At a time when our country feels so divided amid the political climate, COVID-19, protests, economic hardships and now fires, I crave and appreciate kindness. People and relationships that I may have taken for granted are now treasured more than ever. I was in this appreciative mindset when I was even more touched by the kind generosity…
You have probably noticed how much has been written about people’s generosity during these challenging COVID-19 times. And the Jewish community is no exception. Over the last six months, we have had dozens of conversations with our readers and followers about how and where they can help. Some asked for suggestions of where they can donate, while others…
Photo: The ad that made the Szyfbergs celebrities in New Zealand. After two lighthearted conversations with Neil Szyfberg, I can tell you one thing, Jewish mothers don’t have anything over this Jewish father. In fact, Neil’s wife, Mindy – who was a Hebrew school teacher at Temple Beth Israel in Eugene, OR for 20 years…
There are many wonderful things about social media, but as with many things, there is a negative side as well. Over the last four or five months, there have been many, many posts from both Jews and non-Jews about how sheltering in place is akin to what Anne Frank and her family went through during World…
This week has been a tough one for the Jews on social media. Anti-Semitism, Israel bashing and political divisiveness are running rampant. Maybe it is just COVID exhaustion and everyone’s nerves being shot, but we have seen a lot more Jewish on Jewish attacks in the last week, both nationally and locally, then we have…
This Shabbat side dish is always a hit! Ingredients: 2 pounds rainbow carrots – washed, peeled and dried 1-2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary 1 teaspoon Zaatar seasoning rosemary branches for garnish Marinade: 1/4 cup maple syrup (Walden Farms has a good non-sugar variety) 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar or honey…
You’re Jewish? Wow, you don’t look Jewish. I am sure that many of you have had that comment directed at you at some point in your life, as I have. My usual knee jerk reaction is to inform them that there are black, brown and white Jews and Scandinavian, Italian and Chinese Jews. I know it is…
There is seldom a time in our lives when we can say we understand what everyone throughout the world is experiencing. During these times, to one degree or another, most if not everyone is experiencing more uncertainty and lack of control. Even if you are someone who feels very empowered, these days, there is probably…
Welcome to “The Weekly” – our weekly digital lifestyle magazine about the people, events and news for the Jewish community of Arizona. The Weekly will come out every Thursday, and will also include ideas, customs and recipes for Shabbat. The Weekly will be in addition to our Monthly/Bi-Monthly magazine. Since we are firm believers in…
How does one celebrate lifecycle events during a pandemic? How do we stay sensitive to the times, keep everyone safe and still have a celebration? Having planned my daughter’s baby shower pre-pandemic, all bets were off on how we would pivot for a virtual baby shower. I quickly realized that there really isn’t a roadmap…
