I had my first cold weather cup of hot tea the other day as I stood in the kitchen and tried to will summer to stay for just a while longer. The sun blazed in my kitchen, the sky was that … more

Once upon a time, Achashverosh, the King of Persia, had his wife Vashti killed for failing to attend a banquet. Then he chose a beautiful Jewish woman named Esther to be his new Queen. He also … more

The holidays culminate next week with the joy of Simchat Torah. Before we settle down to the long year ahead and the approaching dark winter days, we celebrate with dancing and singing and, for … more

Chanukah is coming! I am excited. Like a kid, I get excited over this holiday because, as a kid, it meant that I would see my paternal grandparents for almost a whole day and that all my cousins … more

My perfect summer day starts with a very early breakfast followed by a long walk on the beach. Then I spend the rest of the day in a comfy chair under a big umbrella with a pile of books … more

Blueberries are here, and so are the first baby lettuces of the season. We’ve had so much rain this spring that the lettuces may even be full grown by now. These two arrivals to the … more

Fruit has always been part of a healthy Jewish diet, and all those mentioned in Genesis and beyond are still around today. Thanks to interstate and international commerce, we can get fruits from … more

It’s the season of eating. From Thanksgiving until Jan. 2, it is all about parties and celebrations and great food. From that golden turkey and all the sides — pecan pies and more — … more

This past weekend, the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Many of us also know it as the day that Auschwitz was liberated. The hashtag #We Remember was used throughout the day to … more

It is grilling, barbecuing, and smoking time. Nothing says summer like a grilled burger or some smoked chicken or barbecued brisket. Grilling is the oldest form of cooking. Once fire was … more