Financial news, Financial Occurrences & Events

Many Employees Not Happy With Their Jobs.

2011-08-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Given the bad economy and poor job market most would think that people would be happy to have a job -- at least that's what our bosses and organizations tell us. Wondering whether this was the case, I recently asked AOL Jobs readers to share with me their feelings and attitudes toward their job and organization. The results are in and they are stunning.
Here are some of the highlights, or, should I say low points:

Over 50 percent of respondents regret having taken their job.
More than 70 percent of respondents would take another job tomorrow if they could.
62 percent of those surveyed are actively seeking other employment opportunities.
47 percent of people report that their job does not keep them engaged.
Less than 50 percent of respondents respect their supervisor or feel respected by them.
42 percent of those surveyed do not believe in their organization or its future.

In addition, readers sent me hundreds of stories regarding their frustration and dissatisfaction. Here is one that falls into the category of "you can't make this stuff up."

"I worked for a hospital where my supervisor did not trust his employees to do their jobs correctly, did not believe anyone was honest and had so many rules put in place that it was impossible NOT to get fired. No one was allowed to get sick, even with a legitimate doctor's note. A woman went into labor during work and it was considered an unexcused absence."

Honestly, how is this behavior allowed to exist? It is as though in some organizations no one is at the helm when it comes to holding supervisors accountable for how they treat their employees. How could anyone do their best work under these circumstances? Here are a few more examples of poor behavior and the negative impact that it has on employee morale and engagement....

"I do payroll and was told by my supervisor to go talk to a few girls about their attire which was inappropriate for work. After doing a professional job, the CFO of the company had heard that I went to do my supervisor's job and told me that was not my position and to never do that again. 'Are you kidding?,' I was told by my supervisor, who praised the job I did, and made to feel like a child by the CFO, who talked to me like I was nothing."

"I did my job and cleaned up a mess left by another person and got in trouble for doing more than I was asked to do. My manager then asked me, like you would ask a 4 year old,"Now what would you do if you were me and you found an employee doing something they were not asked to do?" She was a b**** and I never went out of my way to do anything above and beyond at work ever again!"

"I made a suggestion on changing how an event should be run and was told: "That's not how it is in this town, darling."

"Just 2 days ago, I was told by my supervisor "not to get my panties in a wad." Great motivation!"

"My supervisor insulted me and told me that my brain was the size of a pea. Whenever something happens, he is NEVER at fault, it is ALWAYS my fault. I hate my job so much, I would quit right now if I could."

The Impact

To say that people are dissatisfied, discouraged and disconnected would clearly be an understatement. During better economic times and a healthier job market dissatisfied employees were able to find other employment opportunities. For many people, such opportunities simply do not exist. As a result, tens of millions of Americans are in jobs they don't want to be in. Along with dissatisfaction often comes stress, which in turn affects employees' physical and psychological well-being and, consequently, negatively impacts their families. The situation is much graver than employees simply not liking their jobs.
Employees and their families are not the only ones who suffer. How could an organization possibly thrive when 50 percent of their employees regret having taken their job and 62 percent are actively looking for other work? Employee dissatisfaction and disengagement leads to lower levels of productivity, quality and customer service, and to higher rates of absenteeism, tardiness and employee theft. Organizational leaders need to wake up and realize that their bottom line is directly tied to employee satisfaction and engagement.

The Answer

As grave as the situation is, the solution is not terribly complicated. If you examine organizations with high levels of employee satisfaction and engagement, they all have one thing in common: They treat their employees with RESPECT. There is no more powerful way to create a committed and dedicated workforce then by treating every employee with respect. I have never met a person who didn't care about being respected or who, when disrespected, didn't disengage.
Over the past decade of researching, consulting and presenting on the relationship between respect and employee satisfaction, motivation and engagement, my biggest surprise has been how ignorant supervisors, managers and organizational leaders are when it comes to how to demonstrate respect to their employees. People get the importance of respect but don't get how to actually show it on a daily basis. Hence, the reason for me creating the RESPECT Model and writing "Carrots and Sticks Don't Work." Below are the seven key drivers that supervisors and managers can use to show respect to their employees:

Recognition – at the most basic level, we all fundamentally just want to be recognized and acknowledged for the contributions we make.
Empowerment – providing employees with the training and resources, including communication that they need to be successful.
Supportive feedback – the primary job of the supervisor/manager is to provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to his/her employees; not doing so sends the message that an employee is not valued.
Partnering – developing a collaborative working relationship first within one's team and then across departments.
Expectations – providing employees with clear goals and objectives, and holding employees who fail to meet expectations accountable.
Consideration – consistently demonstrating care and consideration to individual team members.
Trust – acting in ways that build a culture of trust which serves as the basis for both personal and professional relationships.

Summary

The United States is in a state of crisis when it comes to employee morale and satisfaction. The result is a highly disgruntled and stressed-out workforce who cannot possibly be engaged and maximally productive. While the impact on both individuals and organizations is immense, there exists a simple, low-cost solution, namely, training supervisors, managers, and organizational leaders to act in ways that leave employees feeling respected -- doing so is not only the right thing to do, it is also the profitable thing to do.

Source: AOL Jobs

Truck Driver Earns Six -figure Salary!

2011-08-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

We usually associate truck drivers with low paying salaries. However this article on CNN shows how with some creativity, and luck, a truck driver was able to turn his truck driving job into a 6 digit income.

Read article below:

Name: Jeff McGee

Job: Semi-truck mover

Salary: $160,000

Age: 37

Hometown: Duluth, MN

I got a degree in science and I wanted to be a physician. But when I had a kid, I needed money and I needed it fast.

Since I was getting very few job offers in the medical field, I got a job as a truck driver. I didn't get any sleep, I was overworked and gained lots of weight from sitting in a truck all day and night. And I only made about $45,000 a year.

One day, I got talking with a man in a truck stop who told me how he worked as a semi-truck mover and made over $100,000 a year. So I looked into it and applied for a job.

Now, I deliver semi-truck trailers from one place to another. Not many people know about this industry because it's so much more specialized than just regular truck driving. As a transporter you pick up semi trucks straight out of the factory and drop them off at individual dealers.

I love it. I drive 600 to 700 miles a day, have my own vehicle, get as much vacation time as I want and the company flies me to each factory and puts me up in a nice hotel.
Source: CNN Money

People Get Comfortable with Part-time Jobs; Some Won't Go Back to Full-time.

2011-08-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Unemployment remains a huge concern, but the underemployment problem isn't as bad as it used to be. Fewer part-time workers are looking for full-time work -- because they don't mind working part-time after all.

"It's not massive, but there is a marked drop during a period when we're not seeing an increase in hours," said Heidi Shierholz, labor economist at the Economic Policy Institute.

Since hitting a peak of 9.5 million last September, the number of part-time workers who tell the Labor Department they are doing so for economic reasons rather than personal reasons has dropped to 8.4 million in July.

The vast majority of part-timers, defined as those who work less than 35 hours a week, are happy with their status. Those who would prefer full-time work make up only 31% of all part-time workers, according to the Labor Department.

That's still a lot higher than the 19% of part-timers who wanted a full-time job before the start of the Great Recession. But it's a modest improvement from the peak of 34% last September.
But economists don't have a definitive answer for why more part-timers are content to work fewer hours.

Where the jobs are

Part of it could be that workers who had been looking for full-time work have now decided they prefer the flexibility of a part-time schedule.

Shawn Boyer, CEO of SnagAJob, a job posting site for hourly positions, thinks some part-timers are discovering the advantages that go with the disadvantage of smaller paychecks.
"You get a person who didn't have a choice but to go into part time, and after adjusting to the lifestyle, they realize they have more of a work/life balance," said Boyer.

That was the case for Karen King, a suburban Chicago marketing executive for a midsize specialty retailer. When she had her hours -- and her salary -- cut by 25% in early 2009, she thought it was a disaster for her and her family.

"I was angry, I was bitter, I took it personally. I felt like I was taken advantage of," King recalled.
But soon she decided it was the best situation, even if it put a crimp in the family budget.
"I finally figured out the balance since it was forced upon me," she said.
Julia Claire was someone else who found herself changing her attitude about working part-time. A 2007 law school graduate who never intended to work part-time, she had trouble finding full-time work as the economy slowed that year.

So she started working for temp agencies that placed attorneys with firms for limited hours to help with big cases or big projects. She soon decided the part-time lifestyle was a better fit.
"When I saw the crushing schedules that firm attorneys are subjected to, I didn't think that's the way to live," she said. "I got used to living on less, and I found I was happier. My life was less complicated."
She recently started her own placement firm, Hire an Esquire, to help other lawyers who would prefer to be working on a part-time schedule.

Some employers say they actually have trouble convincing their part-timers to shift to full-time work. Eric Morgan, who runs Adaptivity Pro, a web design/Internet marketing business, said it would be easier to manage his staff if more of his 15 part-timers would want to work full-time.
He said some workers are spreading their hours between different employers and want to keep that flexibility. Others are students or semi-retired workers who are only willing to work a limited number of hours a week.
Another possible reason for fewer disgruntled part-timers may be (as amazing as it sounds in this job market) that more workers who had been on part-time hours who have finally found full-time jobs.

Despite continued high unemployment, businesses have created 1.6 million jobs since last September. And those with jobs, even part-time jobs, often have an edge when competing for jobs with the 13.9 million unemployed job seekers.

"We've also seen people who have taken part time jobs in different industries where they didn't have any experience before the downturn. They discovered they like the industry, they're good at it, and they've moved into full-time jobs," Boyer said.

Source: CNN Money

Don't Have a Will Yet? You're Not Alone. More Than Half of Americans Don't Have Wills.

2011-08-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow -- Americans apparently are in no rush to think about their last days.

The newly released 2011 EZLaw Wills & Estate Planning survey shows a fairly significant disconnect between our ideals and our actions when it comes to preparing for our deaths. While 60% of those surveyed said they believe all adults should have estate plans, only 44% said they have one. Why? According to the survey, the chief reason people can't think about tomorrow is because they're too stressed about today, trying to pay bills and buy groceries. Secondly, they said they don't have estate planning documents because it is too complicated to deal with right now.

What would motivate them to get going? Well, 75% said they would be more likely to create or update their will if there was an easy, valid way to do so online.

Of particular note was the fact that women and younger folks (ages 18 to 34) are more likely to be concerned about maintaining their weight than protecting their financial assets. The the under-35 demographic also said that it is less important for people to have wills because people are living longer, healthier lives.

It's not just college kids and young adults who have no real sense of urgency about estate planning, though. More than a third of those surveyed who have children under 18 said they don't believe that wills or estate planning documents are one of the most important documents to have in place. What mattered to them? Birth certificates, and titles and deeds for property and vehicles topped their lists.

Furthermore, despite the fact that plenty of people know that without a will, a court decides who becomes a child's legal guardian if both parents die, only 39% of those surveyed with minors in their households have estate planning documents, and 13% believe that their spouse and children will automatically receive the assets they have in the event of their deaths.

Financial planners must be squirming in their seats. The stats aren't pretty, and they portend a lot of potential headaches for those who are left behind to sort out all the unsettled issues.

Start With the Basics

"Make this a priority. Start with something basic, such as a will that names guardians for children and specifies who gets your possessions," says Niran Kundapur, director of Product Planning at LexisNexis Law Firm Marketing Solutions. "After that, add on other estate planning documents such as power of attorney, living trust and living will."

If you feel intimidated or overwhelmed, getting educated helps. You can find good info online at sites like Nolo.com, through the many books on the topic, and at financial websites. LexisNexis developed EZLaw, an online service that helps you create a living will, last will and testament, or power of attorney, and have the documents reviewed by an attorney.

What's important, says Kundapur, is to start the conversation. "Don't be afraid to discuss it: Ask friends and family who have done this already, trusted professionals such as CPAs or family lawyers or doctors. Why go it alone?"

The bottom line: "People are busy living their lives and do not want to think about their mortality," says Kundapur. "Yet, estate planning is not about our own self. It's about ensuring the best possible future for family and loved ones."

