MARCH 2018 | ADAR/NISAN 5778
Celebrate Passover with
Joan Nathan & Whole Foods Market! We’ve partnered with Jewish food authority and James Beard award-winning cookbook author Joan Nathan to bring you a delicious Passover dinner inspired by flavors from around the world using recipes from her latest cookbook, King Solomon’s Table.
Joan Nathan Passover Meal for 8 Includes these cooked and ready to heat items:
Brazilian Haroset with Apples, Dates & Cashews Double-Lemon Roast Chicken Fried Artichokes Jewish-Style Tunisian Carrot Salad with Cumin, Coriander & Caraway Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Jewish-Style Spinach with Pine Nuts & Currants
For more Passover meals and menu items, visit us in store, at shop.wfm.com or call 844-936-2428
2 MARCH 2018 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | HAPPY PASSOVER
How to make your seder more fun for the whole family
A multilingual Four Questions for the modern Seder
By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor The Passover seder is a long process, and for kids, it can be a long time to sit and listen to the prayers and stories. But with such great potential for creativity, the seder has so much room for interpretation as an imaginative activity for children and adults alike. Here are a few suggestions to help your family’s seders be more fun and engaging for all participants. The story bag game There are many variations on this classic game in which participants take turns pulling random household items from a bag and telling a story using the items as props. Some Passover variations include using some of the pre-seder prep time to keep kids engaged in finding items, and then during the seder, proceedings can momentarily stop for a quick game where a participant picks a random item and then explains how it fits into that part of the story. It’s a good way to keep engagement up both when the game is ongoing and when it’s not, and engages participants both young and old. Seder bingo Bingo is a great way to keep attentions focused, as the participants will need to know whether or not the items on their bingo cards have been brought up. Several variations exist in the rules, including filling the
By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor
entire card or making specific patterns in addition to creating a traditional bingo vertically, horizontally or diagonally. There is a Seder Bingo set available for purchase on Amazon, but families are also able to create their own versions based on their unique seder traditions. Coloring haggadah Coloring is a good way for kids to stay engaged with the subject matter at hand while also staving away boredom. Check online for a plethora of coloring pages, including placemats, haggadot and other ways of engaging with the seder artistically. For kids who like to create their own drawings, consider printing out a haggadah with no pictures and leaving art supplies on the table. Paper with lines and a space for a drawing could work as well, by giving children the opportunity to write about what they are hearing, seeing or thinking about at the seder. Adaptations of popular games Many popular children’s games can be adapted to work for the Passover
seder. Consider a game of Charades, where the kids act out characters from the story or important plot elements. Or how about a game of Taboo, where one person tries to get others to guess a part of the seder or element of the story, but can’t say certain important words? Jeopardy could also be fun, with unusual clues to spark deeper thought. Try brainstorming some of your kids’ favorite games, and thinking of ways to give them a Passover theme for the Seder and the rest of the days of the holiday. Passover skits Considering that the seder revolves around storytelling, this is a prime opportunity for kids to unleash their creativity through writing or acting out short skits. These could range from retelling certain parts of the story, such as the 10 plagues, to creating new characters and scenarios, like what the first or last Israelite in line might have commented to his or her neighbor during the Exodus. This is a time to let imagination roam with plentiful props and costume materials.
Many American Jews know how to say the Four Questions in Hebrew, but have you ever wondered how to say them in other languages from around the world? The book “300 Ways to ask the Four Questions” by Murray Spiegel and Rickey Stein is a great resource for people looking to learn fun facts about other languages and cultures while adding a multicultural feel to the Passover seder. From Finnish to Sherpa, Xhosa to Khazak, the book explores a variety of languages from around the world, both those with large numbers of speakers and those spoken by a select few. The “Living Languages” section is the main part of the book, and includes the majority of the languages. Each language has its own page, with a translation, informational box about the language, information about the translator and speaker and a photo or map relating to the language’s country of origin. Most translations are written in English letters, with transliteration for languages presented in their original forms. In addition to modern languages, the book also explores ancient or extinct languages, including Sumerian, which is written in runes on a tablet; Hebrew from the caves at Qumran discovered in 1947 that date back to the Second Temple; and, rather fittingly, Egyptian hieroglyphs from both the Middle and Late periods. (A note in the book helpfully informs the reader that Moses and the Israelites would be most familiar with the Late Egyptian hieroglyphs.) The back of the book is home to the “Constructed Languages and Parodies” section, which is great for both studying and laughing. Some languages, like Interlingua and Esperanto, were constructed for use in society, whereas others, like Tolkien’s Quenya, Star Trek Klingon and “Uncle Eli” (a Jewish parody of Dr. Seuss) were invented for literary purposes. Still others, like Upper East Side, Sullen Teenager and Lawyerese speak to today’s modern world. There’s even Hebrew Pig Latin, for adventurous readers. In addition to serving as an intellectual and comedic resource, this book can also be great for the nights of the seders themselves. Asking the Four Questions is a segue to beginning Magid, the part of the seder where the Passover story is recounted. The story is begun as an answer to the questions, and the beginning of an intellectual journey to understand why Passover is different from other times of the year. Finding a new language to learn about can be a way to learn something new and exciting at the seder, while also keeping the meaning of the traditional texts.
