5 Tips In Planning Better Jewish Vacation

 A Jewish vacation could mean different things to different people. The term is most commonly used to refer to Jewish tours taken by Jewish people to celebrate holidays like Passover or Hanukkah outside of their home country. But it also includes trips that are themed around Jewish history, culture and religion. For example, travelers may visit notable landmarks associated with Judaism, such as the Western Wall in Jerusalem, or take tours that emphasize sites relevant to the Holocaust.

Planning the perfect Jewish vacation is far more than just booking a hotel and purchasing plane tickets. Beyond the typical travel considerations like location, budget, and accommodations, there are also religious and cultural aspects to consider.

As a traveler, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip, which means planning ahead. The following tips will help you plan a Jewish vacation that is fun, educational and meaningful.

1. Decide what kind of vacation you want

Are you looking to visit famous Jewish sites? Do you want to immerse yourself in the local culture? Are you looking to make new friends? Or do you want a low-key trip that allows time for relaxation and reflection?

In deciding, also consider understanding your customs. The Jewish faith has many customs that take place on a daily basis. You should know what these are before embarking on your vacation so you can avoid doing anything that may be considered disrespectful or impolite. For example, in order to properly prepare for the Sabbath (Shabbat), food must be prepared long before sundown on Friday night. Also, it’s important to understand how prayers work as well as how holidays are celebrated within the Jewish faith.

2. Decide what's most important

Families have different goals when it comes to travel. Some parents want to educate their children about their heritage and religion; others want to relax on the beach with their kids or kick back at an all-inclusive resort. You should decide what's most important for your family before planning any trip. If keeping Kosher is a priority for your family, for example, make sure that's part of your planning process from the very beginning.

3. Make time for downtime

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but they don't always turn out that way — especially when families are traveling together. To avoid everyone getting cranky by mid-vacation, make sure you plan some downtime into your itineraries so everyone has a chance to relax, swim or just waste time without feeling guilty about it.

4. Make a list of must-see sights

Is there a synagogue that’s been on your mind? How about visiting the grave of an important rabbi or tzaddik? Or perhaps there’s a Jewish museum or monument that’s on your bucket list. Make a list of these important destinations and then build your trip around those stops.

5. Consult the experts

Talk to friends and family who have visited your destination before. Their advice might be helpful in planning your itinerary. If they don’t know much about it, try contacting a rabbi or community leader in that area for their input on what sites are worth visiting and which ones aren’t.

During Jewish heritage tours, make sure your tour guide is experienced and knowledgeable. Your tour guide should be able to answer any questions you have about your surroundings and offer insight into their historical significance. When you’re visiting religious sites, your guide should share information about how they are used today.

4 Best Things To Do During A Synagogue Visit

A synagogue is an ancient place of worship; it’s a spiritual gathering place for Jewish people. Some synagogues are built solely for religious reasons and are used only for prayer services and ritual ceremonies; however, many synagogues also serve as community centers for those who are interested in learning about Judaism. There are some that offer programs and activities for children, adults, the elderly and disabled. 

A synagogue can be located anywhere in the world. Each has its own unique style and architecture; some are quite old while others are new or renovated buildings. The word “synagogue” comes from Greek meaning “assembly” and Hebrew meaning “to gather together.”

In addition to regular services, they may host lectures, classes and other events open to the public. Some synagogues serve as museums or historic sites during portions of the day for tourists on Jewish trips or kosher cruises; others host concerts and other performances. Synagogues are also sometimes used for weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs — although these are usually held on Shabbat (Saturday), so non-Jews may not be able to attend them.

Here’s some tips when visiting a synagogue:

Respect the place of worship by dressing modestly

Synagogues are not like churches, mosques or other houses of worship in which visitors can pop in wearing whatever they want. When attending a synagogue service, it is important to dress modestly as a sign of respect for the House of God where you will be praying.

It's customary for women to wear head coverings when visiting synagogues or other places of worship, but it's not required for men to do so. However, men should wear clothing that covers their knees and elbows at all times inside the sanctuary (except during prayer), even if they aren't participating in any of the services.

