Rosh Hashana shopping resources

  • September 8, 2014

  • September 8, 2014

It’s Elul, the month before we celebrate all month long (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot). While there is certainly a lot of spiritual prep to do, I’ll leave that to others (some good starting points are: Chabad’s Elul page and Aish’s spirituality page). There is a lot that needs to be done to prepare our house and our physical needs: new clothing, shoes, machzor, maybe books. If you don’t live in a large Jewish community, you might need to do it online. Here are the places I look (and please fill me in on your favorites, too);

Kids’ clothing:

Suits and Dress shirts: Amazon – I love plain black washable suits with vests, but they aren’t particularly fancy. When my boys gets bigger, I can’t wait to get them something nicer, like these gray pin-striped children’s suits. So, so cute – but for now the washable factor outweighs style. 😉 Nevertheless, you can get matching suits for your boys for decent prices on Amazon. JCP sometimes has good suit options, as does Burlington Coat Factory.

The Children’s Place: Good for dresses (although length can be an issue), accessories, and sometimes dress shirts. If you are into polos, there is usually a good selection.

Old Navy: Not very dressy overall, but I like the uniform pants. They come in slim and husky, but the adjustable waist is so helpful for me! We have them in black and gray for all of my boys.

Carters: We got everyone matching pjs (they go up to 12!) here this year, and ordered dresses for my girls.

Eichler’s: for tzitzit. Now is a good time to replace the grimy ones from the summer!

Ebay: A good source for many things, especially if you are willing to put some time into it! There is a wide range of dress shirts available in different sizes.

Adult clothing

For both men and women, Land’s End is a good option. They have skirts and dresses for women and dress shirts for men that are especially nice. You can find tzniut fashions at Ricci and Junees, including shells and dresses. You can also find modest clothing at Modest clothing and Mikarose. For my own clothing needs, I tend to search on Ebay or check out the dresses on JCP, Macy’s, or Amazon.

Tichels / Haircoverings

There are several of these I have come along lately! Judith de Paris – the store isn’t fully updated lately, but there are great pictures on Facebook. These are different from the traditional tichels you’ll find! Wrapunzel – Creative and interesting wraps, tichels, and accessories (and their Facebook page) The Tichel Shop – Different kinds of headcoverings Cover your hair – More options, from scarves and hats to headbands and flower barrettes You can also see many options at Etsy and Ebay – just search.

 Machzorim and Books

Prayer books – you can find your best fit here at the Machzor guide. Many can also be found on Amazon. For books, we do both Eichler’s and Amazon. You can also find them at Jewish Used Books. You can still order your choices and get them in time for this year!

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/09/08/rosh-hashana-shopping-resources/

Early prep for Rosh Hashana

  • September 8, 2014

  • September 8, 2014

Rosh Hashana is just a little more than two weeks away – already!

Here is what I’ve done or am planning to do so far this week:

  • order seats for shul
  • pay shul dues (ours have always been due about now for the different shuls we’ve belonged to in our travels)
  • order lulav and etrog for dh (still looking for less expensive “learning” one(s) for kids)
  • new tzitzit for boys
  • order pjs for all 4 kids (our tradition–they are always needed around this turn of the seasons!)
  • order/find needed clothing for kids: new dressy outfits for all, Shabbat pants for boys
  • purchase new special something for kids–legos? clics? Something to add to their simcha (joy).
  • order/find new something for me (outfit? tichel?)
  • check with dh about his clothing needs
  • take care of kittel, if your dh wears one for Yom Kippur (mine doesn’t, but it’s common)
  • plan our Rosh Hashanah homeschooling lessons and projects
  • plan menu (but with all the simanim (special, ritual foods) we use, that’s a whole post by itself!)

I’m still getting things together here. How is it going for you?

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/09/08/early-prep-for-rosh-hashana/

Rosh Hashana Menu planning 2014

  • September 7, 2014

  • September 7, 2014

There is just a little over two weeks until Rosh Hashana. It’s coming quickly!

Are you looking for some good recipe ideas? Me, too. ;) Here are some that I’ve found, focusing especially on the simanim we traditionally serve (Check out this article on simanim):

Here’s a spiced carrot salad recipe that is best made ahead of time – perfect for this time of year!

Carrot salad

Check out this more Sefardic Leek patties (Keftes de prassa) recipe.

Leek patties

For pumpkin (or gourd) options, try

Apples (and honey) is kind of the big deal here. Check out these 36 apple recipes. I think the apple bourekas from Steamy Kitchen and Honey cake with caramelized apples from Busy in Brooklyn sound awesome! This beautiful apple rose tart is great, too – you can see the video from OJH’s facebook page, too. It looks amazing and easy.

How about a lentils with pomegranate and swiss chard recipe?

