I was about 6 or so and off to Sunday school to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, which begins this year on the evening of Feb. 12. I learned that this holiday was a birthday party (for trees!). Ok. Well, … more

My dad told me that every Friday my grandmother cooked two meals in tandem — Shabbat chicken or brisket ( gedempte fleisch, an Ashkenazic pot roast) on one side of her tiny counter and, in her … more

Statistics show that between 66 percent and 75 percent of the new year resolutions we make have to do with food, diet and fitness. Sadly, by the end of January, 77 percent of people who made … more

W hile the date Chanukah begins varies on the solar Gregorian calendar, it always starts on the the 25th of Kislev. When it falls as late as it does this year — not beginning until Wednesday … more

This is one tour where you’re going to want to bring your appetite along. And quite possibly a towel. Because oil — and plenty of it — is flowing during the eight days of … more

The olive tree is one of the oldest cultivated trees, existing before there was written language with which to describe it. It originated and flourished in Asia Minor and in Israel. King Solomon and … more

We all know the story of Chanukah, of Judah Maccabee and his four brothers who fought the powerful Greco-Syrian army and defeated, yet again, another power intent on destroying … more

Forget dieting during Chanukah! I’ll bake, serve and savor every morsel of my mother’s buttery cakes. For her, Chanukah was more than latkes, though she fried up dozens every night. … more

There is a Norman Rockwell painting of a grandmother holding a platter filled with what must be a 30-pound turkey. The “everyone’s-grandmother” has rosy cheeks a loving smile … more

Thanksgiving is a major American holiday. No matter a person’s color, race, religion or political views, families and friends travel from coast to coast to celebrate together. The table is … more