The Jewish-Israeli Round-Up and Kosher Cooking Carnival (Parshat Emor) Are Up!

ו' לחודש השני תשע"ד

The Jewish-Israeli Round-Up (AKA: Haveil Havalim) and Kosher Cooking Carnival (Parshat Emor) are up!

Check out the אֱמֹר Emor, Speak! The Havel Havelim-Kosher Cooking Carnival Combo, hosted both at Shiloh Musings and Me-Ander.

The Combination Parashath Bo Jewish-Israeli and Sh'vat Kosher Cooking Carnival Is Up!

ד' לחודש האחד עשר תשע"ד

The combination Bo בא Come! Havel Havelim and the Sh'vat Kosher Cooking Carnival is now up at Shiloh Musings!

This Week's Jewish and Israeli Blog Round-Up is Up!

 ו' לחודש העשירי תשע"ד

This week Batya at Shiloh Musings has combined this week's Jewish and Israeli Blog Round-Up (AKA: Haveil Havalim) with this month's Kosher Cooking Carnival.into a Jewish Blog Stew!

Want to get more involved, and even host? Join your blog carnival's facebook group.

Want to submit a post? Use the links to the on-line post submission forms below.

Haveil Havalim Facebook Group
Haveil Havalim On-Line post submission form

Kosher Cooking Carnival Facebook Group
Kosher Cooking Carnival On-Line post submission form

I'll be hosting the next edition of Haveil Havalim. So, please start sending me your posts!

Haveil Havalim #331 - The End Of תשע"א/5771 Edition

28 of the Sixth Month 5771

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means"Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

One of the reasons I like the Velveteen Rabbi is her creativity. Another reason is that she is consistent, an all too rare attribute found across the Jewish spectrum. Another reason I like her is that she challenges me (not personally), and keeps me on my toes.

Her piece Wise Voices On Middle East Politics And On Torah exemplifies how diverse our growing community here at Haveil Havalim can be, and is, with her on one side, and me on the polar opposite side, 99 percent of the time. But, at least we bother to wave at each other once in a while.

But, what's my point, you ask.

Unfortunately, our Haveil Havalim community is at risk of not continuing. We do not just need hosts. We need it to be much less of a struggle to convince, coerce, and beg each other to host.

This week's edition, the End Of תשע"א/5771 Edition really is a best of the best edition,...a euphemism for schvach.

It is Monday night in Israel already, so you can only imagine how difficult is was for me to throw this together,...I mean throw literally. I was very picky about the posts I included, even excluding some posts I particularly liked. Everyone also received only one spot this week.

If you have hosted Haveil Havalim before, then your posts were automatically included. This is not to discourage those bloggers new to our community from submitting posts. As you know, I am usually a very inclusive host. But, if I have to limit the number of posts I include, then why shouldn't I make a point of including those bloggers involved in keeping Haveil Havalim alive,...literally?

Consider this edition an appeal, a warning, a rebuke,...OK, maybe even a request.

Take a moment to take out our calendars, which most of you have already bought, and pick a week, just one week, and commit to host. If everyone of us were to commit to hosting during תשע"ב/5772, then we would be all set for the coming year, and would cease to be in such a struggle.

Even if only the core group of contributors were to commit to hosting twice each during the coming year, then we would be good to go.

I will be hosting again next week. I never intended to host this week. I believe that by now, you have gathered that. There wasn't anyone designated to host this week. But that did not stop the submissions from flowing in.

Susan Esther at To Kiss A Mezuzah is set to host on 20 Tishrei (October 16).

Who will step up to the plate, and host the week before that?

What about the week after that?

As this year comes to a close, please think about how you envision the future of Haveil Havalim, and then commit to contributing to make that future happen.

So,...if you would like to host, please contact our Fearless Leader Jack B. directly at talktojacknow@gmail.com.

Shannah Tovah.

Looking Toward Rosh HaShannah

Allison Josephs, our Jew In The City, starts us off with Impulse Control and the High Holidays.

