5 Fun Dates Under $10

   It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and cash, but not love, is in short supply. Plan a frugal date, and paint the town red this February 14th!

BOOK STORE RENDEZVOUS  Slip a notebook and pen into your purse, and meet your honey at a bookstore that has a coffee shop. Browse at your leisure, discussing books you’ve enjoyed, and making wish lists. Discreetly eavesdrop on the folks in the next aisle. When you see a book you’d like to read, jot it down. Then head to the coffee shop for something warm and wonderful. Sip and linger and gaze into each other’s eyes. For a bit of playful fun, pretend that you’ve just met. Speak in accents. Ask about one another’s lives, and invent outrageous new identities. (“Me? I discovered a wormhole into an alternate reality.”) At home, go online to your local public library. Using the list you made, reserve the books you’d like to read, and borrow them for free.  1 lg. coffee of the day with flavor shot: $2.25; 1 lg. espresso with cocoa, steamed milk & whipped cream: $3.55. Total cost: around $6.00

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT Grab your digital camera and explore your neighborhood. Each one writes a list of items for the other person to find. Stay together. When you find an item on your list, your sweetheart takes a picture of you with it. When she finds one, you take the picture. Ask a passerby to take a picture of the two of you together. Use your computer to create a video slide show of your adventure. Total cost: Free

STARGAZING February 14, 2010 is a moonless night, and should be optimum for seeing a thousand stars and five planets, with no special equipment. All you need is a blanket or a couple of folding chairs, and a thermos of hot cocoa, for a romantic and awe-inspiring evening. For beginner’s stargazing tips, and printable constellation guide, visit stardate.org  Cocoa (make at home): $1.75, cost of paper & ink to print out constellation guide: about $1.00  Total cost: $2.75

PLAY Strap on roller blades and skate hand-in-hand. Go for a bike ride, and race each other. Visit a playground, and see who can swing the highest. Slide down a hill on a flattened cardboard box. Break out the Twister. Get moving and have fun! Total cost: Free

DINNER AND A MOVIE AT HOME  Sweeten this old standby by setting the table with your prettiest things. Don’t forget mood music. (Make a playlist to listen for free at grooveshark.com) Transfer frozen dinners to your best dishes. Sip red Kool-aid from your nicest glasses. Make chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert (Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, dip strawberries, and chill.). Watch a romantic movie for free by borrowing a DVD from your public library, or a friend. Or check out hulu.com for free movie viewing online.  Frozen dinners: $2.50 each, pre-sweetened Kool-Aid: $0.50, fresh strawberries: $3.00, chocolate chips: $1.35 Total cost: $9.85

 

See also: Romantic Gifts to Make for $5 or less

No Cost Romantic Valentine’s Day at Home

Valentine’s Day Activities for Children

Israeli Fruit Soup Recipe

Israeli fruit soup for dessert! Use whatever fruit you like, but for Tu B’Shevat, the focus is on fruit that comes from trees: apricots, peaches, plums, pears, etc.

For 4-6 servings, you’ll need: about 2 lbs. of fresh fruit (pitted and cut into bite-sized pieces), juice and zest of one lemon (or use 3 TBS bottled lemon juice), 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but if you use them, presoak in about 1/2 cup of water to plump them up) 1 TBS cornstarch, about 6 cups plain water.

Instructions: Soak raisins in water until plump. Pour the raisin water into a small bowl. If you’re not using raisins, reserve about 1/4 cup of the plain water. Put raisins, other fruit, sugar, and lemon juice and zest into a large saucepan on a cool stove. Pour plain water over fruit in pan, and turn burner on medium-high heat.

Slowly bring soup to boil, stirring constantly. As it is heating, stir cornstarch into reserved raisin water until dissolved, and add mixture to soup. Keep stirring. When it reaches a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to container, and put in refrigerator to chill. Serve cold with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream.

See also: Birthday of the Trees!

Tu B’Shevat Celebration Ideas

How To Dry Fruit in Your Oven for Tu B’Shevat

Birthday of the Trees!

   Long before America saw her first Earth Day in 1970, Jews were celebrating Tu B’Shevat: The Birthday of the Trees!

   On the fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat, Jews count the trees to be one year older. We celebrate by planting seedlings, eating fruit, and giving thanks for this amazing planet that God provides!

