Tastes of Jewish Tradition: Recipes, Activities & Stories for the Whole Family
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Book Summary Information
Editor: Jody HirshEdition: Spiral-bound
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-12
ISBN: 0971346100
Number of pages: 298
Publisher: Jewish Community Ctr of Milwaukee
Book Reviews of Tastes of Jewish Tradition: Recipes, Activities & Stories for the Whole Family
Book Review: More than a taste in this fun-filled book!
Summary: 5 Stars
author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family
from the Canadian Jewish News, Passover 2003
"Tastes of Jewish Tradition," by Jody Hirsh, Idy Goodman, Aggie Goldenholz and Susan Roth, is the culmination of a community effort that turns holidays into major festive family events. With the able assistance and support of the staff and parents of the Milwaukee Jewish Community Center's Parenting Center, and with input from rabbis and local artists, this fun-filled compilation of recipes, activities, commentary and stories for the entire family was originally conceived as a cookbook.
"We sent out a mailing and gathered 400, 500 recipes," says Roth, the
Parenting Center's director. "Then the mothers were saying to us, 'We
really would like art projects for the holidays.' Everything came from the parents in terms of what they want."
The Center's Director of Judaic Education, Jody Hirsh, wrote the "Traditions and Text" section for each holiday, bringing the Biblical portions to life. "Jody doesn't like people to think that Judaism stops at age 13," says Roth. "He wanted real information about the holidays too." In a sidebar to each text he includes interesting, little known facts. For example, "Did you know...Persian families hit each other with green onions during Dayenu?"
Each holiday chapter contains an "Experiencing" page, beautifully written by Idy Goodman, the JCC's Jewish Family Educator, who also coordinated the recipes and activities, and Aggie Goldenholz, now Director of Judaic Education at the New Orleans Jewish Day School.
To experience the ritual cleaning of hametz (leavened products), for
example, the authors write: "We look into the farthest corners of our cupboards and closets and sweep away even the tiniest crumbs. In the same way, we sweep away the cobwebs from our hearts and minds, ridding ourselves of anything that might obscure our vision of who we are and what we strive to be."
The authors of this valuable resource book take very seriously the injunction: "In every generation, all are obligated to see themselves as though they themselves had gone out of Egypt."
"On Passover we are encouraged to remember the exodus as though we too had been there," says Goodman. "It involves your whole body. You reenact the story through all your senses. Suddenly you're all Egyptians or Israelites. Through the activities you feel what it must have been like to be a slave and work so hard."
Set the mood for the seder by creating a Bedouin tent, donning Middle Eastern head covers called kefias, and making plague bags. The book even includes a magic trick to simulate the parting of the Red Sea and suggests musical selections to accompany your virtual crossing.
Children will enjoy creating their own tambourines, burning bush centerpieces and afikoman bags. But don't confine your search for project ideas to the Passover chapter alone.
"We tried not to repeat techniques for craft ideas across chapters," says Goodman. "So, for example, the tissue paper technique for making the jeweled kiddush cup in the Shabbat chapter can be used to make a Passover plate." The same can be said of the salt dough technique for making Shabbat candlesticks, the Hanukkah section's sponge painting technique or the Purim puppets.
Betsy Kaplan provided the charming cover illustration, and local artist Cindy Cooper did all the interior illustrations and templates.
"I tell people to use all the illustrations in the book for their projects," says Goodman. "Blow them up or make them smaller. Use your imagination."
Indeed, throughout we are encouraged to use the book as a springboard to further study and fun. "We feel the title to be especially apt as we provide you with a 'taste' of Jewish tradition," the authors tell us in the introduction. "Judaism is a rich, multi-level, ancient - while contemporary - religion and culture. Our expectations are that you and your children [and grandchildren] will use 'Tastes of Jewish Tradition' to deepen your understanding of Judaism and find a place for its rituals and traditions in your homes."
But what about the food? "Oh, what a plague, a week without pizza!" declares the "Kids in the Kitchen" page with its kid-friendly recipe. In fact, most of the recipes can either be prepared by kids themselves or are easy but delicious time savers for busy moms and dads that kids really like. What could be easier than the potato kugel using boxed stuffing mix and frozen hash browns and onions with its crispy, crunchy texture? After Passover try the Honey Pecan Crusted Chicken with corn flakes instead of matzoh meal, and it will become a staple all year long.
Wondering what to prepare for lunch during the week? Kids as well as adults will love the creamy (and nutritious) Passover macaroni and cheese.
"The flourless chocolate cake is to die for," Goodman told me. Indeed, it is a chocoholic's dream.
Summary of Tastes of Jewish Tradition: Recipes, Activities & Stories for the Whole Family
Enjoy the award winning Jewish Cookbook/Resource that's stirring the nation!Friendly guide to celebrating 11 Jewish holidays.
Created by parents & educators for families to share.
Stories, kosher recipes, craft ideas.
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