BY SHANNON SARNA (The Nosher via JTA)  – Yom Kippur is one of the most important days on the Jewish calendar. For many Jews, fasting and being in synagogue is the focus of the day. Fasting is not easy, nor is it for everyone — some people cannot fast because they are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition. Or […]

BY BEATA ABRAHAM (JTA via Kveller) – I can’t help but wonder why Hallmark and the retail world at large haven’t co-opted the Jewish New Year. True, while there may “only” be some 5 million to 7 million Jews in the U.S. (depending on who’s counting), Rosh Hashanah is a particularly important holiday on the Jewish calendar. Many Jews spend […]

By JESSICA HALFIN Rosh Hashanah menus, while traditional and delicious, can also get a little boring if kept the same year after year. With Israeli food trending across the globe, now is a perfect time to add some authentic Israeli flavors to your holiday. We have gathered five exclusive recipes from some of Israel’s top chefs: from a whole roasted […]

By MARCY OSTER JERUSALEM (JTA) — Was it the most amazing shawarma platter ever? At $2,800, one would hope so. That’s what one tourist was charged for the plate by a Jerusalem restaurant located near the Jaffa Gate. In a recent post  to the Secret Jerusalem Facebook page, Laura Ziff asked for assistance in locating information about the restaurant in […]

SCHENECTADY_–Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, will be celebrated at Beth Israel Synagogue, 2195 Eastern Parkway, Schenectady, with the congregation’s annual family barbecue, beginning at 5 p.m. Family, friends, and the  community are invited to enjoy food, music and games. The cost is $15 for adults, $6, for  kids under 12. Reservations  are requested by Wednesday, Aug. 28.  Information  is available […]

ALBANY–Eleven thousand dollars was raised for the Shalom Food Pantry at the June “Battle of the BBQ,” a fund-raiser barbecue completion, according to Shalom Pantry Program Director Chanie Simon. She explained the need for funds indicating that the pantry provides food to local financially struggling individuals and families. Every month, the food pantry distributes 1,000 pounds of food to more […]

TROY–Congregation Beth Tephilah will start the Menchlik Order of the Chill and Shmooze Jewish Lodge on Sunday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the synagogue, 82 River St., Troy. Lodge programs will be held twice a month and be open to the entire Jewish community. Each meeting will have a theme and a vegan dinner buffet will be available. Storytelling will […]

ALBANY–Congregation Beth Emeth’s Brotherhood has three social programs on the summer calendar this July and August. The brotherhood is co-sponsoring a rafting trip with the TRIBE on Sunday, July 14, on the Indian and Hudson Rivers in North River. The cost is $84 a person. Reservations must be made online by July 3 at bethemethalbany.org. Mark Swyer at mdswyer@hotmail.com can […]

1 cup graham-cracker crumbs 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. butter, melted 5 pkgs. (250 grams each) brick cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. flour 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs Heat oven to 325 degrees. Mix crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes. Beat cream cheese, […]

By Rabbi RAYMOND APPLE Was matzah something new? Matzah existed before the exodus. Since the Egyptians are said to have pioneered the leavening process in baking bread, unleavened bread must previously have been the norm. Even when leavened bread became available, it was probably limited to the aristocracy and the wealthy. It was too expensive for the ordinary person, who […]