Source: Daily Finance

Glass Company can do Jewish glass designs

2011-05-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

There is a glass company located in Lakewood NJ that has done beautiful jobs for synagogues and Jewish centers. Clearcut Glass located in NJ has done recently banks, shopping centers and other glass jobs. They are also known for doing beautiful residential jobs.

Granite for a great price

2011-05-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

I was looking to get a good piece of granite for a great price. Fabricators are already marked up so I eventually was able to get it at a granite importer and wholesaler located in NJ. They have a great selection of granite and marble slabs, but since as I wrote above, I wanted it for a great price I was limited to about 10 slabs. I was however very happy with the choice that I made.

Immunocal Whey Protein patented natural nutritional supplement produced by Immunotec

2011-04-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

First let me start with what is Immunocal. Immunocal is a patented natural nutritional supplement produced by Immunotec that is over 90% pure protein and has a biological value higher than any other protein supplement or food available.

This Bioactive Whey Protein is not a prescription drug, but a powerful and unique patented highly bio-active whey protein dietary supplement that is loaded with glutathione precursors.

Bioactive whey protein has been shown to differ from other whey proteins in its effect upon the immune system. Specifically, scientific studies on other whey proteins have not shown the same immune stimulating effects that are seen with bioactive whey protein. Bioactive whey protein is has been extensively studied in the clinical literature. Comparing bioactive whey protein to other commercial whey proteins clearly shows the superiority of bioactive whey protein.

Making your home accessible for elderly and handicaps

2011-01-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

We were very glad to find out that there is a company in Lakewood New Jersey specializing in turning ordinary homes accessible to elderly people and for people with handicaps. Accessible Homes gives free consultations and does an excellent job installing ramps, wheal chair lifts and everything else needed to make your home accessible.

Accessible Homes does the entire job, they do also construction and everything needed to make the home accessible in New Jersey

Surplus Toners Sold Like a Breeze!

2010-08-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

We had an overstock of toners when we switched our office copiers and printers. We were ready to dispose it, but luck had it otherwise. A friend suggested we contact Surplus Toner, a company that buys unwanted toners.

They were very helpful and even paid for the pickup and shipping to their warehouse.

Getting Jewish Music On Hold Might Be Challenging

2010-07-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

Music On Hold has become very common these days. Music on hold is a great way to educate potential customers while they wait and are receptive to a company's products and services. It is also a great way to inform customers on promotions.

However when it comes to productions in Jewish nature it may be chllanging to find the perfect company to do the on hold production. Differences in coulture may create a barrier for the on hokd production company to understand the needs of the Jewish client.

Wait On Hold is a company that has Jewish people on staff and therefore is a excellent choice when in need for a Jewish on hold production. In fact, they are also great for any other production.

Great Kosher Deli for Passover in Highland Park, NJ.

2010-03-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

I visited a great kosher deli in Highland Park, NJ. They offer a great variety of food kosher for passover. They offer full seder packages. I can't wait for this year's Seder. They have their menu online at http://www.glatt27.com

Great Jewish Holiday Gifts - Hanukkah 2009

2009-12-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Jewish Holiday Gifts

Crafting Jewish - a Great gift for kids

For kids who can’t get enough of arts and crafts, Rivky Koenig’s “Crafting Jewish: Fun Holiday Crafts and Party Ideas for the Whole Family” (Mesorah Artscroll Publications, Regular $29.99 at HHJudaica.com for $23.99) is an ideal choice. The book features innovative art projects for children and adults, as well as simple holiday food recipes. In easy-to-follow instructions, aspiring artists can make clay dreidel charm jewelry, glowing glass menorahs, challah covers and Lucite mezuzahs.

Hanukkah Latkes

For the uninitiated, latkes are delicious potato pancakes; one of the foods associated with the Hanukkah holiday. Making them right can be a lot of work, and messy, too. So the busy host on your list may appreciate a gift of delicious latkes.

Chocolate Coins - Hanukkah Gelt

Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. The amount is usually in small coins. Today, chocolate gelt coins are available and is appreciated by kids and adults alike.

Why Do Jewish Men Cover Their Heads?

2009-11-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

What is a kippah?
A kippah is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke, or less frequently as a koppel. Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G‑d when praying or speaking G‑d's name while reciting a blessing, during study, and while in a synagogue or yeshiva. This practice has its roots in biblical times, where the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads.

Traditionaly, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity. There is no requirement either biblically nor explicitly stated in the Talmud that this practice be followed although the practice is noted in the Talmud. Yet, through the ages it became an accepted Jewish custom, which, according to the majority of halachic authorities, makes it mandatory. One should, therefore, not walk or even sit, bareheaded. Small children should also be taught to cover their heads.

Even those who do not wear a head covering at all times, will cover it as a sign of respect when attending religious services such as at a cemetery, a shiva house, or a wedding.

Many Jewish men and boys wear a kippah even while wearing a hat. The rational is that when the hat is removed either for comfort or politeness, the head remains covered.

While most chassidic Jews wear the traditional black kippah, many Jews will wear kippot (plural form of kippah) of various colors or designs. During the High Holidays, many wear white kippot. Some communities have developed kippah designs that are highly intricate works of art, such as the yemenite kippahs.

Sposored by AigenEyes.com

2009-11-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

The famed Aigen eyewear manufacturer has begun importing their eyewear to the United States. I am glad to be able to shop them local and no longer need to wait for my next trip to Italy.

Hanukkah Candles

2009-10-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

I got today ahead of time and ordered Hanukkah Candles for my menorah. The candles looked very good and I can't wait to get them.

Kosher Catering Lakewood New Jersey

2009-10-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

I had the privilage to atend a bar Mitzvah at the beautiful newly renovated Solomon Suites Hotel in Lakewood NJ, and I must say that this is the place to choose for small parties. the food is kosher certified by the KCL, Lakewood's Orthodox Kashrus Vaad, and it was really delicious. The Solomon Catering is one of the first kosher catering in Lakewood New Jersey and it is noticeable in their service and by their delicious food.

Can't wait to attend another affair catered by the Solomon's.

Solomon Suites Hotel in Lakewood

2009-09-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Got to spend sometime this past week in Lakewood, NJ and stayed in the Solomon Suites Hotel. I must tell you that I really enjoyed my stay. The rooms where clean and the service was great, I will definitely come back to them on my next stay in Lakewood New Jersey.

New Natural Health Answers Blog

2009-07-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

I just got to see this great blog http://naturalhealthanswer.blogspot.com/ . It has great answers to commonly asked health questions. This blog however is not related to the Jewish or kosher industry

Lakewood246.com

2009-07-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

A new Jewish blog has been recently launched, lakewood246.com. It is basically an old blog, lakewoodreport.com, renamed to a new name lakewood246.com. lakewood246.com is much more than it's name. The name Lakewood246.com gives the impression that it offers only occurring in Lakewood, NJ, but in fact it covers all news worldwide.

In my opinion lakewood246.com fills in a void, a news site which is up to the highest standards of modesty. I hope that lakewood246.com will keep their modesty and high class standards well into the future.

Visit that blog at http://www.lakewoodreport.com/ or at http://www.lakewood246.com/

Shloime Taussig - Modim Anachnu New CD

2009-06-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Shloime Taussig's new CD titled "Modim Anachnu" is sure to be an instant classic. The album, produced by Gershy Moskowitz and Yossi Tyberg has 13 amazing songs, and features the professionalism & passion you've come to expect from this dynamic duo!

The CD contains two songs from the master of Jewish Music, Yossi Green. The CD also has songs from Lipa, Dudi Kalish, Pinky Weber and many hot, new composers such as Motti Ilowitz, Meshulam Greenberger, Shragy Gestener, Yoel Polatsek, Heshy Fuchs & Avrumi Berko.The CD features arrangements by Naftali Mendlowitz, Ruvi Banet and Shua Fried (coming off the huge success of Yisroel Werdyger's album.)

Why Do We Observe the Laws of Kashrut?

2009-06-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Many modern Jews think that the laws of kashrut are simply primitive health regulations that have become obsolete with modern methods of food preparation. There is no question that some of the dietary laws have some beneficial health effects. For example, the laws regarding kosher slaughter are so sanitary that kosher butchers and slaughterhouses have been exempted from many USDA regulations.

However, health is not the only reason for Jewish dietary laws. Many of the laws of kashrut have no known connection with health. To the best of our modern scientific knowledge, there is no reason why camel or rabbit meat (both treif) is any less healthy than cow or goat meat. In addition, some of the health benefits to be derived from kashrut were not made obsolete by the refrigerator. For example, there is some evidence that eating meat and dairy together interferes with digestion, and no modern food preparation technique reproduces the health benefit of the kosher law of eating them separately.

In recent years, several secular sources that have seriously looked into this matter have acknowledged that health does not explain these prohibitions. Some have suggested that the prohibitions are instead derived from environmental considerations. For example, a camel (which is not kosher) is more useful as a beast of burden than as a source of food. In the Middle Eastern climate, the pig consumes a quantity of food that is disproportional to its value as a food source. But again, these are not reasons that come from Jewish tradition.
The short answer to why Jews observe these laws is: because the Torah says so. The Torah does not specify any reason for these laws, and for a Torah-observant, traditional Jew, there is no need for any other reason. Some have suggested that the laws of kashrut fall into the category of "chukkim," laws for which there is no reason. We show our obedience to G-d by following these laws even though we do not know the reason. Others, however, have tried to ascertain G-d's reason for imposing these laws.

In his book "To Be a Jew" (an excellent resource on traditional Judaism), Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin suggests that the dietary laws are designed as a call to holiness. The ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, pure and defiled, the sacred and the profane, is very important in Judaism. Imposing rules on what you can and cannot eat ingrains that kind of self control, requiring us to learn to control even our most basic, primal instincts.
Donin also points out that the laws of kashrut elevate the simple act of eating into a religious ritual. The Jewish dinner table is often compared to the Temple altar in rabbinic literature. A Jew who observes the laws of kashrut cannot eat a meal without being reminded of the fact that he is a Jew.

Guide to Buying Tefillin. How to Purchase Tefillin

2009-06-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

(Consult your Rabbi. This should not substitute your rabbi's advice.)
Many Jewish men have their first experience with tefillin at the time of their Bar Mitzvah and continue to wear these articles every morning during the prayer services. Tefillin are black boxes containing Bible verses. The boxes have black straps that are tied to the arms and the head. There are many complex laws governing the ritual of tefillin, and purchasing tefillin requires a serious commitment to finding the most suitable, kosher item available.

Step 1
Buy your tefillin only from merchants you are sure are selling a kosher item. Your tefillin should have rabbinical approval.

Step 2
Pay for quality. When it comes to tefillin, you really do get what you pay for, and there are many benefits to purchasing the best quality tefillin you can afford.

Step 3
Make sure each set is complete. Count the number of boxes to ensure you are getting a full set of tefillin.

Step 4
Inspect the inside of the box before buying. You can remove the small parchment scrolls from within the tefillin boxes. First of all, ensure the scrolls are made of parchment and not regular paper.

Step 5
Check that the letters on the parchment are written in black ink. Make sure every letter is clear and distinct.

Step 6
Purchase a velvet bag to store your tefillin once it has passed inspection.

Step 7
Take any questions you have about a pair of tefillin you purchase to a rabbi if it is concerning the boxes or the straps and to a Jewish scribe if you have an issue with the writing on the parchment

MikvahCalendar.com Currently on Beta Version

2009-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

A new site in memory of Gavriel and Rivkah Holzberg was recently launched. The site url is http://www.mikvahcalendar.com keeping track of tahara has become easier than ever. This site is great and worth checking out.

Gefilte Fish Recipe for Shabbat

2009-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

7 to 7 1/2 pounds whole carp, whitefish, and pike, filleted and ground*
4 quarts cold water or to just cover
3 teaspoons salt or to taste
3 onions, peeled
4 medium carrots, peeled
2 tablespoons sugar or to taste
1 small parsnip, chopped (optional)
3 to 4 large eggs
Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup cold water (approximately)
1/3 cup matzah meal (approximately)
*Ask your fishmonger to grind the fish. Ask him to reserve the tails, fins, heads, and bones. Be sure he gives you the bones and trimmings. The more whitefish you add, the softer your gefilte fish will be.

