I like Shavuot (Pentecost), especially once I figured out that I don't have to make every dairy dish ever conceived. After all, it's only for one day. Shavuot commemorates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. One reason for serving dairy is that the Torah is compared to milk. Mother's milk is … [Read more...]
Shavuot, Eruv Tavshilin, Recipes and Carnivals
May 28, 2009 by
The holiday of Shavuot begins Thursday evening. Known in English as Pentecost because it takes place fifty days after Passover, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. The two main customs associated with the holiday are serving dairy foods and staying up all night to study … [Read more...]
7-Minute Low-Fat Microwave Cheesecake
May 24, 2009 by
My friend Annette first made this cake for me almost 13 years ago when I was re-hospitalized with a newborn. I kept it in the hospital refrigerator and it was good for several meals. Now my kids fight about who gets to make it for Shavuot. The topping is optional but I wouldn't skip it unless you … [Read more...]
The Parent’s Prayer
May 22, 2009 by
This prayer of the SheLa"h is supposed to be said by parents before Rosh Chodesh Sivan (new month of Sivan) this Sunday. Yesterday and today were the days to say it, as prayers making specific requests are usually not said on Shabbat. If you know of another translation, please send it along. In … [Read more...]
Pre-Shavuot Shabbat
May 22, 2009 by
Glossary below. Two holidays are so special that the preceding Shabbat has special significance: The Shabbat before Pesach is known as Shabbat Hagadol, and the Shabbat before Yom Kippur is called Shabbat Shuvah. The rabbi always gives a special shiur on the other two special sabbaths. Tomorrow he … [Read more...]
Dairy Chocolate Sourdough Cake for Shavuot
May 21, 2009 by
Cheesecake is traditional for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot (Pentecost) next Thursday evening. But if you're looking for something easy and different, you can try this single-bowl cake recipe from Joy of Cooking. Though the recipe calls for sourdough starter, you don't need to let the batter … [Read more...]
The Number One Reason for Making Aliyah
September 25, 2006 by
Having just finished two days of marathon eating and praying on Rosh Hashana, I am so grateful that we don't have to do this very often. So in honor of the new year, and to give chizuk (encouragement) to our struggling olim chadashim (new immigrants), here's a comparison of the holidays in Israel … [Read more...]
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