The librarian’s been busy cooking these last few weeks. But she’s never too busy to seek out good books to add to the Lampert Library’s collection.
Since it’s almost officially summer, a time for many of us to catch up on reading, for the next few weeks, there will be a rotating selection of good reads, old and new, light and serious. And some for kids, too, for you to read together Continue reading
As we transition into full summer when no one wants to spend too much time in a hot kitchen, quick and tasty food is called for.
How about a nice crisp salad with a super easy bleu or blue cheese dressing? This is perfect on iceberg lettuce which seems to be making a comeback or on crunchy romaine. Recipes from The Genius Kitchen never seem to fail. Continue reading
Today, June 6, we mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
That battle was instrumental in saving the world from Nazi rule. Operation Overlord – as it was officially called- was too late for much of Europe’s Jewry but not too late for the rest of the world.
Jews played an important part as soldiers and translators. Over 4000 of the soldiers who stormed the beaches or provided support were Jews. Many died. They made up 4.2 percent of American forces, a larger percentage of Jews than in the overall population. Continue reading
What do you say about an almost 104 author when he passes away: that he was old, prolific, made a literary impact?
Herman Wouk died on May 17, 2019 just 10 days before his 104th birthday. While never considered a “great” writer (whatever that means), his impact on the American literary scene and on America’s perception of the modern American Jew was profound. Continue reading
It seems like ages since I’ve shared recipes with the Shomrei community. Travel, Passover, Kiddush prep got in the way. Finally here are some new ones to try. By plan or coincidence they are all vegan friendly.
But first I must rhapsodize about the delicious paella I sampled in Barcelona. There are probably as many versions of paella as there are cooks. However, traditionally, paella is a mixture of seafood, poultry, perhaps sausage, and seasoned with saffron and other herbs and spices. It’s served over rice which often has green peas mixed in. Not the dish for kosher or seafood avoidant diners.
But I had the most delicious asparagus and mushroom paella at a friendly restaurant on the beach. It was as good as any could have been, well-seasoned, easy on the eyes and the tongue. What follows is an approximation of what I was served on that rainy evening by the sea. Continue reading
From Captain Shirley Grill:
Tuesday night was a cold and rainy night–not your typical spring evening! Because of the weather, we let our guests in early rather than have them wait outside in the rain. We were fortunate that the meal was a spinoff from our wonderful Syrian meal the prior Friday, so much of the work was reheating and cutting and chopping for a fresh green salad and fruit salad.
It’s not as well- known as Black History Month (February) or National Hispanic Heritage Month (September), but there actually is a Jewish American Heritage Month and we are right in the middle of it.
It is annually proclaimed and published in the National Register. This year’s proclamation begins:
“As we observe Jewish American Heritage Month, our Nation celebrates nearly 4,000 years of Jewish history and honors the numerous contributions of Jewish Americans to our country and the world. Rabbi Akiva, a great Jewish scholar, declared that a central principle of the Torah is to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Jewish Americans have repeatedly demonstrated their dedication to this commandment, helping the downtrodden and pursue justice, sanctifying the name of God, and embodying the best of America.”
Report from Captain Lynne Kurzweil:
The Carol Starr MESH Cafe at Shomrei welcomed 24 guests to our cafe this past Tuesday night, an additional 6 takeaway meals were distributed. Word has it that 35 people had lined up prior to 6:30 pm. Continue reading
There’s a Jewish proverb that says “No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell.” You never know what surprises you’ll find when you travel and where your feet will lead you.
My daughters and I spent a few days in Barcelona, Spain at the beginning of April. We planned to see the usual sites: a walk along La Rambla, tour Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia… and Park Guehl, the Picasso Museum, a stroll along the Mediterranean.
But it’s the unexpected that sometimes leaves the greatest impression.
What a treat! On Sunday a large group of females aged just months old to life experienced seniors joined to celebrate a pre-Passover seder. Hearing the voices of women raised in song and conversation, watching women think what freedom means to them personally, listening to the youngest women ask the Four Questions, recalling our female ancestors-(sadly many of us no names beyond our mothers’), enjoying a Passover meal with nary an ersatz ingredient in any dish…a lovely evening.
Look no further than the recipes for the food served at Shomrei’s Women’s Seder if you want something new and tasty for your seder dinner. Thanks to Lynne Kurzweil for planning this healthy, delicious, and unique meal. Continue reading