topic Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS in Among Friends

PASSOVER COMMENTS

Shanus — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 16:10:28 GMT

Please post your memories, stories, comments or questions re: Passover. One of us will try to reply if needed.

No reipes, please. Check the Recipe Forum for PASSOVER RECIPES.

Thanks

Shanus

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

reiki604 — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:27:52 GMT

Passover is a month away.........too early to start dealing with it yet. I have a trip to New Orleans to enjoy first. Not looking to rush my life away, it goes too quickly as it is.

Happy Purim!

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

roxxy1 — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:34:39 GMT

I have never been to a Passover meal, as our family is Christian, but would very much like to be invited to one someday.

It is so interesting to me to learn new things about different cultures.

Looking forward to reading the replies.

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Katcat1 — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 19:56:40 GMT

@Shanus the only thing I know about Passover is family sits around a table and says prayers and has bitter greens and a certain type of bread whiich I think is a beautiful ceremony. Don't laugh if I am all wrong. I would think in modern times you also enjoy the food your wife prepared after the prayers. I love tradition and I am thankful I was brought up with tradtion.

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 20:48:48 GMT

@roxxy1, skip over to Passover Recipes on the Passover thread under Recipes and you will find some great information as well as some great recipes!

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 21:53:36 GMT

Hello Reiki604! I was born in New Orleans and lived there until I was 24. It really changed: be very careful. Have you ever been there before? It has a very rich Jewish History. Be sure to visit the Uptown area!

If you ever saw "Pretty Baby", it was filmed at The Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue. Stop in for a cocktail and enjoy the beautiful architecture!

@Shanus, aall the talk about Pesach got me motivated to get into Zen mode and declutter. Trust me when I tell you, by the time Passover comes, I will consider cleaning traces of chametz a breeze!

I loved the story about your little granddaughter to be near the desserts. I have been to some long Seders, but not four hours! When we were living in New York, DH's aunt had the first night at her house: there were about 25 of us. Smart lady: she had hers catered although she did make a few of the dishes.

The second night was at my beloved in-laws in Monsey. That little town has become a destination for Torah scholars. Every house on my in-laws block was a synagogue. When it was roped off and people started throwing rocks at cars that drove through on Shabbat, that's when they and their friends left in a mass exodus and came to Florida.

For those who don't know what "roping off" is, it's a Rabbinic legalism for being able to push a baby carriage or do other things of that nature. No work is to be done, but taking a stroll with your baby is a good thing....so that's their answer to solving that issue.

Throwing rocks at cars is criminal however, and it certainly is NOT exemplary behavior. My MIL had to sign paperwork for funeral directors at all hours of the night so that deceased could be transported to wherever burial arrangements had been made. Usually, it was for burial in Israel.

These days, if we were to go back-no joking- I would be sure to wear a skirt-mid calf at least- make sure my elbows and collar bones could not be seen, and as a married woman, I would be sure to wear a head covering!

I don't want to give the impression these people are maniacal by any means, but they have made certain neighborhoods their turf. That being said, there are areas in Israel that rent "modest" clothes for women, and you are more than welcome to explore, but not if you are dressed in a way they don't find modest.

You would think the clothing for women would be boring....far from it! Visiting my in-laws was a blast for me! On Shabbat, everybody was out walking and the clothes were breathtaking. The unmarried girls would go out in groups, and they were stunning. Once the sun went down, shops and restaurants 're-opened....some of the best falafel I've ever had was there.

They had specialty Kosher groceries, but even going to Pathmark-a major grocery store chain in the NE was a blast! During Passover, they had everything imaginable including Kosher for Passover dishwashing liquid, cosmetics and soaps- even Kosher for Passover food for dogs and cats. I always thought that was odd because many frown upon keeping pets.

The range of food products just for children was astounding! Of course, many had lots of children: I'm sure sales boomed!

..... and there were the ubiquitous station wagons and vans....

The Lubobovitch Community is trying to establish a "colony" down here and they are just lovely people. They have a women's group that I've been invited to join. I'm a little intimidated by it, but I am all for expanding horizons. I didn't even think they made station wagons anymore, but I'm beginning to see more and more of those around town. I see it as a positive: diversity is the spice of life!

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

roxxy1 — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:42:05 GMT

@Poodlepet2 wrote:
@roxxy1, skip over to Passover Recipes on the Passover thread under Recipes and you will find some great information as well as some great recipes!
Poodlepet2

@Poodlepet2 Thank you. I certainly will !

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Shanus — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 13:54:52 GMT

@Poodlepet2. I feel it's important to point out to non-Jews, that not all Jewish people observe the rules of Kosher or adhere to the strict rules of Passover like you and some others do...nothing wrong with your observance of the faith, tradition, or culture or foods. I applaud you for your knowledge and religious commitment.