Jacob Richman at Good News From Israel provides us with Educational Resources and Cool Videos for the New Year.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah asks, "Do Jews Believe In An Afterlife?" Well, I can't speak for all Jews, but I do. I could not resist adding this second post from her at TCJewfolk, Who's Eggs Are They Anyway? It is a fascinating ethical, halakhic, and relevant issue for us all.

Jennifer in Mama-Land shows us a Fun Tech Tool. Check out this Hebrew script tool!!

Israel

Sharon A at The Real Jerusalem Streets asks, "As Durban 3 approaches will it be all about Israeli racism again?" in Racist State.

Batya, our Shiloh Muse, takes a look at Pseudostinians, and the power of words.

Yoel Meltzer asks, "Why The Overreaction In Jordan?"

Daniel Pinner, guest posting at The Torah Revolution, wants you to take your Palestinian IQ Test.

Steve at IsraelSeen shares his time out on the town with us in Where’s the Beer?.
Rachel at Israelity reminds us that summer is at an end (sigh), with some beautiful photos by Shoshani.

Outside Of Israel

The Independent Patriot presents Irvine 11 Guilty Guilty Guilty. Who knew? I'm glad she was following this case.

Well, that's a wrap! I'll see you next week, after our long weekend and postponed Fast of Gedaliah!

May we all have a better year than the last one. If you had a good year this, then may you have an even better one!

Haveil Havalim #312 - It's Time To Talk About The Elephant In The Room

6 of the First Month 5771

Introduction
Welcome to Haveil Havalim Edition #312!

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means"Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

It's Time To Talk About The Elephant In The Room...

The Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival [HH] has gone through many trials and tribulations, as it were. As I attempted to point out in a recent edition of HH I hosted...

I am not a pluralist,...from far it. Yet, I strongly believe that Jews with differing views working together is the bottom line behind HH's success. Sometimes a particular issue will have a noticeable theme or skew to it, depending on the host. But, the following week could well provide a completely different one. It is an interesting set of relationships we have been developing here. Do I include posts from people who disagree with me? Am I compromising my principles if I do? But, if I don't, then I sure can't expect them to include mine, right?...Like I said, I am not a pluralist, far from it. But, if we take the time to look around and to listen (I mean REALLY listen), we can often be surprised at how much we really do have in common. Even if it's poetry or music, or a search for the best cappuccino in Israel, it's at least a start. As they say, "It's a process." I don't know about you, but I am going to keep coming back to see how it continues to work out.

Something has happened. I am not exactly sure what it is.

After some recent editions of Haveil Havalim, I may just start changing my tune. Maybe I will start refraining from including posts which I find to be offensive, and/or encourage behavior with which I do not agree.

What do I find offensive?

I find it offensive when Jews confuse Western culture and sensibilities for Jewish ones. Whether we are talking about "innocent civilians" during a milhemeth misswah (obligatory war), turning Jews into non-Jewish authorities, or a[Italian] black hat, none of these are Jewish concepts.

I find it offensive when Jews accuse other Jews of suborning mass-murder, when murder is an act which may only take place between Jews (Mekhilta, Ramba"m, Sefer HaHinukh). "Killing" is universal; "murder" is not. Please get your terminology right.

I find it offensive when Jews distort the Torah according to their pre-established beliefs and [galuti/diasporan] feelings, like when a Jew quotes the Talmud Bavli...

...that to save a life, it is as if one has saved a world.

...and neglects to mention that HaZa"L was not talking about just any old life, but rather a Jewish one.

Whoops! I forgot. I am not allowed to express what offends me, because I am not politically-correct!

Oh, well. Too late.

One HH host suggested that we do not have to include him, if he did not include us. Well, I am afraid that might qualify as neqamah (revenge) against another Jew, which is forbidden, unlike neqamah against a non-Jew, which sometimes mandated.

