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Quick Look First Class 2 Federation News Yavneh’s fi rst graduates 4-5 Passover hold virtual reunion, pp.6-7 9 Simcha 10-17 Senior 18-19 Jewish Foodie 20-21 Columnists
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Light Shabbat candles: PREPPING FOR PASSOVER: DESSERTS 7:20 p.m. Friday, Mar. 19 Tina’s small bites for a sweet ending to your Seder, p.19 Shabbat ends: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 20 2 | March 18, 2021 FEDERATION NEWS JCRC to host virtual Jewish Day at the State
Jewish community members and organizations from throughout Texas will join for two days of education and advocacy March 23 and 24. The Jewish Communities Day at the State: Virtual Legislative Mission to Austin is organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). The program is a communal effort to advocate and educate on issues important to the Jewish communities of Texas. This Gov. Greg Abbott year’s partners are all Jewish Federations in Texas including will host remarks from Gov. the Jewish Federations of Austin, Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth Patrick. This year, the program & Tarrant County, Houston, will also feature two informative San Antonio and its Jewish panels, featuring prominent Community Relations Council. legislators from both sides of the “This event is important aisle, titled “Health Care Safety because it gives us the opportunity, Net — COVID-19 and Beyond” as a collective, to show our and “How Texas is Addressing state legislators that the Jewish Antisemitism and Hate Crimes.” community cares about issues Harvey Kronberg, publisher that affect our Jewish and of The Quorum Report and Photos: Courtesy JCRC general communities, including political commentator, will 2019 Day at the State group photo with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick services and care for our most provide an overview of Texas’ vulnerable,” said Dawn Strauss, 87th Legislative Session. the strength of the JCRC and our impacts all of us,” said Brent at the State program is free to Jewish Communities Day at the “Hosting the governor and community as a whole. We must Rubin, Jewish Communities Day attend. For more information State co-chair. lieutenant governor to address stay engaged with our public at the State co-chair. and to register for the program, As with each year, the program the Jewish community shows officials because their work The Jewish Communities Day visit jewishdallas.org/jcrc. March 18, 2021 | 3 UT unanimously passes antisemitism resolution
Adopts IHRA “The unanimous testified in front of the d e fi n i t i o n ; passage of A.R. 09 is a student government 7 students testify victory for the greater regarding personal American Jewish encounters with By Shiryn Ghermezian community as it is for antisemitism. (JNS) The student that of our campus, Cope noted that government at the University especially given the “while the university of Texas at Austin unanimously size of our university Jordan Cope has been quick to passed a resolution March 9 student population,” address other forms of urging the school to adopt Cope told JNS. “Such passage hatred, regardless of whether it the International Holocaust has emboldened the legitimacy actually occurred on campus, Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) of the IHRA definition, and we it has neglected incidents that definition of antisemitism. hope that it will inspire Jewish targeted its Jewish students. Resolution A.R. 09 calls on students to more proactively It is an unfortunate double UT’s student government to do define, confront and raise standard that we, Jewish three things: commit to better awareness of antisemitism in students, have sought to address anti-Jewish sentiments their communities.” address previously through on campus; adopt the IHRA Cope said the resolution was petitioning, and now, through definition for antisemitism; inspired by recent incidents this legislation.” and issue “a pledge of support of antisemitism on the UT Texas Hillel said in a for better Jewish inclusion and campus, including antisemitic statement after the resolution Photo: Larry D. Moore/Creative Commons The main building of the University of Texas at Austin protection.” vandalism targeting Texas was passed that it “looks The resolution was penned Hillel and the largely Jewish forward to partnering with by UT student Jordan Cope. fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu, and our student leaders to promote University enrollment Twitter posts by a former UT an inclusive and welcoming exceeds 50,000 students, adjunct who went on a tirade campus environment and to NOW OPEN! with Jewish students making against Jews and wished for all help ensure that anti-Semitism up around 7% of the UT Israelis to “die.” has no place” on the UT undergraduate body. Seven Jewish students campus. Wednesdays – Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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First Seder is Those who observe this custom Sat., March 27 strictly will clean their house thoroughly to ensure even the By My Jewish Learning crumbs behind the couch are Passover is among the removed. Grain products that most widely celebrated Jewish are too difficult or expensive to Jimmy Wisch holidays. While the particulars remove will sometimes be kept Publisher & Editor | 1947-2002 vary signifi cantly fromat home but sold to a non-Jew for community to community, and the duration of the holiday. Rene Wisch even among individual families, Publisher & Editor | 1947-2010 there are many Passover Fast of the fi rstborn customs that are observed in PUBLISHER & EDITOR some form by large numbers of Some Jews have the practice Sharon Wisch-Ray Jews. that the firstborn in every family [email protected] fasts on the eve of Passover from Avoiding leavened bread sunrise to sunset. This fast is the VP SALES & CIRCULATION only one in the Jewish calendar Susan Wisch Passover is the strictest that applies only to one segment [email protected] Jewish holiday when it comes of the Jewish community and to food. For eight days (seven in was established to remember Photo: Vlad Fishman/Getty Images VP SALES & MARKETING Passover starts Saturday night, March 27. Light your candles from a preexisting Israel), Jews traditionally avoid how God spared the firstborn fl a m .e Amy Doty eating food made from leavened sons of Israel while killing the [email protected] grain. Most significantly, this firstborn sons of the Egyptians. Seders, one on each of the first as chag hamatzot — the holiday means avoiding any bread or Some Jews have the custom of two nights). The Seder meal is of the matzo. PAGE DESIGNER bread products, with some Jews avoiding the fast by holding a intended to dramatically retell Chad Austin additionally abstaining from any festive meal (siyum) early in the the story of the liberation of Synagogue services [email protected] grain product, including beer, day to mark the completion of the ancient Israelites from pasta, oatmeal and most liquors. some portion of Torah study. slavery in Egypt and is laden Like all Jewish festivals, AD REPRESENTATIVES with symbolic foods and rituals, Passover has a special synagogue Nancy Sadicarios Ridding the house of The Seder including the eating of the bitter service that includes specific [email protected] chametz herbs (symbolizing the hardship Torah readings for the holiday Judy Wisch The centerpiece of the Passover of slavery) and the dipping of a and the chanting of Song In addition to not eating holiday is the Seder, a ceremonial green vegetable into saltwater of Songs, the poetic work COPY EDITORS/PROOFREADERS bread, some Jews completely rid feast held at home on the first (symbolizing the bounty of the attributed to King Solomon. Phyllis LaVietes, Susan Wisch their houses of bread products night of the holiday (some Jews spring season). As with nearly The memorial service Yizkor — known in Hebrew as chametz. who live outside Israel hold two all Jewish observances, the is also traditionally held in the COLUMNISTS/CONTRIBUTORS Seder is preceded by the lighting synagogue on the final day of the Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried, Harriet P. Gross, of candles and the blessing on holiday, one of only four times Rabbi Dan Lewin, Laura Seymour, Deb wine. during the year it is recited. Silverthorn, Jerry Kasten, Rabbi Benjamin Sternman and Rabbi Yogi Robkin Eating matzo No work TexSCAN Week of HEATING/WOOD STOVES MULTI-MEDIA INTERN March 14, 2021 Rocket Heaters™ hyper-efficient stove burns Dubbed “the bread of During the first two and Hannah Simon ACREAGE both pellets and wood without electricity. Liberator affliction,” matzo is an last two days of Passover, many Hunting/investment/recreational property. 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Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors leaving no time for their bread to as chol hamoed — those appearing in advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertisers assume 444-9112. Pulaski Kherkher, PLLC, Principal Office: MEDICAL responsibility for errors in telephone orders. We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or 2925 Richmond Ave. #1725, Houston, TX 77098. rise. Matzo is the consummate restrictions do not apply. Many establishment advertised in the Texas Jewish Post. Advertisers are responsible for authenticity of any claims or statements made in their advertisements and are not endorsements by the Texas Jewish Post. GENERATORS Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by symbol of Passover, which is Jewish schools close for the full Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the sometimes referred to in Hebrew duration of the holiday. DALLAS GENERAC Standby Generators. 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Cowen had published “The For the artistically inclined to WWII Morocco There are “wellness check- Trump Passover Haggadah: ins” throughout — one, for ‘People All The Time They Come Some Haggadahs of centuries By Gabe Friedman instance, discusses the “mental Up And Tell Me This Is The Best past were illustrated manuscripts, (JTA) — The pandemic has slavery” of loneliness and Haggadah They’ve Ever Read, artist Emily Marbach points out altered the experience of the isolation, and of the drudgery of They Do, Believe Me’” in 2018. in the introduction to her “Collage Passover Seder, but one thing modern life (think cellphones, Haggadah,” which features her hasn’t changed: It’s a golden age for long work hours, etc.). There’s own beautiful pastiche works. creative Haggadahs. a guided meditation session “The Middle Ages were a very Artists, comedy writers, a range accessible through a QR code. of clergy and more have given Then there are several recipes see HAGGADAH, p.8 the ancient text a modern spin and food ingredient checklists in recent years and disseminated to help the busy crowd with them widely online with the meal prep (including a couple help of self-publishing platforms of fun cocktail suggestions, like and aggregation hubs such as the Nile Sour, which includes Haggadot.com, which also allows cognac and honey). users to customize their own. But the sheer number of Haggadahs — and their various topics, which range from political issues to playful humor — can make choosing a fresh one a bit overwhelming. Here are a few new Photo: Courtesy of The Express Haggadah notable examples to try if you’re Photo: Courtesy of Rabbi Sam Reinstein attempting to give your Seder a For the kids who can’t wait for makeover, whether it’s held on For the ‘Seinfeld’ superfan the food already Zoom or in person. The Seder is definitely not No matter what one’s religious “about nothing,” as the iconic observance, the Seder can feel a bit ‘90s sitcom “Seinfeld” is often long when the smells of matzo ball described. Beyond a retelling soup and brisket are emanating of the Exodus story, which Jews from the nearby kitchen. have looked to for inspiration Last year, Rabbi Matt Berkowitz for millennia, the holiday meal’s and Dr. Ron Moses conceived a