I and my family do not keep a Kosher kitchen. At Passover, we make every effort to avoid foods that are considered "forbidden", but do so rather loosely. There is no bread or use of bread crumbs, any products like cakes that may use yeast, etc., pastas and items containing any flour.

Because of our markets in a small town in NC, we are lucky to purchase matzo and several necessary items for a Seder, there's certainly not the selection in other areas of the country to maintain easier preparation of Passover meals for the remainder of the holiday. It's not just the one Seder night meal, but 7 or 8 days.

For me, although I enjoy cooking and use healthy ingredients and mostly not prepared items, I still find it difficult to make all the substitutions in ingredients needed to make a recipe acceptable for Passover (those in the market listed Kosher for Passover are limited). I do the very best I can with the foods available to me and my time constraints. I don't feel any less Jewish than those who are strictly Kosher or more stringent regarding Passover meal prep.

Some have mentioned here and/or Recipe Forum that remembering all rules & regulations of foods, Kosher or what's not Kosher, OK for Passover or not, etc. seemed impossible to remember and keep it all straight.

I hope God and my fellow Jewish "sisters" understand that some women do the best they can do with the circumstances they have and their level of observance.

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

violann — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 14:46:52 GMT

I always went to school with kids of all faiths, but the 50's - 60's were still a period in our history in which "different" could mean "wrong", so most of us never talked or thought about family beliefs and practices very much.

My own personal introduction to Jewish holidays and the customs associated with them was a year in which I worked in a beautiful old department store in my community.

I was hired to work in the candy department of the store, and one of the lines of candies sold there was Barton's.

The candy was sold boxed and also by the piece or scoop in little bags, and it was Kosher and Kosher for Passover. We had Hamantaschen for Purim and beautiful selections of prepackaged candies for Passover.

I was hooked- the customs intrigued me, the preparation and special handling of the holiday gave me a special sense of pride in my work, and I got several perks for gift wrapping and arranging timely deliveries.

In later years I became more acquainted with the special relationship between the Jewish faith and the faith in which I was raised. Many churches in my area offer Passover explanations and sometimes Seders, as the logical basis of our own celebrations.

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 03:03:07 GMT

Shanus, IT A. I know that I did state on one of these conversations that I don't keep a kosher kitchen either....but we do the same thing your family does and maybe I carry things just a little further because DH's parents are now both deceased and it brings him joy to carry on tradition because neither of his sister's do.

In all of my posts, I have been very careful about noting that one's level of observance or kashrut does not make anybody inferior or superior to anybody else.

If you read my response to MacDuff, I try to point out why some foods may not be kosher, but if it's ok for you and your family it's ok. One of the best rules we have is never shame anybody, and I do try to live by that.

I've also tried to get across the idea that how one observes does not make one superior to others.

When we lived in Dayton, we were in the same situation you are in now- and it hasn't changed down here! We too have to "make do" and not everything is certified Kosher. We have a tiny area in our grocery devoted to Passover-and I bet you have the same offerings even though the Lubobovitch Rabbi shared with me that he has been pleading with Publix to bring in more Kosher food period: it's a real hardship for him and his family-especially when it comes to things like fresh produce. Once every month he has to drive across the state to Miami. He recognized me when I was at Publix he was shopping alone, and I asked him respectfully what was he doing about the kosher situation. He laughed and said "Right now, I'm being really careful!" They had just moved here from New York, and then he told me about the trip he was planning to Miami. He has worked very hard to let Jews here know that they are here. He must have gotten our name from our rabbi because the first Purim he was here, he and his wife and children were dropping off goody baskets. I have to say that is some of the best large Hammontaschen I have ever had!

It's funny: we have a hard time finding chocolate gelt during Channukah, but we get lots of it for Pesach! Managers bring in case upon case of gefilte fish....I always notice not too many indulge! Of course, jarred Borscht is brought in....and I don't know why, but if you need to have yartzeit candles, stock up!

We have a few cake and brownie mixes and last year, we even had ready made K for P marble cake. I didn't have any last year, but now I want to live and I want cake that the rest of the family enjoys. I never made it from scratch before other than sponge cake. That's when the Chocolate issue hit me!

We have two brands of matzoh and tons and tons of Tam Tam crackers which are kosher but not for Pesach. To anybody out there, by all means, try the "everything" variety: they are delicious!

Kedem grape juice is delicious, and if you can't have alcohol, it may be served in place of wine. Kids love it-I love it to make charoseth.

