Category Life

An exploration of the shofar

photo - Most shofars are made from a ram’s horn, reminding us of Akeidat Yitzchak (the Binding of Isaac), which supposedly took place on Rosh Hashanah, since a ram was sacrificed in Yitzchak’s place

Most shofars are made from a ram’s horn, reminding us of Akeidat Yitzchak (the Binding of Isaac), which supposedly took place on Rosh Hashanah, since a ram was sacrificed in Yitzchak’s place. (photo by Len Radin / flickr) Around the…

A new year, a new you?

photo - two peoplpe arguing

If we want to improve our character traits, we need look no further than the latest issue we have in relationships. Do we get angry easily? Or impatient? (photo of universe.roboflow.com) The Jewish New Year, 5786, is upon us. How…

A complicated family legacy

photo - Neshama Carlebach comes to Vancouver for Selichot at Congregation Beth Israel on Sept. 13

Neshama Carlebach comes to Vancouver for Selichot at Congregation Beth Israel on Sept. 13. (photo by Michael Albany) After more than two decades, Neshama Carlebach returns to Vancouver. But not for a concert. The award-winning singer-songwriter will lead, with her…

A tofu dish worth the effort

photo - A tofu dish worth the effort

A tofu dish worth the effort. (photo by Shelley Civkin) As far as my husband Harvey is concerned, tofu is a four-letter word. Spoken only in hushed tones. And for sure not in mixed company. If given a lie detector…

BC celebrates Shavuot

photo - Among the many Shavuot celebrations that took place around British Columbia was PJ Library’s Cheesy Shavuot in collaboration with Congregation Har El

Among the many Shavuot celebrations that took place around British Columbia was PJ Library’s Cheesy Shavuot in collaboration with Congregation Har El. (photo from PJ Library) The BC Jewish community observed Shavuot June 1-3 in a variety of ways. Here…

“Royal” mango avocado salsa

photo - Mango salsa on a fish taco. The Accidental Balabusta enjoyed her husband Harvey’s salsa with quesadillas, marinated salmon and broccoli

Mango salsa on a fish taco. The Accidental Balabusta enjoyed her husband Harvey’s salsa with quesadillas, marinated salmon and broccoli. (photo from jamdownfoodie.com) Forgive me. I am late to the party. The one that happens on May 5. While Cinco…

I smashed it! You can, too.

photo - Semi-Vegan Mini Fake Marry Me Cheesecakes, adapted from joyfoodsunshine.com

Semi-Vegan Mini Fake Marry Me Cheesecakes, adapted from joyfoodsunshine.com. (photo by Shelley Civkin) It seems that smashing food is having a moment. And I don’t mean smashing as in the British term for fabulous. I mean literally smashing. Like smashed…

Different kind of seder

photo - Held on April 15, the Third Seder: Understanding Addiction and the Path to Freedom focused on the slavery of addiction

Held on April 15, the Third Seder: Understanding Addiction and the Path to Freedom focused on the slavery of addiction. (photo from JFS Vancouver) There was matzah, grape juice, charoset and horseradish on the table. Guests read from the Haggadah…