HANUKKAH The Festival of Lights Hanukkah in 2024 will begin in the evening of Wednesday, December 25 and will last till sundown, Thursday, January 2, 2025. (Eight night of candle lighting is on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.) However you spell the Festival of Lights (Hanukah, Hanukkah, Chanukah, etc.), this Jewish holiday has grown increasingly popular over the centuries. Based on the military victory of Jews who resisted the rule of the Syrian Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanes IV, it has taken on spiritual aspects that resonate even more strongly in today’s world. Metaphorically, it represents the triumph of light over darkness. It has also evolved to represent the importance of religious freedom. Although it is a festival in the Jewish calendar, work is permitted like on any ordinary day. The only obligation is to light the candles each evening and say the blessing over them. Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev , and almost always takes place in December. The actual dates on the Gregorian calendar will change, however, as the Jewish calendar is a modified lunar one. After the death of Alexander the Great, his vast empire was divided into three parts. At first, Judea was under the jurisdiction of the Hellenistic (or Syrian) Greeks. When Antiochus IV Ephiphanes demanded that Jews in his kingdom bow to him as a “Greek God” and give up circumcision and other Jewish rituals, a Jewish family, the Hasmoneans, started a resistance movement. This rebellion was first led by Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons. After his death, his son Judah Maccabee (“the Hammer”) and his brothers continued the fight along with other Jewish groups in Judea who refused to remain under Antiochus’ harsh rule. After two years they successfully drove the Syrian Greek soldiers out of Jerusalem. Discovering that the Temple had been desecrated, the rebels cleansed the site and lit the menorah (oil lamp)--a candelabrum with seven branches--which was to remain burning all of the time. According to the Talmud, a miracle occurred. Although there was only enough untainted olive oil to last one day, the menorah stayed lit for eight days. After that time, a fresh supply of oil was found. After more years of battle, the family and its partners drove the Greek Syrians out of Judea entirely and The Hasmonean Dynasty was established; it remained in power for over a century. Judea then came under Roman rule. There is an alternative understanding as to why Hanukkah lasts for eight days. The holiday is believed to be a belated celebration of Sukkot, which takes place in the fall. Many argue that the battles that were taking place at that time prevented the Jews from observing that festival. Candle Lighting Rules The first night (erev Hanukkah), we light the candle farthest to the right with the shammas (helper) candle. On the second night, we light the two candles farthest to the right. However, we light these candles in the order left to right. On the third night, we light the three candles farthest…..etc. etc. until all of the candles are lit. On Friday night (erev Shabbat), we light our menorah before we light our Shabbat candles, and on Saturday night, we light our menorah after Havdalah. Tradition says that our Hanukkah lights should be placed where people outside the home can see them. What do You Think? Two thousand years ago, the Rabbis Hillel and Shammai disagreed about how many candles to start with on the menorah. Shammai argued that one should begin with the eight lit wicks placed in the oil menorah (oil lamps were used at the time) and then one should decrease the number over the festival period. Hillel disagreed, saying that we should begin with one and increase our “light” as the holiday progressed. Blessings Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives with holiness, commanding us to kinkle the Chanukkah lights. Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir shel Chanukkah. Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who performs miracles for our ancestors, in the days of long ago and in this time. Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baz'man hazeh. As we light the candles, we chant the two blessings above. On the first night, we also recite the Shehecheyanu blessing: Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season. Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh. Customs Although Hanukkah is especially popular among children, as gift giving has become the tradition in recent decades, adults primarily keep up the customs such as eating certain symbolic foods (see Recipes) and lighting the menorah (hanukiah in Hebrew). There are a wide “looks” to menorahs. But what is essential is a shammas, or guardian candle, which “stands” higher than the other eight. We have seen traditional brass menorahs, menorahs adorned with crystals, ceramic and china ones, and menorahs in the shape of animals, railroad trains, a table setting and buildings. For a sampling of widely different types of contemporary lamps, click here . Need a great menorah (hanukiah) for a kid or for the kid in "you," then check out this great compilation of online stores where you can purchase