Photo: Sean O’Neill guiding text is loaded with slim, fold-up seven-page pamphlet symbolism and ways to connect — aptly named “The Express For those who exhaled when the biblical tale to contemporary Haggadah” — not to help families Trump left offi ce times. rush through the Seder, but to As Rabbi Sam Reinstein assist in getting them through the Dave Cowen has contributed writes in the introduction to ritual in its entirety. to humor sites such as his “Seinfeld”-themed “The “‘What if the game ended at McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Haggadah About Nothing,” half-time?’ ‘What if the movie cut- Photo: Courtesy of Bari Mitzmann and that flavor of humor — his goal is to use the series’ off in the middle?’ Those would intelligent, knowledgeable about characters and storylines be unfi nished stories,” a press For those mentally affl icted by politics and current events — as a foil to show how not to statement reads. “‘The Express the pandemic shines through in his latest work, experience the holiday. The Haggadah’ enables families to ‘get “The Biden-Harris Haggadah: Seder, he argues, is supposed to through it’ before food comas and Bari Mitzmann, a Jewish Thank G-d!” help transform its participants, ‘shpilkes’ cut the seder off in the blogger with a sizable Instagram Cowen imagines how various to make them feel change in middle.” following, for the second figures, ranging from those their lives. Part of the humor True to form, nothing is left year has spearheaded a joint in the White House to others — and frustration — that out, from the core prayers to the Haggadah project she calls such as Dr. Anthony Fauci surrounds Jerry, Elaine, George Exodus story, which is told in a “HaKol B’Seder” — in Hebrew it and Merrick Garland, Biden’s and Kramer on the show is that series of quick blurbs. can mean either “everything in attorney general nominee, would they never change, no matter the Seder” or “it’s all good.” narrate a Seder, if all brought how clear a moral lesson they NORTH DALLAS Her thorough Haggadah and together in one room. are handed. Spring Valley at Coit Road broader guide to the holiday “Well, thank G-d it’s over,” But the real appeal of “The weaves in an array of female former President Barack Haggadah About Nothing” is 972-239-3716 voices — ranging from chefs Obama begins the introduction, its constant specific “Seinfeld” FRISCO to moms to therapists — who speaking about the Trump years. references. Reinstein is creative SH 121 At Parkwood either talk about how a specific “Last year was tough. Who in finding connections and often Outside Stonebriar Centre part of the Seder resonates else needs a drink?!” Fauci says cites multiple episodes at once to with them or provide tips on before reciting the blessing for make his points. 469-731-3716 how to fruitfully get through the first cup of wine. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this sunnylandfurnlture.com the Passover season. It’s aimed “We did it! A Jew is sorta in is not the first “Seinfeld” Seder at those feeling overwhelmed the White House! Well, in the guide to hit the market — Cowen by the COVID-19 pandemic, neighborhood,” Doug Emhoff, published a parody “Yada Yada FREE DELIVERY all of the preparations that a Vice President Kamala Harris’ Haggadah” in 2019, and Martin when you mentionthis ad. Seder entails, the pressure to Jewish husband, says before Bodek published a “Festivus Photo: Emily Marbach $99 Value - Code 212259 A page from Emily Marbach’s “Collage intellectualize the holiday’s leading the candlelighting. Haggadah” last year. Haggadah” 6 | March 18, 2021 Yavneh Academy’s 1st class reconnects on Zoom
By Deb Silverthorn person, a mensch and an asset to their Eve Edery, Rabbi Deon Nathan, The fi rst students of Yavneh communities.” Shoshana Rodin Ringelheim, Academy of Dallas reunited on Through the years, many of the Michelle Fogel Samuels, Akiva Sunday, Feb. 28, in a most 2021 students have remained connected Shawel, Chaya Ambers Weiner, Bella manner — on Zoom with one but it had been a long time since an Abramov Weissburd and Yonatan another and faculty from across the in-person meeting had occurred. In a Wolk spread across the country world. year when schooling and socialization and Israel for college and their The reunion brought together 11 has gone online, the reunion was adult lives. Their professions are of the 13 students who fi rst walked an opportunity to come together. business owners; fi nancial, legal and into the classrooms of Yavneh, then For some it was time for brunch, for marketing experts; costume designer; based at the Lodge of the Aaron others almost sundown. preschool teacher; and fi nancial Family Jewish Community Center. “These are my lifelong friends of manager of a day school. For most, “It was mindboggling to see these three decades and it was incredible the experiences of their early high students, some of whom I hadn’t to all be ‘together,’ even in virtual school years deeply affected their Photo: Courtesy Bella Weissburd seen in 28 years — their young faces format,” said Bella Abramov personal and professional lives. Michelle Fogel (now Samuels) and Bella Abramov (now Weissburd) took to the stage as members of Yavneh’s drama program in the school’s fi rst years. now of grown people, but I defi nitely Weissburd, now a mashgicha (kosher “I remember the tremendous still saw in each of them the student supervisor) with Dallas Kosher. “Even passion of everyone; the students, the spirit of a reunion is exactly the his connection remains close. He and I knew and cared for,” said Rabbi the fi rst year we knew we were part of teachers and everyone with the start marker of the mission of a Jewish his wife Sharon live in Baltimore as do Moshe Englander, Yavneh Academy’s something special, a school in the J of something new,” said Rabbi Deon day school, said current Head of their children Eli, Shalva and Yaakov. fi rst principal, who was joined by that was giving us the whole range of Nathan, Torah Day School of Dallas’ School Yaakov Green. “One of the They make an annual Sukkot visit faculty members Stephanie Wulfe academics, but probably most lasting CFO and COO. Nathan, who also goals of a Jewish day school is that it to Dallas to spend time with their Epstein, Rabbi Yechezkel Fried, Rivky was the Torah knowledge and skills teaches at Mesorah High School for creates such important foundational daughters, Shani and her husband Fried, David Katz, Rivka Marcus, that are still the essence of most of our Girls and DATA/Dallas Area Torah memories and that which is beyond Andrew Margolies, and Ita and her Grant Mindle, Sabrina Patton and lives. It was special then and remains Association, credits Englander with the skill sets and knowledge. It is the husband Steve Fricker. Rabbi Falik Schtroks for the virtual very special in my heart today.” teaching him his fi rst line of Gemara. relationships and importance of our Early in his academic training, get-together. “Every one of them Classmates Chaya Rajchgod “Yavneh is where I fi rst learned that school in the lives of its graduates that Englander learned to be a sofer, a has turned into a genuinely great Berkowitz, Leora Berkovitch Betesh, passion and I’ve carried it through my it becomes the cornerstone for them scribe, and he is now featured in the life.” to return to.” “Ancient Art of the Torah Scribe” Some 28 years after its beginning, Englander left Yavneh in 1996 but exhibit, virtually for the time Rosemarie’s Cleaning Service
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Top row, from left: Grant Mindle and Rabbi Moshe Englander; (second row) Rivka Marcus, Stephanie Wulfe Epstein, Sabrina Patton, David Katz, Rabbi Falik Back row, from left: Sabrina Patton, Schtroks; (third row) Leora Berkovitch Betesh, Michelle Fogel Samuels, Chaya Shlomit Shalev, Chaya Rajchgod CHABAD OF PLANO/COLLIN COUNTY PRESENTS Rajchgod Berkowitz, Yonaton Wolk, Bella Abramov Weissburd; (fourth row) Berkowitz, Rivka Marcus, Bella Akiva Shawel, Shoshana Rodin Ringelheim, Eve Edery, Chaya Ambers Weiner and Abramov Weissburd, Rivky Fried, Eve Rabbi Deon Nathan Edery, Rabbi Yechezkel Fried, Rabbi Falik Schtroks, Dr. Grant Mindle; being, at the Museum of the Bible like a badge of honor which made (middle row) Chaya Ambers Weiner, in Washington, D.C. For him, the my whole career worthwhile,” said Stephanie Wulfe Epstein, Michelle reunion was a gift. Englander. “There were only fine Fogel Samuels, Shoshana Rodin “Jewish education is not an easy memories and the warmth and Ringelheim, Rabbi Moshe Englander, Yulia Kantor, Leora Berkovitch field, education in general is not, but beauty of the school we began came Betesh; (front row) Akiva Shawel and what came from our gathering was rushing through.” Yonaton Wolk What do I do with my 401(k) if I change THE LEGACY OF jobs? ELIE WIESEL Through the eyes of his son Elisha Wiesel A STORY FOR OUR TIMES
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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE WWW.CHABADPLANO.ORG/EVENT Irv Munn 972-692-0909 Ed Morris CPA, CFP® www.munnmorris.com Registered Principal, RJFS SIGNTURE Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services SPONSOR offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Munn & Morris Financial Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. 8 | March 18, 2021 Western Wall stones get ‘injection’ before Passover
(JNS) While Israelis are getting people visited the wall each year. “Our work on the historic wall vaccinated against COVID-19, Stones that are determined to is non-destructive. We do not drill the stones of the Western Wall in be in need of repair are “delicately into the stone,” said Vatknin, who Jerusalem’s Old City are receiving injected” with a liquid, limestone- explained that the injections are “the their own injections, with syringes based grout, explained Yossi Vaknin, best possible method of ‘healing’ surprisingly similar to those used in head conservator for the IAA in the the stones and the ultimate defense the medical world. Western Wall area. When the grout against weathering for the most Every six months, before Passover dries, he said, the cracks in the stones important stones in the world.” and the High Holidays, engineers are repaired. One of the main contributors to from the Western Wall Heritage “We have an ‘identity card’ for the weathering of the stones is the Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority Foundation and conservators from each of the hundreds of stones in ecosystem of the ancient wall. Workers inject liquid grouting into stones of the Western Wall that need strengthening in February 2021. the Israel Antiquities Authority the plaza and monitor dozens of “The Western Wall is a unique (IAA) inspect each stone at the features,” said Vatknin, who added ecological environment that many birds that make their nests in thus ensuring that the Western Wall prayer plaza to ensure visitor safety that the “card” allows inspectors to supports its own life forms,” said the wall. will remain strong for at least 2,000 and the preservation of the stones track the condition of every single Vaknin. “A lot of plants have “As part of our conservation work, more years,” said Vatknin. themselves, which are continually one of the 2,000-year-old stones. taken root in the Wall’s stones— in recognition of the importance of The repair work is conducted subjected to natural weathering. The latest pre-Passover survey particularly thorny capers, golden the site’s unique fl ora and fauna, we under the religious guidance of Before the onset of the COVID-19 revealed that the outer layer or “peel” drops and golden henbanes.” also preserve this ecosystem while Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel pandemic, a whopping 12 million of several stones needed treatment. Added to this, he said, are the guaranteeing the stones’ stability, Rabinowitz.