So, will I get banned from hosting due the opinion expressed above? Maybe yes, maybe no. All I know is that HH is very much in need of hosts. So, we either tolerate each other, or we alienate each other. Either way, I intend to stick around to see how it all works out.

Those reading the opinions expressed above probably take more issue with the length of the introduction more than with anything else.

I await your comments....

And, now without further adieu, I am proud to present this week's edition of of Haveil Havalim,...elephants included.


Pride Of Place

First, here is a list of posts which were deemed offensive, or otherwise undesirable, by previous HH hosts. Here, I give them "pride of place."

If I Were PM For A Day

Amalek In The Flesh - Part II: A Call For Vengeance

Nachas! A Former Student Declares Intention To Refuse Anti-Torah Orders!

Torah

Josh Waxman at the Parsha Blog brings us An Interesting Peshat On The Importance Of Nissan.

Mr. Cosmic X connects last week's parasha with the infamous Goldstone Report in Judge Goldstone And The Metzora.

Israel

Current Events

Netivot Girl at Shiloh Musings reports first hand what it is like to live in Southern Israel in Once There Was A Bus....

Yoel Meltzer warns us about what The Next War in Israel will look like, and brings us his point of view on Our Claim To The Land. Yoel has been posting articles on YNET and on Israel National News for a while now. He has just opened up his own blog. Please welcome him to the JBlogosphere, by paying him a visit!

Tomer Devorah show us the Is-reality.

The Jewish Fist reveals the truth in Inauthentic Bedouins: Another Top Ten List.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution reminds us that Nothing Is By Chance.

Batya brings us two at Shiloh Musings, No "Moderates" Among The Moslem "Peace sic Partners" and IMF Thinks The Pseudistinians Are Ready For What?

Elder Of Ziyon announces that the Muslim Brotherhood has Already Won.

Amy at Zionism Israel brings us an extensive analysis in Muslim And Arab Anti-Semitism.

I ask What's Bothering The Jerusalem Post?

And, finally, for something completely different... Jessica at Israelity wants us to Save The Trees. I believe this to be an important post, as well as an interesting one.

Life In Israel

Jacob at Good News From Israel bring us photos of the A. H. A. V. A. H. Readathon Awards in Ma'aleh Adumim.

David at Tzedek-Tzedek tells us about a harrowing experience in Sheleg And Me.

Natan at Lines Writing Lines tells us about his decision to leave Israel in My 301 Direct. Natan, you will surely be missed

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside Of Israel)

Current Events

Tomer Devorah waits and prays for Jonathan Pollard to come home in Please, Please, PLEASE HaShem!?

Sultan Knish brings us A Revolting Middle East Policy.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah Doesn't Want To Have Passover This Year. Find out why.

Judaism

Mystery Woman brings a touching story from her experience as a member of the Hevra Qadisha in her community, in Last Kindness.

Jessica at Israelity tells us about Paying Homage To The Piyyut.

The Rebbetzin's Husband explains why Rabbis Cannot Agree On Halachah [sometimes]. Brain death al pi halakhah appears to be the focus of this post. He mentions four points which he believes can be applied to other issues under debate. I would like to include one more,... 5. Too often hashqafah (pre-existing POV), sometimes including a galuth mentality, gets in the way of the determination of halakhah.

Pesah & Pre-Pesah Preparations

Tomer Devorah reminds us to Bring The Korban Pesah.

Batya at Me-Ander asks What Makes Your Seder The Best?, and includes a video of "The Passover Song."

Isramom brings us Learning To Ask - Passover Preparations,...classic video included!

If these two videos weren't enough, Jacob at Good News From Israel brings us 145 Passover Videos,...including some new ones!

Josh Waxman, posting at DovBear, reviews The 2001 Absolut Haggada.

Adventures In Mama-Land brings us Passover Haggadah Printable Overview: This Seder Night, to help you provide explanations to your children regarding the various aspects of the Seder. Notes: This is NOT a complete haggadah, and the customs represented here are NOT everyone's customs.