one. Another tradition is to spin the dreidel (sevivon in Hebrew)—a four-sided top. It is usually made of plastic or wood, but can also be made of ceramic or metal. Each side bears a Hebrew letter which spells out the theme of the holiday, which is "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham. A Great Miracle Happened There." Rules of the game: A small “prize” is put into the “pot” with amounts of the prize given to each participant to start (raisins, candy, nuts, chocolate gelt/coins, pennies, etc.). Each participant takes his/her/their turn spinning the dreidel. The dreidel will land on one of the four Hebrew letters. Depending on the letter, a different “action” follows. Land on “nun” and nothing happens . Land on “gimmel” and you take the entire pot. Land on “hey” and you take half of the pot . Land on “shin” and you give a predetermined amount back into the pot . Whenever the pot is empty, each participant must contribute a set amount. Any player that cannot contribute after landing on a “shin” or after a fellow player lands on a “gimmel” loses. As with every Jewish holiday, Jews from different parts of the world may add their own twists/variations. In this article from the online JTA , we learn about Eid Al Bnat , the Festival of Daughters (Judeo-Arabic) , also pronounced Chag HaBanot in Hebrew, which is celebrated by women and girls from North Africa’s Jewish communities. Beet Latkes Recipes Almost every Jewish cookbook features a chapter or two on Hanukkah delicacies—from the ever-present latke in all of its forms (potato, sweet potato, zucchini, beet, cheese, etc.) to sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and more. Frying in oil is the main “theme” in most Hanukkah recipes in order to remind us of the oil that lasted eight days. Here is a recipe for beet latkes, courtesy of JTA, another recipe for fried pickle latkes and below a listing of just a few of the Jewish cookbooks that offer Hanukah recipes. California Kosher , A collection of recipes from the Women’s League of Adat Ari El Synagogue Jewish Holiday Cookbook by Joan Nathan Children's Jewish Holiday Kitchen : A Cookbook with 70 Fun Recipes for You and Your Kids by Joan Nathan Kosher Delicious : Great Recipes for Living. Edited by Diana Kastenbaum & Penny Brenner. Tastes of Jewish Tradition by Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth NOTE: Many of our synagogues and Jewish organizations also sell cookbooks. Fried Pickle Latkes Readings for Children Hanukkah remains a powerful inspiration for children’s stories. Listed below are some favorite “oldies.” Heshel and the Hanukah Goblins by Eric Kimmel How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen Where is Baby’s Dreidel? by Karen Katz (board book) All-of-a-King Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco Gracie’s Night: A Hanukkah Story by Lynn Taylor Gordon Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fisher Eight Wild Nights by Brian Cleary Also, eight new Hanukkah-focused books titles can be found with their descriptions here at JTA.org. Due to the proximity of Hanukhah and Christmas, there are also a growing number of books for children where members of the family are Jewish and Christian. Eight Candles and a Tree by Simone Bloom Nathan. December’s Gift: An Interfaith Holiday Story by Ashley Smith-Santos A complete listing of Hanukkah books can also be found here at PJ Library’s website .

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TU B'SHEVAT In the Gregorian calendar “world,” there is only one New Year—January 1. In the Jewish calendar, we have four, with one of them being the New Year of Fruit Trees. Tu B’shevat , (also spelled Tu Bishvat) joins Rosh HaShanah as a “new year.” It takes place on the 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat, which usually lands in mid to late January. In 5785/2025, the holiday begins on Wednesday evening, February 12 and ends on Thursday evening, February 13. Why fruit trees and not evergreens? According to the MyJewishLearning online article (see below for link ): In ancient times, it was merely a date on the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings. After this, all subsequent fruit produced from these trees could be eaten or sold as desired. The article goes on to note that even after the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, this minor holiday continued to be part of Jewish tradition. Today, Tu B’shevat is a symbol of the importance of environmentalism and the need to protect our ecosystem. Over the years, a ritual developed and remains today – a Tu B‘shevat seder. Similar to a Passover seder, participants eat symbolic foods, such as different kinds of nuts and fruits grown in the Land of Israel, during a ceremony complete with special readings. Read these articles from MyJewishLearning.com: Tu Bishivat, the Jewish Birthday of the Trees Trees in Jewish Thought

