Purim commemorates the survival of the Jewish people, marked for death by their Persian rulers in the fifth century BC. In the face of destruction and an evil plot, Jews not only survived but went on … more

Let the good times roll! In New Orleans, that would be Mardi Gras, a citywide carnival celebration that spans three riotous months beginning on Jan. 6 and culminates with Mardi Gras (or “Fat … more

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

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

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

Sukkot is glorious. It’s akin to a Jewish Thanksgiving holiday where family and friends gather in booths decorated with fall fruits, gourds and paper chains (add yellow ribbons … more

It’s tradition! After Neilah services at my synagogue on Yom Kippur, there’s a surge to tables of light fare typically set out by the Sisterhood. Tired and hungry worshippers gather round … more

As Jews the world over celebrate Rosh Hashana on Wednesday evening, Oct. 2, sweet dishes will be served to welcome 5785 with wishes for a sweet year ahead. And for the release of the … more

Now that summer’s over, we can let the secret out: If August is Florida’s best-kept secret, the same can be said for September, when it’s equally hot but with fewer tourists since … more

M any of us tend to forget the origin of July 4, but not I! Fifty years ago, this Shet land Islands native became a proud new American citizen after studying the fundamentals of US history and the … more