Yesterday, May 4, 2022, is Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s memorial day. It is a national holiday that commemorates “fallen soldiers” – those that have given their lives for the county. And then within 48 hours, we celebrate Yom Ha’Atzma’ut, Israel Independence Day, which is today. During my year living in Israel for the first year of rabbinic school, we Continue Reading
Increase the Light
Tonight we light the 3rd candle of Hanukkah. The story of Hanukkah is that even in the darkest of times, we make light. The tradition is that we light a new candle for each of the 8 nights of the holiday, thereby increasing the light each night. The rabbis understood that light was not just the physical light that we see with our eyes. There's an inner Continue Reading
Chanukah 2018, Fourth Night Is About FOOD
Tonight we light the 4th candle of Chanukah. Our discussion question tonight should be SUPER FUN: What four foods are comforting to you (bring you light). They don't *have* to be Chanukah food, but if that is what comes to mind, all the more perfect. When I published a Zimmerman Family Cookbook many years ago, I reached out to members on both Ely's and my Continue Reading
Chanukah 2018, Third Night Is About Inspiration
Tonight we light the 3rd candle. The question is: What three musicians, poets or artists give you inspiration? My 3 are*: 1) Chava Mirel whose voice and soul touches mine very deeply. Her inner light shines through all she does. I just love this woman. 2) Slow Meadow - I discovered his music on InsightTimer as a meditation & was so moved that I Continue Reading
The BEST Potato Latkes Ever (I promise!)
Here's the deal: I like my latkes thin, crispy and traditional (read: russet potatoes.) This is my winner recipe for the best potato latkes that I've been using for years. I deem it "excellent" as you can see by my photo. :-) It's a recipe by Nach Waxman that I found in the The New Basics Cookbook by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso. Here are the Continue Reading