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MATZO BALL SOUP 4-5 lb. stewing chicken, cut up (can substitute fryer, cut up or backs and necks) 1 parsnip, cut in large pieces 3-4 carrots, cut in large pieces 1 large onion, quartered 2-3 stalks celery with leaves, cut in large pieces Sprig of dill and parsley Salt and pepper to taste Put chicken in a large stockpot. Cover with 3 quarts water. Bring to a boil and skim off foam thoroughly for the first 30 minutes. Add cleaned vegetables and herbs. Cover and simmer until chicken is tender, 2 1/2 hours. Remove chicken meat. (Many just discard the chicken.) Discard herbs and any unwanted vegetables; however you may wish to retain some vegetables to slice and serve with the soup. Defat the broth by chilling and removing hardened fat from the top. Return chicken meat to broth, if desired. Soup freezes well. Matzo balls: 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup carbonated water 4 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. chopped dill 1 cup matzo meal Add waters, oil, salt, and dill to beaten eggs, mixing well. Add matzo meal and mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour. Form into 1-inch balls and drop in boiling, salted water. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove balls and add to warm soup. Serves 6-8. APPLE MATZO KUGEL 8 matzos 6 eggs 1 tsp. salt 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup melted margarine 1 cup raisins 4 large Granny Smith apples, grated Moisten matzos with water until soft. Break into pieces. Beat eggs thoroughly. Add sugar, melted margarine and cinnamon. Add matzos to mixture. Stir in raisins and apples. Turn into greased 9×12 inch pan. Dot with additional butter. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Serves 12. TOASTED FARFEL FOR SOUP 1 cup matzo farfel 2 egg yolks 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. oil or chicken fat Combine and mix together all ingredients. Spread out in a flat baking pan. Separate the farfel pieces and brown in moderate oven (350°). Serve in hot soup. VEGETABLE KUGEL 2 large zucchini 2 carrots 2 white potatoes 2 stalks celery 2 onions 3 cup matzoh farfel (wet and drained) 1/2 cup butter, melted 4 tsp. vegetable bouillon paste or powder 5 eggs, separated Grate vegetables, add egg yolks and remaining ingredients. Beat egg whites and fold into mixture. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake 1 1/2 hours at 350°. Serves 12. MATZO MEAL MANDELACH 3 eggs 2/3 cup matzo cake meal 1/2 tsp. potato flour 1/8 tsp. salt Beat eggs and add cake meal, potato flour and salt. Knead and roll out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 1/4 inch squares. Fry in deep hot oil (375°) until brown. Remove and drain on absorbent paper. Serve in hot soup. SUCCULENT ROAST CHICKEN WITH APRICOT-MATZO STUFFING 1 (4 1/2 to 5 lb.) chicken 15 oz. strong chicken broth or use 1 bouillon cube and 15 oz. water 1 large garlic clove Olive oil for brushing the bird Salt and black pepper Apricot-Matzo Stuffing: 4 oz. dried apricots, each cut in quarters 4 oz. matzo 6 oz. cooking water for apricots 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 oz. margarine Grated zest of 1/2 large lemon Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2 tsp. salt Dash white pepper 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley 1 large egg Stuffing: Cover apricots with water, cover and cook on 100% power in the microwave for 5 minutes or simmer in a small covered pan for 10 minutes. Leave to cool. Crumble the matzo as finely as possible into a large bowl. Add the 6 ounces liquid from the apricots and leave to soften. Meanwhile, cook the onion in the margarine until softened and golden. Add the seasonings and the beaten egg to the matzo, then add to the onions in the pan and cook gently until the matzo starts to brown and loses some of its wetness. Stir in the world drained apricots and mix well. Stuff the cavity of the bird. When calculating the cooking time, allow an extra 15 minutes for the bird to settle out of the oven before it is carved. Preheat the oven to 375°. Put a poultry cradle or grilling rack in a roasting pan that will just hold the bird comfortably. Make a shallow nick on each side of the bird where the leg joint meets the breast and insert half the peeled clove of garlic under the skin. Brush the bird all over with olive oil and season with a sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat broth and pour into the roasting pan, then lay the bird upside down on the cradle or a rack (if it doesn’t sit comfortably, on its side). Roast 20 minutes per pound, plus 20 minutes for a 5 pound bird, the total cooking time will be 2 hours. Base the bird every 1/2 hour with the stock, then 40 minutes before the end of the cooking time, turn it over and cook breast side up. Lift it onto a carving dish or board, cover lightly with foil. Gravy 2 tsp. potato starch 2 Tbsp. water or white wine Pour off any free fat and add 10 ounces of boiling water. Stir well to loosen any of the crispy bits on the bottom of the tin, then pour into a small pan and add 2 teaspoons potato flour mixed to a cream with 2 tablespoons water or white wine. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Taste, correct the seasoning. Serves 4-6. Note: To keep the breast meat juicy, the bird is cooked breast side down and turned over to complete the browning only in the last 40 minutes. CAULIFLOWER- LEEK KUGEL WITH ALMOND-HERB CRUST 8 cups cauliflower florets (from 2 medium heads of cauliflower) 6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 4 cups coarsely chopped leeks (white and pale green parts, from 3 large leeks) 6 Tbsp. matzo meal 3 large eggs 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill, divided 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper 1/3 cup almonds, toasted, chopped Cook cauliflower in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl and mash coarsely with potato masher. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add leaks and sauté until tender and just beginning to color, about 5 minutes. Add leek mixture to cauliflower. Mix in matzo meal. Beat eggs, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon dill, salt and pepper in a small bowl to blend; stir into cauliflower mixture. Brush a 11×7 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon oil. Spread cauliflower mixture evenly in prepared dish. Mix almonds, remaining parsley and dill and 2 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl to blend. Sprinkle evenly over kugel. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.) Preheat oven to 350°. Bake kugel, uncovered, until set in center and beginning to brown on top, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Serves 8. CRISP POTATO KUGEL 6 medium baking potatoes (4 white, 2 sweet), peeled (about 4 lbs.) 1 large onion, peeled 2 large eggs 1 tsp. salt or to taste 6 Tbsp. margarine or butter, melted 2 Tbsp. matzo meal 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 400°. Kugel: Grate the potatoes and onion in a food processor with the shredding disk or with a hand grater. Place in a colander and drain well, squeezing out excess moisture. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, salt, melted margarine and matzo meal. Stir in potatoes until well combined. To Bake: Place 2 tablespoons margarine in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Melt in oven or microwave. Tilt dish to coat evenly. Poor potato mixture into dish and spread evenly. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375° and continue baking for 45 more minutes or until top is crisp. Cut into squares. Serves 8. Note: For year-round potato kugel substitute 2 tablespoons all purpose flour for the matzo meal. MATZO BREI AND VARIATIONS 2 whole matzos 2 large eggs 1/4 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine Soak matzos in warm water for 3 minutes until soft, then squeeze out the water in a sieve. Scramble eggs with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Break up the matzos into bite-sized pieces and mix in the egg mixture. Melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine in a small frying pan. When the butter is hot, add the matzo brei mix and pat it down hard. When the pancake is browned on the underneath side, turn it over onto a large plate, then slide the pancake back into the pan to cook again until the second side is well browned. (If serving more than one person, try to prepare each matzo brei in a separate pan, as it keeps the pancake from being too thick and remaining wet on the inside. For two people you can use a larger frying pan and slice the pancake in half when serving.) Slip on to a serving plate and serve with one of the following toppings: puréed, canned, or fresh fruit (drain liquids from canned fruits before puréeing), applesauce, flavored yogurt, sugar and cinnamon or fruit preserves of your choice. Variations: Onion Matzo Brei: Chop 1 small onion per person or 1 medium onion for 2-3 people. Brown in butter or margarine until soft and sweet. Add cooked onions to the matzo brei mixture above before cooking. Mix well and continue cooking as above. Mushroom-Onion Matzo Brei : Slice mushrooms (quantity to your liking) and add to the onions in the previous variation. Cook mushrooms and onions together until soft and slightly caramelized. Then add to the matzoh brei mixture and continue as above. Apple Matzo Brei: Especially great for people with a sweet tooth! Peel 1 apple per person, slice the apple and cut into bite-size chunks. Add 1 tablespoon butter in the frying pan and sauté the apple pieces until they begin to caramelize. When soft, add them to the basic matzo brei mixture above and cook per basic instructions. Serves 2. PASSOVER GRANOLA 2 1/2 cups matzo farfel 1 cup slivered almonds, 1 cup walnuts or pecans or hazelnuts 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit 1/2 cup dried cherries, cranberries Preheat oven 300°. Spread farfel and nuts and bake 15 minutes. Remove and stir and put in bowl. Combine butter, honey, brown sugar and cinnamon, and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Pour over farfel and mix well. Spread mixture in pan and bake 15 minutes. Let cool. Add dried fruit. Yield: 5 cups. NUT CAKE 10 egg yolks 8 egg whites 1 tsp. white distilled vinegar 1 cup sugar Lemon rind 1 Tbsp. vanilla 8 oz. hazelnut or almonds, ground 3-4 Tbsp. matzo meal Apricot, raspberry jam or whipped cream Preheat oven to 375°. Grease and flour or line bottom of 8-9 inch springform pan. Separate eggs. Beat egg whites with vinegar and a pinch of salt. Beat until stiff, but not dry; set aside. Mix sugar and eggs until mixture is pale and forms a ribbon. Add other ingredients. Fold carefully the dry ingredients with the egg