HAGGADAH collage artist and printmaker, Seder text heavily infl uenced by continued from p.5 intersperses the pages of prayer the events of the war. Translated and storytelling with dozens of this year into English from the stimulating works, some of them local Judeo-Arabic of the time, it fruitful time for new Haggadot. The a blend of ancient imagery with a offers a running commentary of Birds Head (I have made one collage pop art sensibility. sorts about the war’s events, cracks in homage to that version), The Another artful option that Nazi jokes and infuses the Seder Sarajevo and the Golden Haggadot could double as a coffee table book prayers with hope for a better are just a few of the most well known,” year-round is the Asufa Israeli art future for Europe’s Jews, all from she writes. “There are the Mocatta, collective’s Haggadah, available in a rare North African perspective. Prato, Barcelona, Darmstadt, the Hebrew and English. The group One early passage starts: Hileq and Bileq — I could go on.” has produced a new version each “Wicked Hitler enslaved us Marbach, a London-based year since 2013. “And the Allied Forces rescued us Rent what youy need from Photo: David Zvi Kalman“With a great and mighty Photo: Central Conference of American Rabbis outstretched arm …” For the history buff The movement’s latest offering For the Reform Jew is “Mishkan HaSeder,” which EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. “Next year may we be free men adds contemporary poetry and in Palestine,” Nissim Ben Shimon The Reform movement in social justice commentary to the wrote in 1943. America has published many traditional rabbinic text. We have EVERYTHING you’ll need As World War II began to swing Haggadahs over the past 130 Among the poets whose words to make your next event special. in favor of the Allies, Ben Shimon, years, since it fi rst brought make the new order are Emma a Moroccan Jew in Rabat, wrote to print an English-language Lazarus, Adrienne Rich and Call or visit our showrooms at 220 University Dr. (817) 332-5258 what has been deemed “The Hitler version of a Haggadah published Yehuda Amichai. There’s also Haggadah” — a semi-humorous in Germany decades earlier. art by the painter, sculptor and ceremonial artist Tobi Kahn. TTaylorsRental_041708_2X2.inddaylorsRental_041708_2X2.indd 1 44/4/08/4/08 112:29:422:29:42 PPMM For ‘curious kids (and their grownups)’
“The Kveller Haggadah” isn’t brand-new, but it’s still fresh. This Haggadah is full of colorful illustrations, a clear explanation of the Seder’s many complicated parts and short essay inserts by modern commentators on Passover’s past and present. (Kveller is part of 70 Faces Media, like the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.) SIMCHA March 18, 2021 | 9 ENGAGEMENT Allyson Greenberg and Joshua Wool Elise and Robert Greenberg of Dallas are overjoyed to announce the engagement of their eldest daughter, Allyson Hope, to Dr. Joshua Jay Wool, son of Barbara and Joseph Wool of Bloomfi eld Hills, Michigan. Allyson, who earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Denver, is a new homes sales consultant with Oakwood Homes. Josh earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Tulane University. He is a psychiatrist for Kaiser Permanente. The couple will wed Nov. 20, 2021, in Dallas and will reside in Denver with their English Lab Lucy. Biespiel, David, ‘A Place of Exodus: Home, Memory, and Texas’ Reviewed by Linda Blasnik for another — the poetry of memoir, ultimately, his soul will Featured in the Association of Abraham’s Hebron and Moses’ be “going and coming [home] now Jewish Libraries’ November Author Mount Horeb and King David’s and for evermore.” His travels and Safely Showcase, Biespiel’s memoir arrived Jerusalem for Walt Whitman’s return showed him new ways of Celebrating just in time for me to read and Manhattan and Emily Dickinson’s interpreting his old memories. review it before Pesach. Biespiel’s Amherst. “His opposition was to In reading this poetic memoir Simchas story of growing up in Meyerland, [him] self.” When Biespiel returns which includes beauty in at a section of Houston, reminds to Meyerland, presumably to do description, cadence of phrasing readers of Philip Roth’s tales of the research to write this book, as well as the attempt to fi nd the Weequahic neighborhood he is astonished that the parasha meaning in memories, however in Newark, New Jersey. Tightly (weekly Torah reading) describes fl eeting and unbidden they may woven Jewish neighborhoods share Jacob “praying to the Lord who be, I recognized the importance of common features and similar casts had instructed him to return to his our fi rst place. I recommend this of residents. Biespiel stands out, as homeland.” book to anyone who loves poetic In partnership with Dallas' we shall see. After Biespiel left Meyerland, prose, life, the song of home, and fi nest Kosher caterers. The author describes himself his return showed him that his especially the particular wide sky as a “retired” Jew, who “ditched travels required the starting point and song sung by Biespiel’s fi rst 214-748-5559 | http://www.sevenforparties.com/ the power of one kind of literature of that home. As evidenced in this home, Texas.
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shwartsfamilydentistry.com 972.437.6035 10 | March 18, 2021 SENIOR 65-year-old hidden Jew celebrates bar mitzvah
By Batya (Schochet) Lisker (Chabad.org/News via JNS) “My family were hidden Jews, but not anymore. With this coming of age ritual, I’m proudly reclaiming my Jewish heritage,” said Robert Powell, a 65-year- old Wisconsinite, about his recent bar mitzvah at Chabad of Mequon, Wisconsin. His mother and her sister were raised in Hamburg, Germany. They were fortunate to flee in 1939 shortly before Poland fell to the Nazis, but not before the escalating persecution of Jews was woven into the fabric of their childhood. They experienced things that no children ever should. Anxiety and fear were encoded in their genes and became part of their psyche. With the support of their parents, they made a pact to suppress their Jewish identities. True to their word, they took their secrets to the grave. Discarding all documents and Photo: Chabad.org/News photographs that might reveal Rabbi Doobie Lisker with Robert Powell, 65, at his bar mitzvah ceremony, Jan. 7, 2021 the family’s Jewish ties, they refused to discuss their lives Episcopalian with a heritage hand, always felt drawn to the and Brazil, he discerned that fire in his belly to dig deeper. His before arriving at Ellis Island. tracing back to England and Jewish faith. He felt deep down they were either Nazis or Jews. yearning for the truth started his Robert grew up knowing Wales. Before college, he had that he was Jewish; it was in his The more his questions were met search into his genealogy. literally nothing about Jews barely even met a Jew. His soul. Discovering that they had with silence and denials from his Traveling to New York about and Judaism. His father was an cousin David, on the other relatives in Germany, Argentina mother and aunt, the greater the eight years ago to bring his SENIOR March 18, 2021 | 11 daughter to college, Robert at first for Robert to grasp the kindness, ethics and righteousness. grew up without the embrace of close friends and family members, stayed with David. Before he shocking disclosure — how I hold him in the highest esteem.” a Jewish community and lacked while many others joined via had a chance to unpack his bags, something so evident, like one’s With the zeal of an investigative that essential factor of the Jewish livestream due to COVID-19. his cousin proclaimed: “Guess religion and identity, became a reporter, Doobie reviewed the religious practice and experience. Robert, who had celebrated what? We are Jewish!” well-kept family secret. Stolpersteine Project’s records He often worried that his (now- his 65th birthday the day before Relatives from Germany and researched Robert’s maternal fellow) Jews wouldn’t want to when his Jewish and secular ‘Teaching me about Judaism had visited the week before lineage further. Employing the embrace him because he was a birthdays coincided, stepped up to ever since’ and brought proof positive Chabad worldwide network, he “diluted version” of what was the bima wearing his tefillin and from the Stolpersteine Project, A year ago, the subject line of contacted Rabbi Yehudah Teichtal supposed to be Jewish. newly purchased tallit, in addition which remembers the victims an email from Mequon Torah in Berlin, who connected him with Robert knew deep down that he to a wide and contagious smile of the Holocaust by installing Center caught his eye. A decade an organization where he was able was being disingenuous not only not unlike those seen by proud commemorative plaques with earlier, Robert attended the bat to procure Robert’s grandparents’ to them but also to himself and 13-year-old boys celebrating their their names on stones in front mitzvah of one of his daughter’s Hamburg Jewish tax cards proving his ancestors, whose sacrifice and Jewish milestone. of their last address. They had middle-school friends at Chabad that in the Hamburg Jewish exceptional courage kept our Jewish “For a 13-year-old, a bar documented not only Robert’s of Mequon and wrote his email community they were known to legacy alive. And then, with Doobie mitzvah is a starting point of the maternal family tree dating address in the guest book. He be Jews. After gathering all the at his side — with the Rapoports and teenage and then adult years,” back several generations but had been receiving weekly emails supporting evidence, Doobie his newfound community at Chabad began Robert. “For me, I carry my a narrative and biographical from them ever since, which went consulted with a rabbinical of Mequon — a journey of self-love life on my back — my bar mitzvah information to accompany unread. Robert filled out the expert in Sydney, Australia, who and acceptance began. Slowly but is an arrival, an affirmation, a it as well. Robert’s great- short survey sent out by Rabbi determined that Robert is indeed a surely, a tremendous burden was coming home. My bar mitzvah grandmother and her sister- Doobie Lisker, newly appointed full-fledged, halachically accepted lifted. He was living his authentic life firmly links the past with the in-law were murdered in educational director at Mequon Jew. Next, Doobie arranged for with a sense of peace and belonging. present. If we don’t understand Auschwitz. Two of her siblings Torah Center, directed by Rabbi Robert to have a brit milah and he where we’ve come from, how do ‘I carry my life on my back’ swallowed cyanide capsules like Dovid and Faige Rapoport. Robert was named Yitzchak. we understand who we really are? thousands of other Jews in Nazi noted that he had recently found Judaism resonated with him A few months later, Robert “My ancestors overcame Germany so as not to suffer the out that he was Jewish and would immediately. With Doobie’s began toying with the idea of many obstacles — oppression, same fate — to preserve their like to explore his true self — the guidance, Robert began to wrap having a bar mitzvah to confirm fear, tyranny,” he said. “But dignity even in the face of death. Jew he always was. tefillin regularly and set goals for his identity. He said that one of they persevered, and they did There was correspondence Intrigued by Robert’s response, himself working toward learning Doobie’s famous sayings — “Never it with dignity, bravery and the between relatives expressing how Doobie arranged to meet up with more and committing to mitzvot, put off a mitzvah” — made him determination to keep alive our disheartened they were to hear him and hear his story. “He has one at a time. But as he began actualize his plans. Jewish heritage. Our legacy. Our about the pact his mother had been teaching me about Judaism making the transition back to A soft white carpet of snow Jewishness. It only remains for me made with her sister to conceal ever since,” said Robert. “From our Judaism, he encountered a variety of covered the asphalt, and barren to honor them by living fully and their Jewish heritage from their first meeting, I just wanted to be personal dilemmas and insecurities. boughs of trees coated with ice openly as the Jews we were and children. like him. He embodies the values At times, he felt vulnerable crystals glistened in the sun on that always will be.” After he had been kept in the that are inherent and central to and incomplete because he was perfect Thursday afternoon Jan. 7. dark for years, it was difficult Torah: morality, meaningful living, not a “fully-formed” Jew. He The sanctuary was filled with 10 Reprinted with permission from Chabad.org/News. 12 | March 18, 2021
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Is the ‘sandwich of aging parents, relatives or children and grandchildren. And, generation’ spread friends while also supporting and in most cases, some or all have too thin? meeting the demands of their own actually moved in with them. children, spouses and careers. Surveys suggest that today’s By Mary Hunt Club sandwich: Those in their baby boomers (adults born from Creators.com 50s or 60s sandwiched between 1946 to 1964) will likely spend aging parents, adult children and more years caring for a parent A lovely new assisted living grandchildren. Or, those in their than rearing, caring for and complex is under construction 30s and 40s with young children, supporting their own children. close to where I live. As beautiful aging parents and grandparents. And these days, parents care as this place is, it has become a Double-stuffed sandwich: Those for their children for at least 20 daily reminder of how difficult whose adult, post-college kids return years. it can be to talk to aging parents home to live with their parents In the same way a trip to the about their health and future for lack of employment, direction dental hygienist can prevent needs. and/or money. Also known as the a painful procedure down the If you’re 40 or older, you’re “boomerangs.” road, a conversation with your part of the sandwich generation, Open-faced sandwich: Anyone parents about aging will be worth which refers to middle-aged else involved in elder care on one it to help preserve a future you individuals who feel pressured to side and others in need of support both can handle. The longer you support both aging parents and on the other. wait to talk with them about the Photo: Courtesy Unsplash/creators.com Middle-aged adults are feeling pressure to care for relatives old and young. adult children. You likely fall into Of my husband’s and my future, the fewer choices you may one of these categories: friends, I would estimate at least have down the line and the more few guidelines to help you get this your parents and ask questions. Traditional sandwich: Those half are either caring for elderly it may cost to get them the care conversation started: Avoid telling them what to do, no being squeezed between the needs parents or supporting adult they need. matter how tempting it may be. The way you approach the Listen Get the conversation going earlier subject will have a huge effect on rather than later. whether your parents are willing Don’t miss an opportunity to to accept your help. Here are a talk about the future. Listen to Be patient