Try a fruity brisket or roast (photo and recipe on Chabad.org in their Rosh Hashana recipe section)

 

This year, I brought back some lamb chops from a trip to the US. I’m planning a slow-cooked lamb chop recipe with almonds, apricots, and spices. But I’m still planning the rest – it’s a 3 day holiday this year.

Here’s 2011′s Rosh Hashana menu (also a 3-day) and 2013′s RH menu from Mara at Kosher on a Budget, for more inspiration for you.

What are your plans? I’d love to hear!

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/09/07/rosh-hashana-menu-planning-2014/

Tisha B’Av resources (Adults and kids)

  • August 5, 2014

  • August 5, 2014

Today is Tisha B’Av, and there are some great resources out there. Here are some links (I couldn’t check all of these out, so please screen them first, but they came from different groups I belong to):

Tisha B’Av “camp” for kids: Videos and interactive elements , specifically for kids 3-7 but for anyone who is interested.

Wake the Dawn: The story of Jerusalem’s Holy Temple– approximately 30 minute video

Several videos from the Chafetz Chaim Foundation

Learn Eicha in depth with this text based video class

A slew of videos choices from Chabad: Tisha B’Av and the Three weeks

A written message for Tisha B’Av from Battalion 969

Here’s a detailed walk-though of the Beit Hamikdash (article)

If you have any good videos or other resources, please add them in the comments and I will put them up for future years!

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/08/05/tisha-bav-resources-adults-and-kids/

Preparing for Tisha B’Av -fasting

  • July 31, 2014

  • July 31, 2014

Next Monday is the start of the fast of Tisha B’Av, the day we mourn the for many things, especially the loss of our Temples. This is a 25 hour long fast – it starts at sundown and goes through sundown the next day. It’s during the summer, so the day is often hot in addition to being long. Preparing ahead of time makes it easier to focus on the meaning of the day and get through it!

For a good outline of some general laws, see this article. A more kid friendly article can be found here.

In 2014, Tisha B’Av starts at sundown on Monday, August 4 and lasts for approximately 25 hours until sundown on Tuesday, August 5th.

Of course, there is more to it than just fasting (no leather, bathing, creams, etc.). But this post will focus on fasting.

How can you make it easier?

  • Start cutting back on high sugar and caffeine foods early. Caffeine headaches plus dehydration aren’t pretty!
  • DRINK A LOT starting a few days before the fast. You want to be fully hydrated going in.
  • Eat something every couple of hours the day before, and be sure you are drinking, too.
  • Minimize excess salt and spicy food  the day before, and especially right before the fast.
  • Plan your meals ahead of time for the day before – don’t be scrambling for something with the clock ticking! Include your break fast meal in your planning, too.
  • While you’re planning, plan and prepare meals for the non-fasters in the house. It’s easier when you aren’t fasting – at least here! (looking for ideas?)
  • Don’t eat too much right before the fast starts, and focus on complex carbohydrates and some protein.
  • Leave time to drink, brush your teeth, and do whatever else you need to do before the fast.

Still, I never find the fast very easy. There are some things that some people really believe help them. One is kali tzom “all natural” pills (I can’t recommend personally, but I know people who love them and have seen them in Jewish stores and online, with versions for pregnant and nursing fasters in addition to others). I’ve also heard people talking about adult tylenol suppositories (yep, you read that right!), with or without caffeine. Again, I’ve never tried them, but if you are looking for options, they are apparently available in pharmacies that cater to the Orthodox Jewish population. I’m not sure about what questions those might bring halachically, if any, but they may be an option for you.

Now that we’ve gotten those practicalities taken care of, let’s talk about what to do with the kids!

  • puzzles
  • books they can read (or “read”) – go to the library and get some new ones (novelty is a good thing!)
  • chapter books you can read to them while you all relax (hey, it could happen!)
  • a new (or new-to-you) toy. See some of my family’s favorites in the sidebar (Thanks, Amazon!)
  • pack a bag with a few snacks for each kid, and dole out as appropriate (nuts, cereal, candy…)
  • sit outside (but only if it’s cool–if you get hot, it makes fasting harder)
  • do a project on the kotel (like a marshmallow kotel) or jerusalem
  • print out coloring pages or have coloring books prepared – with crayons or markers
  • buy or make some playdough (in advance)
  • break out the busy bags
  • Use your faithful video player, tablet, or smartphone to entertain (yes, electronics are OK today, but the mood is somber)

I don’t get anything out until they are starting to complain – I let them entertain themselves as long as they can. But when I’m not up to jumping in and leading, or breaking up an argument, or whatever, I’m always glad I have fun things waiting in the wings. It certainly makes fasting easier for me!

How do you prepare for this fast?

