In an age when no self-respecting American would be caught without a dietary restriction, from low-fat and high-protein to vegan or gluten-free, Jews have the proud distinction of being the first group to claim an Official Food Fixation. Since biblical times, the Jewish relationship to food has been more than an awareness of its necessity…
The first Jewish holiday I ever experienced was Purim. Think Halloween meets Easter, but much, much better! We feast, visit friends, dress up in costumes and drink to excess – all while handing out our baskets of food called mishloach manot to members of the community. I fell in love with the holiday, and I…
As a new season begins to bud and I start to plan for sunny days, lazy afternoons outside and springtime events, I start to consider packing up my dark, thick winter wear, boxing up the boots and sweaters, and doing a little online pre-shopping. Then I’ll be ready to hit the mall or stores for…
Overnight camps help young campers learn valuable life skills that enhance their lives in college and beyond. Numerous studies have shown youth benefit from attend- ing sleep-away camps. The American Camp Association lists numerous benefits young people develop through their experiences at residential camps. In terms of social skills development, campers learn leadership, communication and…
President Shimon Peres does not let his age of 91 deter him from attending and addressing several events on a daily basis. A few years ago, at one of these events, he was asked if he wants to be remembered as a leader who never stopped pursuing peace. Expecting a positive answer in some variation…
On the website for the new JCC Maccabi Sports Camp (maccabisportscamp.org), Camp Director Josh Steinharter writes, “As a kid who hoped to one day play shortstop for the Yankees, I faced a dilemma every summer. ‘Why do I have to choose between sports camp and Jewish overnight camp?’” Fortunately for like-minded kids today, that is…
The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy defines “peer pressure” as: “The social influence a peer group exerts on its individual members, as each member attempts to conform to the expectations of the group.” In common colloquial terms, we think of peer pressure as the negative and insidious way teenagers coerce each other to…
Brandeis National Committee/Tucson Chapter hosts four award-winning authors for its 18th annual book & author events at the Skyline Country Club March 12 and 13. All net proceeds from the 2014 book & author events will benefit “Sustaining the Mind,” a BNC fund supporting basic neuroscience research and endowed scholarships for Brandeis science students at…
Let’s be honest, if the food is great, it doesn’t matter if a restaurant has stand-up-only dining or is appointed luxuriously. We eat because we love, and we love what we eat. However, if you can match great eats with atmosphere, history, music and service, well then you’ve got something special. Beckett’s Table is all…
Pairing your food with wine can get overwhelming, but it is also a great foodie adventure. Here are a few easy-to-remember tips from Ruffino Italian Cuisine, one of the Valley’s hidden Italian gems, on how to simplify the food and wine pairing process so you can enjoy the journey to a successful match. Secret #1:…
