If there was ever a holiday that celebrates the strength and intelligence of women, Shavuot is it. Yes, I know that this joyous holiday is most commonly associated with Moses bringing the words … more

The Jewish Star is pleased to welcome Joni Schockett to our roster of contributors. Joni has been writing about food and more for 20 years, including as a columnist for The Jewish Advocate of Boston. … more

As we broke fast this year, my family commented on the light meal I was serving and wanted to know where was the kugel and the salmon mousse and the cranberry walnut cake and bagels and lox and … more

February is national chocolate month. While Ashkenazic Jews came to chocolate a bit late, Sephardic Jews enjoyed it for centuries. My grandmothers never used chocolate in … more

Each morning we thank G-d for living another day. Gratitude is essential to our Jewishness. At this time of year, we are thankful for the New Year, for the harvest, for the Book of Life, for our … more

It is January, the coldest and longest winter month (remember winter did not start until Dec. 21 and March often heralds the start of spring, so January wins this cold, dark distinction). … more

By the middle of Passover, the only thing I crave is lettuce and cucumber. It is the start of my clean eating time; I’m ready to replenish the house with only foods that are clean and fresh … more

The idea of using food as medicine is nothing new. Maimonides believed in using food to prevent and treat illness and to maintain health. But what if your health is already in the throes of a cold or … more

This year, a raging war, increased antisemitism, and trouble on our college campuses weighs heavily on all our minds. We struggle with so many issues, all the while praying … more

February is the month of my birth. I was, my parents told me, supposed to be born on February 14, a day neither of my parents celebrated as it was not on the Jewish calendar. But that year, my … more