whites as in preparing a soufflé. Turn mixture into the prepared pan and bake 40-50 minutes. Toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should show moist crumbs, not dry or runny. Topping: Cut cake in half and spread your favorite jam in the center. This adds to its flavor and prevents cake from being too dry. Whipped cream may also be added. Serves 10. TRIFLE 1 Passover sponge cake, freeze ahead 2 cups heavy cream, whipped 1 (6 oz.) vanilla pudding (kosher for Passover) 3 bananas 1 pt. strawberries, some sliced and some whole for top decoration 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained 1 box blueberries, washed and dried 1 can chocolate macaroons, shredded Large glass bowl for serving Prepare and chill pudding. Slice frozen sponge cake into thin slices and line the bottom of the glass bowl with 1/2 of the cake. Pour 1/2 of pudding and 3 sliced bananas, then shredded macaroons and add 1/2 of whipped cream, sliced strawberries and blueberries. Add rest of the cake, rest of the pudding and shredded macaroons. Place oranges along the sides of the bowl, lining them up, then add rest of whipped cream on top with whole strawberries. Serves 12. RASPBERRY SQUARES 1 cup margarine or 2 sticks of butter 1 1/2 cup sugar 2 beaten eggs 1/2 tsp. vanilla 3 cups sifted matzo cake meal 1/2 tsp. salt 10 oz. raspberry jam 1 cup chopped nuts Preheat oven to 350°. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, cake meal and salt. Mix well. Divide dough in half. Spread in a 9×13 inch greased pan dusted with matzo cake meal. Spread jam and nuts over dough. Cover with the remainder of dough, crumbled. Bake for 30 minutes. Cut in squares while warm. Yield: Approximately 3 dozen squares. BROWNIES 1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1/3 cup matzo cake meal 2/3 cup walnut or pecan pieces (opt.) 8 inch square pan (not glass) lined across the bottom and up 2 sides with parchment paper or foil Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°. Melt the butter with the chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in a medium heatproof bowl set in pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove the top of the double boiler from the heat; stir in the sugar, vanilla and salt. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring until incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the cake meal and beat with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and glossy and comes away from the size of the pan, about 1 minute. Stir in the nuts if using. Scrape the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake until the batter just begins to pull away from the edges of the pan, 20 minutes. The surface of the brownies look dry, but a toothpick inserted in the center will still be quite gooey. While the brownies are baking, clear space in the freezer or prepare an ice bath instead. Fill a roasting pan or a large baking pan with ice cubes and water about 3/4 inch deep. When the brownies are ready, remove the pan from the oven and set it immediately in the freezer or ice bath, taking care not to splash water on the brownies. When cool, slide a knife between the pan and the brownies on the unlined sites. Lift the ends of the parchment or foil liner and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Yield: 16 brownies. Note: These brownies, baked at a high temperature, then cooled quickly in ice water, are crusty on the outside, but smooth and creamy within. CARAMEL MATZO CRUNCH 4-6 matzo 1 cup unsalted butter or margarine 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup coarsely chopped semi sweet chocolate or chocolate chips Preheat the oven to 375°. Line a large (or 2 smaller) cookie sheet completely with foil. Cover the bottom of the sheet with baking parchment on top of the foil. This is very important since the mixture becomes sticky during baking. Line the bottom of the cookie sheet evenly with the matzo, cutting extra pieces as required to fit any spaces. In a 3-quart, heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the butter or margarine and the brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil (about 2-4 minutes). Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and pour over the matzo, covering completely. Placed the baking sheet in the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 350°. Bake for 15 minutes, checking every few minutes to make sure the mixture is not burning (if it seems to be browning too quickly, remove the pan from the oven, lower the heat to 325° and replace the pan.) Remove from the oven and sprinkle immediately with the chopped chocolate or chips. Let stand for 5 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate over the matzo. While still warm, break into squares or odd shapes. Chill, still in the pan, in the freezer until set. This makes a good gift. Variation: You can also use coarsely chopped white chocolate (or a combination of white and dark), chopped pistachios, or sliver toasted almonds (sprinkled on top as the chocolate sets). You can also omit the chocolate for the caramel-alone alone butter crunch. Yield: 3 dozen pieces. Note: An outstanding, unique and easy confection. If you make only one thing at Passover, make this!

