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Tradition has it that you start cleaning for Pesach from after Purim. I start preparing for Pesach from after Rosh Hashana. My early orders for Pesach usually come in the midst of Hanukah.To be inspired I usually go to old Manuscripts of Hagadot for Passover. In the days of travel I went to Sarajevo with Jewish Historical Seminars and viewed the magnificent Sarajevo Hagadah. We had the great fortune of having as scholar in residence Professor Shalom Sabar, who wrote a scholarly …

I love giving gifts. I love making gifts. But most of all, I love giving the gifts I make.I have often wondered why it gives me such pleasure, and what’s the point of a gift?On certain occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and brits, it’s customary and expected to present a gift. Underlying the custom is a purpose: an expression of appreciation or love. We give someone a gift to show that we value the role they play in our lives.When it comes to the gifts they give and get, me …

5 Ways to Support Small BusinessesWondering how you can help as a consumer? Here are some ideas.Many independent businesses continue to struggle, but there are ways to help.In Israel, as in the wider world, owners have creatively come up with strategies to keep businesses afloat, which benefits consumers, proprietors and a neighborhood’s commercial healthThere’s a multiplier effect if you buy from a bakery, a hardware or gift store. Those stores need accountants, they buy from suppliers, a …

There are many symbols and icons associated with Hannukah. For example, donuts, latkes, Hannukah gelt and the dreidel, or sevivon. But have you ever wondered about the origins of these Hannukah icons?SufganiotWhat would Hanukkah be without the sweet treat of those delicious jelly donuts? In recent years, Israeli bakeries compete to produce the most exciting range, and the toppings and fillings become ever more imaginative. But the first donut recipe actually originated in Europe and dates …

A Celebration of the Hebrew AlphabetHere in Israel, we are in the period traditionally known as “acharei ha’chagim” (after the festivals). Following the long summer holidays and the stop-start of the festivals, this is when the school year usually starts in earnest. Young children around the country are being introduced to the sweetness of learning the letters of the Aleph-Bet to prepare them for learning to read. This year, unfortunately, because of the ongoing Covid crisis, many studen …