   Tu B’Shevat is not a Biblical feast day. It was created to keep track of the age of trees, in accordance with Leviticus 19:23-25, which forbids eating fruit from a tree for the first four years after planting.

   This Tu B’Shevat, think green. What can you do to help ensure that the trees live a long and healthy life?

Tu B’Shevat begins at sunset January 29, 2010

January 19, 2011

February 7, 2012

January 25, 2013

See also: Tu B’Shevat Celebration Ideas

How to Dry Fruit in Your Oven for Tu B’Shevat

Plant a Tree in Israel for Tu B’Shevat

Dr. ML King, Jr’s Contribution to American Jews

  When Martin Luther King, Jr., first publicly took up the struggle for civil rights in 1955, buses, schools, hospitals, movie theaters, public pools, and drinking fountains were segregated. Interracial marriage was illegal in parts of the United States. African Americans had no real recourse when denied housing, jobs, and educational opportunities.

   Most people in the U.S. are aware of Dr. King’s contribution, through non-violent leadership, to the civil rights of African Americans.

   What many don’t realize is the great good that this Christian man also did for American Jewry. Right alongside those infamous “Whites Only” signs, “Christian Only” signs declared “Off limits to Jews”.

   Before the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, it was common, and legal, to deny not only African Americans, but Jewish Americans, jobs, housing, and equal use of even such public areas as beaches.

   Today, thanks to the work of Dr. King, and countless other brave, non-violent, protesters and people of conscience, our government finally, honestly, holds this truth to be self-evident: that all are created equal.

   Dr. King, a Baptist preacher, fully supported the rights of Jewish people, and gave his life for the right of all to be treated with simple dignity.

   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed in the U.S. the third Monday in January each year.

For more on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including photo and video archive, click here.

To read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message on anti-Zionism and Antisemitism, click here.

For history on the American Civil Rights Movement, click here.

Blackeye Peas, Cornbread and Collards: Tastes like 2010!

“It’ll bring you money,” Mom said every New Year’s Day, dishing up a plate of black-eyed peas. “Has it ever brought you money?” I’d ask. “Well, not yet,” she’d grin.

I make black-eyed peas every New Year’s Day, like my mother. I don’t believe it does anything but fill our bellies. But I love tradition. Tradition keeps us on schedule with our lives. And black-eyed peas makes a festive transition from the rich holiday fare of December, back to the simple meals of everyday. Here in the south, we eat ours with collard greens and corn bread. Happy New Year!

Black-eyed Peas

You’ll need: 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas, 1 small Spanish onion, 2 cloves garlic, smoked turkey leg (or you can use a couple boullion cubes, or a bit of ham or bacon, if you don’t eat kosher), 1 TBS baking soda

Rinse peas and put into a large pot, with enough water to cover peas with an inch of water at the top. Stir in baking soda. Let soak overnight, if possible. Or at least an hour. (This step helps reduce the gassiness).

Pour off water and rinse peas again. Put back into pot with enough water to cover with an inch of water at the top. Bring to a boil and stir once. If beans have not soaked overnight, allow them to boil ten minutes, stirring occasionally, then cover, remove from heat, and let soak for 2 hours. If you soaked them overnight, this hot soaking will not be necessary.

After soaking, turn the heat on and add the diced onion, minced garlic, and smoked turkey or seasoning. Stir once. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until peas are soft, about 3 hours, adding water as necessary to keep peas moving around. Try not to stir, or stir gently, so you don’t break the peas. When soft, drain off excess water and serve. Serve with hot sauce.

Collard greens

Wash and cut collard greens. Shake off excess water and blot dry on a clean dishtowel. You’ll need lots- they shrink down. Brown some butter in a large pan, and add cut greens. Heat and toss until wilted. Salt to taste.

Corn bread

You’ll need: 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour, ¾ cup yellow corn meal, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup corn oil, 1 beaten egg. Optional: Add a small can of creamed corn or drained corn niblets (Try Mexican style corn niblets and a couple shakes of Tabasco, if you like it spicy).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients with a spoon in a large bowl. Oil an iron skillet (or cake pan) and pour mixture into it. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until bread starts to pull away from the sides, looks golden, and feels solid in the center. A toothpick inserted in center should come out with dry crumbles.

