Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on September 12, 2021

September and October (before Halloween) are a time to catch our breath before the winter holidays. September is usually the time of the year that winds down with the start of the school year.

The exception may be with the Jewish community throughout the world. During September, four periods of what I would call observations occur, according to their calendar

We know our Jewish friends celebrate different holidays and some even celebrate Christian ones. I bet that there are some Jews that may have forgotten what is behind their own holidays. So let us go over the Jewish holidays of September.

This year 5782 began last week according to the Jewish/Hebrew calendar. Commemorating the beginning of the coming year according to the teaching of Judaism. It marks the anniversary of the creation of Adam & Eve. Adults refrain from all work and fast from the 6th through the 8th until sundown.

The greeting Shanah Tovah means Good Year in Hebrew and can be used throughout until the end of the Simchat Torah on September 29th.

Ten days after Rosh Hashanah begins Yom Kippur. The holiest days of the year and the last days of penitence. It centers on atonement and repentance. Most of the day is spent in synagogue services and intensive prayer asking for forgiveness for and from sins.

Is a time to give thanks for food and shelter. The Feast of the Gathering commemorating the sheltering of the Israelites in the wildness. Along with celebrating the farmers yearly harvest.

Rounding out the September festivities. Simchat Torah marks the beginning of the cycle of the new year. It is a joyous celebration as a clean slate is opened to begin the new year.

I do hope 5782 is a better year than 5781 was not just for the Jewish community but for all of us.

Let us look at a common link between all Jewish celebrations the cuisine. Kosher foods and diets are somewhat common during holidays. But often fall away during the remainder of the year. Maintaining a kosher kitchen in the home can be quite difficult.

All other items including the food, utensils and surfaces need to be changed. Meat and dairy are strictly kept separate. Along with the types of meat. In the commercial arena, a careful watch is maintained. All processed foods require certification by a reliable rabbi or kosher supervisor.

Of all my Jewish friends only two households keep a kosher kitchen year-round. The dietary laws of the Jews are quite complex.

Charoset is usually identified with Passover but is wonderfully made and served year around as a sweet condiment or relish. There is no right way or wrong way in preparing this incredible combination of apples, nuts, cinnamon and sweet wine. It can be either be smooth or chunky.

The word charoset comes from the Hebrew meaning clay.

It represents the mortar made by the Israelites while in slavery in Egypt. A real treat on crackers, bread, bagels, you name it. As well as on your dinner plate.

1 apple, quartered, cored & peeled

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/4 cup chopped (pitted) dates

2 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. sweet grape juice (grape juice can be substituted)

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Combine finely chopped apples and the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Blend and combine well. Makes approximately 1 cups. Keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

TIPS: Keeps at Room Temperature: avocados 4 to 7 days; bananas 2 to 5 days; onions 3 to 4 months; garlic 3 to 6 months

STAY SAFE AS THE CORONAVIRUS SEEMS TO BE ON THE RISE AGAIN. GET VACCINATED. CONTINUE TO WEAR YOUR FACE MASK AS WELL AS SOCIAL DISTANCING WHEN NECESSARY.

Contact columnist Bette Banjack at banjack303.verizon.net. Search YouTube with BetteBanjack as well as phoenixvillenews.com (search bar Banjack). She can also be found on Facebook.

Go here to read the rest:

Bette Banjack: A-Z in Foods Hebrew New Year Greeting Shanah Tovah! - The Mercury

Category: Jewish Cuisine
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