Now that the holidays are over, here are some long overdue links:First, a new blog by an observant, Jewish professor of religion in the Deep South: Kosher Grits.An article about public breastfeeding, including information for American moms encountering problems.Haveil Havalim, the Jewish blog … [Read more...]
More on Microwaves
October 21, 2008 by
Image via Wikipedia In a comment on my last post, Robin pointed out that not all ceramic tableware is microwave-safe. She's right, and plastic can also be a problem. If your utensils don't have a label, you can use the following test for microwave compatibility. From The Great Microwave … [Read more...]
Introduction to Microwave Cooking
October 20, 2008 by
Follow-up post with recipesOleh Girl Yael has an electricity-challenged apartment, and her only reliable cooking appliance is her microwave. I dedicate this post to her.Almost any food can be cooked in the microwave, once you learn the techniques.I'm not an engineer so forgive me if my explanation … [Read more...]
The State of the Nation in Shul on Yom Kippur
October 12, 2008 by
People expect to pray peacefully on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But the shul is overfull and there are distractions. Especially children. The acceptable level of noise and activity varies according to the community and physical facilities. But one person's kavanah (concentration during prayer) … [Read more...]
Sukkah Weather
October 11, 2008 by
The Talmud (Avoda Zara 2-3) records a scenario in which the nations of the world approach God at the end of days to receive their reward. After each nation pleads its case and God ascertains that none of them did anything good for mankind in general (because their accomplishments were self-serving) … [Read more...]
A Subdued Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
October 9, 2008 by
A member of our shul, a mother of five, lost her fight with cancer on the first night of Rosh Hashana. When the family realized that her death was near, they checked her into the hospital and stayed with her. Had she died at home, the burial would have taken place on Yom Tov with the family walking … [Read more...]
There’s a joker in every class
October 7, 2008 by
When I lived in New York, I taught English and Judaism to a class of elderly immigrants from the Soviet Union. Back then it wasn't even the "former" Soviet Union. As we approached Yom Kippur, I wondered how to explain the basics of the holiday in simple English. The prohibition on intimate relations … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Speeding Tickets
October 6, 2008 by
Lion of Zion posted about a magazine he received entitled Gates of Chesed, consisting of articles about safety. One article called "Speeding Ticket Avoidance Tips" ought to consist of five words: Stay within the speed limit. Instead we find "Drive within 5-10 miles per hour of the surrounding … [Read more...]
Seat Belt Safety: It Won’t Make a Difference
October 5, 2008 by
Below is my message to the woman who wrote in the alon Olam Katan, complaining about the insensitive policewoman who "attacked" her and gave her an NIS 250 ticket because her 7.5-year-old passenger was not restrained in a carseat (and possibly not even in a seatbelt):If a child is injured or killed … [Read more...]
The end of shmitah
September 29, 2008 by
This Rosh Hashanah marks the end of the shmittah year in Israel. During the sabbatical year the land is supposed to be left fallow, and whatever grows by itself in the field and on the trees is "hefker," or free for the taking. At the end of the sabbatical year, the Torah requires lenders to forgive … [Read more...]
Recent Comments