Finally, good news for a city torn by war, terrorism, political intimidation and a crippling embargo: The popular ABC show “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” is coming to Gaza City. “My producer was just watching the news and thought, ‘Those guys could use a makeover!’” said host Ty Pennington. Although at first Pennington objected, once he…
[ ![][2]][2] We’ve been patient for a long time, but we’re just about at our limit. Enough with the excuses. Would you please tell us why we don’t have our bowls of matza ball soup? It’s a bit too much to take after all our people have been through. First, slavery in Egypt. Then the…
[ ![][2]][2] Thank You, Backward! Dear Backward, Thank you so much for your insightful, independent and comprehensive coverage of all things Jewish. It’s really nice to have a critical look at the community for once. I look forward to my weekends when I can kick back, relax and read my paper just the way my…
Why Poppyseed Hamentaschen Are The Only True Hamentaschen – I share this short formula from my father: Mohn (poppy seed) + Taschen (pockets) = Mohntaschen (poppy seed pocket pastries) Ha (Hebrew definite article) = Hamohntaschen (Haman’s Pockets) or Purim poppy seed pocket pastries Now, I LOVE poppy seed filling Hamentashen. And seeds are a traditional…
One of Israel’s most influential Orthodox rabbis has ruled that women may read — and write — the Scroll of Esther. In a Torah class on Saturday night, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef challenged the mainstream Orthodox view that the Scroll of Esther, which both genders are obliged to listen to on the upcoming festival of Purim,…
A week ago, Media Bistro’s TVNewser blog reported that the Clinton campaign may have objected to the possible scheduling of a debate on the first night of Passover (although the blog was tentative on this point, suggested other possible motives and issued an update that the holiday’s first night was only one of the nights…
Jewschool’s Ben Dreyfus notes a striking similarity between J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece “The Lord of the Rings” and the Purim story: Haftarat Zachor (which is read twice this year here in Jerusalem) + Megillat Esther = The Lord of the Rings. One of them is totally plagiarized. After winning the war with Sauron, Isildur is…
Baklava, which means “sweet-of-a-thousand-layers,” is a traditional Purim treat throughout the Middle East as well as enjoyed throughout the year. This version consists of individual pastries. (About 24 pastries) Syrup: 2 cups sugar 1 cup water 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Filling: 4 cups (about 1…
דער אַרבעטער רינג וועט אויך לערנען אַ קורס וועגן די ייִדישע דיאַלעקטן בײַ די הײַנטיקע חרדים.
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