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

CRASH COURSE ON THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL January 8 - February 12 Five online sessions providing history of Jews and Arabs in the land of Israel, and evolution of the current Israeli/Palestinian conflict. REGISTER HERE Interested in responding to anti-Israel comments on social media, in print, or in-person? Want to have intelligent conversations about Israel with family and friends? This engaging five-part Zoom course will provide you with an overview of the history of Israel that will help you understand the modern-day Israel/Palestinian conflict in addition to the complex history of Jewish and Arab connections to the land. Diving deep into Jewish history, our speaker, Charlotte Korchak, will cover Jewish “indigeneity,” historical presence in the land, and the roots of Zionism. She will also trace the rule of Judea/Palestine post-exile, the Islamic conquest, the Arab/Muslim connection to the land, and the evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether you are 13 or 120, this is a must-attend course! Each class will provide well-researched material, analysis, and relevant context to current concerns. Two of the presentations will be pre-recorded, but all five classes will have live Q&A. Recordings will be available for those who can’t attend a session. Charlotte Korchak is one of the foremost public speakers in her field, recognized for making complex content engaging, accessible, and meaningful for all ages. As the Senior Educator and Director of International Student Programs at StandWithUs Israel, she has worked with over 10,000 students of all ages. She received her BA in Middle Eastern History from USC. Admission for this course is free of charge as a community service. Registration is required and will remain open throughout the course. Sunday mornings, 10:00 to 11:30 AM PST, January 8 to February 12, 2023 (except January 15, MLK weekend) From Ancient to Modern Times (January 8) Zionism, Arab Nationalism, and Jewish Statehood (January 22) The Rise and Decline of the Arab-Israeli Conflict (January 29) The Evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Part 1 (February 5) The Evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Part 2 & Answering Difficult Questions about Israel (February 12 ) Once you register, you will receive a recurring Zoom meeting link to be used to join all five sessions. You will first receive two reminders, one on Thursday, and the other one, on Sunday morning, before the first session. After the first session, every Friday, we will email reminders that will include previous session recordings. If you do not see these emails, please check your spam/junk folder to retrieve them. We suggest you add notifications@wixevents.com and underonetent@ccjcc.org to your contacts list as well. This program is sponsored by Contra Costa JCC and Beth Am Jewish and Israel Advocacy Committee in partnership with Cong. Kol Emeth, Sonoma County Israel Committee, and Cong. Beth David (Saratoga).

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 5783 June 1, 2024 / 24 Iyar 5784 B'Chukotai, LEVITICUS 26:3-27:34 From ReformJudaism.org : Blessings and Curses by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg May 25, 2024 / 17 Iyar 5784 Be'har, LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 From ReformJudaism.org : B'har -Time for a Shabbat by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg May 18, 2024 / 10 Iyar 5784 Emor, LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 From ReformJudaism.org : Accepting Ourselves by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg May 11, 2024 / 3 Iyar 5784 Kedoshim, LEVITICUS 19:1-20:27 From ReformJudaism.org : K'doshim - And You Shall Be Holy by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg May 4, 2024 / 26 Nisan 5784 Acharey Mot, LEVITICUS 16:1-18:30 From ReformJudaism.org : Acharei Mot, Choose Holiness by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg April 27, 2024 / 19 Nisan 5784 Chol HaMo-eid Pesach, Holidays Exodus 33:12-34:26 From ReformJudaism.org : Nice to Meet You, Eternal One by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg April 20, 2024 / 12 Nisan 5784 Metzora, LEVITICUS 14:1–15:33 From MyJewishLearning.com: The Toothpaste Sacrifice by Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn From ReformJudaism.org : Encountering the Plague in Our Midst by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg April 13, 2024 / 5 Nisan 5784 Tazria, LEVITICUS 12:1–13:59 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Othello, WikiLeaks, and Mildewed Walls by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Where Childbirth Gets Short Shrift by Erika Davis April 6, 2024 / 27 Adar II 5784 Shemini, LEVITICUS 9:1–11:47 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Spontaneity: Good or Bad? