A View from Israel Right now we are in between two Jewish holidays, Purim and Pesach, both of which emphasize the obligation to care for the needy and–as far as Pesach goes–to welcome the stranger. On Purim one of the main religious obligations is matanot l’evyonim, gifts for the poor, and during the Seder we [...]
Food in Israel an International Treat
You do not need to check your calendar in Israel to know what holiday is approaching. It’s enough to see the commercials on television or which foods are being promoted in the newspaper. Supermarkets offer special discounts for the foods people want, so honey is on sale in September before Rosh Hashanah, oil before Hanukkah, candy and other Purim-related items, and so on. Read More
JCC Camps Transform Their Food Options
Think back to lunch at summer camp. Remember that first bite of greasy grilled cheese, the bread saturated with oil, the hot cheese oozing out. It was usually accompanied by a bowl of canned tomato soup, each sip sweeter and saltier than the next. So good! But guess what? It wasn’t good for you. .Read More
An Apple a Day to Combat Hunger
This year, we are once more encouraging JCCs to organize a fresh food drive to collect and donate apples in honor of Rosh Hashanah. .Read More
The JCC Maccabi Games, Largest Gathering of Jewish Teens
Since its inception in 1982, about 130,000 teens have benefited from the JCC Maccabi Games, whose influence extends far beyond the few weeks of summer competition. Inspired by their participation, many JCCs have developed year-round cultural and athletic programming.Read More
Help Us to Honor Fallen Jewish Chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces
On this Memorial Day, honor the fallen American Jewish chaplains–and by extension all American Jews who have fallen in battle–by signing a petition supporting the passage of the bill.Read More
Make the Seder Fun for Everyone, Including the Kids
Passover is the original kid-friendly holiday. Or, it should be. With creativity and planning, you can make your Seder fun for everyone, from Grandma to your toddler. Read More
NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS!
Try this super healthy version of the traditional Purim treat, hamantaschen. Made with whole wheat and applesauce, they are filled with nutrition.
From Purim Spiel to Sarah Silverman
Purim is often thought of as the Jewish Carnival, a raucous holiday of feasting, drinking, masquerades, and the undermining of authority. Parodies, roasts, and farces are popular theatrical presentations on Purim, and many scholars believe that the roots of Jewish theater can be found in this end-of-winter festival. .Read More
Jewish Mysticism and Trees: It’s Tu B’Shevat!
What do trees have to do with Jewish mystics and four different glasses of wine? Read More