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Passover puzzles
Seder word search
Find all 14 parts of the traditional Passover seder in the grid below. Words can be found horizontally, vertically or diagonally. WORD BANK: Kadesh Magid Korech Barech
Urchatz Rochtzah Shulchan Orech Hallel
Karpas Motzi Matzah Tzafun Nirtzah
Yachatz Maror
By Michelle Cohen HAKOL Editor
Challenge: Find the afikomen!
Each year, children across the Lehigh Valley will hunt for the afikomen. Although we can’t include a piece of matzah in the paper, we hope you enjoy this challenging One-Word Search puzzle! All you need to do to complete the puzzle is to find the word “afikomen,” which appears exactly once in the grid above, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Solutions to both puzzles will appear in next month’s HAKOL.
The Lehigh Valley Jewish Clergy Group present the
20th Annual Community Passover Seders PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR TABLE THIS PASSOVER. ALL ARE WELCOME. OR CALL TO ARRANGE TO SHARE IN A SEDER IN SOMEONE’S HOME.
Call any of the synagogues listed below if you are interested in sharing in a Passover seder with congregants having seders in their homes: AM HASKALAH, Allentown 610-435-3775 Student Rabbi Jake Adler BETH AVRAHAM, Palmer 610-905-2166 Rabbi Yitzchak Yagod
BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE, Easton 610-258-5343 CHABAD OF LEHIGH VALLEY, Allentown 610-336-6603 Rabbi Yaakov Halperin CONGREGATION BRITH SHOLOM, Bethlehem 610-866-8009 Rabbi Michael Singer
Congregation Keneseth Israel Super Shabbat Seder
FRIDAY, MARCH 30 | 5:45 PM Featuring Rabbi Seth, Cantor Jeff and traditional foods by Chef Eric. Eat, drink, sing and learn together in community as we tell the age-old tale of our escape from Egypt. Reservations will be secured with payment. Mail check to KI office or pay online at www.kilv.org. No walk-ins or late reservations. $25 per adult (non member $32), $18 per child 6-12 (non member $22), under 6 free. RSVP by March 20, seating is limited.
4 MARCH 2018 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | HAPPY PASSOVER
CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL, Allentown 610-435-9074 Rabbi Seth Phillips Cantor Jeff Warschauer CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL, Allentown 610-433-6089 Rabbi David Wilensky
Congregation Brith Sholom
FRIDAY, MARCH 30 | 7:00 PM Join Rabbi Michael Singer as we retell the story of the Exodus from slavery to freedom. Catering by Boscov’s Ala Carte Catering. Vegetarian selection is available. Brith Sholom adult members $40 per person; non-members $45 per person; children ages 6-13 $18 per person; children ages 5 and under free. Contact Tammy to make your reservation by March 20, 610-866-8009.
TEMPLE BETH EL, Allentown 610-435-3521 Rabbi Moshe Re’em Cantor Kevin Wartell TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE, Easton 610-253-2031 Rabbi Melody Davis
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley FRIDAY, MARCH 30 | 7:30 PM Enjoy a meaningful seder with traditional songs, stories and lively discussions led by Rabbi Yaacov Halperin. $35 per adult; $20 per child; $100 max per family. Reservations required: 610-351-6511 or events@chabadlehighvalley.com.
