Food

Ice Cream Cupcake Edible Menorah

By: Joan Nathan

Joan NathanThe menorah is the most meaningful symbol of Hanukkah. Artistic Jews throughout the world have created their own versions. I liked to take our children to local Jewish gift shops, synagogues, and museums to see the different renditions. We spent one Hanukkah in Jerusalem delighting in menorahs in windows.

For each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, an additional candle is inserted, from right to left, and lit by the shammas, or helper candle, from left to right, until the eight-candle menorah is aglow. We place our menorahs on a flameproof tray in our front window. If your children do not want to make their own menorah out of clay, let them make the following edible one. (more…)

Food

Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate-Pistachio Relish

By: Pamela Salzman

Pamela SalzmanIngredients

  • 2 Delicata squash washed well and cut into rings*
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined coconut oil melted
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Relish: this makes a lot
  • 2 Tablespoons unrefined cold-pressed olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar or pomegranate molasses
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • ½ cup pistachio nuts toasted
  • ¼ cup dried currants
  • 2 small shallots chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh mint chopped

(more…)

Education

An Expert from “On Being Jewish Now”: An intimate collection of essays about what it means to be Jewish and how life has changed since the attacks on October 7, 2023.

By Shirin Yadegar

Fleeing Iran with my family was a decision born out of desperation, a leap into the unknown, grasping for safety amidst the rising tide of antisemitism. As a Jewish Iranian woman, my mother sought sanctuary for my brother and I in the United States. Becoming a mother of four daughters, I always thought my girls would always grow free from the shadows of hatred that had darkened my homeland. Yet, the events since October 7 have stirred the embers of old fears, igniting a flame of sorrow and anxiety that wakes me at night. (more…)

Food

Apple Pie Sugar Cookies

By: Nina Safar 

Apple Pie Sugar CookiesIngredients:

Sugar Cookie Dough:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder (more…)

Education

If I’m Not Perfect, Then What Am I?

By Carolyn Mahboubi

The impact of Perfectionism is like the force of Gravity.

Most (I’m hoping all) of us are aware of it, and ignorance doesn’t shield us from its effects.

In other words, not understanding gravity will not prevent us from falling, and in that way, it’s shockingly similar to perfectionism. You see, not understanding perfectionism won’t shield you from its inevitable psychological and emotional damage. (more…)

Food

Bibimbap

Kim Kushner

Ready in 20 minutes

Serves 6 people

Bibimbap, the ultimate Korean comfort food, basically translates to “mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables.” It’s a bowl of goodness, enhanced by sharp flavors-pickled vegetables over steamed rice and a variety of proteins, topped with a fried egg. I’ve learned that in my household, sometimes, all I need to do is give the food a curious name, and the rest will fall into place. (more…)