“I love it here! COVID-19 may present diffi cult circumstances for your loved one Your parents have been biting I couldn’t have Apple Care & Companion is here for you their collective tongue for years made a better choice.” as they have dealt with you. Now – Beverly B., a community resident Short-term or long-term it’s your turn to be patient and give them time to think over their • Personal Care alternatives. Major decisions won’t • Companionship • Overnight Stays get made during one casual phone call. We have incorporated Laurie Friedman Miller, Owner enhanced protocols to ensure 469-619-5474 Expect silence At Highland Springs, you’re free to live the the safety of our clients AppleCareandCompanion.com independent life you want with an added safety Don’t expect quick responses to net of support. We’re the premier senior living your questions. This may be one of People refer to what we do as a mitzvah. community in North Dallas! the most difficult seasons of their We consider it an honor. lives. Give them time to process, • Go freely about your life and pursue think and ponder. FAITH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPICE is the most comprehensive not-for-profit the activities you love on our green and hospice provider in Greater Dallas. FAITH is dedicated To make each moment Don’t assume spacious campus. matter for those we serve. FAITH provides hospice care in the home, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living communities and in our inpatient hospice • Be part of a connected community fi lled with center, located in the T. Boone Pickens Center, north of Medical City Dallas. Don’t make assumptions. Above friends, neighbors, and a dedicated staff . FAITH’S compassionate end-of-life care supports life and hope, and the values all, do not mistake indecision for of Jewish tradition. We work closely with Rabbi Howard Wolk, Community lack of interest. You can be fairly • Gain time and freedom from the hassle and Chaplain of Jewish Family Service. FAITH is Accredited by the National certain that they’ve been thinking expense of house repairs. Institute for Jewish Hospice, which means that we are sensitive to the needs of about this a lot longer than you Jewish patients, their families and the Jewish Calendar. have. But it’s easy to put it off when the future appears to be so far away. Call 1-800-708-9089 or visit HighlandSpringsCommunity.com Get help for your free brochure. It’s all right if you don’t know what you’re doing. Your willingness to assist your parents is Elise Power Rabbi Howard Wolk Sue Kramer, a big step. Dare to ask for help. Faith Jewish Hospice JFS Community APRN, FNP-C Community Liaison Chaplain Faith Nurse Practitioner Laugh
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By Tom Margenau benefit for the rest of my life. Please your monthly rate (with an August Creators.com help me. What can I do about this? start date) might be about $2,185 A: What you can do is relax. or so. In other words, you will lose Even after writing several You made a little goof. You can around $15 per month forever. recent columns about the issue, I correct it if you want. But really, But on the plus side, you got that still get many emails from readers it’s not that big a deal, so you may one extra $2,185 Social Security confused about which date to want to just let things ride. check for August. It will take you choose as the starting date for their You didn’t give me your benefit about 145 months, or more than 12 Social Security retirement benefits. amount, but let’s assume your years, before you come out on the The confusion essentially age 65 benefit rate would have short end of the stick by making centers on the fact that Social been $2,200 per month. But you this minor error in your starting Security checks are paid one month mistakenly started your Social date. Or to put that another way, behind. For example, the Social Security at age 64 years and 11 you will be 77 years old before this
Security payment for November months. Retirement benefits are mistake catches up with you. Photo: Creators.com/Bruce Mars will be sent to you in December. reduced five-ninths of 1% for each There’s a little nuance to starting Social Security benefits. Follow these tips to That’s a relatively straightforward month they are taken early. So see RETIREMENT, p.23 make sure your check arrives right when you want it. rule, but it leads to all kinds of problems, especially when people are filing for their Social Security benefits online. Here is a typical Live for Today example from last year: Protect them for the future Q: I will be 66 in February 2020. I don’t want any reduced benefits, so I want to make sure my checks start at age 66. The online application is asking me which month I want to start my benefits. S A. G I know checks come one month behind, so I’m afraid if I put down M P / P February as my starting month, that will be the January Social Security check, meaning I will get • Trusts & Trust Administration a reduced amount for starting my 13101 Preston Road t: 214-276-0808 benefits before age 66. So should Suite 400 f: 214-276-0809 • Asset Protection I indicate March as my starting Dallas, TX 75240 toll free: 888-269-5876 5400 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1200 month? www.gswealthmgmt.com [email protected] Dallas, Texas 75240 A: You turn 66 in February. • Wills & Probate So if you want your benefits to 972.773.9095 Registered Representative of and securities off ered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial begin when you are 66, you should Services, Inc. (BFCFS) Member FINRA/SIPC Investment Advisory Services off ered through • Business Representation www.colinsmithlaw.com indicate February as your starting BFC Planning. GS Wealth Management is independent of BFCFS and BFC Planning. month. In other words, don’t concern yourself with the month your Social Security check is actually delivered to you. The application question isn’t asking, “Which month do you want your first check to be sent to you?” Instead, it is essentially asking you this: “Which month do you want to be your first month of eligibility for Social Security benefits?” And again, in your case, that is February 2020. In some cases, people send me their questions after the fact. And it’s causing them all kinds of undue stress. Here is an example of that: Q: I was 65 in September, and that’s when I wanted my Social Security to start. But the question on the online form confused me, and I thought if I indicated August as the starting check, knowing that it would come in September, then September would be my starting month. But then I got a letter from Social Security telling me that my benefits had started in August, one month before my 65th birthday, meaning I now will get a reduced 16 | March 18, 2021 SENIOR Manchester Living starts biweekly podcast
Senior care info, premiered on Jan. 8. Levy said He first got to know Manchester as resources and he aims to share his expertise the grandson of a resident. “Our experts on tap and that of many health care and industry is a tight community and related-field providers he works we have the best of the best of all By Deb Silverthorn with. “Every day my phone rings aspects of the industry joining us.” The new Manchester Living with a ‘need it now’ situation and Levy hosts each episode. The podcast provides information and it’s impossible to do the homework first guests have included: Jo Alch, resources from throughout North overnight.” executive director of Pajamas Texas’ care community and aims The 20-minute podcasts have for Seniors; Sandi Greenberg, to remove some of the guesswork addressed issues of COVID-19 care Manchester Living director of Photo: Courtesy Real News Media for families. and safety, navigating the elder care nursing; Brian Harmon, Nexus Brian Levy, left, host of the Manchester Living podcast, interviews Sandi “Finding the answers to health maze, communicating with the Home health care owner and Greenberg and Brian Harmon. care and support for our families elderly, isolation and the growing physical therapist; Stephanie but this means having older home, private duty division, and shouldn’t come from a blind popularity of concierge medicine. Israelstam, director of sales and bodies that most people don’t its employees are available for hire online ‘search.’ The Metroplex They are all accessible for viewing marketing at Anthology of Plano have experience in caring for,” in private homes or facilities for has so many incredible caregivers or watching at any time. Senior Living; Mindy Jones, said Harmon, a career physical needs ranging from occasional to and support organizations and Levy’s interest in developing PyxisCare founding principal; therapist. His agency’s clinicians full time. they all want to make what can the podcast came through his Dr. Roger Khetan, Signature offer physical, occupational “We want to be a lighthouse for be so stressful, much easier,” said work with the Manchester Care Medicine at Baylor University and speech therapies, skilled our community, for those looking Brian Levy, Manchester Living’s Homes and Cambridge Caregivers Medical Center; and Dr. Kyle nursing care and social work to care for their family members director of marketing and business clientele. His interest in working Molen, North Texas Preferred support. “Manchester’s podcast and, if their family members aren’t development. in the industry doesn’t stop at his Health Partners. shares resources who answer physically under our care, then The podcast series, which locations, he said, and his goal is to “I’m thrilled to have been on the the questions that most in the we want to be a part of putting posts every two weeks, premiered help as many families as possible. podcast because the more people we sandwich generation are asking. the answers about care out there,” can reach to support, the better,” said As a provider myself I’ve learned said Adam Lampert, Manchester Greenberg, who considers each of so much and I’m glad Brian asked Living’s CEO and partner. “We the residents at the four Manchester me to participate.” are about caregiving and getting Living homes as family. She advises Manchester Living, which the information out wherever and that knowing the options in advance opened in 2009, provides boutique however we can to meet our goal Rediscover makes it easier for seniors and their assisted living with personalized for success. adult children to make decisions care in residential settings in For schedule information, Happiness about care. North Dallas, Northwood Hills, or to tune in to the “We and our parents are Preston Hollow and White Rock. Manchester Living podcast, visit living longer, which is great, Cambridge Caregivers is the in- ManchesterLivingPodcast.com. Holocaust survivor, friend reunited after 80 years
By Cnaan Liphshiz
(JTA) — Holocaust survivors who were best friends in Germany were reunited more than 80 years after they last saw each other. Betty Grebenschikoff from St. Petersburg, Florida, and Ana María Wahrenberg from Santiago, Chile, both 91, were At Premier Residences of Dallas, reunited in November thanks a happy and healthy lifestyle to the work of a researcher at meets a world of opportunities. Photo: Courtesy of USC Shoah Foundation Enjoy safe & happy the USC Shoah Foundation Betty Grebenschikoff, left, reunites with Ana María Wahrenberg on a Zoom call. • Five Star Dining Experience, moments with — a nonprofit organization Both Holocaust survivors are now 91. featuring All Day Dining loved ones again. founded by Steven Spielberg, school as Wahrenberg. Gordon Holocaust, Gordon was able to • Lifestyle360 wellness and Call to schedule a The Washington Post reported watched a 1997 filmed testimony trace them and bring them in activity programs no-contact or earlier this month. Each thought by Grebenschikoff in which contact. They chat weekly over the the other had perished. Grebenschikoff mentioned her phone. • Beautifully maintained virtual tour! community The researcher, Ita Gordon, friend Wahrenberg, and added “For 82 years, I thought my • Convenient monthly rent with attended a webinar in which she often wondered whether best friend from Germany was no buy-in Wahrenberg recalled surviving Wahrenberg had survived the dead,” Grebenschikoff told the the 1938 Kristallnacht pogroms Holocaust. Post. “I’d been looking for her PREMIER RESIDENCES OF DALLAS in Germany and Austria. She The women met at the age of 6, for all those years and I never searched for more information also went to the same synagogue, found her.” 5455 La Sierra Drive • Dallas, TX 75231 about Wahrenberg in the took ballet lessons and played Grebenschikoff’s family fled 214-691-1001 • www.FiveStarPremier-Dallas.com foundation’s archives. dress-up, according to the Post to Shanghai, China, in 1939 and INDEPENDENT LIVING That search led Gordon to the article. moved to the United States after RESPITE/SHORT-TERM STAYS life story of Grebenschikoff, who Although both women had 1948. Wahrenberg’s family settled ©2021 Five Star Senior Living attended the same Jewish day changed their names after the in Chile. SENIOR March 18, 2021 | 17 Fit bubbe, 81, gives interview ttjpnews.comjpnews.com
Do you have long-term care insurance? Hercky says at Call us for in-home care.. Israeli gym: ‘Want to see my muscles?’
