On Shabbat/Rosh Hashanah evening when we heard of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, cries of “Oh, No!” rose from the Shabbat/Rosh Hashanah table. We had just moments before been discussing her role in keeping some balance on the Supreme Court and her qualities of maintaining friendships even with those whom she often did not agree. Continue reading
Return overdue library books to Shomrei or Aileen’s front porch (no mask needed). Just place the books preferably in a plastic bag into the marked box on the front porch. 204 Park Street, just a couple of minutes up from Shomrei.
Marcia Falk’s Days Between looks at liturgy from a feminist point of view, breaking new ground with poems, prayers and meditations. On September 23 from 3-4, this well-known poet will lead you into the season in this session presented by the Hadassah Brandeis Institute. Click here for the link to register. Continue reading
Help us clean up the library’s records and recover over 100 overdue books. Elul is a perfect time to clear your book conscience. To simplify the process – drop books off on my front porch (there will be a labeled container) when you stop at Shomrei to pick up your holiday bag: 204 Park Street (map) just a couple of blocks up the street from Shomrei. Continue reading
Here’s an update on virtual and some in person events in our community and beyond plus some good books – not necessarily Jewish – that may interest you. Continue reading
Rosh Hashanah, the start of the cooking season, is just weeks away. I’m always looking for recipes that update old favorites – keeping some of the flavors but with a new twist. Some become new family favorites; some just don’t make the cut.
Try these dishes which will appear on my holiday table this year.
But first start with hallah using the previously published recipe (Summer’s coming in, June 18, 2020). Make the hallah a little sweeter to reflect the new year and certainly make it round. Here’s a link to a four-strand hallah. Or to keep it simple, just make one long strand and coil it into a spiral. No matter what, it’ll taste great.
Here is the latest in the biweekly online- and increasingly- in person things to do. This is only the tip of the virtual iceberg.
Looking for a place to go before school starts?
Storm King, in Mountainville, NY about an hour north, is another indoor/outdoor sculpture experience although none of the indoor facilities are currently open. Established in 1960, the 500 acre site is made for wandering and picnicking. The Woodbury Commons Shopping Center , south of Storm King, has over 250 vendors of all sorts. Continue reading
For many of us, summer time used to mean picnics in the park on concert nights or frequent dinners on a restaurant’s patio or sidewalk. This summer most of us have changed our dining patterns and are cooking more.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to eat well and with variety just because our movements may be restricted. But it’s still summer; it’s hot; we may be lazy. We want fairly quick to prepare meals that won’t overheat us or our kitchens. And we may want new ways to serve favorite foods.
I had high hopes. The eggplant and zucchini plants looked healthy and were putting out flowers; the tomato leaves were sturdy. The basil and thyme were overflowing their pot. My mini garden on our deck looked like it would be a success as the pretty eggplant flowers morphed into lots of baby eggplants. The zucchini was promising with big yellow flowers and the tomatoes were the size of baseballs.
Then came the squirrel. He first went for a green tomato, one that was almost ready to turn red. He took a big bite and he left the rest on the deck railing as if to taunt us. Guess the taste wasn’t right. Then he came for the four inch long eggplant, the largest on the plant.
There are so many things to do these days that there’s no excuse to be bored. Organizations, educational institutions at every level, entertainment venues and cultural groups have all risen to the occasion. They do not want to be forgotten.
Granted , most are not face to face. But in these days, we must rely on our imaginations. Perhaps get together with trusted family or friends to share some of these online experiences.
Fire up the grill. Gather some fresh summer fruit and get ready for an easy summer dinner.
You might begin with a cooling gazpacho and end the meal with a slice of watermelon or other sweet melon or a simple cake like this one from the New York Times, substituting peaches for the strawberries. Continue reading