EVENT RECORDINGS FROM 2020 & 2021 We hope you enjoy these YouTube videos of some of our past event recordings. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, Under One Tent Program Director Riva Gambert gave a fascinating presentation on the 1976 hijacking of an Air France plane to Entebbe, Uganda, and the legendary operation that saved the hostages. Entebbe Revealed Prof. Steven Nadler, co-author of When Bad Thinking Happens to Good People: How Philosophy Can Save Us from Ourselves joined the CCJCC audience virtually on December 9, 2021. His presentation will convince you on how essential philosophy is to lead a rational and balance life. Steven Nadler Presents On Sunday, November 14, noted author/historian Fred Rosenbaum examined the popular 2016 Israeli movie The Women's Balcony , Israel's religious communities, and the relationship between "state and synagogue" in the country. Israel's Orthodox Communities In this program recorded on November 8, 2021, Prof. Jonathan Boyarin talked about his "Yeshiva Days" at Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem Yeshiva on East Broadway on New York City’s Lower East Side, which is now the last remaining institution for traditional Jewish learning in this iconic Jewish neighborhood. Yeshiva Days In her detailed presentation on November 4, author Annelise Heinz explained the origins of Mahjong, its history, how it arrived in America, and how it became a quintessentially American game. Mahjong Distinguished Professor Emeritus Nathan Katz introduced us to the Jews of India in this fascinating program, which took place on October 26, 2021. His presentation filled with beautiful photos will take you to India even if it is for an hour. The Jews of India Genealogist Margalit Ir, who has been engaged in adult education in Congregation B'nai Shalom, gave a presentation on the Jews of China, specifically the Jews of Keifeng, on Monday, October 25, 2021. When Jews Lived in China On Sunday, October 24, 2021, SFSU Jewish Studies Professor Rachel B. Gross spoke on the revival of deli cuisine and how it reflects the longing of American Jews for authentic Jewish pasts and is a means to pass on Jewish values to future generations. The Deli Revival Author Tracy Walder's memoir The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists is a fascinating read. Her October 19th talk is a must-watch! The Unexpected Spy On Thursday, October 14, noted author/historian Fred Rosenbaum gave a lecture on the Slovakian drama The Auschwitz Report. The film is based on the true story of two Jewish prisoners who were able to escape the death camp to alert the world of the atrocities. You can watch this very informative presentation here. The Auschwitz Report Author, political commentator, foreign policy consultant, professor and KGO talk show host John Rothmann discussed what Jew hatred is and how to defeat it. Now, you can watch the Sunday, October 10th talk here. Defeating Jew Hatred On Sunday, October 3, 2021, author Ben M. Freeman joined us virtually to answer questions on his book Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People. Inspired by his experiences with LGBTQ+pride, author Freeman aims to educate, inspire and empower Jews to reject the shame of antisemitism imposed on them by the non-Jewish world. Jewish Pride Our September 22, 2021 conversation featured Nancy Zeitlin, the award-winning equestrian who is the subject of the moving documentary UnReined as well as the two filmmakers, Dr. Marcia Rock and Naomi Guttman-Bass. Watch the Q&A for "UnReined" On Thursday, August 26, 2021, Jerusalem-based political analyst, human rights pioneer, and expert commentator on Arab and Palestinian affairs Bassem Eid talked about the prospects for peace and the two-state solution. Sponsors partnering with CCJCC were Cong. Beth Emek, Cong. B'nai Shalom and Cong. B'nai Tikvah. Bassem Eid's Talk On August 22, 2021, ADL’s regional director Seth Brysk, university student Micah Bloom and educator Matthew Levin from StandWithUs tackled the changing types of antisemitism and gave valuable tools on how adults, teens and young adults can respond to hate. Website links to some of the resources provided that day are available here . Responding to Hate On Thursday, August 5, author, speaker, parenting expert, and artist Rachel Biale introduced us to her book "Growing Up Below Sea Level" and talked about her childhood living in a kibbutz by the Jordan River. Rachel Biale's Talk On July 22, 2021, Under One Tent Program Director Riva Gambert gave a lecture on Lawrence of Arabia vs. Nili, whose efforts in Palestine against the failing Ottoman Empire helped shape the region during World War I. The bibliography on the "Lawrence vs. Nili" lecture is now available here . Lawrence of Arabia vs. Nili On Thursday, June 17, UC Davis Professor David Biale presented the history of Hasidism, a movement that began in southeastern Poland and spread after the death of Israel Ba'al Shem Tov in 1760. Prof. David Biale & Hasidism During the immediate post-WWII period, President Truman was confronted with many issues concerning British-controlled Palestine. On May 27, 2021, Under One Tent Program Director Riva Gambert examined his responses and his ultimate policy decisions. Truman & the State of Israel The late Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Shamir's son Yair Shamir answers questions about the documentary Shamir, His Way and his father. The Zoom interview took place on Sunday, May 9, 2021 and shone a light to the personality and values of Yitzhak Shamir. Shamir Uncovered On April 26, 2021, Rachel Levin took us through the chapters of her laugh-out-loud cookbook Eat Something which she co-authored with Evan Bloom. Rachel Levin & Eat Something On April 7, 2021 Sari Greenberg joined us in concert to commemorate the Holocaust through music. You can watch the evening's program here including author/historian Fred Rosenbaum's introduction. Sari Greenberg in Concert Bess Kalb joined us for a Zoom interview on March 23, 2021. She answered questions about her grandmother Bobby Bell, who inspired her to write the Book that is now in the works to be a feature film. Bess Kalb & the Book Together with guest speaker Daniel Limor, author Raffi Berg revealed the true story of an undercover operation run by Israel’s Mossad in the early 1980s on a remote part of the Sudanese coast. Red Sea Spies & Raffi Berg Following the signing of the Abraham Accords, our three