowd that will undoubtedly have their own favorites in mind. The winner of the “Latke Throwdown” will receive a trophy, and the winner’s name will be inscribed on a perpetual plaque that will include the names of future “Throwdown” winners.

This exciting event will take place at Congregation Beth Shalom, 21430 Centre Pointe Parkway in Santa Clarita, and will culminate with the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah at sunset (4:51 p.m.).