Quarantine Kitchen: Flaming Baked Alaska
01/19/2021 09:56:34 AM
Traditional
- 1 Cake – 2 layers (Can use cupcakes and split in half) Freeze after baking
- 1 layer ice cream (2 pints) Freeze in shape of cake pan
- 12 oz. jam (strawberry or raspberry)
- Meringue (recipe and directions below)
- 2-3 Tablespoons cognac
Meringue
- 8 egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
Meringue directions
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.
- Beat in brown sugar by tablespoonful.
- Beat until stiff peaks and glossy.
Assembly
- Preheat oven to 500 degrees
- Take cake layer and ice cream out of freezer.
- On a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper, place I layer of cake.
- Spread jam over the layer.
- Place ice cream on the cake layer.
- Spread more jam on the ice cream.
- Place top layer of cake on the ice cream layer.
- Cover cake with meringue and seal the edges of the parchment paper or foil.
- Freeze until ready to bake/flame/serve.
- Bake on lowest rack at 500 degrees for 2--5 minutes until light brown.
- Heat cognac in small pan on stovetop.
- Light pan with cognac (with match or flame from gas stove) and pour over meringue on cake and flame!
- Use a sturdy long knife to cut Baked Alaska in slices. ENJOY!!
- Store remaining Baked Alaska in freezer.
Quarantine Kitchen: One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
01/14/2021 08:24:41 AM
Ingredients:
- 2 (32 oz) cartons chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 lb boneless chicken (breast, thighs or tenderloins)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups egg noodles uncooked
- salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large stock pot, pour in chicken stock, seasonings (poultry seasoning, garlic and onion powders) and chicken.
- Give it all a good stir.
- Cover and cook on medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes (or until chicken is cooked through).
- This is a good time to chop your veggies!
- Once chicken is cooked, using tongs, take chicken out of pot and shred it using two forks (be careful, the chicken will be very hot). We use the hand mixer.
- Pop the shredded chicken back into your stock pot.
- Then add chopped veggies and cream of chicken soup and stir.
- Add water and noodles.
- Stir well.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for about 15-20 more minutes until veggies are tender and noodles are soft.
- Give it a taste test. I usually find I need to add salt and pepper. I usually add 1/2 tbsp. kosher salt and a teaspoon of fresh black pepper.
Quarantine Kitchen: Garlicky Chicken With Lemon-Anchovy Sauce
01/14/2021 08:15:13 AM
A NY Times recipe by Melissa Clark
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless,
- skinless chicken thighs (4 to
- 5 thighs)
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher
- salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed and
- peeled
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 anchovy fillets
- 2 tablespoons drained
- capers, patted dry
- 1 large pinch chile flakes
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh chopped parsley, for
- serving
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and let rest while you prepare the anchovy-garlic oil. Mince one of the garlic cloves and set it aside for later. In a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the 5 smashed whole garlic cloves, the anchovies, capers and chile. Let cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the anchovies, until the garlic browns around the edges and the anchovies dissolve, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken thighs and cook until nicely browned on one side, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the thighs, place the pan in the oven and cook another 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- When chicken is done, transfer thighs to a plate (be careful, as the pan handle will be hot). Place skillet back on the heat and add minced garlic and the juice of one lemon half. Cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.Return chicken to the pan and cook it in the sauce for another 15 to 30 seconds.
- Transfer everything to a serving platter. Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve.
Quarantine Kitchen: Air Fried Bagels made with Greek yogurt
01/13/2021 08:19:46 AM
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour, whole wheat or gluten-free mix, (5 oz in weight)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder, make sure it's not expired or it won't rise
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, use less if using table salt
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt, it will be too sticky (Stonyfield)
- 1 egg white or whole egg, beaten
- optional toppings: everything but the bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes
DIRECTIONS:
- In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk well. Add the yogurt and mix with a fork or spatula until well combined, it will look like small crumbles.
- Lightly dust flour on a work surface and remove dough from the bowl, knead the dough a few times until dough is tacky, but not sticky, about 20 turns (it should not leave dough on your hand when you pull away).
- Divide into 4 equal balls. Roll each ball into 3/4-inch thick ropes and join the ends to form bagels.
- Top with egg wash and sprinkle both sides with seasoning of your choice.
- Turn on Air Fryer to 375 degrees. Spray air fryer with oil to avoid sticking. Transfer in batches without overcrowding and bake 15 to 16 minutes, or until golden. No need to turn. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting. You can make these in the oven by preheating oven to 375 degrees. Place bagel on parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Quarantine Kitchen: Yotam Ottolengui Mejadra (Jerusalem)
01/05/2021 06:16:02 PM
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups/250 g green or brown lentils
- 4 medium onions
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- about 1 cup/250 ml sunflower oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 cup/200 g basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups/350 ml water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Place the lentils in a small saucepan, cover with plenty of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the lentils have softened but still have a little bite. Drain and set aside.
- Peel the onions and slice thinly. Place on a large flat plate, sprinkle with the flour and 1 teaspoon salt, and mix well with your hands. Heat the sunflower oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan placed over high heat. Make sure the oil is hot by throwing in a small piece of onion; it should sizzle vigorously. Reduce the heat to medium-high and carefully (it may spit!) add one-third of the sliced onion. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a slotted spoon, until the onion takes on a nice golden brown color and turns crispy (adjust the temperature so the onion doesn’t fry too quickly and burn). Use the spoon to transfer the onion to a colander lined with paper towels and sprinkle with a little more salt. Do the same with the other two batches of onion; add a little extra oil if needed.
