Displaying 31 - 40 of 72
Who Invented Hanukkah Gelt?
Scholars have offered several theories. One traces the tradition back to the decision of the Hasmoneans to mint their own nation's coins after their military victory over the Greek Syrians.
Benjamin D'Acosta and the Chocolate Factory
Here's how a Portuguese "converso" (secret Jew) became a significant player in the cacao trade.
Colonial Cuisine
If you think it's hard to find good produce in the markets today, how do you think you would have fared had you been one of the twenty-three Jewish refugees who arrived in New Amsterdam from Brazil in 1654?
What's So Jewish about Pickles?
Whether we live in a high-rise apartment with a three-by-four-foot terrace or on a two-acre plot of land, many of us relish harvesting our own vegetables and herbs.
Summertime... and the Grilling Is Easy
Northerners and Canadians call it "barbeque"; southerners call it "grilling." Whatever you call it, this summer tradition is the modern version of the oldest method of cooking, dating all the way back to the Stone Age, when humans gained mastery over fire for domestic use.
The Spice Trade & the Jews
Today the compliment "worth your salt" might be cause for a smile, but in ancient times the same saying was cause for celebration! In antiquity, spices were essential to healthy living. Salt not only enhanced the taste of food; it was the only method of food preservation.
Preparing for the New You
Nine Jewish thinkers of diverse ages and backgrounds reflect on the Jewish teachings that inspire them to take an accounting of their souls, how they take stock of their actions, and which life experiences and lessons have prompted them to seek change.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a Reform-originated ceremony for boys and girls that is tied to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
Passover: History
The holiday of Passover ( Pesach in Hebrew) is perhaps one of the most central to Jewish life and history. More widely observed than any other holiday, Passover celebrates the biblical account of the Israelites’ redemption and escape from 400 years of Egyptian slavery.
Passover: Customs and Rituals
There are several mitzvot (commandments) unique to Passover, which are evident in the customs and rituals of the holiday to this day: matzah (the eating of unleavened bread); maror (the eating of bitter herbs); chameitz (abstaining from eating leavened bread or other foods containing wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt); biur chameitz (removal of leaven from the home); and Haggadah (participation in the seder meal and telling the story).