Yesterday we went on a hike to Nachal Sefunim, in the Carmel near Haifa . Sefunim, with a samech, means hidden like Tzafun in the Passover Seder, or panelled. Till we got out and on our way, and ate, we were ready to start walking at 15:00 (that's 3:00 PM for you Americans). We figured an hour … [Read more...]
My Mother Never Told Me
September 28, 2009 by
It would be expected that I would think about my mother, as my daughter and I sat down for Kol Nidrei. From my seat I could see the daughters of the woman who died last Rosh Hashanah, the wife and daughters of another shul member who died a few months ago, and behind me were the wife, daughters and … [Read more...]
Clock of the Winter
September 27, 2009 by
(The title is the literal translation by one of my children of shaon choref, otherwise known as standard time.) Yom Kippur begins this afternoon (Sunday), with candle-lighting at 4:52. Last night we changed the clocks to standard time. After much wrangling and never knowing when the clocks would … [Read more...]
Insects Keep Falling on My Head (on Sukkot, that is)
September 23, 2009 by
Yated Neeman has a letter from Rabbi Moshe Wye on a little-discussed halachic issue for Sukkot: Insects falling from your s'chach into your food. [See note below.] The Hebrew text appears on the Jerusalem Kosher News blog. I summarized the most important points below: "Permanent" s'chach, … [Read more...]
Haredi Women Advised to Sit on a Separate Bench from Immodestly Dressed Women
September 21, 2009 by
According to the religious Zionist weekly Matzav Haruach, the following sign appeared in a playground in the haredi neighborhood of Neve Yaakov in Jerusalem: According to the suggestion of our teacher the great rabbi H. Kanievsky, women are requested as follows, to divide seating in the city … [Read more...]
Rain, Gas, and New Year Greetings.
September 18, 2009 by
Tonight is Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish year 5770. Storms are predicted for tomorrow evening. I can't ever recall storms on Rosh Hashanah, just intense heat. Likely we'll get both. :) (The gas technician is here. The part arrived by messenger, but the private technician didn't know what … [Read more...]
Calling Happily Married People (Or Not)
September 17, 2009 by
I met BadforShidduchim at the Second Jewish Bloggers' convention. She seemed mature and poised, and I wish I had had more time to talk to her. In a recent post, she asked female singles to rate qualities sought in a marriage partner: Please order the following characteristics according to their … [Read more...]
Rosh Hashanah Appliance Woes
September 16, 2009 by
Was it the freezer last year? Yes, it was. For years I've enjoyed my Hagaz, a type of timer for gas stoves that allows you to cook on Yom Tov. On certain weekday holidays, one may light a stove from an existing flame but not put it out. Newer models of stoves are equipped with a sensor that turns … [Read more...]
Links for Rosh Hashanah Planning
September 8, 2009 by
I've collected posts on preparing in honor of Rosh Hashanah, which begins on Friday evening, September 18 and ends after dark on September 20. Last year's Menu and Cooking Plan, along with a meatball recipe. This year my menu will be similar, with adjustments for Shabbat. Rosh Hashanah … [Read more...]
What Hostess Gift Do You Like Best?
September 7, 2009 by
My husband and I host guests regularly and have received our share of appreciative gifts. I do not invite guests in expectation of any gift, and as long as you make an effort to be pleasant, to the best of your ability, you are welcome in my house. If you don't know what to bring, don't have time to … [Read more...]
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