Frozen Challah tells us why Passover Scares Her.

Batya at brings us Backwards Planning Or Planning From Both Ends.

You must check out the latest Kosher Cooking Carnival at Ima On The Bima, because Pesach Is Coming!

Isreview checks out some Kosher l'Pesah products for us in Osem & Elite's Kosher For Pesach Cakes and Nougat Filled Cereals For Pesach.

Culture

First of all, thanks to Amy Meltzer for reminding about the category of "Culture." Here's her post The Long And Winding Road That Leads To Canaan, from Homeschuling to start off this section.

Ilana-Davita reviews the book The Pity Of It All: A Portrait Of The German-Jewish Epoch, 1743 - 1933 by Amos Elon.

Just Call Me Chaviva recounts the touching, yet intriguing, story of the journey of her husband Tuvia's family through the Holocaust, and mourns the loss of his great aunt Rozy in Baruch Dayan ha'Emet.

Personal

The Rebbetzin's Husband shares with us how Dancing In The Middle Of The Circle has affected him.

Kvell Corner recounts for us The Lesson She Learned From Blue Cheese.

Independent Patriot, writing at Liberty's Spirit explains why She's Glad He Does Not Consider Himself A Reform Jew Anymore. Do politics mix with "religion?" See what IP has to say on the matter.

Paul at Or Am I? brings us some thoughts from one his students in Making God Feel Real.

Humor

Here are two posts from Benji Lovitt: I Haven't Been To A Government Office In A While, Why The Hell Not? and Hey, Yemen-Ever heard Of Babysitters? Personally, I still don't get Benji's stuff, but maybe somebody will enjoy it.

Wrap-Up
Once post I did not include because I felt it was too misleading of Jews into thinking that certain things were authentically Jewish, when in fact they were not. If this blogger had said "In my opinion..." I probably would have included the post in question. There were two more posts which I did not include, because they seemed to be the all too usual fronts for Haredi bashing, without any commentary, let alone any constructive commentary. Everything else which was submitted, I included.

Next week, To Kiss A Mezuzah will be hosting. You can submit posts by using Haveil Havalim's on-line submission form.

חג כשר ושמח

A Happy and Kosher Pesah!!

Haveil Havalim #307

Rosh Hodesh of the Twelfth Month (Beth) 5771

Introduction

Welcome to Haveil Havalim Edition #307!

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means"Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

And now, a note on the Word "Rabbi:"

I am very surprised that over the years, I have receive any questions, complaints, or comments, as to why I do not refer to women as "rabbis," when hosting Haveil Havalim. Maybe contributors do not believe that there isn't any point, so why bother?

It's ashame, because I have the perfect response to such questions, complaints, and comments:

"I don't refer to anyone as rabbi, female or male."

YU? RRC? It doesn't make any difference to me. Perhaps that would be considered as fair treatment, if anything else. I do use the term "rav" when referring to my own rav, or to accepted (not by everyone, I suppose) gedolim.

Of course, if "rabbi" is part of your blog's name, then I guess I technically refer to you as "rabbi."

As a rule, I try to stay far away from "rabbis," and stick close to "rabbanim." For me, that's hard to do, as I work with many "rabbis," along with two or three "rabbanim," and I don't really relish the thought of getting fired.

I do often translate "rav" to "rabbi," which makes the above statement not entirely true. I hope to stop translating "rav," though, to emphasize the difference, I believe exists, between the connotations of these titles.

מי שמבין יבין

(Whoever understands, will understand....)

And now, with that cryptic note, on with the show!

Torah

Although from Parashath Terumah, David Tzohar's post Fringes Of Royal Blue, at Tzohar LaTeiva, is still relevant to Parashath Pequdei, the culmination of the work on the Mishkan, as well as to the present day.

