Olive Oil Beaten For The Light

Olive Oil Beaten For The Light

The Torah commands an ancient practice that lives today in Italyby Rabbi Barbara Aiello It is May in Calabria, an isolated region stretching from the “instep” to the “toe” of the Italian “boot,” and the olive trees are in bloom. Tiny cream colored flowers grace each...
Italian Jewish Roots in Squillace

Italian Jewish Roots in Squillace

Exploring Italian Jewish Roots in Squillace   “Searching for the remnants of the historical Jewish presence in Calabria is my passion,” says Rabbi Barbara who recently applied her investigative skills to exploring Squillace, an ancient Calabrian village, known...
Should I tell them I’m sick?

Should I tell them I’m sick?

Aging Jewishly – What Our Traditions Teach Us about Growing Old It has been three weeks since Dan got the news and his head is still spinning. “I know I’m getting on in years,” says the 78 year old retired biology teacher and part time musician, “but I never expected...
Trauma at the Seder Table

Trauma at the Seder Table

With the “good dishes” gracing the table, wine glasses gleaming and places set for 26 guests, the annual Passover seder was, as PopPop pronounced, “ready for prime time.” But in seconds the tranquility of the evening was disturbed by the shrieks of the two youngest...
Passover Items for the Passover Seders

Passover Items for the Passover Seders

ON YOUR TABLECandles, candlesticks, matches for Yom TovBox or plate of matzah (unleaved bread)Salt water and parsley or celery and vinegarGreen onion with stem – one for each personA traditional seder plate or dinner plateKiddush cup or wine glass with wine or...