How To Prepare the Gefilte Fish:

1. Place the reserved bones, skin, and fish heads in a wide, very large saucepan with a cover. Add the water and 2 teaspoons of the salt and bring to a boil. Remove the foam that accumulates.
2. Slice 1 onion in rounds and add along with 3 of the carrots. Add the sugar and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes while the fish mixture is being prepared.
3. Place the ground fish in a bowl. In a food processor finely chop the remaining onions, the remaining carrot, and the parsnip; or mince them by hand. Add the chopped vegetables to the ground fish.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, the remaining teaspoon of salt, pepper, and the cold water, and mix thoroughly. Stir in enough matzah meal to make a light, soft mixture into oval shapes, about 3 inches long. Take the last fish head and stuff the cavity with the ground fish mixture.
5. Remove from the saucepan the onions, skins, head, and bones and return the stock to a simmer. Gently place the fish patties in the simmering fish stock. Cover loosely and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Taste the liquid while the fish is cooking and add seasoning to taste. Shake the pot periodically so the fish patties won't stick. When gefilte fish is cooked, remove from the water and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
6. Using a slotted spoon carefully remove the gefilte fish and arrange on a platter. Strain some of the stock over the fish, saving the rest in a bowl.
7. Slice the cooked carrots into rounds cut on a diagonal about 1/4 inch thick. Place a carrot round on top of each gefilte fish patty. Put the fish head in the center and decorate the eyes with carrots. Chill until ready to serve. Serve with a sprig of parsley and horseradish.

Senior Home Health Care in New Jersey serving Kosher Community

2008-12-31T21:06:00.000-08:00

I just learned that there is finally a Senior Home Care Agency in New Jersey which provides kosher senior aides for Ocean and Monmouth Count in New Jersey. I have heard many times people complaining that Home Care attendants do not understand the needs of a kosher home and many times complicated issues arise.

With the kosher Senior home attendants, people can more easily accept help for their loved ones without feeling a need to compromise on kosher standards.

Our Favorite menorahs

2008-12-24T08:59:00.001-08:00

Mezuzah Case Needs a Mezuzah Parchment Inside!

2008-12-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

It sounds weird to write about this, however lately it seems that many people are not aware of it.

A Mezuzah Case is only the "Case" for the Mezuzah Parchment. One must first purchase a Mezuzah Parchment, insert it in to the mezuzah case and only then place it on the door post.

What type of Mezuzah case one buys does not realy matter it all depends on the style one prefers. When purchasing a Mezuzah Parchment, one will notice that there are many prices ranging from $45 to over $200. Depending on the handwriting of the Scribe, the price will be different.

Siruv on Aryeh Gutman Family can be seen here.

A Mezuzah is known in the Jewish religion to guard the house. May we all stay safe and enjoy this Hanukkah Holiday in happiness.

Artscroll Mishkan DVD - Tabernacle DVD Released!

2008-12-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

Wow! Is what I can say after viewing the Artscroll Mishkan Tabernacle DVD CD.

The tabernacle stood in the dessert for the Jewish nation as a symbole of pride. No matter how much I tried to grasp the ideas in to my mind, somehow it was some way a blurry history of the past. With this Mishkan DVD by Artscroll things have changed. I can now see the Mishkan (Tabernacle) clearly before my eyes.

I would recommend for anyone who wants to leasrn more about the Mishkan in the dessert or wants to gain more knowledge to his/her Jewish roots to run and pick up this DVD. I found the DVD to be the lowest price at http://www.hhjudaica.com/The-Mishkan-Tabernacle-DVD.html

Shabbat Candlesticks as a Shabbat Gift or Hanukkah Gift!

2008-12-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Shabbat Candlesticks is something that Jewish women use every single week at least once. When it comes to Jewish Holidays it gets used even more then once a week. This is why so many people are buying Shabbat Candlesticks for gifts.

Many types of Shabbat Candlesticks are available ranging from the more traditional Shabbat Candlesticks such as Sterling Silver Shabbat Candlesticks to the most contemporary Shabbat Candlesticks.

The type of Shabbat Candlesticks someone buys depends mostly on their taste and the style they prefer. Shabbat Candle lighting time is a very traditional time for Jewish women so a nice Candlestick set is very much appreciated.

We will cover in the upcoming days all types of customs common in the Jewish religion.

Dreidel is a Game or a Collectible?

2008-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Browsing around online, one comes to wonder what exactly is a dreidel. reading up on Wikepedia one clearly sees that a dreidel is an ancient game from the times of the second temple. However upon entering stores one sees it displayed as a beautful Judaica Art.

Dreidel is in fact a game, and many dreidels are sold for Dreidel game playing. However artists have created beautiful Art Dreidel master pieces featuring artistic designed dreidels. Some of these art dreidels can be used for dreidel game playing as well. However its purpose is for being displayed in art collections etc.

CJ Art Hanukkah Menorahs - Get Inspired!

2008-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

I just saw a CJ Art Menorah for the first time, and my reaction is WOW!. I have never seen such a beautiful design, combining modern design with First Temple age design.

The artists at CJ Art have their unique talents of creating Jewish art with real antique style stones and add the most elegant touches with the glass creations.

I can't get over at these beautiful, marvelous, inspiring menorahs. I went ahead and posted one of these beautiful designs to my wish list and home my spouse will notice it. I wouldn't mind getting one of these for my Hanukkah Menorah collection.

In case you don't know what CJ Art is all about, here is an explanation:

CJ Art is a group of artisits in Israel who have all the exact smae goal, to design modern menorahs with touches of temple age art. CJ can be visited on the web at this link.

What Choices will you find when in Search for a Menorah?

2008-11-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

So we have discussed Menorah candles. but Candles without a menorah is not really worth anything. So let's discuss the many menorah options one will accounter while shopping for one.

Sterling silver menorahs - Sterling silver menorahs, as you can imagine, are pretty expensive. The cheapest on I could find was a sterling silver menorah manufactured by Hazorfim, an Israeli Judaica silver manufacturer, and goes for $225.00. The most expensive I was able to find was this sterling silver menorah for $6,800. But unless you win a fortune overnight, I don't believe you would want to spend this amount.

Then there is the regular aluminum menorah or glass menorah collections. Glass menorahs are very nice and are a beautiful choice when you want to buy a menorah on the lower costing range, but want to get something nice. Glass menorahs come in many different designs, featuring modern paintings, or mixed with brass, gold etc. I personally love the glass menorahs very much and have bought one in the past. When searching for a nice but low cost Hanukkah gift, I would certainly have a glass menorah among my choices.

We will cover aluminum menorahs at our next posting and also continue to other menorah choices.

Is Hanukkah Gift Giving a Traditional Custom?

2008-11-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Hanukkah gift giving is a new concept that has evolved out of the Hanukkah gelt giving tradition. In the past times, Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") was distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the Hanukkah holiday. (The amount given was usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In Israel, Hanukkah gelt is known as dmei Hanukkah. Many Hasidic Rebbes distribute coins to those who visit them during Hanukkah. Hasidic Jews consider this to be an auspicious blessing from the Rebbe, and a segulah for success.)

Since Hanukkah falls on the same time as Christmas, it has led to the expansion of the gelt giving tradition to gift giving tradition. There are many different things that one can buy to present as Hanukkah gifts such as a Hanukkah menorah, Hanukkah decorations or just year round productss such as Jewish books or ordinary Judaica. You might also want to give an exquisite Hanukkah gift baskets.

Cold weather is coming along and this means Chanukah shopping is around the corner.

2008-11-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

With the Succot holiday gone, one can only think of the next Jewish Holiday to seek some comfort in these cold days. As much as this warmth derived from holidays was needed in the past, this year with the economic turmoil and uncertainty it can be even called a life saver.

How I wait for the Chanukah days! For the days that I will be able to sit next to the Chanukah candles and mesmerize the ambiance radiating from these wonderful Menorah Candles.

What is so wonderful in the Hanukkah Candles that gets me and all other Jewish people feeling uplifted? I will do my research and write down my findings in the upcoming days. However, off-hand, it's the candles that symbolizes the victory of the Jewish people over the wicked Greek Empire that gets us in a high spirit. A spirit that can warm us even in these trying times.

Immunotec Research Vitamins, Are they Kosher?

2008-07-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

We have been receiving lately inquireis about the Immunotec Research Vitamins, if they are kosher or not. The most common vitamins that were a concenr were the:

Immunocal, a whey supplement.
Immunocal Platinum, A bonded cysteine dietary supplement with Minerals and Creatine.

Prycena, a high concentration of dairy calcium, fiber shake.

Xtra Sharp, an all natural tonic

As much as we researched these vitamins we could not ascertain if they are kosher. We have learned that Immunotec Research does have a Immunocal product certified kosher, however we don't know from which Kashruth Agency it received it's kosher certification.

Shabbat Candle Lighting - The Blessing for Shabbat Candle Lighting

2008-04-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

Shabbat Candle Lighting

Shabbat Candle Lighting is something that is fulfilled by Jewish women with awe. When a women wants to accept upon herself to fulfill the commandments in a Jewish Religious women's life, the first step would be to instruct her to light the Shabbat candles. Lighting the Shabbat candle can be done with any candlesticks, however the feeling is much greater and much more in depth when lighting with a Jewish Shabbat Candlesticks Set. Many Candlesticks are available today on the Judaica market, featuring from traditional shabbat candlesticks to the more modern candlesticks. At the following link can be found a large selection of Jewish Shabbat Candlesticks at a great price.

Instructions for Shabbat Candle lighting

First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:

Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-bos Ko-desh.

Translation:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.

The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.

The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes before sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration of the Shabbat to light the candles after sunset.

Handmade Gluten Free Shmurah Matzah Available

2008-04-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Handmade Gluten Free Shmurah Matzah

We just learned that Handmade Gluten Free Shmurah matzah made with oat flour and contains no wheat, is now available for sale. For more information visit this link: Gluten Free handmade Shmrah Matzah.

We welcome your comments and reviews on this special gluten free matzah and reviews on all other handmade matzah and non handmade matzah.

We just found a great kosher Gluten Free blog on the web!

New Kosher Vitamin C Released by Maxi Health Research

2008-04-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

New Maxi Health Kosher Vitamin C

Maxi Health Research has realeased a new Kosher Vitamin C, Pureway-C® (500 mg) with Bioflavonoids (250 mg).

Supports a healthy immune system.Pureway-C® -lipid metabolites are more rapidly taken-up and absorbed by cells than other forms of vitamin C.The Most Advanced Form of Vitamin C Available.
PureWay C by Maxi Health is an exciting new form of Vitamin C that contains vitamin C-lipid metabolites. This form of Maxi Health vitamin C enhances delivery, availability, absorption, distribution, uptake, concentration, and utilization efficacy of essential vitamin C in the body.

PureWay-C also mayprolong blood plasma and tissue retention of vitamin C. Maxi Health PureWay-C Max is in a vegetarian capsules is a combination of PureWay-C with lemon bioflavanoids. PureWay-C® is natural and can be taken in large doses without causing gastric upset. Maxi Health PureWay C is Combined with 250 mg. of lemon bioflavanoids, PureWay-C® Max provides powerful antioxidant support for your body in times of stress and protects against free radical damage. Try PureWay-C® Max, it is gentle on your system.

Kosher Hair and Nail Vitamin Released by Maxi Health Research

2008-04-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Maxi Health Research just released a new vitamin that provides nutrition for healthy hair and nails. This breakthrough in the kosher vitamin industry was warmly accepted, since this means that one no longer has to rely on non kosher vitamins in order to prmote healthy har and skin.

Bellow is how Maxi Health Research explains their new Hair and Nail vitamin:

"Maxi Skin H & N Support™ is a comprehensive formula that provides essential nutrients for strong nails, healthy hair and skin. It may help strengthen brittle nails and increase nail thickness. It is a super combination of Vitamin A, Hyaluronic acid, MSM, biotin, zinc, aloe vera, silica, and lactobacillus acidophilus, which was professionally formulated to provide you with our most advanced hair, skin & nails formula.

