Commemorating the Destruction of Ancient Temples and Other Tragedies Many of the Jewish high holy days and holidays are celebrations, often commemorating the resilience of the Jewish people over many millennia. The observance of Tisha B’av and the Three Weeks, though, is often considered the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, marking not only the destruction of the ancient temples in both Babylon... Source ..read more

have to add oil, as some will be soaked up during the process. The optimal temperature is 350 degrees…that’s typically about halfway on the dial. Don’t pinch on the salt!!—Salt makes just about everything better, but potatoes simply demand it. Don’t worry about oversalting…a latke will typically take a lot. You’ll also lose some of the salt in the cooking process, so sprinkle a little more on when... Source ..read more

What Is It? How Does It Differ from Passover? The Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the release of the Jews from captivity in Egypt, begins on the 15 th day of the Jewish month of Nisan and extends for 7 days. In Temple times, most Jews would travel to Jerusalem during Passover. On the eve of the beginning of Passover, they would participate in the Korban Pesach, or “Passover sacrifice... Source ..read more

A Brief Look at Judaism in This Overwhelmingly Catholic Country St. Patrick’s Day is upon us…a holiday that celebrates the man who ostensibly brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle. It may come as a surprise to learn that, in a country where more than two-thirds of all people of faith belong to the Catholic Church, there has been a small, but vibrant, Jewish presence for more than a thousand... Source ..read more

The Basic Rules of Kosher Cooking What Is the Purpose Behind Kosher Cooking? What Makes Cooking Kosher? “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” –Virginia Woolf Who doesn’t love a great meal? The truly great dining experience can be a feast not only for the taste buds, but for the eyes and the olfactory. Consider the unique textures of different foods and the... Source ..read more

Why Do We Celebrate Passover? What Are the Customs of Passover? Passover, or Pesach, will begin just before sundown on Monday, April 22, 2024, extending until the sun sets on Tuesday, April 30. The most celebrated Jewish holiday in the world, Passover has a number of well-known traditions, many of which involve food. What is the history behind Passover? What are some of the traditions and why are... Source ..read more

Traditional Jewish Confections to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Within the Jewish tradition, there’s a rich history of culinary creativity, and nowhere is that more evident than with pastries, cakes, sweet breads and other desserts. Many confections that were originally intended to put the final touch on a meal have now become standalone treats. Let’s look at some of the most tantalizing Jewish... Source ..read more

What Is Klezmer Music? When Is It Typically Played? What Are the Different Types of Dances? At many Jewish celebrations, there’s some type of dancing. Often, those dances are accompanied by klezmer music. Though klezmer music saw a revival in the late 20 th century, it’s been a part of Jewish culture and tradition for a long time. What Is Klezmer Music? Klezmer is a musical form that originated... Source ..read more

The Origins of the Star of David | It’s Importance as a Symbol of Judaism The six-sided Star of David has long been an iconic symbol of the Jewish faith. Historians say that the revered image, also known as the “Shield of David,” or “Magan David,” appeared in both Jewish and Christian churches as early as the 4 th century CE, and has been found on a stone in a synagogue dating back to the 3rd... Source ..read more

When and Why Were the First Matzo Balls Made? How Are They Prepared? Some Little Known Facts about Matzo Balls Is there any food more iconically Jewish than the matzo ball? Whether you’re a little under the weather or it’s a Jewish holiday, there’s no elixir like these tasty dumplings floating in a bowl of chicken broth. How did the matzo ball (and matzo ball soup) make its way into Jewish cuisine? Source ..read more