Arrive early so you have time to walk around and take in your surroundings

There's always something unique about each synagogue building – from the architecture to the artwork inside and out to the historical artifacts and memorials on display. If you arrive early, you'll have time to take it all in before the service starts and hopefully learn something about Jewish history in the process.

It's important to arrive early so you can find parking near the front entrance and allow yourself time for security screening before entering into the sanctuary area where prayers are given by rabbi or cantor (leader). If there are no available spaces on street level outside building then look up above ground level parking which may have some free spots open as well after drive around

Be Quiet

When you're visiting a synagogue for the first time, you may be excited about touring such an interesting place for the first time. While there is nothing wrong with being excited, it's best not to show it by talking loudly or running around in the building. When you talk or walk through a synagogue, make sure you're keeping your voice at a low volume so as not to disturb anyone else who might be present at the same time as you.

Be prepared for prayer books and services in Hebrew (and English).

Jewish services are often done in Hebrew, with English translations in the prayer books or on posters on the walls of the synagogue. If you don’t understand Hebrew, don’t worry – many congregations read the prayers out loud so everyone can follow along in Hebrew or English. In addition, all prayer books contain both Hebrew and English translations of the prayers, and there are usually volunteers ready to help anyone who has questions about what we are saying or reading.

8 Amazing Jewlicious Recipes For Hanukkah

 Hanukkah is a time for family, friends, and fried foods. And whether you're celebrating with a group or just a special someone, below are 8 of the most incredible Jewish recipes to make your glatt kosher holidays an absolute blast!

Potato Latkes (Fried Potato Pancakes)

Potato latkes are the quintessential Hanukkah dish. These pancakes made from grated potatoes and onions are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like a good pancake should be. They’re also easy to make—you don’t even have to squeeze out all of your potato juice before frying them, which is a plus if you’re short on time.

The most important part about these latkes isn't how they taste, or how simple they are to make, or even how traditional they are. It's that when you make them for Hanukkah, you can eat them with your friends and family while playing dreidel together because it's just as fun now as it was when you were little!

Challah

Challah is a sweet, eggy bread that is traditionally eaten on the Sabbath, but is also served at the Passover Seder and other Jewish holidays. It’s often braided and served as an appetizer or alongside soup, but you can also make it in a loaf pan.

Brisket

Brisket is a cut of beef that's often braised. It's typically served with potatoes, carrots and onions. Garlic also makes a great addition to this dish!

It is a popular choice for Hanukkah meals because it holds up well when slow cooked for hours on end in liquid. The meat becomes very tender and falls apart into delicious shreds that can be used with noodles or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal!

Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)

Sufganiyot are jelly-filled donuts that can be eaten as a dessert or snack. They are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah and commonly served alongside a cup of coffee. Made from yeast dough, sufganiyot are fried in oil, then filled with jelly or jam.

Sufganiyot must be made fresh because they do not store well; therefore most people make them at home. The traditional filling is red raspberry jam; other popular fillings include lemon curd and chocolate ganache.

Hamantashen

Hamantashen, a triangle-shaped cookie filled with jam or nuts, are a traditional Jewish pastry eaten during Hanukkah. The word "hamantash" means Henna in Hebrew and refers to the triangular shape of the cookies. While hamantaschen recipes can differ from family to family, most include flour and oil (or butter) as main ingredients for making dough. The filling can be either jam or ground nuts mixed together with sugar and cinnamon powder.

Hamantashen are usually rolled into triangles, but there are also other shapes including squares and circles! Once you have your dough ready, you fill it up and bake it until golden brown on all sides. When serving hamantaschen you can either eat them alongside tea or coffee or dip them in chocolate syrup for an extra sweet treat!

Kugel (Baked Egg Noodle Casserole)

A kugel is a baked casserole that can be served as a side dish or as a main course. Kugels are traditionally made with egg noodles, but they can also be made with other types of noodles like rice or potato. Some people like to add vegetables such as onions and peppers, while others prefer meat such as ground beef. Some people add cheese to their kugels while others do not; the choice is yours!

There are countless varieties of kugel recipes available online, so there's no need to worry about finding something new at your next Hanukkah party!