By Ben Sales (JTA) — Israel reopened its gyms last month as its vaccination rates climbed, and to showcase the return Photo: YouTube screenshot 972.938.0703 to (relative) normalcy, one Effi e Hercky, at an Israeli gym wearing makeup, large earrings and a shirt reading www.customcaregivers.com TV channel turned to Effie “BADGIRLS,” fl exes her muscles on Israeli TV, Feb. 21, 2021. Hercky, an American great- grandmother and volunteer nurse who was fully vaccinated. At 81, she was already working out — and flirting with the news anchor. The three-minute interview Sunday, Feb. 21, on Israel’s Channel 12, conducted mostly in Hebrew, opened with Hercky hitting the treadmill decked out in makeup, large earrings and a shirt reading “BADGIRLS.” “Lucky you!” she said to anchorman Rafi Reshef. “You can see me, but I can’t see you.” Soon after, Hercky told Reshef that she agreed to the interview because “I want to be a star.” Reshef managed to play the interview straight as Hercky flexed her biceps for the camera. “Ach, my God, do you want to see my muscles?” the bubbe responded when asked what kind of shape she was in. When Reshef said it was clear that she hadn’t worked out in a while, Hercky shot back, “That is disgusting! Look at what a body I have!” Hercky said that in addition to playing with her four great- grandchildren, she worked as a nurse until age 80, and still volunteers at the hospital. She said she came straight to the gym after work. After the treadmill, she planned to ride an exercise bike and work out her knees. She said her grandchildren want her to retire, but she won’t. “My grandchildren are already old, and they tell me, ‘Bubbe, enough! Bubbe, stop!’” she said. “I can’t stop.” Her hope after she leaves the gym, Hercky told Reshef, is that “Maybe I’ll meet some young guy who will invite me out to orange juice or something like that.” Seconds later, as Reshef attempted to end the interview, Hercky said, in English, “Are you married?” When he said he certainly was, Hercky replied, “What a shame. OK, have a nice life. Lots of love to everyone.” 18 | March 18, 2021 JEWISH FOODIE Sweet morsels for Passover desserts
By Tina Wasserman we are stuffed at the end of the Have a ziesen Pesach! If you do bedikat chometz the meal and don’t really have room evening before the first night of for a big dessert. There’s another Passover Sabayon Pesach then cooking in advance reason to make small cookies or has no meaning to you and is cake…people who feign being I created this recipe for this just a sigh while you cook up a full or not eating sweets will year’s AJC Diplomatic Seder. Since storm. I have found, however, definitely take something that we couldn’t be together, we are that many or most people switch they can pop in their mouths sending a catered Passover dinner their homes over so that they with no telltale evidence! Keep to all the participants, who are have a few days to prepare for that in mind all year long. If you mostly not Jewish. I decided to the groaning board that is a are creating a buffet for many have each household receive a Passover meal. Others start out a guests and are anxious that you bottle of Manischewitz Concord week or two in advance and don’t will run out of food, place each Grape wine since it tells the story of switch their kitchens and utensils brownie or cookie in a little Jewish immigrants and how they over at all. I make absolutely paper cup. Six pieces of paper made their own kosher wine more NO judgment. I just am happy on your guest’s plate cannot be than 400 years ago in America. when I hear that someone is hidden from the other guests so Now, since all of the participants making their grandmother’s people tend to slow down their don’t necessarily think of this chicken soup or Tanta Rachel’s grazing. sweet wine when eating a meal, I brisket or my Passover granola The following recipes might thought I would show them ways (previously published in the TJP be just the recipes to complement to enjoy the remaining wine in and also on my website, www. your Passover brownies, chocolate their bottles. Next week I will give cookingandmore.com). lollipops, and meringue cookies. you a short rib recipe. Since I am confident that Each recipe is also pareve, using Photo: Tina Wasserman Argentinian Guizadas — Almond Macaroons almost all desserts can be no butter or cream because, even • 4 egg yolks made in advance, I thought I if you don’t keep kosher, it is • ¼ cup sugar fresh fruit. 3. Place the 1 cup whole almonds would give you more time to customary to not have dairy after • ¼ cup sweet Concord grape wine onto the baking sheet and roast the create those morsels of sweets a meat meal. That said, don’t try (Manischewitz or Mogen David • Although you don’t want to overcook almonds in the oven until fragrant. for the end of your Seder. My to make your family’s cheesecake brand) the Sabayon over hot water, whisking This should take about 5 minutes. Set recommendation for dessert non-dairy. Tradition and the • 1 tablespoon brandy the additional tablespoon of hot aside to cool. should be small pastries or a constancy of our memories is the • 1 tablespoon hot water water will set the custard and prevent simple torte that can be cut into most important ingredient in your • 1-2 pints fresh berries or fruit it from separating while refrigerated. 4. Once the toasted almonds small portions. We all know that cooking. have cooled, place them in a food 1. Place the egg yolks and the sugar • This recipe has French origins processor work bowl. Pulse the in the top of a double boiler or in a although they use champagne or processor 30 times, turn the machine 1-quart saucepan and whisk together white wine with the brandy; Italians on for 20 seconds, pulse 10 more until a thick ribbon of mixture pours use Marsala wine and call this sauce times and then turn the machine on off the whisk. Zabaglione. for 10 seconds. The almonds should be slightly coarse but not like almond 2. Place the pan with the sugar-egg Argentinian Guizadas — flour. mixture over another pan containing Almond Macaroons hot, but not boiling, water. The 5. In a 2-quart mixing bowl combine mixture shouldn’t be so hot that it I published a recipe for Tunisian the granulated sugar, turbinado will cook the yolks. Guizadas in my book that used sugar, egg whites, almond extract pistachios and orange blossom and orange extract, or orange zest, 3. Add the wine and liqueur to the sugar- water. This recipe hails from and whisk until the ingredients are yolk mixture and whisk constantly over Argentina and uses orange extract thoroughly combined. the warm water for 3-4 minutes until a or orange zest and whole almonds nice, thick custard is formed. plus turbinado sugar to give it the 6. Add the ground almonds to the crunch on the outside and softer bowl and, switching to a rubber 4. When the custard has thickened, interior. These are not your typical spatula, stir the mixture until all IMMEDIATELY remove from the heat canned almond macaroons! ingredients are combined and it or you will have fancy scrambled eggs!! They are pareve and contain no forms into a dough-like consistency. additional oil. Cover with plastic wrap and 5. Whisk the tablespoon of hot water • 1 cup whole raw almonds refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (you can use the water in the bottom • ¹⁄₃ cup granulated sugar pan) into the custard. This will set • 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar 7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. the Sabayon and prevent it from • ¼ teaspoon almond extract Cover a cookie sheet with parchment separating. • ½ teaspoon orange extract or paper. finely grated zest from ½ orange 6. Have your fresh berries divided • Egg whites from 2 large eggs 8. I use a 1-tablespoon food scoop into 4 or 6 serving dishes or glasses. (about ¹⁄₃ cup) with the macaroon dough and Pour the sabayon over the fruit and • Enough unroasted whole almonds place the balls of dough directly serve. to garnish each cookie on the cookie sheet. Gently press 1 • 1 tablespoon of additional whole almond onto the top of each Tina’s Tidbits: turbinado sugar for garnish macaroon. Sprinkle the macaroons with the additional 1 tablespoon • Although Sabayon is meant to be 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. turbinado sugar. served warm, it can easily be made a few days in advance and served 2. Line a large baking sheet with cold or at room temperature over the parchment paper or aluminum foil. see PASSOVER, p.22 JEWISH FOODIE March 18, 2021 | 19 Chremslach are your new favorite Jewish pancakes
By Joe Baur • ¾ cup milk (can also use your (The Nosher) — I see your non-dairy milk of choice) Photo: Joe Baur carefully curated Instagram • 2 tablespoons honey brunch with chia seed pudding, • 2 tablespoons cinnamon avocado toast and kombucha • 1 teaspoon kosher salt and raise you this: chremslach. • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Chremslach (“chremsl” for • 1 cup matzo meal singular) are better known as • Butter or olive oil for the pan matzo meal pancakes or even • Fresh fruit for serving (optional) bubbaleh and are a lesser- • Powdered sugar, extra known delicacy of Ashkenazi cinnamon, honey or jam for cuisine. You can find cousins serving (optional) throughout the Jewish culinary world. Sephardic Jews, for Directions: example, might be more familiar with bimuelos (Ladino for 1. Whisk eggs in a medium-sized “dumplings”), a Hanukkah or bowl or pot and then add your Passover treat also made with yogurt, milk, honey, cinnamon, matzo meal batter. salt and sugar. Whisk after adding Chremslach rarely enter the each ingredient until completely conversation when it comes to blended. figuring out what to do with extra matzo meal after Passover. 2. Slowly add in your matzo meal But there’s nothing about while stirring. chremslach that makes them extra-palatable while recounting 3. Once everything is mixed the Exodus. In fact, they’re together, set your pot or bowl to better than your typical batch of the side for about 15 minutes to pancakes. Chremslach are what rest. you actually want when you’re craving pancakes for breakfast. 4. Use a griddle, large-sized skillet There’s more substance than or multiple skillets to cook as many a typical, white-flour pancake. as possible at once. Melt your Chremslach are hearty yet moist, butter or layer with olive oil over fluffy and tasty on their own in medium heat. Sprinkle a dash of a way your average pancake just water to test for a light sizzle to is not. The latter relies heavily know the pan is ready. on what you put on top of it, but chremslach can survive on 5. Add about ¼ cup of chremslach their own. They’re nutty, but not batter to the skillet and shape too sweet. What you put on top them like pancakes. Add as many (fresh fruit, honey, cinnamon) as you can fit onto your pan, but is just complimentary, but not don’t overcrowd your pan. You’ll necessary. likely have to add more butter Recipe note: The batter or olive oil as you cook to avoid should look chunky and have burning. an obvious matzo meal smell both before you put it on the pan 6. After about 3 minutes, the first and once you serve them. I use side should be ready or close to ¼ cup of batter at a time, but ready. (Your next batch will likely you can use as much or as little cook faster.) When ready, flip your as you like. Just be sure to keep chremslach and cook the other side an eye on the butter or olive oil until golden brown. You might have in the pan. The chremslach will to press down lightly with a spatula quickly absorb any liquid in the if you’ve built your chremslach too pan, so you’ll need to add more tall. throughout to avoid burning. Store extra batter in a container 7. Move your chremslach to a plate in your refrigerator and use it and layer with fresh fruit of your within a week. choice (sliced bananas, blueberries, strawberries all go well with this Ingredients: dish). Top with a fruit jam, a drizzle of honey, powdered sugar and/or • 4 eggs an extra dash of cinnamon before • 1 cup Greek yogurt serving. 