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/07/31/preparing-for-tisha-bav-fasting/

Preparing for Tisha B’Av

  • July 29, 2014

  • July 29, 2014

Tisha B’Av is coming next week (Monday night, August 4th through Tuesday sunset, Aug 5th). Some practical things to consider and prepare:

  • Fasters: Fasting is easier when you are well hydrated and moderately fed. Lessen or stop caffeine ahead of time. Drink lots of liquids, especially water, several days before and up to the fast. And don’t eat too much before the fast – it just seems to make it more uncomfortable. And stay cool, if you can. (Here are some tips to make fasting easier from the OU.)
  • Seating: Normally able people don’t sit on comfy couches, at least until midday. That might mean the floor, or a couch or chair without a cushion, or a low bench…just think about it and get it ready.
  • Shoes: In normal circumstances, we don’t wear leather shoes on Tisha B’Av. If everyone doesn’t have non-leather shoes, now would be a good time to get them – they come in handy in Tishrei, too! Crocs are a good option.
  • Clothes: We don’t wear freshly laundered clothes on Tisha B’Av (and during the 9 days for many people.) If you can, you should have some clothes “pre-worn” to wear on Tisha B’Av.
  • Readings: We don’t normally study Torah, although which parts of which days we don’t varies. But many (all?) communities have a reading of Eicha (Lamentations) and/or Iyov (Job), and kinot are commonly read. Do you have copies of these available? Also, in the spirit of the day, there are moving reading you can find or more kid-friendly ones. Do you have some ready?
  • Kids: Here is a kid friendly article on Tisha B’Av. While I know some families rely on low-key videos as the end of the fast draws nearer, here are some other ideas including easy food to prepare for your pre-fasters. You can find busy bag ideas here.
  • Food: We don’t eat or drink on Tisha B’Av as a general rule. But we can and should prepare the meal for after the fast! Be sure to decide on something your family, particularly those fasting, will be happy with, and have those ingredients on hand. You’ll also need to consider what you’ll feed any younger kids during the fast. I find packed lunches are easiest for me – here is a post with more on that.
  • Charity: It is customary to give extra charity on fast days.

Remember that the prohibition of laundry, music, haircuts, meat and wine, and bathing continue on until midday of the 10th of Av.

Here‘s a good breakdown of what rules apply when.

Last is the custom some hold to begin thoroughly cleaning the house after mid-day of Tisha B’Av in anticipation of the arrival of Meshiach!

May everyone have an easy and meaningful fast.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/07/29/preparing-for-tisha-bav/

The nine days started today (and meal ideas)

  • July 29, 2014

  • July 29, 2014

For the 9 days leading up to the fast of Tisha B’Av, we restrict certain things. One of these is food: we don’t eat meat (or drink wine) except for on Shabbat (or a few other circumstances, like a siyum.) (Note: Sefardim may observe these restrictions just in the week leading up to Tisha B’Av, which means starting the Saturday night of the week that Tisha B’Av falls in).

Rosh Chodesh Av, and thus the start of these restrictions, was today.

This can leave some of us family chefs stumped: what’s for dinner? Especially since pasta can only be done so often (…unless you’re my kids. They could eat it every day.) Some ideas:

  • Indonesian Peanut Saute (with or without tofu – I made this one with tofu, and it was great!)
  • Stir fried veggies and rice (again, with or without tofu)
  • Black bean burgers and fixings (homemade are easy!)
  • Falafel and fixings
  • Salads: spinach, feta, craisin, and pecan with raspberry vinagrette is one of my favorite (especially served with garlic bread!), or cabbage salads, romaine with hard boiled eggs, etc…
  • Fish fillets: blackened, brown sugar coated, or just baked
  • Fish sticks and fries (or “chicken” nuggets): kid pleasing!
  • Quinoa “tacos” (use cooked quinoa instead of ground beef)
  • Quinoa patties (can make with cheese and veggies or “taco” seasonings, or topped like little pizzas
  • Quiche: just plain cheese or mushroom, veggie, etc…
  • Breakfast for dinner (waffles, pancakes, omelettes, french toast casserole…)
  • Meatless Mexican (use beans instead of meat in tacos, burritos, etc.)
  • Grilled cheese and tomato soup
  • Cold veggie soups, like gazpacho, with crusty bread
  • Cornbread bake 
  • Sushi: with fish or just vegetables – or sushi salad
  • Pasta dishes: lasagna, baked ziti, stuffed shells, macaroni and cheese, pasta with an easy garlic peanut sauce…

I have a found these Loma Linda fake “meats” to be great substitutes. They are kosher OK-D, despite claiming to be 100% vegan (maybe dairy equipment?).

We use the “chicken” in Indian food (butter chicken with real butter!), the “beef”  in tacos, and my kids beg for the “hot dogs” plain (well, with ketchup) like regular hot dogs. I’ve also cut them up and added them to pasta or pierogies. We’ve also tried the “meatballs,” which we liked in soup but not as much just plain or in a sauce. There are also “skallops,” “swiss stake,” chili, and a lot more – just go to Amazon and type in Loma Linda – or follow this link! We’ve also found individual cans for sale in some stores.