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF LEHIGHTON, Lehighton 610-370-9591 TEMPLE SHIRAT SHALOM, Allentown 610-706-4595 Cantor Ellen Sussman
Easton Joint Community Seder: Temple Covenant of Peace/Bnai Abraham Synagogue
SATURDAY, MARCH 31 | 6:00 PM at Bnai Abraham Synagogue Led with joy and ruach by Rabbi Melody Davis, Cantor Jill Pakman and Cantor Bob Wiener. $27 per adult; $10 per child; $90 max per nuclear family. RSVP by March 21. To learn more contact 610253-2031.
JDS students dish on the best place they've found the afikomen
Inside a CD case. - JACKSON GOLDING, First Grade
Behind the fish tank. - EMMA WIENER, Fourth Grade
In a couch, near the hidden footrest. - LEAH BOONSWANG, Fourth Grade
In the piano. - ELI FLEISCH, First Grade
In a closet inside another closet at my synagogue. - MASON BILLIG, Second Grade
In a desk drawer. - AVIVA MARKOWITZ, Fourth Grade
In a lamp. - MICHAELA BUB, Fourth Grade
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Your favorite Jewish foods, updated for Passover By Shannon Sarna Jewish Telegraphic Agency Two of my family’s favorite dishes are schnitzel and rainbow cookies, and I have a feeling your family may feel the same. Here's some great news about both: They very easily translate into Passover-friendly versions with minor adjustments. While you could serve them for your seder meals, both are great to enjoy during chol hamoed, the intermediate days of the holiday, when you’re sick of eating leftover brisket and coconut macaroons. PASSOVER-FRIENDLY CHICKEN SCHNITZEL Schnitzel is satisfying and easy to make, and will be the perfect dinner served with some roasted potatoes and a simple green salad. Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken cutlets Salt and pepper 2 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons kosher-for-Passover mustard or hot sauce 1 teaspoon water 1 1/2 cups matzah meal 1/2 cup almond meal 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional) 2 tablespoons dried parsley 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Vegetable or canola oil for frying Directions: 1. Combine eggs, mustard or hot sauce and water in a large bowl. Combine matzah meal, almond meal, sesame seeds (if using), parsley, paprika, salt and pepper in another large bowl. 2. Dredge each chicken cutlet into egg mixture, then into matzah meal mixture, pressing down to ensure the entire piece is covered. Lay flat on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Pour oil into large sauté pan to about 1 1/2 inches high over medium-high heat. 4. Fry chicken cutlets in batches, 2-3 at a time, until golden on each side -- depending on thickness of chicken, around 3 minutes each side. Take care not to overcrowd the pan or chicken will not cook properly. 5. Remove from pan and allow to cool on a wire rack. 6. While chicken is still hot from pan, sprinkle each cutlet with additional pinch of salt. PASSOVER-FRIENDLY RAINBOW COOKIES Rainbow cookies are such a beloved American staple. The task may seem intimating, but once you make your own -- especially this Passover-friendly version – you will never go back to the store-bought version. Ingredients: For the cake: 4 eggs 1 cup white sugar 4 ounces almond paste, broken into little pieces or processed in food processor for 30 seconds 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter or margarine 1/2 cup matzah cake meal 1/2 cup blanched almond flour (not almond meal) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon kosher-forPassover vanilla extract Red and green food coloring (about 8 drops each) For the chocolate glaze: 1 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or vegetable oil Pinch salt Special equipment: 3 square baking pans, offset spatula, food scale Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease your pans. Add parchment paper to bottom of each pan. Grease again and add light dusting of matzah cake meal. Tap pan to remove any excess flour. 2. Using a hand mixer (or whisk attachment to stand mixer), mix eggs and sugar until thick and yellow. Add crumbled almond paste and combine. 3. Add melted butter (or margarine), matzah cake meal, almond flour, salt and vanilla. 4. Divide batter into 3 even amounts. (Try using a food scale if eyeballing is too difficult). Leave one plain. Add green food coloring to one batch of batter. Add red food coloring to the other batch of batter. 5. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until just set and no longer wet in the middle. 6. Allow to cool completely. 7. Place chocolate, shortening and pinch of salt in a glass bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals until melted. Stir vigorously to ensure there are no clumps. 8. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of a platter or baking sheet. Add red cake layer to parchment paper. Spread thin layer of raspberry jam. Top with white layer. Add another thin layer of raspberry jam. Top with green cake. 9. Carefully spread half the melted chocolate on top. Place in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes or until completely hard. 10. Turn over and spread remaining chocolate on other side. Place back in refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. 11. Trim edges and slice into cookies.
