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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!

Resources for Responding to Hate and Must-Watch Programs on Antisemitism On November 1, 2022, Congregation Beth Emek invited Seth Brysk of the ADL for a conversation on the current state of antisemitism, how technology is becoming a tool to spread it, and what we can do to fight it. In addition to this program, we invite you to watch the other programs that CCJCC has co-sponsored and use the important resources available below on this page. Author Dr. Samantha A. Vinokor-Meinrath is a lifelong Jewish educator and learner. With the sharp rise in antisemitism, her valuable and informative talk on Monday, October 24, 2022, was a must-attend program for Generations X to Z. 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. 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 below. Resources Anti-Defamation League Antisemitism Uncovered – A Guide to Old Myths in a New Era https://antisemitism.adl.org/ Think. Plan. Act. Tools for Dealing with Antisemitic and Anti-Israel Incidents on Campus https://www.adl.org/think-plan-act Online Portal to Report an Antisemitic Incident https://www.adl.org/report 10 Ways to Have Conscientious Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict https://www.adl.org/resources/reports/10-ways-to-have-conscientious-conversations-on-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict Cyber Safety Action Guide to Help Report Online Hate to a Platform https://www.adl.org/adl-cyber-safety-action-guide Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2020 https://www.adl.org/audit2020 BDS: The Global Campaign to Delegitimize Israel https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/bds-the-global-campaign-to-delegitimize-israel ADL Education's Antisemitism Programs, Trainings and Resources https://www.adl.org/education/antisemitism Allegation: Israel is an Apartheid State https://www.adl.org/resources/glossary-terms/allegation-israel-is-an-apartheid-state Extremist Sects Within the Black Hebrew Israelite Movement https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/extremist-sects-within-the-black-hebrew-israelite-movement Jewish Community Relations Council The JCRC has launched a new initiative, Here I Am, that features video stories about personal experiences with antisemitism, background information on antisemitism, resources for both adults and youth, mental health resources and information on organizations that are supporting Jewish diversity. Visit https://hereiamstories.org StandWithUs For online resources: https://www.standwithus.com/learn International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definitions-charters/working-definition-antisemitism Israeli American Council IAC Mishalenu - College Students https://www.israeliamerican.org/mishelanu

D'VAR TORAH: A LOOK AT THE TORAH PORTION OF THE WEEK Each week we will share different commentaries on the Torah portion and/or the holiday. D'var Torahs we shared in 5781 September 24 , 2022 NITZAVIM, DEUTERONOMY 29:9-30:20 From ReformJudaism.org: Peoplehood, Responsibility, and Intentionality by Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin September 17 , 2022 KI TAVO, DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Forging the Intergenerational Self by Rabbi Jethro Berkman September 10 , 2022 KI TEITZEI, DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: Sins of the Father by Amy Deutsch September 3, 2022 SHOFTIM, DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Emergence of Environmentalism by Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger August 27, 2022 RE'EH, DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Kosher Turkey Debate by Rabbi Joshua Heller August 20, 2022 EIKEV, DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 From ReformJudaism.org: All You Need is Love by Shira Milgrom August 13, 2022 VA-ET'CHANAN, DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 From ReformJudaism.org: Do not Make Yourself a Pesel, Lest Torah Become an Idol by Shira Milgrom August 6, 2022 DEVARIM, DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 From MyJewishLearning.com: Tzedek vs.Tzedakah: Justice vs. Charity by Adina Gerver July 30, 2022 MATOT-MASEI, NUMBERS 30:2-36:13 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Spiritual Trauma of Taking a Life by Rabbi Asher Lopatin How to Model Genuine Curiosity by Or Mars July 23, 2022 PINCHAS, NUMBERS 25:10-30:1 From ReformJudaism.org: Confronting Violence and Injustice Against Women by Rabbi Alex Kress July 16, 2022 BALAK, NUMBERS 22:2-25:9 