20 | March 18, 2021 In their words . . . Passover matzo, part II Columnists, opinion from the TJP Dear Rabbi Fried, that they could find nothing. The You mentioned in a previous column that the chametz/ rabbi then raised his hands heav- leavened bread represents haughtiness and inflated ego, so enward and proclaimed, “Master we get it out of our houses and burn it. Once we did that of the universe, look how dedi- A rogues’ gallery already the day before Pesach, and “got rid of the haughti- cated and wonderful Your people ness,” and ate matzo at the Seder, why is it necessary to are! They’re not afraid of a wicked continue eating only matzo all the days of Pesach? What decree against them by a flesh- of antisemites do we accomplish by this? ASK THE and-blood king threatening se- Joseph R. vere penalties. But Your decree — Dear Joseph, RABBI which was delivered thousands of The Kabbalists teach us that the chametz, or leav- years ago with no visible power to in the USA ened products, does indeed symbolize a person’s im- By Rabbi oversee it — they observe so scru- pulse to listen to their ego, even when it runs contrary Yerachmiel pulously out of love for You!” to the will of G-d. D. Fried Eating the matzo all seven It seems the time is ripe for another tion against in- The Sages say that the Jews proclaim to G-d, “We days, while refraining from the listing of the most active antisemites in tolerable and truly desire, deep down, to perform Your will; it is only consumption of chametz during the same seven days, our country now, when antisemitism prolonged oppres- the ‘yeast in the dough’ which prevents us” (Talmud, reinforces this message. is again raising its ugly head in many sion,” and main- Berachos 17a). This “yeast in the dough” is the inclina- Seven is the number which symbolizes the physical parts of the world. So here goes — the tains that Hillel is tion toward what the body desires, often masking the world, as there are seven days of the week, seven tones in folks we should all be most aware of, “Israel’s agent on desires of the soul. The inflated ego is the root of most the musical scale and seven basic colors. To fulfill this recognizing their names i–f and when Jewish college of the evil in the world, whether it involves individuals mitzvah all seven days (eight in the Diaspora for other we see them publicized. These below campuses.” She IN MY or nations. reasons), one elevates their physicality to new levels and were recently released by StopAn- is an organizer of Traditionally, Jews have always worked quite hard imbues their soul with the strength and fortitude to tisemitism.org: MIND’S I USACBI, which to remove all chametz from their homes before Pesach, remain above their egotistical inclinations throughout Timothy Elpadaro Thedford is coordinates the By Harriet often commencing this task weeks before the holiday to the year. better known as Jay Electronica, a Boycott, Divest- P. Gross ensure not even the tiniest speck remains. This is why we recite a prayer upon completion of hip-hop “artist” and Grammy award ment, Sanctions The story is told of a great Chassidic master who, the checking the home for chametz: “...and just as we rid nominee from New Orleans who movement. during Pesach, asked a group of his devoted followers our houses of all chametz, so too may we merit that all enthusiastically follows Louis Farra- Timothy Louis Hale-Cusanelli is to check the Jewish homes of their shtetl to see if anyone our days we succeed in ridding our hearts of the yetzer khan’s Nation of Islam. In March of a white supremacist and Nazi sympa- had any foreign silk — forbidden by the czar for Jews hara (inclination toward evil).” last year, he released an album with thizer from New Jersey who took part to own. They came back with an entire storehouse of With each bite of matzo, try to focus on this message “Synagogue of Satan” lyrics and other in the D.C. riot in January; the FBI silk, despite the severe decree against Jews owning that and you’ll certainly be filled with joy over this great op- songs invoking the Rothschilds — yet filed five Federal charges against him silk. He then asked them to return all the silk and see portunity to be elevated to new levels! another continuing swipe at a wealthy after he admitted posting “horrific, if they could find any crumbs of bread, any chametz, Wishes for a joyous and meaningful Pesach to you Jewish family long accused of finan- anti-Semitic and bigoted videos” vili- in the very same homes. They returned, reporting and all the readers! cial conspiracy and suspected desires fying all Jewish people on his YouTube for world domination. He calls Blacks channel. He openly supports all those “the true Children of Israel.” who claim to be fomenting a second Alexandra Tohme uses social me- Civil War; authorities found copies of A new book to prepare dia for digital marketing of antisemi- Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” plus other neo- tism as well as products she sells. She Nazi “literature” in his apartment. operates largely in the Middle East, Other active antisemites were iden- for the Passover holiday and when called out on Twitter for tified among the Capitol Hill rioters. using the word “kike,” her response Tim Gionet, a neo-Nazi, claims that Dear Friends, watering (not for the matzo): was this reference to Israel: “I live next “Jews run the media,” and “Hitler did There is still time to buy a new book and be ready for · What We Can Learn from an to Kikestan. What do you want me nothing wrong.” Twitter banned him Passover. No, I am not talking about a new Haggadah Egg: The Logic of the Seder Plate to do?” When Israel and the United permanently after he posted an im- although there are so many to choose from and every · Just Who Are You Calling a Arab Emirates signed a peace agree- age of a Jewish woman inside a gas year more are added. Plus you can even design your own Stranger? ment involving joint economic efforts, chamber oven…Brian James founded and print or send it to family you may be zooming with · The Jewish Secret of Parenting she verbally attacked “wealthy miserly a skinhead group, belonged to the this year. But this is not about a new Haggadah — this is ·Judaism: A Religion of greedy Jews…in Dubai for business Indiana chapter of KKK, and almost about a wonderful book ABOUT the Haggadah. Mark SHALOM Character deals.” stomped to death a man at a party who Gerson wrote a fantastic book on the Haggadah titled FROM THE And there is so much more! Rasha Anayah is a graduate stu- refused to give the Nazi “Sieg Heil” sa- “The Telling — Judaism’s Essential Book Reveals the SHABBAT LADY Here’s what you should do: 1) Go to dent/teaching assistant at Johns Hop- lute…Matthew Heimbach founded a Meaning of Life.” By now, you know that I will buy any Amazon and get your copy rushed kins University, which has opened an white nationalist movement for high book but this one is a must have in order to prepare for By Laura to you. 2) Buy it for your phone or investigation into her social media school and college students, was a your Seder this year and many years to come. Seymour tablet and start reading right away posts targeting Jewish and Israeli stu- planner of the 2017 “Unite the Right” Some of you may be like me — I have to start the book (it is harder to skip around this dents. In a rigged “ethical dilemma” and has been quoted: “Jews will not re- reading the preface and then go all the way through. I’ve way). 3) The J Margot Rosenberg Pulitzer Dallas Jewish poll, she managed to show that almost place us… We are all comrades in the been known to finish books I don’t love just because BookFest had Mark Gerson interviewed live and it was 80% of its takers would support fail- struggle against international Jewry maybe there is something I’m missing. Gerson tells you recorded. I learned so much just from listening to an ing Zionist students on exams simply and the Zionist State.” that you don’t have to read in order but you can pick and hourlong interview! Interested? Contact Rachelle Weiss because of their Jewish affiliation. Sev- The names above are just the choose the chapters that sound interesting. Find a chap- Crane at [email protected] and hopefully she eral faculty members signed a letter to tip of our own country’s rising an- ter that sounds good to you and I guarantee you will find can get you the recording! the university administration stating tisemitic iceberg. If you would like something to add to your Seder this year. The book opens Whatever you do this Passover, learn more and how that “This is not an isolated incident, to know more about the front-line with background (fascinating!) and then the second sec- do we learn? — by asking questions. Challenge everyone but rather part of an emerging pat- organization fighting the battle by tion is about preparation. I don’t want to give it all away to come up with new questions this Passover and don’t tern.” identifying and publicizing those but the preparation is as important as the event. The forget to go online for the multitude of resources from Rima Najjar defends violence who are against us simply because third session is all about the various parts of the Seder. every possible Jewish organization. You are guaranteed against Jews, spreading antisemitic we’re Jews, email StopAntisemitism. Don’t say you know it all and this is what you have al- to find something new to make the ancient ritual ever conspiracy theories and comparing org, or write to its headquarters at ways done. Especially in this second COVID-19 Passover, evolving! Do you know that statistically speaking, more Jews to Nazis. She calls massacres of 1146 19th Street NW, Fifth Floor, we need to add some spice to keep people from “zooming Jews have a Passover Seder than do any other Jewish ritu- Jews in synagogues “Acts of despera- Washington, DC 20046. out.” Here are a few of the chapter titles to get your mouth al? Wonder why? That’s a good question! In their words . . . March 18, 2021 | 21 EDITORIAL Israel eases COVID-19 restrictions
Green passes passport that identifies them as will virtually celebrate the story of Bondage comes in many forms. modern-day plague will end, that are ‘a light having been vaccinated. Passes are the Exodus from Egypt. Countless Our people experienced bondage vitality and health will be restored unto the nations’ also issued to Israelis who have had Jewish families will draw strength under the evil yoke of slavery and and that all of us will again fully the coronavirus and recovered from it. from retelling the saga of our the taskmasters’ whips. Jews have enjoy our lives in good health with As Texas and the rest of America By last week, Israel moved closer people’s delivery from bondage. survived the scourge of torture soulful purpose. ramp up coronavirus vaccinations, to a return to normalcy by opening They will recall Moses’ courage in and the savagery of the Spanish The Tanakh recounts in Isaiah Israel has already reopened most of restaurants, bars and cafés to holders confronting Pharaoh, will recite the Inquisition. We prevailed against 49:6 that Israel and the Jewish people its economy. The impressive results of a “green pass.” While Israel’s Four Questions, will eat matzo and the systematic pogroms ordered by are to be “a light unto the nations.” follow a highly successful and leadership frequently fails to agree will remember the 10 plagues that Russia’s czars. In England, in the May Israel’s experience in fighting carefully coordinated campaign to on how to carry out crucial policies, ravaged Egypt. Middle Ages, Jews were literally the the coronavirus be a beacon of hope vaccinate high numbers of Israelis Prime Minister Netanyahu led the In Israel this year, families whose physical property of the king. In 1898, for all nations. A relatively small not stricken by the disease. nation in a coordinated effort to members have green passes will the Dreyfus Affair in France resulted nation, Eretz Yisrael has beat back “We are coming to life,” Prime vaccinate the population as rapidly gather together to celebrate Seders. in the wrongful imprisonment of the deadly plague. May other nations Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as possible. In Texas, America and across the Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jew, who follow her lead. recently wrote on his Facebook Now, large numbers of students world, Jews can look to Israel with was falsely accused of delivering This year, may Jews in Israel page. Israel began its vaccination who have been kept from Israel’s renewed hope that next year we will French military secrets to the openly enjoy and celebrate Seders. campaign in December and has classrooms are returning to all celebrate Passover, free of the Germans. Despite imprisonment, May Jews across the world sanctify already vaccinated more than structured learning environments. restrictions of the coronavirus. Dreyfus was ultimately exonerated. Passover with due regard for the 3.7 million of its population that Hotels, sporting events and The teaching of the Haggadah is Hitler and his fascist cohorts perils of the coronavirus. numbers approximately 9 million. synagogues are also in the process that “next year in Jerusalem may all systematically slaughtered more And, next year, may Jews all over To date, at least 5 million Israelis of reopening. Public events, school men be free.” than 6 million Jews during their the world return to our Seder tables have received at least one injection attendance and religious gatherings Let us look to Israel this year to reign of terror. In 1948, the birth of and experience the full measure of of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Two will be limited to green pass holders. affirm that this year in Jerusalem, Israel as a homeland