Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Passover Cooking

With Passover just 10 days away (starts Friday night, April 6th), time is getting short to clean and prepare for the holiday.

Of course food plays an important role in every Jewish holiday, even Yom Kippur. Why just think, you spend a lot of time preparing the meal before the fast and much attention to what will be served at the break fast. See what I mean?

I've culled a number of really yummy recipes for you.


Here's one for Kosher for Passover AND vegan chocolate cake:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/blog/food/2012/03/26/passover-recipes-chocolate-truffle-pie/

The latest issue of Reform Judaism Magazine has a recipe for Gefilte Fish. If you've never made your own, it's really not as difficult as you think:
http://reformjudaismmag.org/Articles/index.cfm?id=2973

Of course, there's the Matzah Ball--floaters or sinkers. You decide. And yes, there are ways to control how that happens:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Passover/At_Home/Food_and_the_Kitchen/Matzah_Balls.shtml

Wishing you a ziessen and a Kasher Pesach - a sweet and Kosher Passover.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

  • Foer Every few years there’s one Haggadah that comes out that captures the imagination and prevailing zeitgeist. This year Jonathan Safran Foer (“Everything is Illuminated”) and Nathan Englander (“For the Relief of Unbearable Urges”) have come out with the New American Haggadah. Jonathan Safran Foer orchestrates a new way of experiencing this text. His unique book is beautifully designed and illustrated by the acclaimed artist and calligrapher Oded Ezer, with a new translation by Nathan Englander. It brings together: Howard Jacobson, Lemony Snicket, Alain de Botton, Simon Schama, Tony Kushner, Michael Pollan, Jeffrey Goldberg and Rebecca Newberger Goldstein.

    sacks Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's Haggadah: Hebrew and English Text with New Essays and Commentary by Jonathan Sacks
    From the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, this Haggadah is actually two books in one. At what would be the back of an English-language book is the Haggadah in large, beautiful Hebrew typography, with an English translation adapted and with a running commentary by Rabbi Sacks.

    go forthGo Forth and Learn: David Silber (Author), Rachel Furst (Collaborator) Hebrew and English text with new commentary and essays. Rabbi Silber has given us two books in one: the Haggadah itself, in English and Hebrew, with his Seder commentary and a collection of essays that provide close readings of the classic biblical and rabbinic texts that inform Seder-night ritual and narration. Both parts work beautifully together to illuminate the central themes of Passover: people hood, Covenant, our relationship to ritual, God’s presence in history, and other important issues that resonate with us all.


    wiesel

    Elie Wiesel (Author), Mark Podwal (Illustrator)

    With this Passover Haggadah, Elie Wiesel and his friend Mark Podwal invite you to join them for the Passover Seder. Wiesel and Podwal guide you through the Haggadah and share their understanding and faith in a special illustrated edition.
    Accompanying the traditional Haggadah text (which appears here in an accessible new translation) are Elie Wiesel's poetic interpretations, reminiscences, and instructive retellings of ancient legends. The Nobel laureate interweaves past and present as the symbolism of the Seder is explored.



    Children

    children's haggadahShmuel Blitz and his brilliant children’s books never cease to amaze. This is his seventh book -- and they just seem to get better and better. This time, he puts his talents to the task of creating a Children’s Haggadah, and the result is one that will be enjoyed by child and grown-up alike. Specifically written for children ages 4-8, the full Hebrew text of the Haggadah is accompanied by a child-oriented, yet accurate English translation. There are clear, precise instructions that will guide the child through every stage of the Seder. And, each page contains a box that provides additional information about the Pesach narrative for the interested youngster.

    goldnerby Harriet Goldner. Adults and children alike will appreciate this traditional Seder presented in a non-traditional way.

    It is easy to understand, enjoyable, and interesting. One six-year-old asked if it was written by Dr. Seuss!

    What better way to engage children in this wonderful, ritual observance?

    All

    30 minute30-Minute Seder

    The "Must Have" Haggadah written for the contemporary Jewish family.
    Whether you purchase the book or download the print-your-own version of 30minute-Seder™... this refreshingly brief, rabbinically approved Passover Haggadah maintains the reverence of Passover while keeping the high points intact. The contemporary gender-neutral text, beautiful full-color illustrations, and Seder songs make for a memorable Passover Seder that engages and entertains the entire family.

    New for 2012

    Sharing Written by Alan S. Yoffie Illustrations by Mark Podwal

    The inclusive text, commentary, and magnificent original artwork in this new Haggadah will make all family members and friends feel welcome at your seder. Young and old, beginners and experienced seder participants, will experience the joy of celebrating Passover together with clear step-by-step explanations, inspiring readings on the themes of justice and freedom for all, and opportunities for discussion. Songs to sing along with will be available for download also.

    Feminist

    feministFeminist Haggadot emphasize the role of women in the Passover story. “The Journey Continues: The Ma’yan Passover Haggadah,” from 2006 as part of the Jewish Women’s Project, tells the story of the Exodus in the voices of both men and women and reflects a vision of a world in which freedom belongs to all people.

    Downloadable

    About.com

    This website offers 8 downloadable Haggadot crossing all lines, from novices to experts, even non-observant Jews, including the vocalized Haggadah, enabling you to hear the Seder service.


    The Wandering is Over - from JewishBoston.comThis free, downloadable half-hour Seder might be just the thing for you and your guests. It’s pretty bare bones but has all the essentials.

    GLBT Passover Haggadah

    Downloadable:

    The GLBT Haggadah integrates GLBT Passover traditions within the spirit of the traditional Passover experience. It includes a GLBT-specific Seder plate, the Four GLBT Children, the Prophetess Miriam's Cup, a Timeline of GLBT Events that parallels the Magid and much, MUCH more. This Haggadah is interactive and allows participants to color-in graphics for a unique & colorful personal touch. Download and read more.