Astrolojew
First the plagues, then the redemption
Nisan March 26-April 24 Why is this Nisan different from all others that have gone before it? It’s the first time since the original Nisan, during which…
Art & About
Culture during a pandemic: What is 'local'?
Once upon a time, there were breaks built into the week called Friday and Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon, and even evenings during the workweek when…
The Matzo Chronicles
My mom’s precious old ‘housewife’ phone book is the key to my family
Many years back, I wanted to contact one of my cousins. I didn’t have her phone number and, for the life of me, I couldn’t recall her married name. I…
The Tell
In a pandemic, pro-Israel lobbies move into the home office
Ben Chouake is an emergency physician with a side gig: He leads NORPAC, a leading pro-Israel political action committee. I check in occasionally with…
Passover
Let my people know: this is the first time I’ve had to plan a seder
How long does a seder really have to be? “No, we can’t just say ‘They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat!’” I tell my daughters. There’s some…
Religion
The Jewish antidote to losing your sense of time during the pandemic
Among the most enduring comforts of Jewish life are its endless patterns and repetitions — the seven-day rhythm of work and rest, the cycle of holidays,…
Organic Epicure
Options for delivery or takeout seder meals in the Bay Area
Food coverage is supported by a generous donation from Susan and Moses Libitzky. Updated March 29 with additional listings. With Passover this year…
Parenting
Trading a frazzled Shabbat for one that makes me grateful
Every Friday night, when our kids were younger, I’d make Shabbat dinner special. We’d eat in the dining room, and use my fancy dishes. I’d up my game in…
Off the Shelf
Newly translated from French, these two Holocaust memoirs are a treasure
Books coverage is supported by a generous donation from Anne Germanacos. My understanding of the Holocaust has been shaped enormously by the teachers,…