Passover Goulash BY SANDI TEPLITZ INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds beef cubes 2 c. bouillon 1 c. chopped onion 8 oz. tomato sauce 6 T. vegetable oil 2 c. canned tomatoes 1 1/2 t. potato starch 1 clove minced garlic 1 1/2 t. salt 1 T. paprika assorted mixed fresh vegetables TECHNIQUE: Cook beef and onions
6 MARCH 2018 | HAKOL LEHIGH VALLEY | HAPPY PASSOVER
in hot oil in a Dutch oven until onions are soft and yellow. Lightly stir in starch, salt and paprika and cook for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except assorted vegetables, and bring to a boil. Cover. Bake in 350 degree oven for about three hours, till tender, adding fresh vegetables of your choice during the last hour. Serve over hot Passover noodles. Accompany with red wine and a tossed salad.
HURRAY CHAROSET!
(or, a bisl* more about charoset)
By Joan Parker Special to HAKOL Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from “No Seder Without You” by Joan Goldstein Parker, Golden Alley Press, 2018. Adapted with permission. We know people who eat matzah, including matzah brei, all year long. Gefilte fish with horseradish, chicken soup with matzah balls and red wine appear at several Jewish holiday tables. But charoset is a truly unique seder food, even if it is not as famous as unleavened bread. Charoset represents the mortar that the Israelite slaves made to build Pharaoh’s cities. Mortar is that white/gray mixture that
holds stones or bricks together – like the middle part of sandwich cookies. Without this filling, there are no buildings. Since the word “recipe” usually means to combine an exact amount of ingredients, charoset is the ultimate “un-recipe.” Where we come from, the requirements for charoset are: apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and kosher for Passover sweet red wine. Among our family and friends, charoset’s creators are as important as its contents: often, at least one child and one adult have their hands in preparing charoset. In our kitchens, charoset has always been made by the “chop, taste, add more (apples or walnuts or cinnamon or wine), chop again, taste
again” method. These days, we buy pre-baked matzah, but we still create charoset for our seders. Even though we do not permit a recipe to dictate our version of charoset, there are cookbooks with charoset recipes. We like our charoset to resemble a very chunky apple sauce, but other forms of charoset range from jelly to tiny round balls. In fact, charoset is an excellent example of a Jewish food that varies according to local crops and customs. Instead of apples, Yemenite charoset uses dates and figs. We have heard of an Italian recipe that adds dates, oranges and bananas to walnuts and apples. Israeli charoset may contain dried fruits (but no apples) and almonds (but no walnuts). The most surprising recipe we have seen is the one for Egyptian charoset. The contents are not surprising (raisins and dates), but the concept seems strange. Think about it. Can you imagine celebrating a holiday in honor of our fleeing a country in the very same country that we fled from?
JFS to distribute Passover foods and share traditions with local older adults Jewish Family Service is excited to help families and older adults celebrate Passover this year. For the past five years, Jewish Family Service has been the recipient of the generosity of Temple Beth El’s sisterhood efforts to provide holiday foods and supplies for those living independently in the community who would like to be able to celebrate and honor Passover. Organized by Kathy Zimmerman and Sandi Fine, the bags of food, which are being packed at Beth El, will contain a variety of kosher for Passover products, including potato chips, matzah and desserts. Volunteers from Beth El will assemble the bags and deliver them to JFS, and JFS volunteers will manage the distribution to clients. The supplies for the bags
will come from generous donations from Beth El’s Sisterhood, Community Women’s Seder and the religious school. For those living in various residential facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley, JFS will be delivering matzah with holidaythemed frog and kiddush cup decorations created by the kindergarten students at the Jewish Community Center. JFS is facilitating Passover seders at Atria and Kirkland Village. These programs will help residents create community by celebrating the holiday through songs, food and seder traditions. For more information about how to get involved with JFS’s volunteer program, contact Volunteer Coordinator Chelsea Karp at ckarp@jfslv.org or 610-821-8722.
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Wishing you and your family a
HAPPY PASSOVER
Stop by a Giant near you and let the celebration begin!