There’s lots going on in both the cyber and real worlds. As the world continues to open up a bit, live entertainment has slowly begun again or will soon.
The weather encourages outdoor gatherings.
But for when we are confined indoors, here are some programs and activities available via the Internet.
The Center for Jewish History (https://programs.cjh.org/ ) has a variety of programs, many free. Literature, history, culture, cooking and many more sessions are available. Continue reading
It’s been a while since I posted new recipes. Passover cooking and general languishing (that’s the stage between flourishing and depression, according to my daughter) got the better of me. Then the dishwasher died.
Dinners have been very simple- ad hoc stir fries with lots of vegetables, baked fish or chicken, salads and soup and lots of things from the freezer.
As you know, May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Since 1980 when President Jimmy Carter at Congress’s behest declared a special week in honor of America’s Jewish residents, the president has issued a proclamation and special events and exhibitions have been held.
In 2006, President George W. Bush declared an official Jewish American Heritage Month. Each year the president issues a proclamation highlighting Jewish accomplishments and contributions to the US. Continue reading
Jewish American History Month has been celebrated every May since 2006. Throughout May the library column will concentrate on American Jewish biography and history, bringing to your attention fascinating- though not always admirable- American Jews who have made their mark.
Jews have influenced every aspect of American society. They have been heroes in war and peace. They have made scientific discoveries that saved lives and helped to destroy lives. They have entertained and educated.
Some names you may know; others will be unfamiliar to you. Yale University has developed a series of short, well-written and well-researched biographies that cover the entire range of Jewish achievement. Continue reading
The relationship between England and its Jews is complicated as is in most countries where Jews have a history. Although there were probably Jews in England during Roman times, there is no evidence of an organized Jewish community. Today, England has one of the largest Jewish populations in the world and is second only to France in Europe.
The first written record of a Jewish presence is dated 1070. Recent archaeological discoveries show proof of a kosher diet in an area known to have been inhabited by Jews.
Why was this year’s Passover different from last year’s?
This year we knew what we were doing as we Zoomed across three continents and several states. We knew where to put the IPad so that everyone could see and be seen. We knew to mute and unmute. We knew how we would sound singing together. And we knew that if we didn’t mute ourselves, everyone could hear our comments.
This year we had in person guests at our small seder, for we were less fearful, though still cautious.
This year we experimented with haroset and grew our own karpas and hazerat. Continue reading
Every year the International Board on Books for Young People sponsors a day to celebrate children’s books. Called International Children’s Book Day, the celebration falls on Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2. The intent is to both inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books.
This year’s poster and message come from the United States. The colorful poster was designed by Roger Mello, an internationally acclaimed illustrator, author , and awinner of the Hans Christian Andersen award. Continue reading
Aileen’s karpas & maror
It really works!
At the Passover Splash program on March 7, Aileen Grossberg showed the attendees how the root ends of a bunch of celery or head of romaine can be grown in water for use as karpas and maror at the Passover seder. Once the vegetables have started to put out roots, they can be planted in potting soil and will continue to grow leaves.
Oh, today we’ll merry, merry be! Ooops…wrong holiday. But certainly we should be merry, or at least rejoice, as we celebrate freedom. What is more precious?
The following resources will help you to have an enlightening, delicious, and fulfilling holiday. Continue reading
March is a very busy month with Passover coming up shortly. However, Women’s history month and the celebration of brave, strong, accomplished women can’t be glossed over.
Think back to the women of the Bible who led, who were warriors, who spoke up for their rights and who were often unsung.
Strong women have also been a part of Jewish fiction, often appearing as matriarchs who buoyed up their menfolk. And it’s a truism that fiction may not be “real” but it can certainly be “true.”
Enjoy the following books for both children and adults. And, remember, if you’ve never heard of her, often a book for younger readers is an excellent way to learn about an unfamiliar person. Continue reading