Category Celebrating the Holidays

This year marks the seventh

photo - According to Jewish law, every seven years, agricultural fields are to lie fallow during the Shmita, or Sabbatical

According to Jewish law, every seven years, agricultural fields are to lie fallow during the Shmita, or Sabbatical. (photo from commons.wikimedia.org) This Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the year 5755, a year that has a special significance, as a Shmita, or…

For Jews, sorry is not enough

Christianity and Judaism have many customs and symbolism in common. Naturally, as the aphorism states, the child does not stray far from the mother. We both take vows to repair our character. But, in one area, we grossly diverge: the…

Liqueurs add zest and spice

photo - Sukkah Hill Spirits’ Howard and Marni Witkin

Sukkah Hill Spirits’ Howard and Marni Witkin. (photo from sukkahhill.com) There are any number of traditional Jewish holiday foods, but not nearly as many holiday-related beverages. Hands down, wine dominates. But, company has arrived. Two new – and already medal-winning…

Importance of prayer

The holy month of Elul has begun, the sixth month in the Hebrew calendar. There is a rabbinic allusion that the month was named from the initial letters of “Ani le dodi v’dodi li” (“I am my beloved’s and my…

Freshen up holiday classics

photo - Cheesecake bars

Cheesecake bars (photo by Mollie Katzen) Fresh cheese is a staple in classic Shavuot foods, traditionally wrapped in a soft, egg-like blintz that is then fried lightly in butter. Variations on this theme can keep things interesting and expand your kitchen…

The gluten won’t be missed

Beet salad from Gluten-Free Goes Gourmet. (photo by Ruchy Schon) At least three times a year – Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah and Passover – I liven up my dinner menus by trying out some new recipes from recently published cookbooks. I…