From Parashath Wayaqheil, Josh Waxman at the Parsha Blog shares his, always interesting, commentary, with Betzalel Did All That HaShem Commanded Moshe, pt. 1. He also brings us A Brand New Tale Of Onkelos And The Mezuza.

Comments on Parashath Pequdei are provided by Tomer Devorah, who has receive permission to translate and post Rav Nir Ben-Artzi's Material. Some consider Rabbi Ben-Artzi to be a controversial figure. Nonetheless, his commentary and predictions are fascinating.

Israel

News & Current Events In Israel

(It was hard to distinguish between the two this week, so I combined them.)

West Bank Mama comments on the violence at Gilad Farms in The Forest Is The Politics, The Trees Are Our Children. The Jewish Fist does as well in The Hunting Season Returns.

Speaking of our children, Would You Let Your Child On This Bus? Also, I encountered Another Demonstration: Different Code, Same Old Message.

Joe Settler at The Muqata reports on The Jewish Baby Injured At A Leftwing Protest.

Tomer Devorah reports on the Thousands Who Rallied Against Christian Missionary Activity In Ashdod.

Batya at Shiloh Musings Would Like To Hear These Words From Israel. So what I! Check out her post to see what words she's talking about. Batya politically-incorrect?? Nah! Check out A Leopard Can't Change His Spots, and seee for yourselves.

The Jewish Fist writes about a unique Israeli political party in Meimad Revisited.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution believes that we should Stop Voting For "Them" Now!

Mr. Cosmic X asks, "Is A Jewish Boycott Of Bank Leumi Pending?"

Rafi at Life In Israel reports on the latest incarnation of a two-day weekend proposal in Sunday-less Work Week. (SIGH) No, not that again!

[Just Call Me] Chaviva summarizes the history of German reparations to Israel in Unlikely BFFs: West Germany And Israel.

Jessica at the Israelity Blog reports some kudos for a prominent Israeli in #46. Guess who it is.

News & Current Events Near Israel
Schvach Yid gives his take on what should happen in Jordan in Finally!

Snoopy at Simply Jews takes a look at Iran's leader, and his latest fauz pas in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Another Fine Stand Up Performance. Snoopy is also not too optimistic, having seen this video in Peace In The Middle Now? You Bet....

Brian at the Israelity Blog expresses some concern in Dreaming Of Bahrain. Why he wants to celebrate his son's bar-mitzvah in Nepal? I have no idea. Why not get the cheaper flights, and celebrate it in Israel?

Life In Israel

Ruti at Ki Yachol Nuchal! shares her experience from the perspective of an Israeli football mom in One Man With One Heart. She is also the mom of a soldier(s), and shares some of that experience with us in Band Of Achim.

Batya is also an Israeli football mom. Check out, Mothers See Things Differently at Me-Ander.

Mrs. S. at Our Shiputzim presents Reason #12,902 For Making Aliya. Three words: Destination Siddur Parties.

Batya at Me-Ander describes the town where she lives in What Do People Think Shiloh Is?

Daniela at Isreview probably deserves her own carnival category, but "Life In Israel" will do, because in her unique and helpful blog, you will find reviews of various products found in Israel. This is especially helpful if you are new in the country, and are trying to find products equivalent to what you were used to in the "Old Country." Here are a couple of her reviews: Sano's Vacuum Zip-Lock Food Bags and "Product Of The Year" Winners.

Yisroel at Artzeinu has a product for us in Come To Israel, Where Wafers Are A Food Group!

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside Of Israel)

Eli at JewTribe connects the dots between news items in Purim Story Comes A Little Early.

Shaun at Letters Of Note presents The Court Would Like To Balance The Scales, a must read for any American Jewish litigator!

David at the Israelity Blog reports on Israel Celebrates Oscar Wins! Debbie Schlussel brings us another side of the Oscars in Natalie Portman's Selective Outrage.

Judaism

Shira at On The Fringe shares her experience with siddurim, and how succeeded in studying and using them in Learning From The Inside Out.