From ReformJudaism.org: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Curse the Children of Israel by Phillip Rice July 9, 2022 CHUKAT, NUMBERS 19:1-22:1 From ReformJudaism.org: Growth Means Taking Responsibility by Beth Ellen Young July 2, 2022 KORACH, NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 From ReformJudaism.org: Not All Rebellions Look (or End) Like Korach's Did by Rabbi Carole B. Balin, Ph.D. June 25, 2022 SH'LACH L'CHA, NUMBERS 13:1-15:41 From ReformJudaism.org: Transforming Trauma by Beth Ellen Young June 18, 2022 BEHA'ALOTCHA, NUMBERS 8:1-12:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: God Hears, But What We Do Matters Most by Rabbi Elaine Zecher June 11, 2022 NASSO, NUMBERS 4:21-7:89 From MyJewishLearning.com: Surrogate Judaism by Rabbi Joshua Heller June 4, 2022 BAMIDBAR, NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: When Women Are Invisible by Sivan Rotholz May 28, 2022 B'CHUKOTAI, LEVITICUS 26:3-27:34 From Reformjudaism.org: When It's Hard to Believe Life Will Get Better by Rabbi Billy Dreskin May 21, 2022 BEHAR, LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 From MyJewishLearning.com: Economic Justice for Insiders and Outsiders by Rabbi Joshua Heller May 14, 2022 EMOR, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Emerge from Your Cave and See God's World Around You by Rabbi Ben Spratt May 7, 2022 KEDOSHIM, LEVITICUS 19:1-20:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Stumbling Blocks of Consumerism by Carmi Wisemon April 30, 2022 ACHREI MOT, LEVITICUS 16:1-18:30 In Achrei Mot (After Death) , named as such because it focuses on what happens to the Israelites after the death of Aaron’s two sons, Madab and Abihu, we learn of the concept of the “scapegoat.” As described in this parsha, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest is to take two male goats and by using lots, identify one for God and the other one for Azazel. The goat marked for God is slaughtered as a sin offering and its blood is used to cleanse the Tent of meeting, the altar and the Holy of Holies. Then the High Priest is to confess all of the sins of the Israelites over the second goat and that goat is to be set free in the wilderness. Thus, the original meaning of the expression “scapegoat.” At the High Holidays, we think about our actions over the past year. Our prayers of repentance at this time are for sings against God. However, sins against people demand more than just prayer. Maimonides emphasized the need to voice confession to the person(s) we have hurt. Repentance also should not be done in a quick “I’m so sorry,” but must come out of serious soul-searching. According to Maimonides, the true penitent is also someone who commits a sin and is later given the opportunity to commit the exact same sin but chooses not to do so. In contemporary times, is it enough to write “I’m sorry” just on social media and not face to face (whether in-person or by zoom) with the person you have hurt? Does a quick “sorry” immediately after inflicting pain (emotional and/or physical) make one a true penitent? Must, as Maimonides emphasizes, true repentance demand that some length of time must take place during which contemplation has been carried out? These are a few questions to consider as we try to make amends. April 9, 2022 METZORA, LEVITICUS 14:1-15:33 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Toothpaste Sacrifice by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn Modern Untouchables: Our Sins of Exclusion by Rabbi Justin David April 2, 2022 TAZRIA, LEVITICUS 12:1-13:59 From ReformJudaism.org: The Disease that Walls Get by Dr. Rachel Adler March 26, 2022 SH'MINI, LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47 From ReformJudaism.org: Birds of a Feather (Don't Always) Flock Together: Sacred Ornithology and Efforts for Peace by Cantor Jill Abramson March 19, 2022 TZAV, LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36 From ReformJudaism.org: Command [Aaron and His Sons] March 12, 2022 VAYIKRA, LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26 From ReformJudaism.org: Encountering God in the Sacred Silence by Rabbi Ben Spratt March 5, 2022 PEKUDEI, EXODUS 38:21-40:38 From The Jerusalem Post: Mystery of the Cloud by David Wolpe February 26, 2022 VAYAKHEL, EXODUS 35:1-38:20 From MyJewishLearning.com: And the Loveliest of All was the Unicorn by Rabbi Avi Weinstein February 19, 2022 KI TISA, EXODUS 30:11-34:35 From ReformJudaism.org: Parashat Ki Tisa: Waking Up to Freedom by Rabbi Hilly Haber From RabbiSacks.org: Can there be Compassion Without Justice? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks February 12, 2022 TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20-30:10 Seeing the Holy in Our Work by CCJCC Under One Tent Program Director and EBIJFF Director Riva Gambert February 5, 2022 TERUMAH, EXODUS 25:1-27:19 From MyJewishLearning.com: In Forgiveness, Making Space for the Divine by Rabbi Brent C. Spodek January 29, 2022 MISHPATIM, EXODUS 21:1-24:18 From ReformJudaism.org: Beyond Welcoming the Stranger by Rabbi Hilly Haber From Kosher.com: Watch The Power of Giving January 22, 2022 YITRO, EXODUS 18:1-20:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Advice from a Father-in-Law by Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus January 15, 2022 BESHALACH, EXODUS 13:17-17:16 From MyJewishLearning.com: An Indirect Route by Nancy Reuben Greenfield January 8, 2022 BO, EXODUS 10:1-13:16 From ReformJudaism.org: Why Firstborns Are Such a Big Deal in the Torah by Rabbi Ana Bonnheim From RabbiSacks.org: Telling the Story by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks January 1, 2022 VA'EIRA, EXODUS 6:2-9:35 From ReformJudaism.org: The True Purpose of the Plagues by Ana Bonnheim Va'eira for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps December 25, 2021 SHEMOT, EXODUS 1:1-6:1 From MyJewishLearning.com: Stop Making Excuses and Step Up to the Plate by Rabbi Michelle Missagieh How Two Midwives Tricked Pharoah by Hannah G. Pressman December 18, 2021 VAYECHI, GENESIS 47:28-50:26 From ReformJudaism.org: Vayechi is a Reminder of the Power to Keep Hope Alive by Rabbi Michael Dolgin December 11, 2021 VAYIGASH, GENESIS 44:18-47:27 From RabbiSacks.org: The Unexpected Leader by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Does My Father Love Me? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks December 4, 2021 MIKEITZ, GENESIS 41:1-44:17 From ReformJudaism.org: Israel in Egypt: From Valued Subjects to Persecuted Minority by Rabbi Paul Kipnes Forgiveness and Reconciliation with the Past by Ellen M. Umansky, Ph.D. November 27, 2021 VAYESHEV, GENESIS 37:1-40:23 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Light at the End of the Tunnel by Rabbi K. Rosenbaum Caring for One Another, A Resource for Families by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses November 20, 2021 VAYISHLACH, GENESIS 32:4-36:43 From MyJewishLearning.com: A Tale of Two Jacobs by Rabbi Justin Goldstein November 13, 2021 VAYETZEI, GENESIS 28:10-32:3 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Place with No Name by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn November 6, 2021 TOLDOT, GENESIS 25:19-28:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: Did Esau have ADD/ADHD? by Steven M. Brown October 30, 2021 CHAYEI SARAH, GENESIS 23:1-25:18 From ReformJudaism.org: "Resident Foreigners" and the Wisdom of the Oxymoron by Rabbi Dan Moskovitz From MyJewishLearning.com: Was Abraham's Second Wife Really Hagar? by Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky October 23, 2021 VAYERA, GENESIS 18:1-22:24 From RabbiSacks.org: The Binding of Isaac by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Negative Capability (Family Edition) by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks October 16, 2021 LECH LECHA, GENESIS 12:1-17:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Finding the Courage to Begin by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses Questions to Consider Yourself Based on this Parsha: How are you a blessing in your life to others? What journey did you go on that had a major impact on your life? October 9, 2021 NOACH, GENESIS 6:9-11:32 From MyJewishLearning.com: Parachat Noah: Summary by Nancy Reuben Greenfield Parashat Noach Quiz From ReformJudaism.org: Naming Naamah, Noach's Wife (and the Other Torah Women, too) by Rabbi Paul Kipnes October 2, 20 21 BERESHIT, GENESIS 1:1-6:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Being Like God by Ben Harris From SouthStreetTemple.org: Genesis September 25, 2021 CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT, EXODUS 33:12-34:26 From SouthStreetTemple.org: Chol Hamoed Sukkot (Intermediate Day), Exodus, Torah September 18, 2021 HA'AZINU, DEUTERONOMY 32:1-32:52 From MyJewishLearning.com: Paradigm Shift by Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi The Times They Are A-Changing by Rabbi Neil Loevinger September 11, 2021 VAYEILECH, DEUTERONOMY 31:1-31:30 From MyJewishLearning.com: Commentary by Nancy Reuben Greenfield From RabbiSacks.org: Consensus vs. Command by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

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.

