community >> Rear Pew Mirror
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For those hoping to avoid traditional Chinese matzah dishes, and who can tolerate mushrooms, there’s always Moo Goo Brie Pan. For a bit more kick, live like a Jewish Werewolf of London with a big dish of Beef Chow Chrain. To put some punch in your Passover, please pass the Kung Paroh Chicken, while traditionalists sup on the Passover Chinese dish that rules over all others, General Matzo’s Chicken. For dessert after a Chinese Passover meal, nobody’s ever had a better fortune than a sensible portion of Afi Ko Mein. In short, anyone can try the traditional Passover tricks, like using another leftover Seder plate item to make salt water taffy. It doesn’t take a radical mind to deliver a Passover surf and turf, such as brisket and gefilte fish. However, to make a Passover Seder that’s truly different, try this year to introduce something ethnic into the menu. Too late? Already done with your Passover shopping? It’s okay, you’re not alone. You can join Cubs fans around the world who are already saying, “just wait until next year.”
Federico’s FAMILY FLORIST
YOUR WEDDING. YOUR WAY. WE’LL HELP YOU PLAN TODAY! Bouquets • Bouquet Wraps • Boutonnieres
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Doug Brook is a writer in Silicon Valley who looks forward to one year arriving at Seder in a Matzarati. To read past columns, visit http://brookwrite.com/. For exclusive online content, like facebook.com/rearpewmirror.
>> Diversity
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lage, created by Reform Jews in Israel. Kibbutz communities are a unique feature to Israel; the first Kibbutz was established over 90 years ago, and today there are about 270 kibbutzim in Israel. Typically, the income generated by all Kibbutz members is placed into one common pool which is used to run the Kibbutz and make investments. Kibbutz members agree to social living conditions in which members are part of a culture of volunteerism and collectivism. I visited various Kibbutzim in Israel, yet the Reform Kibbutz struck me as particularly unique. While the Reform practice is prevalent throughout the United States, Reform communities in Israel are distinctive. On the Reform kibbutz, I was able to see the only mikvah made available to those who aren’t allowed to access the state-run mikvahs. At a mosque in Haifa, I spoke with a woman who sought to teach the world that Islam is not a violent religion. She allowed us to step into their beautiful prayer room and library as she explained that in Israel, her people are able to practice reformed Islam without fear of prosecution. In Tzfat, an ancient city in Northern Israel, I met spiritual Orthodox Jews who explained that Jewish mystical practices led them through times of hardship. As I sat in the gallery of an Orthodox artist, I admired the positive Hebrew quotes written around the room. The Florentin neighborhood in Tel Aviv is home to many Israeli young adults. Though mostly secular, the members of this community explained their love and dedication to being Jewish and Israeli. They explained the value of cultural Judaism, which was symbolized in graffiti art around the Florentine streets. Despite the different backgrounds, traditions and practices of the various groups I encountered in Israel, all groups are able to live in a cohesive environment in which they help and rely on one another. Similarly, in New Orleans, our residents come from a massive range of different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, however, we make up a larger community together. We must care about and respect people of different cultures and ethnic groups; we must learn about and advocate for cultural communities like those in Israel. As a community of diverse people, we are stronger united.
815 Focis Street Metairie, LA 70005 504.837.6400 flowers@federicosflorist.com Larry Federico, Owner/President
Kenny Thone, Co-Owner/Vice President
March 2020 • Southern Jewish Life
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