[Just Call Me] Chaviva points us to from very problematic translation problems in It's A Mitzvah not To do What? (Yeah, I know that what I wrote was redundant.)

Velveteen Rabbi comments on the emotional and spiritual impact of planning for death in Planning For The Ultimate Future.

The Rebbetzin's Husband takes a close look at modern orthodoxy in Wanted: A Modern Orthodox Talmud. He also posts an interesting set of memorial notes on Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Orbach ztz"l.

Neil at NY's Funniest Rabbi also has a serious moment with his lovely Remembering Asher Strobel.

Here is Kochava's Proposed Solution regarding the conversion hullabaloo at You're Not Crazy.

Elle at On Becoming Devoted draws parallels between her conversion experience and giving birth in Captivated.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah takes a look a the Reform Movement in The 613 Commandments - Do We Follow Them?

Carrie at Jewish Boston shares her Journey Of Writing A Megillah. Um,...'K.

Purim

Get ready for Purim with Some Fun And Educational Resources from Jacob Richman at Good News From Israel.

Minnesota Mamaleh shares What We Can Learn From Purim.

Guest post Natural And Organic Purim Baskets From Israel And A Giveaway! is presented by Amy at Homeschuling. I definitely do not see enough health oriented posts on Haveil Havalim, so thank you, Amy! She also points us to her guest's blog On The Lettuce Edge, which I recommend you check out, especially if you have an interest in farming or gardening.

Personal

Neil at NY's Runniest Rabbi just published a book. Can you guess what it's about? He plugs it in Book Him. "You've seen the blog, now read the book." He also touches on some of his experiences, including his book in Somewhere In Time.

Music

Kokhava at You're Not Crazy points us to several "Internet Earworms" of Orthodox Pop Culture. Find out what an "earworm" is, and check out the videos she chose for posting.

I'd like to finish this carnival off with a bang! Check the videos of the Lipa Schmeltzer Concert At The Pomegranate Supermarket that Rafi at Life In Israel posted.

Wrap-Up
1. First off, make sure you visit this month's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival, hosted at Miryummy. It's the VeNahafoch Hu Edition.

2. Second, I always take a look at the comments in the submission e-mail, and I recommend that my fellow hosts do the same. I just don't always feel the need to insert those comments verbatim into the HH edition I'm working on.

3. I always like to let you know what I did not include. There was one spam submission, one [attempted] avodah zarah Christian submission, and submissions from a site which is technically a [we]blog, but I don't like posting stam lists of articles, without any commentary.

4. So that this edition's size did not get too out of hand, I also limited most bloggers (per blog) to not more than two submissions each, myself included. Thank you, though, who stuck to the three submissions only guideline, which was all but one of you. Limiting the submissions, and leaving it up to you to judge which of your posts from this week are the best, I find to be particular helpful to the host.

4. Next week's edition is being hosted by Ima On (And Off) The Bima. You can submit posts via the on-line submission form.

5. If you would like to Haveil Havalim, contact Jack at talktojacknow (at) sbcglobal (dot) net.

Kosher Cooking Carnival #57 Is Up!

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parashath Shofetim 5770
75th Yom HaZikhron of Rav Avraham Yitzhaq HaKohen Kook ztz"l

This month's Kosher Cooking Carnival is being hosted by Batya on the Me-Ander Blog.

It's the Pre-Holiday Edition.

Enjoy!

Haveil Havalim #263 And Kosher Cooking Carnival #53 Are Up!

7 of the Second Month 5770

This week's edition of Haveil Havalim, the world's largest Jewish and Israeli blog carnival, is being hosted by Snoopy at Simply Jews. It's the Post Yom HaShoa Edition.

This month's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival is being hosted for the first time by Shimshonit.

Thanks to all those who take their time to host!

Shabbath Leftovers - Ki Tetzei 5769: What Was Wrong With The Soup?

