It might have felt hard for many to summon a festive mood this Purim, which was for some the first holiday to be unsettled by the pandemic and for others the last to be observed normally. But in the end, Jewish communities the world over managed to don the costumes and do the partying typical of the…
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Holidays
Religion
For this second pandemic Purim, let's focus on giving tzedakah
One year ago, we were debating how to navigate Purim carnivals — not if they should or should not take place. We were told that masks would not protect…
Editorial
Purim reminds us how to heal hearts through laughter
We in the temperate Bay Area do not experience the kind of deep winter freeze typically found back east or, now, even in Texas. But after a year of…
Astrolojew
Month of Adar: Milk the magic for all it’s worth
Adar 5781 Feb. 13-March 13, 2021 Though the month of Adar is associated with Pisces/Dagim, because of the fluctuations of the 19-year Metonic cycle to…
Recipe
Purim phyllo pastry trades in Haman’s hat for ‘Haman’s Fingers’
During Purim, Jews from around the world munch on treats said to resemble Haman’s hat or ears to demonstrate the evil vizier’s defeat. Often these…
Comedy
TikTok’s comic ‘Jew Who Loves Trees’ is ready for Tu B’Shevat
Tobin Mitnick may be a comic actor, but his interest in trees is no joke. Mitnick has been documenting his love affair with trees since September on…
Local Voice
Tu B’Shevat is more than trees — it’s about our link in the chain
I was born in the Jewish month of Shevat, the month in which we celebrate the new year for the trees. At one of my childhood birthday parties, maybe when…
Local Voice
Why we need to commemorate the Shoah twice every year
World Jewry continues to ask “How can we best memorialize the Shoah?” The challenge is fivefold: To honor the Six Million (and many millions of gentile…
Recipe
The new year for the trees calls for roasted fruits
Celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the new year for the trees, with recipes that roast tree fruits — apples and pears — to highlight their natural goodness. (This…