Passover is almost upon us. This is one of my family’s favorite treats! MATZO TOFFEE BAR CRUNCH (from Huffingtonpost.ca) Start to finish: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 18 6 sheets matzo (or enough to cover a baking sheet) 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine 1 1/2 cups packed...

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a Seudah Shelisheet (third Sabbath meal) which was part of a Shabbaton at the Adath featuring a woman named Adrienne Gold. Adrienne grew up in Toronto and has become observant over the last 20 years of her life. Some...

By Lisa Steinmetz Passover is the holiday of questions. We ask four questions about the differences between the night of Passover and all other nights. Parents ask children questions so that they can share their knowledge with us. Children and guests also ask...

In addition to the description of the dedication ceremony of the Mishkan or Tabernacle, the Torah portion this week presents us with the laws of kosher and non-kosher animals. For animals we have 3 signs that make an animal kosher for our consumption – split hooves,...

Purim Sameach to everyone! This week we read the regular parsha of the week which is the parsha of Tzav. In addition to the portion of the week, we read what is known as Parshat Zachor. The Torah twice instructs us to remember what Amalek did to us after leaving...

Try this amazing recipe for Purim! These hamantashen will surely brighten up your festive table! Rainbow Hamantaschen makes 2-3 dozen cookies 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine 1/2 cup sugar 8 oz. coconut milk 6 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp vanilla extract...

(from www.pragmaticattic.wordpress.com) This portion describes the sacrifices including the Thanksgiving Offering. This korban or sacrifice, involved so much food that had to be eaten in such a short amount of time. Therefore, lots of people had to be invited to share...

In reading this weeks’ portion, I came across an idea I had never thought about before. The Torah portion discusses the construction of the Mishkan, the first sanctuary the Jews built. Outside of the  Mishkan was the altar, which was used for sacrifices. The altar and...

Bnei Yisrael are afraid with Moshe gone. With the help of Moshe’s brother, Aharon, they build the Golden Calf or “egel hazahav”. Hashem is (understandably) quite angry and threatens to destroy everyone. With Moshe’s intervention, Bnei Yisrael are saved and receive the...