Hyamax™ is the standardized natural Sodium Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid and collagen are vital to maintain the skin’s layers and structure. It is the collagen that gives the skin its firmness but it is the Hyaluronic acid that nourishes and hydrates the collagen. Hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water thus keeping the skin wrinkle free.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) The sulfur normally provided to the body by MSM is required for healthy collagen and keratin, which are essential for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Biotin is used in hair growth and alopecia treatments because symptoms of biotin deficiency are; hair loss, brittle nails, depression, fatigue and rashes on the facial areas. Many dermatologists prescribe nutritional supplements of biotin to treat hair loss. However, it is not thought that biotin can be absorbed through the skin. Therefore, shampoos and conditioners containing this vitamin as a supplement are unlikely to provide any health benefits. Biotin can only be effective in the body by orally ingesting nutritional supplements.

Aloe Vera The Aloe Vera plant has been renowned for centuries for its health, beauty, and medicinal properties.
Zinc is an important nutrient for the integrity and strength of various body structures, such as bones and nails. White spots on the nails may reflect a lack of zinc.
Silica is concentrated in all connective tissue including nails, hair and skin, where it contributes to collagen formation. Collagen serves as the structural framework for the skin.
Vitamin A Helps prevent skin disorders and aging of skin; promoting the growth of strong hair.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus is added to our formula to help protect the body from bacteria inside our bodies, which have an effect on the outside of the body, therefore benefiting the skin nail and hair.

Start caring for hair, skin, and nails from the inside out! Taking a n herbal supplement rather then applying something to the outside of your body can often be more successful in helping you maintain your utmost nail, hair and skin health. Proper nourishment is essential to getting the results that you are looking for. Taking a daily supplement is the first step to glowing skin and hair. Care for it by putting back the same nutrients that are lost. "

What To do When Seeking for Approval from People and You Don't Get It?!

2008-03-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

That is just the nature of some people, always seeking for approval from other people on whatever they say and whatever they do. The famous saying goes:

People spend money that they don't have,

To buy things that they don't need,

To please people they don't like.

So next time, you are seeking for approval from other people and don't get it, open this blog and get approval from this...Monkey. You might be better off!!!

New Kosher Gluten Free Bakery - The Dream of Kosher Celiac Sufferers Fulfilled!

2008-03-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

A new kosher gluten free bakery, named Heaven Mills bakery has been started recently. They feature a truly gourmet selection of gluten free challah, kosher gluten free chocolate buns, gluten free bread and much more. Heaven Mills kosher gluten free bakery is certified kosher by the Tartikov Kashrus Agency.

Heaven Mills bakery filled the void that existed in the gluten free world. Although many gluten free products existed, there were very few commercial bakeries producing real tasty baked goods. Most gluten free products up until Heaven Mills Gluten Free bakery came about were with preservatives and have been sitting around on store shelves for a long time before it made it's way into the shoppers shopping cart. This no longer holds true with Heaven Mills baked goods. At Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery, products are baked daily and are fresh just like any other baked good would be.

Maxi Omega-3 Concentrate™ kosher fish oil Released by Maxi Health Research

2008-02-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

Maxi Health Research released a new high potent kosher fish oil product named Maxi Omega-3 Concentrate™ kosher fish oil.
The following are the benefits of this new kosher fish oil product as reported by Maxi Health Research.
Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find Maxi Omega-3 Concentrate Enteric Coated Fish Oil easier to digest. This unique coating withstands stomach acids and breaks down in the duodenum (upper portion of small intestine) and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which means the active ingredients bypass the stomach and are digested in the small intestine, which can minimize annoying fishy aftertaste.

Q: Why is Maxi Omega 3 Concentrate™ , the fish oil supplement of choice?

1.) The highest concentration of its kind in a kosher, vegetarian capsule
2.) Has been tested by an independent laboratory for accurate EPA/DHA potency to assure label claim.
3.) Tested and found to have no detectable levels of mercury, lead, PCB's and other impurities which are common in fish oils.
4.) Certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union and Udavri Kashrus.
5.) The oil is encapsulated in a kosher, enteric-coated vegetarian capsule.

Stress Relief Online - After This Who Needs Calming Supplements??

2008-02-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Best and most natural stress relief I have ever found. Best of all it's definitely kosher.
Just click on this BubbleWrap Link and enjoy! (Don't forget to choose "manic mode")

Is Paskesz and Golden Fluff Kosher Snacks one Company?

2008-02-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Having searched for "Kosher Snacks" on Google I spotted the famous kosher snack company Paszesz. I raised my eyebrow when I saw Golden Fluff products on their site. Perhaps it's one company selling under two different brand names, or maybe they are just distributing the Golden Fluff products. Let's see what people's input will be on this subject.

Bencher Can Mean Two Things, it Depends Whom You Ask.

2008-02-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

Make a Google search for Benchers and you will be surprised that people actually sell them. Why be surprised?! Take a Webster Dictionary and look up for the definition for the word Bencher, this is what you will get: "one who sits on or presides at a bench". So how in the world can people sell benchers online?? Nobody can actually sell people sitting on benches!

This is where it needs to be explained that there are two types of benchers and it depends whom you ask. Upon searching for the meaning of benchers on Google, we were able to see that the first result was a HH Judaica and Jewish Gift Shop and they had a good explanation on their benchers page as to what this bencher business is all about. According to HH Judaica "Bencher is the most common word used for the Jewish book of Grace for after meals. The word Bencher originates from the Yiddish language. Literally translated the word bencher means "Blesser".

Upon checking up at other Jewish shops as well we were informed that in fact this is the definition for the word benchers in the Jewish lexicon. This is a very interesting point that teaches us a interesting point; depending on the culture of the person the exact same word can be a insult for one and a compliment for another. If you call a Jewish person a "Bencher" it literally means that he is a "blesser", but if calling a Non-Jew a "Bencher" he/she will take it as an insult for being called a lazy person sitting around and doing nothing.

A nice thought to ponder on....

New Kosher Vitamins Blog created on the Web

2008-02-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

A new Kosher Vitamins Blog was created today on the Web using WordPress.com. The goal of the Blog, according to it's author, is to provide up to date information on Kosher Vitamins. We will watch this blog closely and keep our readers updated on the latest information on that Blog.

Today the 22nd of Shevat , Jan.29 in Jewish History

2008-01-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

Today the 22nd of Shevat marks the Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk 1787-1859, the great Chassidic Polish leader known as the Kotzker Rebbe.

He was completely uncompromising in the quest for faith, honesty and truth. He taught his followers that they must renew their quest for self-knowledge and truth on a daily basis. He is known for his sharp wit and catchy phrases, for example: "Where is God? G-D is where you let Him in."

"All that is thought should not be said, all that is said should not be written, all that is written should not be published, all that is published should not be read."

"If I am I and you are you, then I am I and you are you;

but if I am you and you are I, then I am not I and you are not you. "

The Kotzker Rebbe is considered to be the spiritual founder upon which the Ger Dynasty is based.

Kosher Corner

Many people are aware of the problem in consuming non-kosher vitamins. The first and foremost problem is the gelatin capsules. Although some leading Halachic Rabbis do permit it's consumption, the majority of Halachic leaders have accepted that one should rather not consume the Gelatin capsules. The reason for some to say that it's permissible, is do to the fact that it was changed during it's process into a powder form, thus canceling the prohibition. Many kosher vitamins are available today and there is no need to consume the gelatin capsules. Kosher Maxi Health Vitamins has manufactured special capsules in which there is no question in regarding it's consumption. It is produced with kosher enzymes.

Today the 21st of Shevat , Jan. 28 in Jewish History

2008-01-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

On this day, the 21st of Shevat, in 1775, Jewish homes that were located on the outskirts of Warsaw, in a settlement called "New Jerusalem", were demolished and the Jews of Warsaw were expelled.

This is what one traveling historian recalls about the New Jerusalem town in Poland:

"If you make a trip to Czersk, it’s worth stopping en route in Góra Kalwaria (Mount Calvary), located a little closer to Warsaw. Formerly this town was called Nowa Jerozolima (New Jerusalem). Its history is closely connected to the history of the Jews in Poland. New Jerusalem was built in the first half of the 17th c. as a little town where numerous monks lived. There were Bernardines, Dominicans, Piarists, Philipines and Marists.

Little by little more and more Jews settled in New Jerusalem, encouraged by its closeness to Warsaw. After the Napoleonic war, at the beginning of the 19th c., the little town began to fall into decay because the victorious Russians liquidated the majority of the monasteries. They also changed the name to Góra Kalwaria. The Jewish population called this town Ger.

At that time the Jewish mystical religious movement Hasidism was developing. The leaders of this movement were tzaddiks, who gathered around them thousands of disciples, creating an entire dynastic family. The first tzaddik in Góra Kalwaria was Izak Meir Alter, founder of the famous dynasty of tzaddiks from Ger.

Not only at Yom Kipper, but also on every Jewish Sabbath, crowds of Orthodox Jews in fox fur hats and ceremonial garberdines, surrounded the house of the tzaddik Alter, who was famous all over Poland. They came here in order to be near the „holy man”. Thanks to the Jewish pilgrimages, Góra Kalwaria developed and flourished up to the time when the war started. The Germans gathered all the Jews in a ghetto, which was liquidated in 1941 and its inhabitants were deported to the death camp in Sobibór. They also destroyed their cemetery, blew up the tomb of the Alter family and with the gravestones, they built roads.

Today there are no longer Jews in Góra Kalwaria. A specially established foundation has rebuilt the cemetery and the tombs of the Alters, thanks to which numerous excursions and pilgrimages of Jews from all over the world come to this town."

Judaica Passover Corner

With Passover fast approaching it should be noted that Passover Seder Plates are fast moving out of the store shelves. Since every Jew is in need for a Passover Seder Plate. Seder Plates serves as a good Passover Gift. One should note that there are many different styles of Seder Plates, some contain sections for the Matzohs and others not. The fact that it contains also a section for the Matzos is not something that has to be that way, in fact many Seder Plates do not contain any section for the Matzos, and the Matzos are kept in a separate Matzah Cover. Matzah Covers Typically come in square and round shapes depending if it's made for Hand Matzos or Machine Matzos

Today the 20th of Shevat , Jan. 27 in Jewish History

2008-01-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Today the 20th of Shevat in 1523, the first printed edition of Tzror HaMor. The Tzror Hamor is a commentary on the Torah (Bible) by Rabbi Avraham Sebag, containing ordinary thoughts and mystical Torah thoughts. It was published in Venice, in the aftermath of the Spanish expulsion when Jews were forcibly converted to Christianity.

Rabbi Avraham Sebag had been expelled from Spain in 1492, and made the unfortunate choice of fleeing to Portugal, where he was persecuted and saw his two sons forcibly baptized and taken from him. In order to save his manuscripts from confiscation and destruction he buried them somewhere, and he never saw them again. Rabbi Sebag eventually made his way to Africa where he managed to rewrite some of his works. It was this edition of Tzror HaMor that was published in 1523. until today, this work is being studied by all well noted Jewish scholars.

Kosher Corner

New studies have been recently conducted that women who consume a vitamin B Complex supplement lead more constructive and happy lives. The Kosher vitamin consumer must not feel at lost searching for a kosher vitamin B Complex. There are two well known Kosher Vitamin B Complex tablets available on the Kosher market. One is the Solgar B Complex Vitamin, and the other one is the Maxi Health B Complex Vitamin. To see more on the B Complex benefits see this B Complex Vitamin Information

The 15th of Shevat , Known as Tu B'Shevat

2008-01-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

The 15th day of the month of Shevat marks the beginning of the "new year" for trees.

The name Tu B'shevat stems from the Hebrew date of the holiday, which is on the 15th day of Shvat (שבט). "Tu" stands for the Hebrew numerals "tet vav" which is 15. In some rabbinic sources it is called Chamisha Asar BeShvat (חמשה-עשר בשבט), the "fifteenth of Shvat".

On this day it is the custom to eat fresh fruits or dried fruits, since it is the New year for the trees. Many people also have the custom to pray for a nice Sukkot Etrog on this day of Tu B'shevat.