I was in absolute shock that Wal-Mart had Shmura matzoh last year....and I hope they have it this year!

What's in your grocery?

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

hgsuddle — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 12:43:14 GMT

I am Jewish and I keep kosher here in Cincinnati. Growing up in Philadelphia, I didn't keep kosher. It isn't hard to do in the house with the two separate sets of dishes, but I do not have separate utensils or cookware. So I have my own way of keeping kosher. In actuality, the price of kosher meat is getting crazy, I could be done. I would prefer to just keep kosher-style in the home and not buy kosher meat.

Now onto Passover: It is the only holiday I dislike with a passion. I dislike changing dishes, having to prepare every meal from scratch, the fact that my kids and husband are picky eaters. And up to this year (we are conservative) no rice or peanut butter which are staples in my kids' diets. For some reason, the Union for Conservative Judaism has OKd kitniot now so my husband won't eat it but my kids will. OY - I hate it. My kids rarely eat vegetables or fruit (regardless of my attempts for the last 17 years) and that makes it even a harder holiday. I try not to purchase too many ready-made Passover items because I hate being gauged - they are crazy expensive. I also hate it when I have visitors for the holiday and have to feed them too (not from an expense standpoint, - just another picky eater standpoint). I dread this holiday every year. Once the kids are out of the house this holiday will fall completely to my husband to do. If he wants to keep it to the extent he does it will be on him. I feel that forcing us to keep it that way only makes the rest of us dislike it even more.

Am I alone out there or do others feel the same? Sorry I vented - I know this thread was meant to be a positive one For all who enjoy this holiday please keep on.

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 16:50:47 GMT

@hgsuddle, II feel your pain 100%. I have always been carb intolerant and for years, Passover would leave me feeling very ill.

When we were initially married, we couldn't afford the K for P grocery stores-and DH was in "grad school" at Yeshiva University!

I can count the number of times I've had kosher beef on one hand and 3 fingers. It was never inexpensive-ever. One of the most memorable dinners I ever had was where our son was born: Einstein in The Bronx. Mom and Dad were treated to a Glatt Kosher steak dinner-courtesy of Einstein. ( for non-Jews, I will be happy to explain that later: Please get active in our discussions!)

We can't even get Kosher beef here. We can get Empire Turkey. I used to see Kosher chicken and capon

sold just about everywhere in NY and NJ, but not here.

Now, diabetes has forced me to rethink everything: paleo recipes have a lot to offer because no wheat is involved. By all means, please visit the Recipe Forum begun by Shanus. She has a topic dedicated to Preach.

Further complicating issues are DH can't have beef because of gout....there are solutions however!

We are Reform, but DH grew up in a kosher home that gradually relaxed.....into eating pork! But during Preach, it was strongly "kosher STYLE" ( meaning no appliances were kashered).

Now that so many members of his family are deceased, it's more important to him than ever to remember. These days, our kids have strong feelings about it- with no mention of politics whatsoever because it could result in this thread being closed for comment- but I think you know what I'm talking about.

I love the holiday and what it stands for, and it is really taking on some deeper meanings because of loss....and what's happening in the world.

I and my son are the veggie mavens-and a hefty amount of my diet is built around them.....not so with DH and DD however. They will survive!

I am mixing tradition with new ideas and recipes that I have been "nudged" into because of health, but that's not the worst thing either! At least I know there is no danger of me gaining weight during Pesach!

Welcome, welcome, and welcome.....please contribute!

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

MacDUFF — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 17:32:42 GMT

@Poodlepet2

@Shanus

@hgsuddle

Just catching up...I in no way took offense to learning that some believe mozzerella to be non-kosher. The woman who gave me the spinach/mozzerella recipe eats kosher...she probably would have checked with Chabad's website to make sure it was kosher...they say it's kosher...I recognize there are so many different interpretations that it's crazy (IMO)! She (and I) would make very sure the "kosher for Passover" label was on the wrapper.

I had never heard of the whole rennet-set hard cheese debate, so I did check with kashrut and this interesting article came up:

http://www.kashrut.com/articles/cheese/

It seemed to me that it depended on whether or not the mozzerella was processed by Jews or non-Jews and on the equipment used. But, I understand why some would say it was not kosher. It was an interesting article.

As for me and my house, we try to be as Torah observant as possible, not Rabbi observant (all the different interpretations make me crazy LOL)...we take the Torah commandment literally (do not boil a kid [goat] in it's mother's milk)...so we don't!

Passover is a joyous occasion to remember what G-d has done for us...rescued us from slavery. We are free and the angel of death has passed over us!! How cool is that!?

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 17:55:16 GMT

@MacDUFF, you absolutely hit one nail on the head: not all Synods agree with each other.