Honey Cake

Honey cake is a sweet bread that is traditionally served on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

The recipe calls for honey, which comes from bees, who are important in Judaism because they were used to make an oil representing unity and piety during the Temple era.

Honey cake can be made with raisins or dried cranberries and then topped with a walnut-cinnamon streusel. The topping adds texture and flavor to this delicious dessert that is ideal for celebrating Hanukkah with friends or family.

Tsimmis

A dish that is served on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, tsimmis (also spelled chametz) consists of a vegetable base and various types of stewed fruit. Fruit is added to add sweetness to the dish, but also because it symbolizes the Festival of Lights. The most popular choices are apples, prunes and raisins.

Tsimmis is usually served with meat or fish, although if you're vegetarian or vegan you can enjoy it on its own as well! It's best eaten hot out of the oven or slow cooker for maximum flavor and texture. Tsimmis tastes even better if kept warm on low heat in a covered pan until ready to serve; this will also help keep your kitchen from getting too warm during these cold winter months!

As you can see, there are so many delicious food options for your Hanukkah celebration this year. You can even find and discover different restaurants in different places that offer similar food options during your Jewish vacation. Whether you use it as a chance to try out some new culinary techniques or stick with old favorites, it’s sure to be a fun holiday filled with good times and even better food!

7 Non-Chocolate Desserts To Try On Shabbat

 

The Jewish Sabbath is a day of rest, relaxation and celebration. The meal that marks the beginning of Shabbat is known as the kiddush and is traditionally served with wine or grape juice, challah, and two or three foods.

Other than going on glatt kosher vacations, Shabbat is a great time to try new recipes. But if you're bored with the same old chocolate or cookie desserts, here are seven non-chocolate dessert ideas that are sure to impress your family and friends.

1. Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Ice cream is always a welcome addition to any meal but especially on Shabbat when we want something light and refreshing without all the added sugar from traditional ice cream brands that use corn syrup or artificial flavors in their recipes. Coconut milk ice cream also contains healthy fats which help keep us fuller longer so we don't overeat during our meals either!

2. Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is another great option for an easy dessert on Shabbat. You can make a large batch ahead of time and then add it to individual bowls when you're ready to serve it.

This is one of the easiest desserts to make, and it’s perfect for Shabbat! Just slice up some fresh fruit and arrange it on a plate. You can use any combination of fruit, but we recommend sticking with seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, apricots and peaches. Top off your fruit salad with whipped cream or yogurt for an extra-sweet treat.

3. Fruit Kabobs With Honey Syrup

For something different, try making fruit kabobs with honey syrup for dipping (this one is made with strawberries). This is another dish that can be made ahead of time and served right before dinner ends so there's no rush at the end of the meal when everyone's getting ready to leave!

4. Cheesecake

If you're looking for something more substantial than cake, cheesecake is a great option. It's rich in flavor, but not so rich that you won't want seconds (or thirds). And since it doesn't have any flour in it, you don't have to worry about eating gluten-free or kosher for Passover!

5. Apple Cake

This apple cake recipe is an easy dessert that can be made in advance and served warm or at room temperature. It's also vegan and gluten-free, so it's perfect for everyone.

6. Lemon Pound Cake

This lemon pound cake recipe uses fresh lemon zest and juice, which gives it a bright flavor and moist texture that everyone will love! The recipe calls for whole wheat flour, but you can also use all-purpose flour if you prefer. It's easy enough for everyday cooking and special enough for guests!

7. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is another classic fall dessert that's perfect for Shabbat — especially when made with apples from your own trees! To make this sweet treat, combine peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and flour (use gluten-free flour if necessary) in a baking dish; dot with butter; cover tightly with foil; bake until apples are tender; remove foil; sprinkle oats over top; return to oven until oats are golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

These are just a few of the numerous non-chocolate desserts you can try on Shabbat. You can try them out at home to impress your guests and family or find different restaurants in different places that offer these delectable treats when you’re out and about on a glatt kosher tour. It’s the ultimate kosher dessert bucket list for your sweet tooth cravings!