The 14th of Shevat , Jan. 21 in Jewish History

2008-01-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

The 14th of Shevat is the Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yaakov Yehoshua Falk Katz (1680-1755). He is known rather by his famous Talmudic work P'nei Yehoshua.

The P'nei Yehoshua first served as rabbi of Lemberg (Lvov) in 1718. In 1730 the P'nei Yehoshua accepted the Rabbinical position in the City of Berlin. In the y 1734 he moved on to become Rabbi in Metz, and in 1740 he accepted his final Rabbinical position in Frankfurt where he remained until his passing in 1755.

Among his talmidim was Reb Dov Ber of Lokatch, later to be the Magid of Mezritch.

Kosher Health Corner

Lately Solgar Vitamins has become very picked up among Kosher Health Food Consumers. Solgar is a brand name vitamin and has been around since 1947. One of their very famous herbs is the Solgar Ashwagandha Root Extract. Solgar Ashwagandha contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Several studies over the past few years have indicated that Ashwagandha has anti inflammatory, anti tumor, anti stress, antioxidant, mind boosting and rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha is commonly found in ayurvedic herbal formulas. Solgar Vitamins is currently the only Kosher Vitamins producer to provide this great nutritional product.

The 13th of Shevat , Jan 20 in Jewish History

2008-01-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

On this day, the 13th of Shevat, in 1790, the France Government granted full and equal citizenship to the Sephardic Jews. This was enabled due to the French Revolution, which was the cause to new ideals of Enlightenment to be adopted, and thus permitting the Sephardic Jews to enter the highest levels of government and finance.

Sometime in the year1807, Napoleon created the French Sanhedrin, a Jewish communal structure sanctioned by the state. (The French Sanhedrin sat in a semicircle, following the custom of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem that served as the Jewish supreme court during the times of the Holy Temple.)(See photo above of French Coin issued in honor of the Sanhedrin). Despite all these Jewish liberties, anti-Jewish measures were still passed in 1808. Napoleon declared all debts owed to Jews annulled, which caused the near ruin of the Jewish community. Restrictions were also placed bu the French as to where Jews could live. This was done in an effort to assimilate the French Jewish Community into the French society. The anti-Jewish nature by the French Government was clearly seen in the 1940s, when the French regime rounded up over 61,000 Jews and handed the over to the Nazis, for a purpose well known to all.

The 12th of Shevat , Jan. 19 in Jewish History

2008-01-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

On this day the 12th of Shevat, In 1945, the Russian army liberated Auschwitz, the most deadly concentration camp operated by the Nazis.

In November of 1944, the German troops blew up the gas chambers of Auschwitz II (Birkenau) in an attempt to hide their crimes. In January of 1945 the Nazis began to evacuate the facility; most of the prisoners were ordered on a death march, which lasted for weeks in the cold and snow. Over one million people perished in Auschwitz during the war. Only a total of 7,000 people survived Auschwitz.

Kosher Corner

With the upcoming Jewish holiday of Tu B'Shevat, many people are purchasing dried fruits for their Tu B'shevat party. One must be very careful to examine the fruits to see if they contain worms or other small creatures. The Kosher supervision on the packaging does not certify that the fruits are bug free. On one of the packaging of dried fruits that I examined today on my grocers shelf, I noticed a label affixed to the packaging, the label was affixed by the Kashruth agency that supervises the production of that particular dried fruit. The label clearly stated that the supervision is only on the production and not on the dried fruits being bug free. The label went on to explain that it's the consumers obligation to inspect the fruits and verify that they do not contain any bugs.

Upon discussing this label with my local Rabbi, he explained that this is the fact with all foods and dried fruits in particular. So Kosher consumers, be sure to inspect your fruits and don't rely that the Kashruth Agency has verified it to be Bug-Free.

The 11th of Shevat , Jan. 18 in Jewish History

2008-01-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

On the 11th of Shevat, in 1601, Hebrew books that had been confiscated by the Church authorities were burned in the City of Rome. The burning of sacred Jewish Books was an unfortunate occurrence throughout the Middle Ages; In the Year 1592, Pope Clement VIII condemned the Talmud and other Hebrew writings and called them "blasphemous" "obscene," and "abominable" and ordered all Jewish books to be seized and burned.

Centuries earlier, Pope Gregory IX persuaded French King Louis IX to burn some 10,000 copies of the Talmud in Paris. As late as 1553, Cardinal Peter Caraffa (the future Pope Paul IV) ordered copies of the Talmud burned in the Papal States and across Italy.

During the Nazi Holocaust, the also Germans confiscated many Jewish books and burned them, trying to distinguish the Jewish people (as can be seen in the photo above). Yet despite all attempts to extinguish the Jewish faith, the beams of Torah light shines brightly up until this very day.

Kosher Corner

People don't believe that some of the ordinary health food products in the health food store shelf are in fact kosher. This phenomenon, that many products carry a Kosher supervision, has greatly increased the easiness in observing a kosher diet. For example, the Kosher vitamin brand Solgar is strictly kosher and is consumed by even the ultra Orthodox religious community. A visit to a ultra orthodox Kosher Health food Store got me wondering what that Solgar vitamins is doing on the shelf. Upon a closer look on one of the Solgar vitamin bottles, I noticed that the Solgar vitamins carry a kosher supervision symbol. So we can proudly call that vitamins "Solgar Kosher Vitamins".

We will continue covering the Kosher vitamin and health food products for the upcoming months.

Today the 10th of Shevat , Jan. 17 in Jewish History

2008-01-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

Today the 10th of Shevat is the Yahrtzeit of the of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950).

Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn was born in Lyubavichi, Russia. At the age of 15 he was appointed as his father's personal secretary . In 1897 when he was seventeen years old he married his distant cousin, Nehama Dina Schneersohn.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn campaigned for the rights of Jews by appearing before the Czarist authorities in St. Petersburg and Moscow. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 he sought relief for Jewish conscripts in the Russian army by sending them kosher food and supplies in the Russia Far East. With the rising of anti-Semitism and pogroms against the Jewish people, he travelled with other prominent religious rabbis to seek help from Western European governments. During the period of 1902 and 1911 he was arrested 4 times by the Czarist police due to his activism for the Jewish people. He was always released.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok became the sixth Rebbe of Lubavitch upon the passing of his father, Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn, in 1920.

In 1939, during the bombardments on the City of Warsaw and its capitulation to Nazi Germany, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak refused to leave Warsaw and remained to give the full support for his organizations under Chabad Hasidism to assist as many Jews as possible to flee the invading armies. With the intercession of the United States Department of State in Washington, DC and with the lobbying of many Jewish leaders on behalf of the Rebbe he was finally granted diplomatic immunity and given safe passage to go via Berlin to Riga, and then on to New York City.

On March 19, 1940 Rabbi Schneersohn arrived to America. Upon his arrival two of his chassidim approched him, and told him not to start all the activities that he did in Russia, because America is different. Instead of being disappointed, they advised him not to even try. Schneersohn wrote, "Out of my eyes came boiling tears". The following day he started the Yeshiva.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak passed away on the 10th of Shevat in 1950 and was buried in the Borough of Queens in New York City. His younger son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), succeeded him as Lubavitcher Rebbe, while the older son-in-law, Rabbi Shemaryahu Gurary led the Chabad Yeshiva network Tomchei Temimim. Rabbi Schneersohn had no sons.

Kosher Corner

Kosher Vitamins more than ever before is becoming very popular. Many reasons are given for this fact. Some say that it is due to the fact that the Kosher consumer population is growing and therefor the demand is becoming bigger. Other say that it is also due to the fact that more people are becoming aware today about Kosher Food Consumption laws.

A interesting thing to note is that many times Non-Jews will come in to a Kosher Vitamin Store to request Kosher vitamins. The reason for this occurrence is because it is found that consumers believe that Kosher products are purer and healthier. Since vitamins is all about being healthy and consuming pure products, it is seen the most in the Kosher Vitamins and Kosher heath food industry.

Judaica Corner

Now that we are getting closer to Passover, people are starting to search for that perfect Passover Matzah Covers. Upon going in to Judaica stores the consumer will notice that there are two types of Matzah Covers, round and square. The reason for having two styles stems from the fact that there are two types of matzos, round matzos and square matzos. Round matzos are those that are hand made and the square matzos are those that are made by machine. Customs among Jewish people vary from those that will only eat machine matzos to those that will eat only hand made Matzos. Of course there are those that will consume which ever their grocery provides.

So you will first want to know what your "Going-to-get-the-gift-person" consumes, before going out of your way to purchase them a Matzah cover gift. No one wants to spend money on a Passover gift only to find out that it does not meet that person's needs. As always being informed is a good thing!

Today the 9th of Shevat , Jan. 16 in Jewish History

2008-01-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today the 9th of Shevat is the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Eliezer Silver, leader of American Orthodox Jewry, 1968.

Rabbi Eliezer Silver was born in the city of Kovno, Lithuania. He was a descendant of King David from his mother's side and had centuries old rabbinic ancestry.

He studied with the Rogatchover Gaon, Rabbi Yosef Rosen, in Dvinsk, and received Semicha from Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski in 1906. Rabbi Eliezer Silver immigrated to the United States with his wife in 1907 settled in New York City, to escape the anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rabbi Silver's occupation in his early years was being garment salesman and later on sold insurance.

However, Rabbi Silver soon accepted a Rabbinical position in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. he was part of a delegation of rabbis In 1912, that convinced President William Howard Taft to void a treaty with Russia because of Russia's persecution of Jews.
In 1914, as World War I broke out, Rabbi Silver was traveling abroad to visit his parents and got caught up in Russia . He stayed Stranded for 3 years by Russia's refusal to recognize an American passport issued to a Jew, he unexpectedly returned home in 1917 as his family assumed he had died.

In 1925 he moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. Some time around 1931, he accepted an invitation to become Rabbi in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until his passing.

Rabbi Silver was very active in the Agudath HaRabbonim, and in 1929 was elected its president . He was also a founder, organiser and president of Agudath Israel of America.

Kosher Corner

Kosher Cranberry Juice? Kosher Cherry Juice? Kosher Pomegranate Juice? Why not drink them all?! That's exactly what the famous Maxi Health Kosher Vitamin manufacturer did. Maxi Health Research released a Kosher Drink named CranCherry Supreme. The drink contains all three juices that are beneficial to ones health. This is what Maxi Health Research is saying about this CranCherry Drink. "Healthy Nutritious Juice Concentrate For Overall Health. Supports a Healthy Urinary Tract, Kidney, Bladder & Prostate. CranCherry Supreme is a wonderful & powerful combination of organically grown Cranberries, Black Cherries and Pomegranate to support and maintain overall health especially for the bladder, kidney and prostate."

Judaica Corner

As mentioned in a earlier post, although there are many Tallit brands out there, not all tallit brands are for all people. Today I would like to introduce the Rikmat Elimelech Tallit . The Rikmat Elimelech Tallit is a fine collection featuring Contemporary colors for the modern and traditional Jewish population. These Tallitot you won't find in a Ultra Orthodox community. This Tallit brand is considered a very fine and elegant Tallit, being made with Raw Silk and other expensive materials and fabrics.

Today the 8th of Shevat , Jan. 15 in Jewish History

2008-01-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

On this date the 8th of Shevat, 1960, Jonas E. Salk finalized a proposal to build the Salk Institute for Biological Studies near San Diego. Salk (1914-1995) had achieved fame as the physician who discovered the first polio vaccine while working at the University of Pittsburgh. Since its founding, Salk's Institute has focused on molecular biology and genetics, and has trained more than 2,000 scientists including numerous Nobel Laureates.

Today the 7th of Shevat , Jan. 14 in Jewish History

2008-01-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

On this day, the 7th of Shevat, in 1930, the fifth Aliya movement to Israel started.

The 1930s were mainly the era of the fifth aliya, which grew after Hitler's rise to power in early 1933 and continued until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. From an annual average aliya of 3,500 between 1926-1932, the rate escalated to 37,000 in 1933; 45,000 in 1934; and 66,500 in 1935. The entire aliya numbered approximately one quarter of a million people, partly illegal immigration, the Ma'apilim, who arrived without "certificatim", i.e. British immigration papers.