We have all seen the Hebrew National Commercials about "answering to a Higher Authority", but for a certain contingent, they are not considered kosher at all!

As for me? Pass me the plate with the Hebrew National hot dogs please! And while we're at it, it's going to be in my fridge during Pesach! The first day??? It's going to be lunch on a matzoh with corse ground mustard! (Unless my glucose is running high: it will then be used in salad!)

BTW MacDuff, I plan on making a dairy meal with your recipe one night! Great idea!!!!

I will have to visit the Chabad site: I haven't been there in a long time.

It made me think of the mock crab cake and mock oyster dip I have seen in kosher cookbooks. I'm sure those recipes were developed by those who didn't keep kosher, but changed later or "became religious" as the saying went in NY!

It's great talking with you!

L'Chain! Oh, and here is a nice glass of hagafen: would you care for white or red?

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Shanus — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 17:56:45 GMT

Warning: Matzo can be hazardous to your digestive system, at least mine. If you too much, be sure to follow w/ lots of water, Miralax, etc. Catch my drift? My kids had this problem when young living at home. Disastrous!!! Had to ration their amounts eaten. Lol. 😂😂😂😂😂

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:04:42 GMT

@Shanus, ffollowing your line of thought on that aspect, matzoh is not called "The bread of our Affliction" for nothing!

I will have to patrol the amount I eat, but psyllium husks, figs and prunes are my friends!

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Moonchilde — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 22:41:21 GMT

Hi, peeps! Some of you know me, I expect.

Born and raised in LA, most of my schoolmates and my stepdad's workmates were Jewish, but they were mostly all Reform so I never knew much about keeping kosher until I read more as an adult. But Jewish food I had - homemade and from many delis. Before I moved from LA, my very favorite, closest deli & bakery closed and I was devastated. Fresh Challah rolls & sweet butter. Cabbage rolls. Blintzes. French dip with brisket. So many things I miss now, living in the sticks ;-(

Thinking about how the Orthodox community dresses, and something occurred to me - if non-Jews want an idea of some typical daily women's dress, look at what Mayim Bialik wears on Big Bang Theory. Her character is supposed to be a rather repressed, scientific nerd, and Mayim herself is an academic - she is Dr. Bialik with a doctoral degree in Neuroscience from UCLA, with a minor in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Mayim is also a practicing Orthodox Jew, though born into a Reform family. It struck me a year or so ago that her clothing on the show was able to work very well with her Orthodox observance - pretty cool! I also lived in an area very near several Orthodox congregations and would see similar clothing while driving on Saturdays when families would walk to services.

Enjoying the thread :-)

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:34:59 GMT

@ Moonchilde, eeven though I just had dinner, I could eat again....there is nothing like fresh challah and sweet butter.

Just saying, if you don't use fruit fillings, blisters are probably lo-carb. I used to see plain Tabatchnik blisters awhile ago in the freezer section, but they are so easy to make, I never bought them. Around this time of year, ready made scrapes appear, and it would be easy to make the filling.

I am being mindful of the thread, but I always liked Mayim. I have met quite a few people like her....

Oh, speaking of memories, at Preach, every body sets a place for who they hope will come-Elijah.

One holiday, it was particularly windy and we were at the point of the Haggadah where we talk about what we hope for in the future when the door flew open! DD's eyes got as big as saucers-and she was worried that Elijah might try to sneak in while we were sleeping! Throughout the night she kept waking us up telling us she thought Elijah was trying to get in.....out of the mouth of babes....

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Poodlepet2 — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 12:44:09 GMT

I am shopping for a new tablet: I love my Kindle-it goes everywhere, but it's dying! I bought a couple in December: (it was buy one get one)- I should have known it was too good...the quality is dirt and it looks as if the A is no longer making them, but the stupid spell checker keeps re-arranging words and intersecting dumb alternatives.

Words I wanted to say: blintz and blintzes-sometimes called blini.

"Crepes"- not scrapes.

Pesach-not Preach....

I'm off to electronics to start reading!

Poodlepet2

Re: PASSOVER COMMENTS

Shanus — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 14:07:42 GMT

@Poodlepet2. Hi. Good Morning. Up at 6AM to go to get blood work for next week's physical...A1C# out of my hands now.

So Challah & sweet butter. Where/what brand sweet butter? Can't find it here.

Re Blintzas: On a lazy, rainy day, I make a stack of the "crepes"....20-30. They freeze beautifully w/ wax paper between each one. Orange juice is less carbs than fruit filling & need to use much less to do crepe Suzette, in warm skillet, heated juice and crepes folded in fourths. Not exactly blintzas, but just as yummy.