10 of the Sixth Month 5769

Last Shabbath was alright, even though I was still recovering from the trauma of having my Shabbath Leftovers Series REJECTED from this month's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival.

Erev Shabbath was also my birthday. *sigh* ...yet another traumatic experience to endure...

Believe it or not, I actually did not spend all of Shabbath being a hermit in my cave alone at home. I went visiting at night, then again during the day. I walked all the way to Qatamon, then ended up walking home through Nahla'oth, as a friend needed assistance finding a particular schul in that neighborhood.

Surprisingly, I didn't have any rocks thrown at me in either of those neighborhoods. I guess that's because no one recognized me as the author of "A Tale Of Two Neighborhoods." While in Qatamon, though, I could've sworn that some Jews were giving me "the eye." I guess that's either because I stood out in their neighborhood due to my livush (How dare I wear a white shirt, dark blue pants, and a big, black "settler" kippah in their neighborhood!), or because I was almost recognized because my avatar being a very good likeness of me. Who knows....

I bumped into two friendly faces in Nahla'oth. So, that turned out to be a less scary experience than I thought it would be.

But I digress...

I didn't actually eat at other people's homes, unless, of course, you count the several pieces of cake I scarfed down. (There goes my "no wheat" diet, I now have to start over) No. I made my special "all-in-one," chicken soup as per usual (B).

(Gross-Out Alert)

But, here's the rub. The soup gave me gas. It had to have been the soup (...or was it the humous?), as I also had it for melweh malkah.

Why did it give me gas this week, and not on previous weeks?

Here's the basic preparation. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is figure out which ingredient(s) was the perpetrator.

chicken, 6 pcs.
qishu'im (green squash)
butternut sqaush, puréed
kolrahbi
carrots
onions
garlic
rice
parsley
dill, 1 sprig
soy sauce
turmeric

(Soup Preparation Tip: Remove the chicken before 30 minutes of boiling, so it doesn't become rubbery and lose all of its flavor. Then replace in the soup while its on the warmer, so that it can absorb the flavors in the soup.)

So, what's your verdict? Why did the soup give me gas?

Kosher Cooking Carnival #42 Is Up!

4 of the Third Month 5769

This month's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival (#42) is up at Food History, which by the way has a great tag line...

"She knows where your food has been."

Check out Gillian Pollack's presentation of KCC!

Kosher Cooking Carnival #41 Is Up!

29 of the First Month 5769

The 41st Kosher Cooking Carnival is up at A Mother In Israel.

It's the "From Matzah to Lasagna" edition.

Kosher Cooking Carnival #37 Is Up!

Fourth Night of Hanukkah 5769

The December - "Greasy Story" Edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival is up at Here In HP.

Hope you're not on a diet.

This Week's Blog Carnival Links

25 of the Eighth Month 5769

Ima on [and off] the Bima hosts this weeks packed Haveil Havalim #192 - The Thanks and Giving Edition. To participate in next week's edition, submit your post via Blog Carnival's on-line submission system. Contact Jack at talktojacknow (at) sbcglobal (dot) net, if you would like to be a host sometime.

I'll Call Baila hosts the November (#35 - "Procrastinator's") edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival. To participate in next month's edition, submit your post via Blog Carnival's on-line submission system, or when it's down, e-mail Batya at shilohmuse (at) yahoo (dot) com. You can also let her know if you would like to be a carnival host.

Kosher Cooking Carnival #28 Is Up - Dayenu Edition

18 of the Thirteenth Month 5768

Check out the Dayenu Edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival (#28) at Little Frumhouse on the Prairie. I am afraid that I am a week late in letting you about it. Please go check out the creative recipes and tips posted there. If you would like to contribute to next month's edition or host, use the handy contact information and on-line submission form.

Kosher Cooking Carnival #25 Is Up!

11 of the Tenth Month 5768

Kosher Cooking Carnival #25 is up on Batya's Me-Ander Blog.

It's the "Great Green One."