On the eve of the Second World War, the Yishuv's population numbered 475,000 and constituted over one third of the population in Israel.

Kosher Corner

We all remember the days when our mother's tried stuffing some Fresh Fish oil into our mouths, and we still remember that foul smell and taste that we had to endure in order for us to consume some Kosher Fish oil. With the release of Kosher Fish oil for Children By Maxi Health Research, this episodes are gone for good. Maxi Health has introduced a special Kosher Fish oil for Children called Omega Yums. According to Maxi Health, The fish oil is encapsulated in a kosher, vegetarian soft gel, which can also be chewed or punctured, suitable for children. The oil is easy to digest and has no aftertaste.

Today the 6th of Shevat , Jan. 13 in Jewish History

2008-01-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

On this day, the 6th of Shevat, following a massacre of Jews in 1393, at Majorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain, an edict was issued guaranteeing the Jews protection. In just a few short years the protective decree was forgotten and in 1413 persecution of the Jews began again. By 1435, the Jewish community had been completely destroyed, with many Jews forcibly converted to Christianity. These forced converts retained Jewish practice in private, but they publicly boiled pork lard in large pots, as a way to appear non-Jewish.

A number of well-known rabbis and scholars from Catalonia and Provence dwelt on the island of Majorca. Among them were: Shem-Tov Falcon, who instituted there a number of ritual observances; Aaron ha-Kohen, who wrote his ritual code, "Orchot Chaim," at Majorca; Joseph Caspi, a well-known writer; Isaac ben Nathan, diligent translator from the Arabic; and the physicians Moses Rimos and Eleazar Ardot, the latter of whom was born on Majorca, as was also Simon ben Tsemach Duran.

Kosher Corner

People many times feel that in order to get really healthy Kosher Food, there is a need to compromise on the Kosher Standards. Now more than ever before this is not true, many Kosher and Healthy foods are available today, from cereals, honey, pasta and much more. Browse around online or in brick and mortar Health Food Stores and you will be surprised on how many Kosher Food products are available.

Judaica corner

More than any other Judaica product, when purchasing a Tallit one will find many different styles meeting many different budgets. We will go about and discover some of the many different Tallit options on the Judaica market.

We will start first with the more expensive Tallit brands and proceed down to the more cheaper Tallit brands. The Talitot by Yair Emanuel is known to be the most exquisite Tallit in the Tallit industry. Originating from Israel, this Yair Emanuel Tallit features cotton brands, silk brands and wool. People purchasing this Yair Emanuel Tallit are more from the Modern Orthodox Jewish people. The Ultra Orthodox Jewish people will purchase one of the more traditional Tallitot.

On the more traditional Tallit styles, we will inform our readers in tomorrows addition.

Today the 5th of Shevat , Jan. 12 in Jewish History

2008-01-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

On the 5th of Shevat, 1892, the Russian government closed the Volozhin Yeshiva, 1892.

The Valozhyn Yeshiva, which is also known as the Etz Chaim Yeshiva, was situated in the city of Valozhyn, known today as Belarus during the 19th century.

The yeshiva was founded in 1803 by the famous Rabbi Chaim Volozhin who was a disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. In 1821 Reb Chaim's son Isaac took over the Volozhin Yeshivah and ran the Yeshivah until he dies in 1849. Rabbi Eliezer Fried was appointed head of the Yeshiva after the passing of Rabbi Issac, together with Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin as his assistant. Soon after, in 1854, Rabbi Fried died and thus Rabbi Berlin became the new Rosh haYeshiva along with Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveichik, Reb Chaim's great-grandson who was the assistant Rosh Yeshiva.

The reason for the closure of the Yeshiva by the Russian Government was because the Russian authorities sought to introduce a program of secular studies into the yeshiva. As this would seriously undermine the aims of the institution, Rabbi Berlin saw no other solution than to let the government close the yeshiva.

Today the 4th of Shevat , Jan. 11 in Jewish History

2008-01-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Today the 4th of Shevat is the Yahrtzeit of the famed Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the great Sephardic sage and kabbalist known as the Baba Sali (1889-1984). Baba Sali was born in Morocco, he made made aliyah following the creation of the State of Israel, and eventually settled in the Negev town of Netivot. In Netivot he served as a central address for Jews seeking advice, blessings, and in many cases, miracles. Stories abound of his supernatural abilities, if someone complained about a physical malady, he would prescribe a spiritual action to rectify it. If he was presented with money as a gift, he could identify if it was earned in a "kosher" way or not. He had elevated himself beyond the physical to the extent that he would eat only small morsels each day.

Baba Sali's Burial grave in Netivot is a popular place of pilgrimage and prayer, with many people finding their salvation through their prayer done at Baba Sali's Grave..

The 3rd of Shevat , Jan. 10 in Jewish History

2008-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

This day, the 3rd of Shevat was a sad day to the Jewish nation which eventually brought a large destruction to the Jewish nation. It was the day that Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany in the Year of 1933, by then President Hindenburg.

Jewish Corner

Now that the world is very acceptable to all different cultures and religions, more than ever before Jewish People are turning to purchase Jewish Jewelry. A typical Jewish Jewel is Hamsa Jewelry , Gold Chai Pendants , Mezuzah Pendants , and Menorah Pendants . Being the fact that many Jewish Jewels are manufactured in Israel, many Jewish Jewelry pieces have a Middle Eastern Style, but this is not always the case. There are many Jewish Jewelry out there with a really nice, modern and Western up-to-date design.

Today the 2nd of Shevat , Jan. 9 in Jewish History

2008-01-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

The 2nd of Shevat marks the death of evil King Alexander Yannai, a Hasmonian king of Judea from 103 BCE to 76 BCE. Yannai is famous for the Etrog throwing Episode that occurred while he was at service in the Bet Hamikdash. While serving as High Priest at the Temple in Jerusalem, Yannai mocked the Sukkot service, at which point the crowd showed their displeasure by pelting him with etrogs. Yannai responded by having his soldiers kill 6,000 people in the Temple courtyard. Yannai aligned himself with the Hellenist faction known as the Sadducees, and opposed the mainstream rabbis, the Pharisees. On various occasions Yannai ordered the killing of Pharisees, and feasted while watching the executions.

According to traditional sources, Yannai later repented and cooperated with the Pharisees.

Kosher Corner

With Passover around the corner many people start their Passover shopping early, to be able to decide on their Passover gifts and Passover products ahead of time without having to make a rushed decision.

In today's Judaica industry many Passover products are available. You can find all sorts of Passover products such as Passover books, Passover Seder Plates , Matzah Covers and much more. Scroll around in Judaica Brick and Mortar stores or Online stores and you will find many interesting Passover Gifts to choose. And as it's known, start your Passover Shopping early and you will be ahead of the game.

Today the 1st of Shevat , Jan. 8 in Jewish History

2008-01-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

On the 1st day of Shevat, the Biblical plague of ARBEH (locust) started to the Egyptians at the time when the Jews were in the Egyptian exile.

These arbeh were not ordinary locusts. They ate up all of the grain and vegetation that was left in the fields after the plague of barad (hail). No greenery remained on the trees or the crops of the field in the entire land of Egypt. This was middah kineged middah (measure for measure), for the Jewish slaves had cultivated those fields. The arbeh even ate the clothing and jewelry that the Egyptians were wearing. They penetrated into the innermost rooms of their homes. Normal locusts are harmless, but these arbeh had venomous saliva which killed the Egyptians.

Kosher Corner

Calcium is an essential mineral with a wide range of biological roles and is one of the most important minerals you should take in order to maintain good health. While the majority of calcium is located in the bones and the teeth it is also required for blood coagulation, nerve function, production of energy, the beating of the heart, proper immune function and muscle contraction. But most of us recognize calcium for the possible role it plays in preventing the onset of osteoporosis.

Taking non-kosher vitamins can be problematic for kosher consumers since they may contain non-kosher ingredients. In today's Kosher Health Food market there are many calcium supplements available. What we find that is best, at least to people who prefer chewable calcium is the Kosher Chewable Calcium Complex by Maxi Health. This kosher calcium provides great nutrition, is kosher and above all has a great taste.

Today 29th of Tevet , Jan. 7 in Jewish History

2008-01-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

In 1808, Ezekiel Hart, the first Jew elected to Canadian Parliament, was denied his seat when he swore the oath of inauguration on a Jewish Bible. At the time, British laws prohibited Jews and Roman Catholics from such positions, and Hart was expelled from the assembly.

Hart did not run for public office again. He continued to live in Trois-Rivières until his death where he was a successful businessman and well-respected member of the community. He served in the militia during the War of 1812 and became colonel in 1830. He was one of the founders of the Bank of Montreal in 1817. Hart enjoyed success as a businessman until his death in 1843.

Today the 28th of Tevet , Jan 6 in Jewish History

2008-01-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

On the 28th of tevet 1866, Jews of Switzerland were granted civic equality upon pressure exerted by the United States which had interceded on behalf of American Jewish citizens. The ambassadors of France, England, and the United States insisted that all citizens should be granted full settlement rights, regardless of creed but full religious freedom was granted only in 1874 with the passage of the confederal constitution. Switzerland was one of the last Western European countries to grant Jews emancipation. In fact, the only countries to provide emancipation later were Spain and Portugal in 1918.

Kosher Corner

Every parent wants to ensure their child grows up healthy and strong – something that is often easier said than done with our hectic lifestyles. Kids today consume more processed foods than ever before and whatever healthy food they do eat is usually from nutrient deficient soils. Kids are also consuming more pop and junk foods and doing less exercise. That's why it's more important than ever to give kids a Children's Kosher mulit vitamin. Maxi Health has released a Multi vitamin for kids named Chewable Kiddievite. This Kosher Children's multi vitamin has become very accepted among kosher consumers

Today 27th of Tevet , Jan 5 in Jewish History

2008-01-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today is the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch. Rabbi Hirsch was born in Hamburg, Germany on June 20, 1808 to his father who though a merchant, devoted much of his time to Torah studies. Rabbi Shinshon Raphael Hirsch was the intellectual founder of the "Torah im Derech Eretz school" of contemporary Orthodox Judaism.

In 1830 Rabbi Hirsch was elected chief rabbi of the principalityof Oldenburg. During this period he wrote his "Nineteen Letters on Judaism" (Neunzehn Briefe über Judenthum) which were published, under the pseudonym of "Ben Usiel" at Altona in 1836. This work made a profound impression in German Jewish circles because it was something new — a brilliant, intellectual presentation of Orthodox Judaism in classic German.

During the final years of his life, Rabbi Hirsch put his efforts in the founding of the "Freie Vereinigung für die Interessen des Orthodoxen Judentums", an association of independent Jewish communities. During the 30 years after his death this organisation would be used as a model for the formation of the international orthodox Agudat Yisrael movement.

From reports of his family members, it seems likely that Hirsch contracted malaria while in Emden, which continued to plague him during the rest of life with febrile episodes.
Rabbi Hirsch died in 1888, on the 27th of Tevet in Frankfurt am Main and is buried there.

Today 26th of Tevet , Jan. 4 in Jewish History

2008-01-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

On the 26th of Tevet the Jews of Sicily required to wear a special badge. The badge consisted of a piece of red material, not smaller than the largest royal seal, men were required to wear it under the chin, and women on the breast.

In Sicily, the external decoration of synagogues was prohibited by Frederick III. on Oct. 12, 1366; in consequence of this law old synagogues that had already been decorated were pulled down.

Sicily is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea, southwest of Italy, to which it. The earliest trace of Jews in Sicily dates from the end of the 16th century, when at the request of the Sicilian Jews, the Roman community complained to the pope of the cruelty of the Christians toward the Jews of the island. Thereupon Gregory the Great ordered the restitution of stolen property or its full monetary value, and strictly prohibited baptism by force. Nothing further was heard of Sicilian Jews until the 11th century. Frederick II. endeavored to save the Jews in Sicily from persecution during the Crusades by the decrees of 1210 and 1224, in which he placed the Jews under ecclesiastical jurisdiction and ordered that no difference be made between their treatment and that of others.