panelists Thani Al Shirawi, Michal Cotler-Wunsh and Arsen Ostrovsky discussed the current developments in UAE-Israel relations and the efforts to build a future together. This March 7, 2021 panel was moderated by George Revutsky. Israel & the UAE A panel conversation on the courage and the experiences of the trans community in Israel took place on February 11, 2021. The conversation included Amit Tzuk from the documentary Family In Transition , Micha Yehudi and was moderated by Dana Beyer. Watch the Panel on Facebook Live A glass ceiling-shattering writer/director, Jan Eliasberg answered questions about her first novel Hannah's War on January 24, 2021. Soon-to-be a motion picture, "Hannah's War" is an unforgettable love story about an exceptional woman and the dangerous power of her greatest discovery. Jan Eliasberg on "Hannah's War" The conversation following the streaming of the documentary Marry Me However was on January 21, 2021. The panel included Rabbi Mordechai Vardi , the film's director, and Avigail Sperber , an Israeli cinematographer, social activist, and the founder of Bat Kol--Religious Lesbian Organization. Watch Recording on Facebook Live Award-winning photographer and author Candacy Taylor spoke on the legacy of the Green Book on January 10, 2021. In writing her book, Overground Railroad , Taylor drove approximately 50,000 miles, visiting over 4,000 of the 10,000 Green Book businesses in her database. This is a riveting presentation accompanied with some of the photographs she took along the way. The Legacy of the Green Book Author/historian Fred Rosenbaum discussed the powerful documentary about civil rights activist Rabbi Joachim Prinz which screened Tuesday, January 5 through Sunday evening, January 10, 2021. His talk took place on Thursday, January 7 at 7:00 pm PT. Joachim Prinz & The Civil Rights On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, the CCJCC ran a family menorah contest with the help of local synagogues and organizations. Take a look at some of the wonderful creations made by the participating families on our special 2020 CCJCC Family Menorah Contest page . Menorah Contest The Argentinian drama Anita was available for streaming from December 1 through December 6, 2020. Fred Rosenbaum gave an eye opening and touching talk on the Argentinian Jewry on Wednesday, December 2. If you missed this talk or would like to watch it again, click below for the recording on YouTube. The Jews of Argentina On Sunday, November 22, 2020 we had the pleasure of attending "A Jewish Journey Through Music" with internationally acclaimed cellist Amit Peled. If you missed this program or would like to watch it again, here is the recording of the concert. Enjoy! Amit Peled Recital Author, journalist and WIRED magazine editor at large Stephen Levy joined us on Sunday, November 15, 2020 for an interesting Q&A on his b ook Facebook: The Inside Story , and Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg. Watch the Q&A The Movie A Call to Spy was very popular and sold-out quickly. The November 11, 2020 Live Q&A with Actress/Producer and Screenwriter Sarah Megan Thomas, Actor Samuel Roukin and Author Craig Gralley was recorded and is now available here. Q&A with the Filmmakers On Sunday, October 25, 2020 television writer, author, playwright a nd screenwriter Alan Zweibel shared with us how he got i nto the business, his time in SNL, his friendships with the cast and more. Now , you can watch this wonderful talk again and again. Alan Zweibel & Laugh Lines EBIJFF and Under One Tent Program Director, Riva Gambert was the instructor of the course "Post World War II Hollywood: From Gentleman's Agreement to HUAC." Post World War II Hollywood Prof. Amos Guiora discussed his latest book Armies of Enablers on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Watch the Talk on YouTube The French drama based on a true story Once in a Lifetime , streamed September 8, through September 13. Fred Rosenbaum spoke on the French Jewry, Thursday, September 10, 2020 as part of "Around the World with Fred" program. The Jews of France Following the streaming of the Slovakian movie The Interpreter (August 18-21) Fred Rosenbaum made a presentation on the Jews of Slovakia on Sunday, August 23, 2020. The Slovakian Jews The Austrian movie The Tobacconist was available for streaming from July 21-24, 2020. Award-winning author, historian, and founder of HaMaQom (Former Lehrhaus Judaica) Fred Rosenbaum talked about the history and contemporary life of Austria’s Jewish community on Thursday, July 30. This was the first program of "Around the World with Fred" series sponsored by EBIJFF , CCJCC and participating synagogues. The Jews of Austria

Recipes for the High Holidays As with all Jewish holidays, food is a big part of the High Holidays. For Rosh HaShanah, we wish people a “Sweet New Year” and therefore it is traditional to add honey to vegetable dishes, desserts and even meat/chicken. Honey cake, sliced apples dipped in honey, honeyed carrots, and other delicacies are often enjoyed. THE NOSHER shares things to do and make (food-wise) before the High Holidays including tasty recipes that can be found here . Read a valuable article from MyJewishLearning.com on Rosh HaShanah foods! Foolproof recipe: Andrew Zimmern's Favorite Apple Cake A recipe to do with kids: Apple & Honey Hand Pie Pocket Best Rosh HaShanah Dinner Recipes from Kosher.com 55+ Ways to go gluten-free this Rosh Hashanah Apple Pie Kugel Recipe Cauliflower Kugel Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe from The Nosher A beautiful and innovative recipe: Japanese-style Apple & Honey Roll Cakes 9 Interesting Things about Pomegranates and Pomegranate Recipes for Rosh HaShanah Bring in the sweet with this pomegranate molasses chicken recipe Italian Sweet and Sour Fish Recipe A staple for Rosh HaShanah, honey cake recipe An easy-to-make (and quick to eat) apple cake recipe 5 Multicultural Recipes for Rosh HaShanah Schnitzel is a popular chicken dish in Israel and easy to make at home. Try out this recipe of Ethiopian Schnitzel with Hot Honey! 46 Celebratory Recipes for Rosh HaShanah (Warning: Not all of these recipes are Kosher!) Learn how to make braided challah for Rosh HaShanah and any other time! Bon Appetit's article on the spice fenugreek and making Yemenite fenugreek salsa (try it…you may like it) A Sephardic Rosh HaShanah Seder Making your simanim symbols Here are four elegant recipes for break-the-fast.