Beyond All Blessings and Hymns

   During Asara B’Tevet, the tenth day of the Jewish month of Tevet (December 27, 2009), prayer is recited in honor of those whose time or place of death is unknown.

   The prayer, called Kaddish, said with a quorum of ten adult Jewish males, is the same prayer recited in honor of any loved one who has died.

   In the Kaddish, death and sorrow is not mentioned. The prayer focuses rather on God’s enormity and sovereignty, and the hope of his kingdom and peace. That is the truest comfort of all.

English translation of Kaddish:

   Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which he has created according to his will. May he establish his kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon. Amen.

   May his great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

   Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be he, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world. Amen.

   May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us, and for all Israel. Amen.

   He who creates peace in his heavenly heights, may he create peace for us, and for all Israel. Amen.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Asarah B’Tevet, including it’s relationship to the birth of Messiah.

***

Asara B’Tevet begins at dawn (not sunset):

December 27, 2009

December 16, 2010

January 5, 2011

December 23, 2012

Christmas traditions that didn’t start with Pagans

I often hear the charge “Every single tradition of Christmas originated in paganism!” I thought of a few Christmas traditions that did not. I only know American traditions. Feel free to add your own.

Giving to the poor

Gathering with family

Sending Christmas cards

Going to church

Eating a special meal

Baking cookies

Poinsettias

Candy canes

Nativity plays

Hanging stockings by the fireplace

Singing hymns

Taking a day off work

Telling children the legend of Santa Claus

Showing kindness to strangers

Exchanging gifts

School break

Reading about the birth of Jesus from the Bible

Lighting our homes

Setting up a creche

Building snowmen

Playing music about Jesus

Making paper chains

Giving toys to children

Shopping

Telling the true story of St. Nicholas

Watching Christmas movies

Making crafts

Hand bell choirs

Gingerbread houses

Traveling to be with loved ones

Dancing

Christmas caroling

Stringing popcorn

Christmas cactus

Jingle Bells

Making snow angels

Hosting parties for employees

Reflection and Repentance

Christmas Quiz

How well do you know the Christmas story? Take this quiz and find out!  Answer true or false to the following.

1. An angel told Mary that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit.

2. Mary and Joseph were on their way to Jerusalem when Mary went into labor.

3. The angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest” the night Jesus was born

4. No one knows if Jesus was born in a tent, a cave, a stable or somewhere else.

5. The Bible doesn’t mention any animals being present at the birth of Jesus.

6. Shepherds followed the star to find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

7. Wise men from the east followed the star to Bethlehem.

8. Wise men presented gifts to baby Jesus at the manger.

9. Three kings presented gifts.

10. The wise men returned to Herod to tell him of the birth of Jesus.

 ANSWERS:

1. FALSE. Mary was told that she would become pregnant, and she agreed to the plan before Jesus was conceived. Luke 1:31-38; 2:21

2. FALSE. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. While they were there, Mary gave birth. Luke 2:1-7

3. FALSE. The angels didn’t sing, they spoke. Luke 2:9-14

4. TRUE. The Bible says only that He was laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. It is unknown where the manger was located, except that it was in Bethlehem. Luke 2:4-7

5. TRUE. The Bible says that shepherds were watching over their flocks in the fields that night (Luke 2:8). But there is no mention of any animals present when Jesus was born.

6. FALSE. The shepherds were told by the angel where to find Jesus. Luke 2:11-12, 15

7. FALSE. The wise men saw the star while they were in the east, and went to Jerusalem to find the Messiah. Herod called priests and teachers of the law to ask where the Bible said Messiah was to be born. The wise men went to Bethlehem in accordance with the prophecy of Micah. Matthew 2:1-6; Micah 5:2. After they left Jerusalem for Bethlehem, the star reappeared, and guided the wise men to the place where Jesus was. Matthew 2:9

8. FALSE. By the time the wise men reached Jesus, He was a “child” (no longer a baby), living in a house. Matthew 2:11

9. FALSE. The Bible says “wise men”, not kings. There were three gifts (gold, incense and myrrh), but the number of men is unknown. Matthew 2:1-11

10. FALSE. They were warned in a dream not to return, and they went back another way. Matthew 2:12

HOW DID YOU DO?