Kosher Corner

A warning that some Israeli produce sold in the U.S. is not under certification and may be problematic, was issued by the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc). The cRc warning noted: 'It has come to our attention that produce from Israel, in particular, sweet peppers, is once again being sold in stores. The produce that is exported to the United States usually does not have any hashgacha. Since we must assume that the product does not have any hashgacha (unless you know otherwise) and we are now in a Shmittah (sabbatical for fields in Israel) year, the produce can not be used at all. All produce should be marked with the country of origin, so be careful when making your purchase that they are Kosher.'

Today 25th of Tevet , Jan. 3 in Jewish History

2008-01-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses Levi Ehrenreich chief rabbi of Rome (born in Brody, Galicia, 1818; died in Rome 25th of Tevet, 1899). Through his efforts and under his direction, the Collegio Rabbinico Italiano was reopened in 1887.

Rabbi Ehrenreich was also instrumental in translating part of the Bible (Hosea, Micah, Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah) into Italian.

How about a Siyum HaShas in One Day?!

2008-01-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Siyum HaShas is known woldwide as the major event organized by the Agudas Yisroel upon the completion of the 2,711 pages of the Babylonian Talmud. Participants in this program study the Talmud for seven full years, doing one page a day.

So upon hearing of a program to finish the entire Talmud in one day, it sounded something unreal and "undoable", but this is how the program works as explained by Rabbi Heinkin, Founder and President of Chevrah Lomdei Misnah.

Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah provides all Yahrzeit and Jewish Mourner's services, such as Kaddish, Yizkor, Tehillim/Psalms and Talmud services. Their latest addition of services is very unique and is nonequivalent to any other program. Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah has recruited a large group of Torah Scholars who are ready at any time to complete a portion of the talmud that was initially assigned to them. When someone contacts Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah for the event of a Yahrzeit, the scholars sit down and complete their portion, enabling the completion of Shas on the day of the yahrzeit.

Scholars are finished with their portion at 3:00pm, which enables the son of the deceased or any other relative or friend to do a Siyum at the gathering made in the memory of the deceased.

The greatest part of this program is that it was all done on the day of the Yahrtzeit which is a great benefit for the soul of the deceased.

So completing the entire Shas in one day is possible? Yes it is, in fact it's completed in a half a day period, since the scholars are done by 3:00pm.

Today 24th of Tevet , Jan. 2 in Jewish History

2008-01-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Today the 24th of Tevet is the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Lyady, the Baal HaTanya, founder of the Chabad Chasidus, 1812.

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, also known as "The Alter Rebbe," "Baal HaTanya" was born in the White Russian town of Liozna on Elul 18, 5505 (1745) In 1764 he traveled to Mezeritch to study under the tutelage of the Baal Shem Tov's successor, Rabbi Dov Ber. Despite his youth, he was accepted into the inner circle of the great master's pupils.

His name Baal Hatanya, comes from the work that he authored, Tanya, a classic text of the chassidic tradition first published in 1796, and Shulchan Aruch HaRav, a code of Jewish law. His works have been reprinted many times and are available in all Judaica Stores.

The Chabad Chassidus today runs thousands of centers around the world called Chabad Houses, which serve as Jewish community centers, synagogues, and schools, providing outreach and educational activities for Jewish communities. The Chabad Headquarters is located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Kosher Corner

The benefits of using Fish Oil as a nutritional supplement is well known. Fish Oil is beneficial for Cardiovascular Health, (Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven to work wonders for your heart and the miles and miles of arteries and veins that make up your cardiovascular system. They help to lower cholesterol, tryglicerides, LDLs and blood pressure, while at the same time increasing good HDL cholesterol.) Fish Oil also prevents strokes and heart attacks. (When plaque builds up on arterial walls and then breaks loose, it causes clots. If a clot gets stuck in the brain, it causes a stroke and when it plugs an artery, it causes a heart attack. Research shows omega 3 fatty acids break up clots before they can cause any damage.)

Many Kosher Fish Oils are available today in the Kosher industry, and there is no need to consume questionable fish oil pills. The Kosher Fish Oil Pills are proven to be of the same quality as the non-kosher.

Today 23rd of Tevet , Jan. 1 in Jewish History

2008-01-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today is the Yahrzeit of Nathan Straus, for whom the city of Netanya, founded in 1927 and the Jerusalem street, Rehov Straus (Chancellor Avenue during the British Mandate) were named after.

Nathan Straus (Jan. 31, 1848 – Jan. 11, 1931) was an American merchant and philanthropist who owned two of New York City's biggest department stores, R.H. Macy & Company and Abraham & Straus before giving away most of his fortune to the Zionist cause. In 1912 a trip to then Palestine was to shape the rest of his life. He ended up staying in Israel while his brother Isidor and Isidor's wife headed back to New York aboard the Titanic and perished when it sank.

Feeling he had been spared by divine intervention he then devoted two-thirds of his fortune on Palestine.

Nathan Straus died on Jan. 11, 1931 in New York City.

Kosher Corner

Kosher products are available more easily than many people think, in fact most cereals are certified kosher by leading American Kosher agencies such as OK and OU. For example, the famous Arrowhead Mills Cereals are certified Kosher by the OK. There are many other kosher health food products available on the market. Now it's much easier to eat healthy than ever before thanks to the popular demand for kosher food, and of course, thanks to the kosher certification agencies.

Today 22nd of Tevet , Dec. 31 in Jewish History

2007-12-31T17:31:00.000-08:00

In 1798, mobs attempted to torch the Jewish ghetto of Rome, but rains put out the fire. Upon the occurrence of this miracle, the day was then designated as a holiday by Roman Jews.

The Roman (Jewish) Ghetto was located in the rione Sant'Angelo in the area surrounded by today's Via del Portico d'Ottavia, Lungotevere dei Cenci, Via del Progresso and Via di Santa Maria del Pianto close to the Tiber and the Theater of Marcellus in Rome, Italy.

This "ghetto" had two objectives— to protect Christians from too close an association with persons of a different religion, and to protect the Jews from mobs or hooligans. The ghetto was welcome to some Jews because it protected the small community from the drain which must follow from assimilation to the majority and enabled special religious customs to be observed without interference.

The Jews were also subjected to various restrictions and degradations, including having to attend compulsory Catholic sermons on Shabbat. During Rome's annual carnival, scantily-clad Jews were forced to race along the main street, while the crowd mocked them, threw trash, and reigned heavy blows. (The event often proved fatal.) Hygienic conditions inside the ghetto were terrible, and there was constant flooding from the nearby Tiber River. Outside the ghetto, Jews were required to wear identifying yellow clothing. When Napoleonic forces occupied Rome, the ghetto was legally abolished in 1808, and the city of Rome tore down the ghetto walls in 1888.

Today 21st of Tevet , Dec 30 in Jewish History

2007-12-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today the 21st of Tevet is the birthday of Shimon (ca. 1567 B.C.E. – ca. 1447 B.C.E.), the son of Jacob our forefather and one of the twelve Jewish Tribes. Shimon is buried in the City of Matzada, which was given to the Tribe of Shimon. The tribe of Shimon never received its own land, however the families of Shimon dwelt within the land of the strongest tribe, the leadership tribe of Judah.

Today 20th of Tevet , Dec 29 in Jewish History

2007-12-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Yahrtzeit of Maimonides (1135-1204), also known as the Rambam (an acronym for his name, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) one of the most know Rishonim. In arabic he is known as Abu Imran Mussa bin Maimun ibn Abdallah al-Qurtubi al-Israili. His name Maimonides derives from the Greek language. Maimonides was born in Spain, but was forced to flee due to a radical Muslim regime that gave the Jews a choice of accepting Muhammad or leaving. Maimonides finally settled in Cairo, where in addition to leading the Jewish community, he was a top physician who served in the royal court of the Sultan of Egypt. Maimonides' magnum opus is Mishneh Torah, a comprehensive 14-volume code of Jewish law which has since been the subject of more than 300 commentaries. Maimonides' great philosophical treatise, Guide for the Perplexed, explains Jewish theology in light of Aristotelian philosophy and science. A popular saying is that "from Moses [of the Torah] to Moses [Maimonides], there has never been one like Moses." Maimonides is recognized today as the greatest medieval Jewish philosopher. He is buried in Tiberias, Israel.

Kosher Corner

The famous inventors of the Kosher Lamp are known for their inventions that serve the needs of the Religious Jewish people. They have come up with another few inventions since their famous Kosher Lamp invention, but non of these made it big. Now they released the Shabbos Toothbrush which seems that it will become their second very famous invention. This invention comes along with a special Shabbos Toothwash. The regular toothbrushes and toothpaste are prohibited on Shabbos by all leading Halachic authorities. Now Orthodox Jewish people can enjoy a good tooth brush on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

Today 19th of Tevet, Dec. 28 in Jewish History

2007-12-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

On the 19th of Tevet 1638, the Catholic Church in Recife, Brazil closed the two shuls then in existence there.

The Kahal Zur Israel (“Rock of Israel”) was the first synagogue built in the New World. It was established mainly by Jewish immigrants from the Netherlands, joined by New Christians already living in the colony. The synagogue flourished in the mid-1600’s, when the Dutch briefly controlled this part of northeastern Brazil. The synagogue served a community of approximately 1,450 Jews. It had a cantor, Josue Velosino, and a rabbi, Isaac Aboab da Fonseca.

Shampoo Bottle in a Lakewood Mikvah. Mi K'Amchah Yisroel.

2007-12-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

This bottle of shampoo clearly demonstrates the fear of Hashem (G-D). Someone mistakenly used another person's Shampoo in a Lakewood mikvah. Since he did not know how to locate the owner of this shampoo, he attached a "I am sorry" note with a payment of $1.00 for the shampoo used.

Mi K'Amchah Ysiroel! Who is like you nation, Israel!

Note: This photo is free for everyone to copy and use to whatever purpose they wish.

Today 18th of Tevet , Dec. 27 in Jewish History

2007-12-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Zvi Elimelech Shapiro of Dinov (1783-1841), author of the chassidic work, B'nei Yissachar. A brilliant scholar, kabbalist, and leader of Polish Jewry, Rabbi Shapiro worked vigorously to strengthen the Jewish community in light of the assimilationist trends brought about by the Enlightenment.

Kosher Corner

With today's stress many people turn to vitamins and herbs to help them relax. In the Kosher market has a few excellent relaxing supplements. The most common vitamin used, according to health food stores selling kosher vitamins, is Max Relax. According to the manufacturer, Maxi Health, this is it's effect. "Our proprietary blend of essential amino acids and B vitamins in combination with valerian root and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium can soothe your weary body. Relax with Max Relax, the natural alternative from Maxi-Health Research" .

Today 17th of Tevet, Dec. 26 in Jewish history

2007-12-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

In 1728, Congregation Shearith Israel purchased a plot of land in lower Manhattan, site of the first structure ever designed and built as a synagogue in continental North America. At the time, New York had the only Jewish community in the country; it would be some two decades later before organized Jewish settlement began in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Charleston.

Shearith Israel was the only Jewish congregation in New York City from 1654 until 1825, having been founded by Brazilian Jews of Spanish and Portuguese origin. Governor Peter Stuyvesant, known for his anti-Semitic views, had initially denied Jews the right to worship in a public gathering; these Jews fought for their rights and won permission. Today, Shearith Israel occupies a grand structure at 70th Street and Central Park West.

Kosher Corner

Kof-K issued a Kashrut alert. The "Do Goodie Brownies/Blondies has a "No Dairy" designation next to the Kof-K Kosher symbol. This product contains dairy ingredients as is indicated on its label. Kof-K has notified that future packaging will be corrected.

Today, 16th of Tevet, Dec. 25 in Jewish History

2007-12-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

In 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant was instructed to revoke Order No. 11, which had called for the expulsion of all Jews from Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi.