for the Jewish Passover in health, well-being and doses are recommended by health The evening of Saturday, March Jewish families free of the people blossomed into a modern- freedom. officials for maximum effectiveness 27, marks the first night of Passover. coronavirus are gathering together day miracle. against the virus. Millions of Jews in the world will to celebrate our common birthright After a year of suffering, Jews A version of this editorial appeared in the March Upon receipt of the second dose, adapt their Seders to limitations of freedom and deliverance from and people across the world are 18, 2021, issue of the Jewish Herald-Voice in Israelis are issued a green pass or imposed by the coronavirus. Many bondage. beginning to see real hope that this Houston. Reprinted with permission. Public health: a pillar The themes of the of Jewish service month of Nissan The locus where Jewish communal work we create a healthier and This week we began a new month — often depends on the area. and public health intersect is steeped in more resilient collective. Nissan. Nissan is the first month in the Jewish The Talmud (Megilla, rich dialogue and history. Be it chanting the Ralph Goldman, an calendar. Every month has a unique theme and 6b) implies that there is iconic Mi Sheberach prayer (prayer for the archetypal visionary opportunity that only that month can offer. And a direct correspondence: sick) and fulfilling the mitzvah of visiting the and Jewish leader of the by understanding the character of that month, The more we toil, the more sick or less-known biblical teachings about 20th century, affirmed, we can better know how to tap into its power. success we are guaranteed personal hygiene and mitzvot regarding “There is a single Jewish The main feature of Nissan is the extra to find. injury prevention, public health has been GUEST world, intertwined, assistance that we get from “above,” which, in D’VAR The commentaries an inherent part of the Jewish tradition for COLUMN interconnected.” While short, means that we can reach new levels in TORAH then qualify this millennia. In fact, at times, Jewish communal many interpret his personal growth and spiritual heights that we statement by explaining work and public health are frequently By Joshua quotation to speak to could not accomplish through our own efforts. By Rabbi Dan that such a guarantee synonymous. Often employing different Yudkin the Jewish community, Lewin refers only to the spiritual methodologies, these fields share similar I believe Ralph was Toil, choice and change arena — Torah study and values and outcomes, leading to a natural and referring to the way in which, as Jews, we see character refinement — but when it comes untapped synergy. the world. To explain the pervading atmosphere to career and other matters, success is largely While Jewish education and worship are Ralph’s success is largely due to his of Nissan, it is first necessary to examine dependent on “Heavenly assistance.” (This critical pillars of Jewish life, Jewish communal profound understanding of the way in an overarching principle: There are three does not mean that effort is unnecessary to work transcends these pillars and is, at its core, which the Jewish community interacts components that are bound with a human achieve results, only that the effort triggers, so about sustaining life and building resilience. with and leads the greater communities being’s essence, which are intertwined with to speak, the blessing rather than creates it.) When we look across the 20th century, there and community in which we exist. True one another: choice, toil and change. are countless examples of Jewish community Jewish leadership transcends race, creed and “Man was born to toil.” (Job 5:7) Someone Arousal from above organizing and leadership focused on ethnicity. who is not toiling or grinding will inevitably feel lifesaving operations — to rescue Jews during There is a famous quotation by Rabbi unfulfilled, out of touch with his or her essential The time of year where this “heavenly and after the Holocaust, support Russian Jews Hillel, “If I am not for myself, who will be purpose. Unlike all other creations, we have the assistance” is both more dominant and leaving the Soviet Union, airlift Ethiopian for me?” In this commonly cited part of the freedom to choose and the ability to change precedes toil is Nissan. It is highlighted by the and Yemenite Jews to Israel and aid Israelis quotation, the paramount importance of the structure of our innate personality. Other festival of Pesach, whose notable imagery is in building sufficient and safe infrastructure self-advocacy and actualization as both an creatures are more limited, working within their “taking a leap” and “breaking free,” and during — to name just a few. Recent events like the individual and community is articulated. The already programmed framework, able to be this calendar period we are given the power COVID-19 pandemic and the extreme winter next sentence that is often forgotten reads, trained but not transcend their nature. to elevate, to experience a massive influx of weather across Texas highlight this synergy “And being only for myself, what am I?” Here, Put simply, to realize our highest spiritual holiness, beyond the average day’s experience. and its relevance. Through prioritizing our we are reminded of the inherent intertwined purpose and potential, we can and must choose Historically, the spectacular event of community’s most vulnerable, promoting and interconnected nature of humanity. to toil in order to bring about some change the Exodus from Egypt was the prime access to diverse services and wellness for It affirms that, through emergence, we within ourselves or the outside world. The manifestation of this idea, wherein a group the entire community and partnering with relevant question always becomes how effective the greater community in which we exist, see YUDKIN, p.23our effort is in achieving results. The answer see LEWIN, p.22 22 | March 18, 2021
the balls are frozen hard when placed or a rounded measuring spoon, place edges when removed from the oven slightly while you melt the chocolate. PASSOVER in the oven to bake, the short baking dough onto a parchment- or foil-lined but will crisp upon cooling. continued from p.18 time crisps the outside but the inside cookie sheet. 3. Melt ²⁄₃ of the chocolate in a 1-quart is soft and gooey. Soooo delicious! • Baked cookies may be refrigerated bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds 9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the • 10 ounces semisweet or dark 7. Freeze dough covered with plastic and then reheated in a microwave for on high. Stir until smooth. If necessary, macaroons are golden brown and chocolate (chips are fine) wrap until very hard. When frozen, 20 seconds on high. However, cold, return chocolate to microwave and cooked through and a bit tender in the • 4 tablespoons pareve margarine, remove individual dough balls to a baked cookies are like a cross between a melt at 20-second intervals on 80% center. Don’t let them get too dark. coconut oil or unsalted butter zip-lock freezer bag. Place a straw in cookie and a truffle and quite delicious! power until chocolate is melted. Add • 2 tablespoons potato starch the corner of the partially closed bag OK, so I told you pareve for the remaining chocolate and stir until 10. Transfer the baking sheet from the • ¼ teaspoon baking powder (kosher and suck out the air. Seal the bag at desserts. Maybe think about this as a mixture is smooth. oven and cool for about 10 minutes. for Passover if needed) the same time you remove the straw. substitute for “Matzo Crack” — you Using a spatula, remove the macaroons • ¼ teaspoon salt Freeze until ready to bake. know, the chocolate-buttercrunch- 4. Spoon a teaspoon of the caramel to a plate. Let them cool to room • 2 large eggs topped matzo that is addictive. onto a cracker and then sandwich temperature and serve, or place in a • ¾ cup sugar 8. To bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Alfajores are popular sandwich with another cracker. Repeat with the freezer bag and freeze for later use. • ½ teaspoon instant espresso Place frozen balls of dough onto a lined cookies filled with Dulce de Leche remaining filling and crackers. • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or caramel served all over South Tina’s Tidbits: • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or until the tops of the cookies are crisp America but especially in Argentina. 5. Carefully dip each sandwich in the • ¾ cup semisweet chocolate, either but very soft to the touch in the center. Here is a version made with matzo melted chocolate and then place on • Nuts should roast in the oven only chips or chopped ¼-inch pieces Cookies will harden a little as they cool. crackers that makes a wonderful waxed or parchment paper to harden. until fragrant. If you wait until they are a dessert during Passover or a special If desired, sprinkle with a few grains of perfect color before removing from the 1. Combine the 10 ounces of chocolate 9. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes if you hostess gift during the week. salt while chocolate is still warm. heat, they will continue to fry in their and the fat in a 1-quart glass bowl. want them to be hot and gooey, longer own oils and might become too dark Microwave this mixture on high for if you want them to hold their shape a Passover Alfajores Yield: about 2 dozen and bitter. 1 minute. Stir. Place bowl back and little better. microwave for another 30 seconds. • ½ cup heavy cream Tina’s Tidbits: • The use of whole almonds gives this Remove, stir until all chocolate is melted Yield: About 2 dozen cookies • ¹⁄₃ cup sugar cookie a darker and richer flavor than and set aside. • ¹⁄₃ cup light brown sugar • You can use chocolate coating which blanched almonds. However, whole, Tina’s Tidbits: • ½ teaspoon kosher salt will have a high gloss but not a depth of blanched almonds may be used. 2. Mix the potato starch, baking powder • ¾ teaspoon vanilla flavor or you can use good chocolate but and salt in a small bowl and set aside. • Chocolate chips contain more lecithin, • Kosher for Passover Tam Tam have a dull surface. Both will taste good. • A food scoop looks just like an ice which allows them to be hard and hold Crackers However, in order to get the best flavor cream scoop and is a big help when 3. Using a wire whisk, beat eggs and their shape. Using chips will make the • 12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet with the best look, follow the following you want an evenly shaped cookie. You sugar in a 2-quart mixing bowl until dough a little firmer and create an even chocolate or chocolate chips directions to temper the chocolate: can find them in all sizes at a restaurant light and lemon-colored. Add the crisper cookie when baked. • Coarse Pink Himalayan or Hawaiian supply store or the frequently used espresso, cinnamon and vanilla and salt for garnish, optional • Place ²⁄₃ of the chocolate in a 1-quart sizes for homes at your favorite gadget beat to combine. • My daughter often yells at me about saucepan and place it in a larger store. this so always use your eyes as well as 1. Combine the cream, sugars and salt saucepan that is filled halfway with 4. Add the chocolate mixture to the your timer to judge when a recipe is in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Bring hot water. Heat over medium-high • These cookies store very well in an mixing bowl and beat until all egg properly baked. Convection ovens will mixture to a boil, stirring only until the heat until chocolate has melted and airtight container at room temperature mixture is incorporated. cook 25% faster if the oven doesn’t sugar is melted. reached a temperature of 115 degrees. for a week or more. already lower the temperature 25 Remove from water pan and add the 5. Add the dry ingredients and mix degrees. I prefer to bake in less time. 2. Reduce the heat to moderate and remaining chocolate, stirring until Passover or Gluten-Free only until there is no starch visible. Stir continue to cook the mixture until a completely smooth. Let stand until Molten Mocha Cinnamon in the additional chopped chocolate or • The baking times listed give a range thermometer registers 245 degrees or temperature goes below 84 degrees. Chocolate Cookies chips. Scrape down sides of bowl and to accommodate all types of ovens so until a teaspoon of mixture dropped Then place chocolate pan over the refrigerate for 15 minutes. your eye is the best gauge. into a small bowl of water with ice pan with hot water and let it sit for 10 These are wonderful to have in forms a firm ball. Remove from heat seconds. Remove, and your chocolate your freezer all year long. Because 6. Using a 1-tablespoon portion scoop • These cookies will feel soft around the and stir in the vanilla. Set aside to cool is now tempered.