8 to 10 Correct: Congratulations! You are a Christmas expert! Now make like the shepherds and share the good news!

5 to 7 Correct: Good job! You’ve got the basics down. Read Luke, chapter 2 and Matthew, chapters 1 & 2, to brush up on the details.

0 to 4 Correct: You’ve been relying on tradition to teach you about Christmas, and tradition can be wrong. Could it be that you are looking to tradition for other truths about God? ‘Tis the Season to open the Bible and find out for yourself!

Merry Xmas?

   Merry Xmas! Does the sight of it make you cringe?  

   Rather than being an insult, this tradition stems from respect for the Holy designation Messiah, or Christ.

  Early Christians were almost all Jewish. Jews hold God’s Name in such high regard that they avoid speaking or writing it. When Jews come to the personal name of God in the reading of the Bible, the word Adonai (Lord) is said instead.

   In the King James Version of the Bible, wherever you see the word “LORD” (all capitals) in the Old Testament, it is a substitution for the personal name of God.

   Even today, many Jews and some Christians write “G-d” or L-rd,” leaving out the vowels, so as to be very careful and respectful with all terms referring to God. 

   In keeping with Jewish tradition, early Christians used the capital Greek letter kee (“X”) to stand for the word Kristos [Χριςτοσ], the Greek word for Messiah. Capital kee happens to be written with the same symbol that we use for the English letter X. The tradition was carried into English, and Christmas (Christ’s Mass) became Xmas. 

   Today, people usually use the term Xmas simply to abbreviate.  But we who know the origin can take a moment to reflect on the holiness of the term Christ every time we see it. We may also be able to use it as an opening to share our faith and build bridges of understanding.

Remember the Women of Hanukkah

   Since the beginning of time, when God first formed woman because “it is not good” without her, women have been indispensable.

   With the quiet dignity of Sarah, courageous initiative of Esther, and selfless service of Tabitha, the Bible abounds in examples of God’s pleasure with women.

   During Hanukkah, we remember the stories of two women who rose to their challenges with faith, intelligence, and courage.

   May their names be remembered.

 JUDITH

   The Syrian army surrounded the city of Bethulia. Judith, a beautiful, wealthy, young widow lived within its walls. She asked the mayor for safe passage, then she and her maidservant set off to meet the enemy.

   When she arrived at the camp, she asked to speak with the Syrian leader, Holofernes. Judith told Holofernes that she knew the secret to defeating the Jews, and she would tell him, if he agreed to protect her and her servant. He did.

   She told him when the people became hungry enough to eat unclean animals, God would no longer protect them. She promised to let Holofernes know when that happened, if he would allow her freedom to come and go in the camp. He did.

   After four days, Judith brought Holofernes a present of wine and cheese. Holofernes sent his men away, to be alone with the beautiful Judith. Judith made him pancakes and sour cream and continued to offer cheese, which increased his thirst, and encouraged him to drink more.

   Holofernes fell into a drunken sleep. Judith took his sword, cut off his head with one blow, and tucked it inside her clothes. She and her servant returned to Bethulia, unhampered because the soldiers had gotten used to them coming and going.

   The army of Bethulia attacked the Syrian camp. When the Syrians saw their commander’s head hanging on the city wall, they ran.

   Because of God’s faithfulness, and Judith’s faith, wisdom and courage, God’s people were delivered. In honor of Judith, we eat cheese and wine and latkes with sour cream during Hanukkah.

 HANNAH AND HER SEVEN SONS

   During the reign of Antiochus IV, Hannah and her seven sons were brought before the king. He demanded worship. They refused.

   Beginning with the eldest son, Antiochus gave them the choice to bow or die. One by one, Hannah watched as her children remained faithful, and were put to death.

   At last, Hannah’s youngest boy—only three years old—remained. Antiochus made him an offer. He proposed to drop his ring on the floor and allow the boy to bow and pick it up, so onlookers would be fooled. The child refused. He, too, was murdered.

   Then it was Hannah’s turn. Out loud, she prayed for three things: the souls of her children, the people of Israel, and that she might die at the hands of God, not the hands of her enemy.

   Immediately, Hannah fell dead.

   ”Remember Hannah and her Seven Sons!” became a rallying cry for faithful Jews. They are remembered.