So today’s mission, should you choose to accept it, is to plan out your meatless menu for the next 9 days. :) What’s for dinner?

What’s on your meal plan this week? What do you love to eat that’s dairy or pareve?

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/07/29/the-nine-days-started-today-and-meal-ideas/

Getting back on track. Again.

  • July 10, 2014

  • July 10, 2014

I’ve written this post in my head several times, but here goes…

Things have been quiet here lately because I haven’t really been feeling too organized. In the past year, I have had a baby, 6 hospitalizations, 1 ambulance ride, 2 international moves as the only adult, and then spent a lot of time helping the kids adjust and get through our school work. Yep, I’ve been in survival mode for the past year or so, and not feeling terribly organized. Pretty ironic for someone who named her blog “Organized Jewish Home,” right?

I had great systems in place, and things were going along with no trouble when all of this started. But organizing isn’t an item to check off a list, it’s an ongoing thing. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just get it all together and have it stay there? But one thing I’ve learned since having a bunch of small kids is that systems need to change often to stay relevant. And I need to update and revamp!

Laundry is going OK (using our laundry system and family closet), and basic upkeep like dishes, sweeping and vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms are happening most days. But my house isn’t at the level I usually like it at. School needs to get organized for this year. And our routines need a lot of work.

Summer usually wrecks some havoc on routines with trips, later nights, and less structure in general in our house. But I’m trying to get back on track with the intentional kinds of days we want to have. Anyone out there in a similar situation?

I’m planning on working on lots of these things in the upcoming weeks and months:

That’s the plan, anyway. It’s important to me to have things running more smoothly than they have been. So onward toward that goal!

How is your summer going? How do you do things to manage your summer?

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/07/10/getting-back-on-track-again/

Shavuot menu 2014

  • May 30, 2014

  • May 30, 2014

Quinoa salad

Quinoa salad with roasted veggies

Yikes! Shavuot is sneaking up on us! (Although we are still counting the Omer, say it shouldn’t really be “sneaking,” but it just struck me that it’s time to get moving on planning, so I feel like it’s sneaky.)

We are still overseas, with very limited chicken available and no beef or lamb, so dairy is a good thing for us. I just have to make sure it’s special, since we are mostly vegetarians while we are here. I’m still looking for recipes and will probably change some of this, but here’s what I’m planning so far.

Night 1 (Dairy) Note this starts so late, so the kids have mostly eaten before we even start and it’s just enough for the mitzva.

Challah and salads

Butter “chicken” and rice

Lunch 1 (Dairy)

Challah and salads (the usual for us: roasted eggplant, Turkish red pepper with cashew dip, hummus, and zhug)

Quinoa and spinach salad with roasted veggies

“Salad” sliced and prepared by older kids (cucumbers, carrots, apples, bananas, and blueberries arranged nicely on a plate)

ice cream and dairy candy

Night 2 (Chicken)

Challah and salads

Kung Pao chicken and rice

Green salad

Brownies

Lunch 2 (Dairy):

Gazpacho

7 layer dip and chips (“refried” beans, rice, crushed nacho chips, cheese, taco sauce, and guacamole. I guess you could add sour cream if you like it and actually need 7 layers to your 7-layer dip.)

Spinach pesto balls with yogurt dipping sauce – recipe to come if they turn out great

Ice cream

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/05/30/shavuot-menu-2014/

Shavuot is coming! (2014: Evening of June 3rd – 4th / 5th)

  • May 27, 2014

  • May 27, 2014

Shavuot is coming up quickly. Of course, if you’ve been counting the Omer, you know that! 😉

Cheese blintzes, often served by Ashkenazi Jew...

Shavuot is a holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah. In Israel, it’s a one day holiday, and outside of Israel, it’s a two day holiday. It is often a dairy holiday, although many people do a mix of both. Cheesecake and blintzes are some traditional foods. My dh definitely prefers meat, but the rest of us prefer dairy.

If you haven’t started planning for Shavuot, now is the time!

  • Do you want guests? (Invite them, make travel plans, etc.)
  • What traditions do you have, and do you need to prepare ahead for any of them?
  • Do you want to serve anything special that needs advance preparation?
  • Do you have anything to order in the mail for Shavuot?
  • New jewelry/clothing for adults, toys/treats for kids?
  • Start thinking menu thoughts (I need to do this! Stay tuned…)

Here are some other Yom Tov and Shavuot resources:

Permanent link to this article: https://organizedjewishhome.com/2014/05/27/shavuot-is-coming-2014-evening-of-june-3rd-4th-5th/