During the Civil War, smugglers were illegally selling southern cotton to the northern textile factories. Grant, commander of U.S. Army forces, believed that Jews were primarily behind this illegal cotton trade, and he decided to expel all Jews from southern territory. Grant wrote: "No Jews are to be permitted to travel on the railroad southward from any point... The [region] must be purged of them." Based on Grant's orders, Jews were expelled from their homes, including 20 families from the town of Paducah alone. Some Jews were denied rail transportation and had to flee northward on foot. Those who did not cooperate were thrown into prison. Jewish community leaders immediately arranged a meeting at the White House with President Lincoln, who cancelled the expulsion order. Grant, who would later become U.S. president, never offered any explanation or apology.

KOSHER CORNER
About taking vitamins, one must be careful that he consumes only Kosher vitamins. In a case were Kosher vitamins are not available, one must consult their local Rabbi if other vitamins are permitted. In today's ever growing Kosher industry it's always possible to get kosher vitamins. There is the major brand called Maxi Health. The Maxi Health Kosher Vitamins can be purchased at a reduced price, even lower than the non kosher ones, so why take non kosher.

Today 15th of Tevet , Dec. 24 in Jewish History

2007-12-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

The 15th of Tevet was the day that the first printed edition of Sefer Mitzvot Gadol, Soncino, Italy, 1488.

The Sefer Mitzvot Hagadol a/k/a Sma"g was authored by MOSES BEN JACOB OF COUCY. He published his Sefer Hamitzvot Hagadol (The Large Book of Precepts), which classified the law according to the six hundred and thirteen commandments, dividing them into two hundred and sixty-five prohibitions and two hundred and forty-eight precepts. The Semaq was admittedly influenced by Maimonides, whom he quotes quite often. His son-in-law, Isaac ben Joseph of Borbeil, continued his work.

December 23, 14th of Tevet Jewish History Event

2007-12-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

The 14th of Tevet is known as the day of Purim Hebron.

Among the special "Purims" which are celebrated by certain Jewish communities on certain days of the year, to commemorate some miracle, there is also a Purim which the Sephardic Jews of Hebron used to celebrate on the fourteenth day of Teveth. Many years ago the old city of Hebron was inhabited by a community of Sephardic Jews who had been driven out of Spain and other Christian lands where Jews were cruelly oppressed.
One day two Jews arrived in Hebron from Jerusalem, for the purpose of collecting money for "Pidyon Shvuim" (obtaining release of Jews from Slave traders).
The two emissaries met with the heads of the community and explained their important mission, to collect not less than five thousand piasters from the Hebron community, for their lifesaving endeavor.
The heads of the community knew that, with a vigorous effort, they could manage to raise the required sum, but they claimed that "Charity begins at home," and they had to meet the needs of their own poor people first. So they "bargained" with the emissaries who insisted, however, that nothing less than the five thousand piasters would be acceptable. And if the Hebron community refused, or were unable to raise the required sum, the Almighty would show them where the necessary help would be available, and the Hebron Jews would lose the great merit of "Pidyon Shvuim" saving Jewish souls.
The arguments of the emissaries proved in vain, and they left empty-handed.
Now a new Pasha came into power as ruler over Hebron, and he was a Jew-hater. He kept on introducing new edicts against the Jewish community, draining them of their hard earned money. At first he began in a moderate manner, but very soon tired of this slow process, and looked for some way in which he could make a clean sweep and cash in all that the Jews possessed.
The Pasha was an educated man who mastered several languages in addition to Arabic which was his native tongue. He read in history books, accounts of how Christian rulers treated the Jews in their lands, and learned that, in some cases, they threw rabbis and Jewish leaders into prison until such time as their Jewish communities would ransom them for huge sums of money. Some Christian rulers, he found, even went to the extent of driving the Jews out of their country; robbing them of all their possessions.
This latter possibility appealed greatly to this Jew hating Pasha. He quickly issued a call to the rabbis and leaders of the Hebron Jewish community and told them that he had put a tax on them, in the sum of fifty thousand piasters which must be paid within the month. Failing which, the Jewish leaders would have to pay with their lives, and the rest of the Jews would be sold as slaves! And, to make sure that the leaders would not run away, a few of them were immediately arrested and put in chains.
The Pasha then sent the others home, warning them that they had better start at once to raise the demanded fifty thousand piasters. The entreaties of the rabbis and leaders that it was impossible for them, and in so short a time, to produce such a vast sum, fell on the deaf ears and stony heart of the cruel Pasha, and they left in great despair.
The heads of the Jewish community now realized that they were being punished by G-d for having refused to find the five thousand piasters asked of them by the emissaries from Jerusalem, to save Jews from being sold as slaves. And now they were being taxed ten fold by the cruel Pasha.
The rabbis immediately decreed that the Jewish community must fast and pray to the Almighty for salvation from their desperate situation. At the same time they decided to send a "Pidyon" (literally, "ransom," but in this case, an appeal) to the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who were buried in the Cave of Machpelah which is situated in Hebron, to pray to the Almighty on their behalf and intercede for their children in their desperate hour of need.
The rabbis first went to the Mikva, and having purified and sanctified themselves, they wrote out their appeal to the Patriarchs on clean parchment, the same as is used for the holy Torah scrolls.
The problem, then, was the matter of the delivery of their appeal. How could it reach the holy Patriarchs? The Cave of Machpelah was then in Arab hands. The Moslems had built a house of worship above the cave, and Jews were not allowed to visit the holy graves. The Jews were only allowed to ascend a few steps of the building and pray to their holy ancestors from the distance. And even for this "privilege" they had to pay the guard.
The only way they could think of was to bribe the guard, that he should throw the "Pidyon" into the cave, the entrance of which was sealed, so that even he could not enter it. This, they knew. But they also knew that there was a kind of "window" there through which it would be possible to throw in the "Pidyon." For a sizable bribe the guard agreed to do them this "favor," and swore "by the beard of his prophet," that he would attend to the matter without delay.
The night before the due date for payment, the Pasha could not sleep; his mind was full of the thought of all the money he would be getting from the Jews. The moon was full, and the following day he hoped his coffers, would be equally full. The money greedy Pasha kept his treasures in an iron safe in his bedroom. Whenever he had a sleepless night he would open this safe and take out a bag of gold coins and count them with great satisfaction. This night, too, being unable to fall asleep, he went to his iron safe and took out a large bag of money and began to count the glittering, golden coins. It totaled fifty thousand piasters exactly, and he gleefully thought that the next day he would be receiving exactly the same amount from the Jewish community.
With a happy smile he returned the bag to the safe, put the key of the safe under his pillow, and fell blissfully asleep.
Suddenly, he was startled to see three old men in his room. "Give us the bag with the fifty thousand piasters if you value your life," they demanded. In fear and trembling he got the bag of money and handed it over to them. And, as suddenly as they appeared, they vanished as if into thin air.
The Pasha awoke in a cold sweat. What a terrible nightmare! He at once put his hand under his pillow and was reassured to find the key just where be had left it, so, with a sigh of relief, he went back to sleep.
The following morning the Pasha awoke and completely forgot about his nightmare of the previous night. He did not forget, however, that this was the day when he would be receiving the fifty thousand piasters from the Hebron Jews.
The previous night had also been a sleepless night for all the Jews of Hebron. They had assembled in the Beth Hamidrash. They prayed with all their hearts that G-d would save them, as "the hour of reckoning" had come.
Early the following morning the Pasha, accompanied by his soldiers, arrived at the Beth Hamidrash. They began banging on the door, crying: "Open the door for the Pasha!"
As the Shamash walked with faltering steps towards the door and was about to open it, he gazed with unbelieving eyes at a strange bag which lay in the basin in which the congregants washed their hands on entering the Beth Hamidrash. He could hardly lift the heavy bag which he quickly handed to the head of the community. With unbelieving eyes they saw its precious contents.
The Shamash rushed back to open the door for the Pasha and his soldiers.
"I have come for the fifty thousand piasters which are due today," the Pasha demanded.
"Here is your money," said the president of the community, handing over the bag to the Pasha.
The Pasha looked at the bag of money and could hardly believe the evidence of his eyes.
"Why, this is indeed my bag of gold!" he cried out in a shaky voice, his face turning pale. "How did it get to you?" But he did not wait for a reply. He knew the answer from his dream. Slowly, he began: "I will tell you how you got the money. Your holy Fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob rose from their graves in the Cave of Machpelah and brought it to you. I saw them in my dream. The Guardian of Israel does not sleep, and I beg you now to forgive me for my evil intentions. Pray for me and I promise I will never again attempt to do you harm in any way."
So, as this particular miracle took place on the fourteenth day of Teveth, when the Jews of Hebron were saved from a dreadful catastrophe, they took upon themselves to celebrate every fourteenth day of Teveth as their "Purim," which came to be known as "Window Purim" in remembrance of the "window" in the Cave of Machpelah which had brought them the miraculous salvation.

Today's event is made possible by the Kosher Organic store. Find all types of Kosher Vitamins at greatly reduced prices.

Daily Jewish Calendar Events

2007-12-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

The Jewish Calendar has history events for every day of the year. We will be posting every day the event that occurred that day. While many events are known, there are many events in Jewish history that are not well known and you will find it very interesting. Make sure to check our posts on a daily basis.

Kosher Dietetic Food Getting easier to Buy

2007-11-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

I remember the days when forget of finding Kosher dietetic food available, even regular kosher Food was hard to obtain. One need to travel from my neighborhood over an hour in order to purchase plain Kosher Cake, Bread etc. Now we have a few Kosher shops in our local shopping center.

What's even more amazing is the ability to sit now in your home and with the click of a few buttons you will be able to have a full order of just any imaginable Kosher food or even Kosher Organic Food. I am even able to find my most favorite Kosher Health Food Online, I just click and within a day or two, I have them at my door front.

Keeping Kosher has never been easier!

My favorite Menorahs are the ones with real Jewish style.

2007-11-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

As Hanukkah is getting closer, more and more menorahs pop in to the ever growing market of Judaica menorahs. Although there are menorahs with non Jewish themes, I prefer a real Jewish looking Menorah. Why? Since Hanukkah is all about symbolizing the Jewish people as a nation why get secular themes in to it??

The following is my best styles: The Traditional Jewish Style Menorah, featuring the style that I have seen on many ancient Jewish pictures. I also love menorahs with a more modern style but stay in the style of being very Jewish, such as this Signature Menorah. Although it's a very modern looking menorah with the signature style, it does feature that truly Jewish feeling of having the option of oil or candles.

2007-09-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yom Kippur is a fast day decreed in the Bible. Abstaining from food is meant to improve one's ability to focus on repentance. The Yom Kippur begins before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ends after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur.

Why fast on Yom Kippur? Spiritual elevation is a pre-requisite for true repentance. One way to achieve spiritual elevation is to abstain from the physical. Five activities that are forbidden on Yom Kippur:

a)eating and drinking
b)marital relations
c)washing
d)wearing leather shoes
e)applying lotions

What are the best ways to prepare for the Yom Kippur fast?

While feeling hunger pains is an acceptable part of the fast experience, one must be extra cautious not to dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting.

There are several ways to prepare yourself physically for a healthy fast.

1) A few days before the fast, minimize caffeine intake in order to reduce Caffeine withdrawel headaches

2) The day before the fast, eat something small every two hours, avoid salt, and drink as much water as possible.

3) Plan the final meal before the fast early enough in the afternoon to avoid rushing to finish before the fast begins. This will allow enough time to eat slowly, thus actually consuming more food

4) Plan the menu of this final meal so that it contains high carbohydrate and low salt foods.

5) Do not eat too much in the meal before the fast, but drink plenty of water.

6) Leave time after the meal to brush your teeth. This will leave you a fresher taste in your mouth throughout the fast.

What food is should one eat after the fast? Most people break the fast with coffee and cake. Many have the custome to eat on this night a full Jewish Holiday meal.

Praying on Yom Kippur. Now it's easier then ever to keep up with Yom Kippur Services, since there are many Hebrew Machzors available with english translation. My favorite Machzor is The Schottenstein Edition Machzor for Yom Kippur With an Interlinear Translation. The reason I like it is because it has the translation right next to the Hebrew words, which makes it easy to read.

Wishing a easy fast to all!