Historically, this was the time of the physical occurrences, everything the Exodus from Egypt was: “This to the root for chidush (novelty). The LEWIN regrouping after the sin of the Golden we observe. When we are operating month [the month of Nissan] shall name Nissan is from the Hebrew continued from p.21 Calf, an effort to repair the relationship on the human-animal level, we lose be for you the first of the months” word nes, “miracle,” and contains the that culminated in Yom Kippur. So, sight of the inner layers and simply (Exodus 12:2). In the Torah, Nissan spiritual power of Passover (to leap), of suffering slaves was miraculously that time of year represents working react to what’s in front of us, seeing is referred to as “the month of the which always occurs in springtime, whisked away from the brutal internally, from “below to above,” only the result. When we are elevated spring.” Spring is the time of the symbolizing new life. Egyptian exile and made into a holy while this month begins the opposite and tuned in, we can effect change rebirth of nature, of renewed growth To embrace this atmosphere of nation. From then on, this month, movement — “an awakening that is from the top down, the deeper layer and actualization of latent potential. extreme growth, and maximize also referred to as “the month of the initiated from above.” of reality, and this automatically This is hinted in the first mitzvah the Pesach experience, there must redemption,” was ripe for unusual flows to affect the exterior layers. that the Children of Israel were be moments of preparation — divine assistance, regardless of Connecting to the cause, not This mental shift in perspective given, even before leaving Egypt: beginning now. And since the effort or how deserving we may be. the result is an internal “miracle” whereby “This month is for you the head of Seder is the primary time for Jewish According to the opinion of our we transcend our natural tendency months; it is for you the first of the education of children, we can utilize sages: “In Nissan our ancestors were Looking at this “awakening from to view things within physical months of the year.” The root of the these interconnected themes of redeemed from Egypt and in Nissan above” from a slightly different angle, confines and instead concentrate on Hebrew word for “month,” chodesh, Nissan to discuss both how they we too will be redeemed” (Rosh we are given the privilege to travel to the spiritual driving force behind is the same root as the word “new,” played out in history and the current Hashanah 11a). the source and stream downwards: the material. More broadly, Nissan chadash. The newness also implies opportunities they present. In contrast, during the months The world we see has multiple is known as a month of potent unanticipated positive changes, out Wishing everyone the ultimate of Elul and Tishrei (the time of the layers. Depending on our sensitivity, miracles; even its name stems from of proportion to our effort. experience of growth this month, High Holy Days), for example, the mindset and focus, we can either see the Hebrew word “nes,” “miracle.” “leaving Egypt” in the true sense of focus is more on steadily climbing only the surface, the bottom of the Takeaway transcending previous limitations! the ladder of success. We initiate the spiritual chain which we call “the The first commandment process, toiling and praying, to then natural order,” or we can plug into So, taken together, this month Rabbi Dan Lewin is director of the nonprofit receive the desired response — mercy the core — the upper dimension and The first commandment given to marks the mitzvah of chodesh Maayan Chai Foundation. For information, visit and blessings for the upcoming year. supernatural force — that creates the newly born nation of Israel before (establishing a calendar), identical www.maayanchai.org. March 18, 2021 | 23
Q: Oh, my gosh! I don’t starting month. this one extra delayed retirement benefit payment (the August check) RETIREMENT know what to do! I turned 66 in Or, you could just let things credit, you might get 20 bucks or so to come in September. But I didn’t continued from p.15 September. The online form asked go the way they are. Because you added to your check each month. get my first check until October. Did me when I wanted my checks to started your Social Security benefits That’s the good news. The bad I do something wrong? If I were you, I wouldn’t worry start, and I said October, knowing one month after your full retirement news is that you lost one check (the A: You did nothing wrong. All about it, and I’d just let things go. that the September check comes in age, you will get a little something September payment). It’s going to is well. There is a law that says you But if it is going to bother you, you October. I just got a letter from the extra in your monthly checks. It’s take you about 10 years to make up must be 62 for an entire month can contact the Social Security SSA telling me that October is my not much. You get a two-thirds of that one benefit payment you lost. before you can get a check for that Administration and tell them you starting month, with my first check 1% increase. It’s called a “delayed So, if you think you’re going to live month. September is the first time want to withdraw your original coming in November. So, because retirement credit.” (For people past age 76, you will actually come you were 62 all month. So the claim and file a new claim with of this mistake, I’m missing my who wait until age 70 to start their out ahead because of this mistake September check is the first one you September as your starting date. If September Social Security check. benefits, those delayed retirement you made. are due, and it was sent to you in you do that, you will have to return What can I do? credits add up. You get 32% added And finally, here is a question October. the Social Security checks you’ve A: As I advised the previous to your monthly check if you wait about filing dates with a bit of a already received. reader, you could go back to the SSA that long.) twist: Tom Margenau’s weekly column, “Social Secu- Now here is a question from and tell them you want to withdraw You didn’t give dollar amounts, Q: I was 62 on Aug. 15. I filed rity and You,” can be found at Creators.com. someone who also made a mistake, that claim you made and file a but let’s say your age 66 benefit would for my Social Security to start when but in the opposite direction: new claim with September as your have been $2,500 per month. With I turned 62. I expected my first COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
learning together, listening to one has weathered significant recent stronger together. community (employing the fullest YUDKIN another and identifying common hardship. In such a world where Excellent Jewish communal definition of Jewish peoplehood) continued from p.21 ground lead to collective and normal is undefined, it is so easy leadership has never just reactively and the greater community’s needs. sustainable change that cultivates to turn inward and stay insular responded to public health Effective Jewish leadership must collectively can have a stronger and and sustains a healthy collective. out of fear. However, we must concerns just as evidence-based be intertwined and interconnected more sustainable impact than if we Therefore, JUST Conversation’s fight the urge to be closed and stay public health methodologies do not with the leadership of other act alone. next gathering will focus on open — this is the Jewish way. The propagate a solely reactive response communities to build a stronger It is for this reason that I co- public health issues in Dallas and fabric of Jewish identity is built to public health emergencies. and healthier collective for all. founded JUST Conversations as exploring what type of collective around communal activity. From Strong Jewish and public health part of the Jewish Federation of action may help holistically address every simcha to each sorrow, we leadership continually engage Joshua Yudkin currently serves as an executive Greater Dallas’ Jewish Community these concerns. come together — be it in person or in surveillance and planning committee member of the Jewish Federation Relations Council (JCRC). The Many of us have, more acutely, virtually — to support each other. that includes diverse stakeholders, of Greater Dallas’ Jewish Community Relations firsthand leadership training and experienced the uncertainty, stress, Like Jewish leadership, this Jewish including those marginalized within Council (JCRC) and is a co-founder of JUST development, impactful experience disease and death that has plagued teaching transcends race, creed our community. Strong Jewish Conversations. He is an epidemiologist by and lasting relationships that form our world over this past year. From and ethnicity. The Jewish way is to leadership takes places when training who was recently awarded a Fulbright when diverse community leaders tornadoes to pandemics to winter stay open, build partnerships and Jewish leaders have a seat at the research grant and works at the intersection of come together for the purpose of storms, our Dallas community take collective action so that we are table to advocate both for our own community building and public health. Jubilee Gala
in honor of Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen for over 50 years of service and leadership to the Greater Dallas Jewish Community Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Join Congregation Nishmat Am to celebrate the ‘Magic of Yitz’ in a spectacular virtual gala of stories, music, and memories. 50YEARSWITHYITZ.COM or call 972-618-2200 Include your photos and reminiscences about Rabbi Cohen in the virtual Jubilee Gala and in the published tribute book. Help us meet our Challenge Match of $25,000. Each dollar donated will be matched by our donor. Register soon, both off ers expire on March 31!
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