On Central Avenue, in the kosher supermarkets, in shul, or on the LIRR, you hear the same conversation. “What?! Rosh Hashanah is next week!?” And then the dreaded “three day yom tov — oy!” I wonder why, every year, everyone is so surprised that’s it’s already yom tov time. Truth is, it has been three months since the start of June. Kids were packed off to camp, parents went on vacation and we partook in lots of family and friends BBQs, lounged in our backyards, and enjoyed the lazy days of summer (some of us more than others, but it’s ok, I’m not jealous … well, yes I am, but this isn’t about me). more

Last night, as I got dressed for a Chabad dinner honoring my dear friends Janet and Lior Hod, I inhaled and zipped up my dress. “Hmmm, this zipper won’t break, will it?” I thought. Not willing to think I gained weight since I wore it last, even though I know I did, I chose to take a chance as I was running late. more

With the family l’chaim over (we all had a great time celebrating), and the engagement party not planned till the end of the summer, I intended to concentrate on upcoming catering … more

Each year, during the Nine Days, I marvel at the number of people waiting on line at the kosher dairy restaurants around town. Many of these people don’t tend to eat out often during the … more

Way back in Medieval Germany, dumplings were a culinary innovation, only recently arrived from Asia. These were simple, doughy balls. They weren’t filled with meat, potatoes or cheese; they … more

This recipe is based on my favorite childhood dish, chraime. It originated in Morocco and means “prohibited” or “illegal” in Arabic. As a child, I waited all week to eat it at … more