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: When Silence is a Crime by Rabbi Alon Meltzer March 30, 2024 / 20 Adar II 5784 Tzav, LEVITICUS 6:1–8:36 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Why Civilizations Die? by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From ReformJudaism.org: Who's Afraid of the Dark? by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg March 23, 2024 / 13 Adar II 5784 Vayikra, LEVITICUS 1:1–5:26 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: The Dimensions of Sin by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: I Give, Therefore I Love by Anat Barber March 16, 2024 / 6 Adar II 5784 Pekudei, EXODUS 38:21–40:38 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: On Jewish Character by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks March 9, 2024 / 29 Adar 5784 Vayak'heil, EXODUS 35:1–38:20 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: God's Shadow by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Engaging the Heart by Yocheved Sidof From ReformJudaism.org: Sustaining and Generating Life in Wilderness by Rabbi Hilly Haber March 2, 2024 / 22 Adar 5784 Ki Tisa, EXODUS 30:11–34:35 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Between Truth & Peace by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Holiness Cannot Be Mass Produced by Rabbi Scott Perlo February 24, 2024 / 15 Adar 5784 Tetzaveh, EXODUS 27:2–30:10 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Leadership Means Making Space by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks February 17, 2024 / 8 Adar 5784 Terumah, EXODUS 25:1–27:19 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Building Builders by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Hidden Gifts by Rabbi Nicole Auerbach From ReformJudaism.org: "Tools of Gold" by Jonathan K. Crane February 10, 2024 / 1 Adar 5784 Mishpatim, EXODUS 21:1–24:18 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: God's Nudge by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Overcoming Victimhood by Rabbi Zachary Truboff February 3, 2024 / 24 Shevat 5784 Yitro, EXODUS 18:1–20:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Saving Ourselves from Burnout: The Importance of Delegating by Tema Smith From MyJewishLearning.com: On Leadership and Family by Rabbi Michelle Fisher January 27, 2024 / 17 Shevat 5784 B'shalach, EXODUS 13:17–17:16 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: The Power of Ruach by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From ReformJudaism.org: The Controversial Leadership of Heroes by Tema Smith January 20, 2024 / 10 Shevat 5784 Bo, EXODUS 10:1–13:16 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: The March of Folly by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: The Miracle of Mixed Multitudes by Tova Leibovic-Douglas January 13, 2024 / 3 Shevat 5784 Vaera, EXODUS 6:2–9:35 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: The Birth of History by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From ReformJudaism.org: Not One Remained by Jonathan K. Crane January 6, 2024 / 25 Tevet 5784 Shemot, EXODUS 1:1–6:1 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: The Challenge of Jewish Leadership by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks December 30, 2023 / 18 Tevet 5784 Vayechi, GENESIS 47:28–50:26 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Grandparents by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Vayiechi: The Legend of You and Me by Rabbi Devin Maimon Villarreal December 23, 2023 / 11 Tevet 5784 Vayigash, GENESIS 44:18–47:27 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: The Space Between by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Vayigash: A Tale of Two Brothers by Jonah Simcha Chaim Muskat-Brown December 16, 2023 / 4 Tevet 5784 Mikeitz, GENESIS 41:1–44:17 From RabbiSacks.org: Covenant & Conversation: Sibling Rivalry by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks December 9, 2023 / 26 Kislev 5784 Vayeishev, GENESIS 37:1–40:23 From ReformJudaism.org: Caring for the Widow, the Stranger, and the Orphan by Rabbi Kari Tuling December 2, 2023 / 19 Kislev 5784 Vayishlach, GENESIS 32:4–36:43 From ReformJudaism.org: Ethical Insight: Wrestling with our Egos by Rabbi Kari Tuling MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Vayishlach: Honoring the Best of Jacob by David Gottlieb November 25, 2023 / 12 Kislev 5784 Vayeitzei, GENESIS 28:10–32:3 From MyJewishLearning.com: Leah's Hidden Blessing by Rabbi Menachem Creditor From ReformJudaism.org: Growth Requires Truth by Rabbi Kari Tuling November 18, 2023 / 5 Kislev 5784 Toldot, GENESIS 25:19–28:9 From MyJewishLearning.com: Opening the Conversation by Rabbi Lisa Grushcrow November 11, 2023 / 27 Heshvan 5784 Chayei Sarah, GENESIS 23:1–25:18 From ReformJudaism.org: When We Pray, What do We Pray for? by Rabbi Kari Tuling November 4, 2023 / 20 Heshvan 5784 Vayeira, GENESIS 18:1–22:24 From ReformJudaism.org: Abraham's Test and Recognizing Our Need to Change by Rabbi Kari Tuling October 28, 2023 / 13 Heshvan 5784 Lech-Lecha, GENESIS 12:1–17:27 From MyJewishLearning.com: Lech-Lecha: In Praise of Holy Discomfort by Rabbi Michael Adam Latz October 21, 2023 / 6 Heshvan 5784 Noach, GENESIS 6:9–11:32 From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Noach: How Societies Collapse by Rabbi Rachel Isaac From ReformJudaism.org: The Leaders We Need by Rabbi Kari Tuling October 14, 2023 / 29 Tishri 5784 Bereshit, GENESIS 1:1–6:8 From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Bereshit: Being Like God by Ben Harris October 7, 2023 / 22 Tishri 5784 Sh'mini Atzeret - Simchat Torah, HOLIDAYS DEUTERONOMY 33:1–34:12, GENESIS 1:1–2:3 From ReformJudaism.org: The Story Doesn't Change, but We Do by Rabbi Andy Gordon September 30, 2023 / 15 Tishri 5784 Yom Rishon shel Sukkot, HOLIDAYS, LEVITICUS 23:33-23:44 From ReformJudaism.org: Rushing to Joy by Rabbi Andy Gordon September 23, 2023 / 8 Tishri 5784 Parashat Ha'azinu, DEUTORONOMY, 32:1-32:52 From MyJewishLearning.com: Parashat Ha'azinu: Paradigm Shift by Rachel Sabath Beit Halachmi From ReformJudaism.org: Try Anyway by Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin From BimBam's YouTube channel: Parashat Ha'azinu: Moses's Last Song, Funkified September 16, 2023 / 1 Tishri 5784 Yom Rishon shel Rosh HaShanah, HOLIDAYS, GENESIS 22:1-22:19 From ReformJudaism.org: Hear Their Cries: This Year, May We Listen to Those Who Cry Out by Rabbi Max Chaiken

Project Impact A Tikkun Olam Program for Ages 10-18 Project Impact is a partnership of the Contra Costa JCC and East Bay NCSY for teens and families with young children to explore ways for tikkun olam (repair the world). Learning is focused on identifying and evaluating communal nee ds where participants implement plans and interact with the community through four different tracks: interacting with seniors, developing care packages for homeless, sharing positive social action through social media, and creating positive change through political advocacy. My Project Impact

Activities & Crafts for All Ages Some suggested family friendly activities include apple picking, shopping for clothing (wearing new clothes is a tradition in some communities), sending out New Year’s Cards (electronically or by regular mail), making New Year’s resolutions, going to Tashlich—Casting bread crumbs into a body of water while saying special prayers. For a list of 10 meaningful kids' activities from “Jewish Boston,” click here! Try one or more of Reform Judaism's list of suggested activities that start with the month of Elul, and continue through the High Holidays 6 ways to prepare for the High Holidays as published on Reform Judaism's website Another list of 6 Rosh HaShanah Activities for Families , as published on familyeducation.com . Apples & Honey Blessing to print and to use the words for a craft project Making a Rosh HaShanah Card Watch step-by-step video of making your own stenciled honey dish a la Martha Stewart! A sampling of Jewish crafts—hamsa, tzedakah box, etc. Learn how to make a “Spew Jonah (Whale Popper)” Make an apple-print blessings placemat (for young students) Apple centerpiece ...made with a toilet paper cardboard roll Rosh HaShanah napking rings (for older students) Stained glass fish (ages 2 – 7)