SUKKOT The Feast of Booths Read More SUKKOT The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) It is traditional to start building a sukkah (booth) immediately after Yom Kippur even though the holiday begins five days after the Day of Atonement on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Sukkot is associated with rejoicing, living in booths or, if that is not possible due to weather or other reasons, trying to eat some meals there. A sukkah is a temporary booth, which must be partially open to the sky and whose roof should be partially made up of plant material like palm fronds or branches. Sukkot is both an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of the year’s harvest in the Land of Israel, as well as a time when we remember the Jewish people’s 40 year-long wandering in the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. This holiday is also called the “Festival of Ingathering.” It is a tradition to welcome guests to one’s sukkah, which is often decorated with hanging decorations and/or artwork. Sukkot is both an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of the year’s harvest in the Land of Israel, as well as a time when we remember the Jewish people’s 40 year-long wandering in the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. This holiday is also called the “Festival of Ingathering.” It is a tradition to welcome guests to one’s sukkah, which is often decorated with hanging decorations and/or artwork. In Israel and in Reform congregations, Sukkot is a seven-day festival while in Conservative and Orthodox congregations outside of Israel it is celebrated for eight days. For a more detailed description of the holiday, visit myjewishlearning.com . Sukkot Date 202 4 : Starts at sunset on October 16 and ends at nightfall October 23. Customs Building a sukkah and inviting guests to join you in the sukkah for meals Decorating the sukkah with hanging decorations and/or artwork Sleeping in the sukkah Holding together and shaking the four species of plants found in Israel—palm, myrtle and willow (lulav) along with a citron (etrog). Blessings Here are the blessings for this holiday , including blessings when shaking the lulav. And to learn how to shake the lulav, watch this video . Resources from My Jewish Learning Sukkot 101 Celebrating Sukkot without a Sukkah Sukkot Vocabulary Laws for Building a Sukkah Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah at home Recipes 5 Ingredient Shortcut Recipes for Sukkot

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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Celebrate Israel's 75th Birthday at Sunday, April 30, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Stone Valley Middle School, Alamo Event Schedule Register here Donate for IsraFEST75 This festive, community-wide event is convened and underwritten by We wish to thank our co-sponsors and community partners for their generosity and support. Platinum Sponsor Co-sponsors Community Partners Admission is free. Pre-register by Friday, April 28, and save time on entry on Sunday, April 30. Before you check out, enter the number of adults and children tickets you need and fill the registration form once. You will immediately receive your order confirmation email, including your ticket(s), to scan on that day. Registrations that include multiple tickets will have a pdf attachment in the confirmation email. If you don't see this email, please check your spam/junk folder to retrieve it. We suggest adding sender notifications@wixevents.com to your contacts in advance. Directions to Stone Valley Middle School in Alamo: https://goo.gl/maps/FL5k6hUwpzATkfdf9 Important: There is parking in front of the school and along the adjacent streets (Ina Drive, David Drive, etc.) However, there is no parking on Miranda. We recommend carpooling with friends and family. All bags are subject to security checks. We also recommend bringing transparent bags if possible. For questions, email underonetent@ccjcc.org . There is something for everyone at IsraFEST75 . Here is the list of some of our activities. Check back by April 16 for our complete schedule. Visit our “Shuk HaCarmel” for Israeli food & snacks including borekas and hummus, plus Israel@75 souvenirs. Youth 3 – 13 will enjoy interactive activities: observing desert fauna; visiting a Bedouin tent for mint tea & a poetry reading; making a mezuzah; discover the wonders of Israeli innovation; journeying to Tel Aviv for a round of Matkot; visiting a replica of the Kotel, and much, much more. Enjoy live musical performances by Eric Schoen, "The Three Cantors" with Temple Isaiah Mizmor Band and Rabbi Larry Milder. At 1:15 PM, Israeli singer Noa Levy and her band will present a concluding concert! If movies are your thing, drop by for our Israeli short film series. Learn about the FIDF’s “Lone Soldier” program from a participant. Curious about your roots? Genealogist Margalit Ir will share her inside tips for discovering more about your ancestors. Rabbi Lawrence from Temple Isaiah will lead a discussion on Israeli music. Kick up your heels at our Israeli folk dancing classes. Take a group picture at our photo booth with beautiful backdrops of Israeli scenes. Food trucks will join us onsite: Kona Ice and StarChaat Indian vegetarian food. L ooking forward to celebrating Israel's 75th birthday with you!

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