JWalk Jun 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA More Info & Tickets

THE 2ND ANNUAL MENORAH COMPETITION On Monday, November 29 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, please join us for our community-wide Menorah Making Competition . We will exhibit the entries of all participants in Congregation B'nai Shalom's sanctuary while our expert panel of judges will review the homemade menorot. Everyone's welcome! Competing not necessary, but registration required. 1st Prize: Oculus Quest 2 - Immersive All-In-One VR. Additional prizes will be handed out to other participants. Musical Entertainment plus complimentary latkes (with all of the trimmings) provided by the CBS Men's Club. Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) too! RULES Each family can submit only one original menorah. The menorah must be created by the family (not purchased) but can be made up of any materials. The judges will look for innovation and creativity. When writing up the description of your menorah, do describe its materials as well as its inspiration. Registration for attendance must be done no later than Sunday, November 28 at noon. Register here ! Each family can bring its menorah to the Cong. B'nai Shalom sanctuary as early as 9:00 am on Monday, November 29. All entries must be brought to the sanctuary by 4:00 pm. Tables will be set out inside the sanctuary where the entries should be placed. Contestants must fill out the Menorah Description Form and bring a copy of it along with their menorahs. The form should be placed next to the menorah so that it can be correctly identified. Vaccinations of everyone 12 and up required. Masking required indoors. WHAT IS A MENORAH? The menorah (called a hanukiah in Hebrew) is one of the most well-known Jewish ritual objects. It represents the eight days for which the oil in the 2nd Temple lamp lasted after the holy place was freed in the 2nd century BCE from the control of the Seleucid Greek Empire, the ruling power in the region. In 168 BCE, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes forbid Jewish practice and in addition his troops defiled the Temple by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios where pigs were sacrificed. As a result, a rebellion began by the Jewish family the Maccabees. Eventually, they were successful in removing the King's soldiers from the Temple and surrounding area. The Maccabees found insufficient oil to use for lighting the Temple's lamp; but according to legend, a miracle occurred and the oil lasted for eight days. Register here to attend Form to bring (if you are competing) This event is sponsored by CCJCC in partnership with Beth Chaim Cong., CCJDS, Chabad of CC, Cong. B'nai Shalom, Cong. B'nai Tikvah, PJ Library Bay Area, Shevet Egoz & Temple Isaiah.

VENUES Acalanes High School: 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lafayette, CA, 94549 (925.280.3970) Beth Chaim Congregation: 1800 Holbrook Dr, Danville, CA 94506 (925.736.7146) - bethchaim.com Chabad of Contra Costa: 1671 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (925.937.4101) - jewishcontracosta.com Chabad of the Tri-Valley: 3370 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925.846.0700) - jewishtrivalley.com Congregation B'nai Shalom: 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925.934.9446) - bshalom.org Congregation B'nai Tikvah: 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925.933.5397) - tikvah.org Congregation Beth Emek : 3400 Nevada Ct, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925.931.1055) - bethemek.org Contra Costa Jewish Day School: 955 Risa Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549 (925.284.8288) - ccjds.org Danville Village Theatre: 233 Front St, Danville, CA 94526 (925.314.3400) Gateway Clubhouse Rossmoor: 1001 Golden Rain Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595 - rosmoor.com Temple Isaiah: 945 Risa Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549 (925.283.8575) - temple-isaiah.org Vine Cinema & Alehouse: 1722 First St, Livermore, CA 94550 (925.447.2545) - vinecinema.com