- Wipe the saucepan in which you fried the onion clean and put in the cumin and coriander seeds. Place over medium heat and toast the seeds for a minute or two. Add the rice, olive oil, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and plenty of black pepper. Stir to coat the rice with the oil and then add the cooked lentils and the water. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, lift off the lid, and quickly cover the pan with a clean tea towel. Seal tightly with the lid and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Finally, add half the fried onion to the rice and lentils and stir gently with a fork. Pile the mixture in a shallow serving bowl and top with the rest of the onion.
Quarantine Kitchen: Pumpkin Bars
12/28/2020 12:20:59 PM
Ingredients for cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 and 2/3 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Ava’s frosting:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- (It can vary to how sweet you like it)
- 1/4 cup of salted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk
- (I always use 2 tablespoons of 2% milk or whole milk)
Directions for cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- With an electric mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin in a bowl until well blended.
- In a separate bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt using a fork or spoon.
- Little by little add in the dry mixture to the wet ingredients using the electric mixer.
- Tip: Don’t add a lot of flour in at one time, otherwise it will explode in your face and make a huge mess!
- Pour into a greased jelly roll pan/sheet pan. (15x10x1-in)
- Tip: If you prefer not to use butter, then you can just line it with parchment paper and it will still work fine. If you don’t mind using butter, then it is a good idea to put butter first then parchment paper then butter again for triple precaution to make sure that it won’t stick!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. (My oven took 25 minutes but it depends on how fast your oven bakes.)
- After your cake is out of the oven, make sure to cool completely at room temperature and then transfer to fridge.
- Tip: Do not put the cake right into the fridge after it is taken out of the oven, otherwise it will become crumbly.
Ava’s Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla in a small bowl. (Make sure to scrape the sides every once in a while to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed in completely.)
- Add in the milk to reach your preferred spreading consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the sheet cake and put in the refrigerator. When they are cold, you can take them out and cut them into rectangles. Make sure to store them in the fridge when you’re not eating them! :)
- Enjoy!
Quarantine Kitchen: New Years Hoppin’ John
12/28/2020 10:44:16 AM
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 smoked turkey thighs
- 4 c chicken stock
- 2 T olive oil
- 4 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 medium-size yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped (about 1 T)
- 1 t dried thyme, or fresh if you have it
- 1/4 t cayenne pepper (hot!) or smoked paprika (not!)
- To taste kosher salt
- 1/2 t black pepper
- 30 oz. can black-eyed peas
- Fresh scallions, for garnish
Directions:
- Warm the chicken stock in a saucepan with the turkey thighs. Simmer until the thighs soften, about 30-45 minutes; remove the turkey from the stock.
- When cool, pick the meat off the bones and shred or chop as desired.
- Heat oil in a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high; add the meat and the bones and sauté for a minute or two.
- Add celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, black pepper, cayenne (or smoked paprika). Salt to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, 5 minutes or so.
- Add stock and black-eyed peas and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10-15 minutes.
- Serve over rice, and with greens for extra luck. Sprinkle servings with sliced fresh scallions.
Quarantine Kitchen: Cleone’s Cornbread
12/28/2020 10:32:57 AM
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ cup flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup cornmeal (I like to use ¾ cup fine cornmeal + ¼ cup coarse cornmeal)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 Tablespoons melted butter
Directions:
- Blend eggs and sugar until very clear. Combine dry ingredients and add to egg/sugar mix alternately with milk.
- Add melted butter.
- Spoon batter into either:
- A greased and heated 10” cast iron pan
- or a greased and floured (or lined) muffin cups or a 9”x9” pan.
- Bake at 350 until toothpick comes out clean (~25 minutes for the full pan, less for the individual muffins)
Notes:
- ½ recipe works well in an 8” cast iron pan.
When Self-Sacrifice Meets Self-Preservation
12/16/2020 03:03:23 PM
The three bottom lines of this message are simple. All the rest is commentary. Come and learn:
1. If you—members of our TBE community—need financial support for food, medicine, housing, or any other necessities to keep you safe and alive, please contact me immediately by email at rabbi@tbemadison.org or by phone at 608-238-3123.
2. Our community has great resources available. If you need help identifying other resources available in this community, please contact me through the channels mentioned above.
3. If you are a TBE member who can support our fellow members through your financial beneficence, please consider making an immediate donation to the Tzedakah Fund for these purposes.
Why do I turn to my Temple community for help?
Jewish law mandates that we preserve our own lives in almost every circumstance; in Hebrew, this concept is called piku’ach nefesh, the “saving of life.” Although we Jews practice selflessness, we are also to ensure that we take care of our own and ourselves, for in Leviticus (19:16) we learn that “we shall not stand idly by while another member of our community bleeds.”
In this spirit, I hope that if you are in need, you will move beyond pride and let me know of your distress. We have some funds available to help, we know of community resources to meet other needs, and we are willing to help. Private or public suffering is something that we need not abide. As Hillel wrote in Pirkei Avot (1:14), “If I do not support myself, who will support me?” We need to be present for one another, so that no one is left behind, forgotten, or injured by conditions beyond their control.
Again, if you need food, medicine, housing assistance, or other necessities to keep you safe and alive, please contact me immediately at rabbi@tbemadison.org or 608-238-3123. We will not leave your side.
Quarantine Kitchen: Buddha’s Delight — Vegetable Feast
12/15/2020 07:57:09 AM
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons oyster-flavored sauce
- 1 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Pinch white pepper
Vegetable Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu, cut into large dice
- 2 teaspoons thinly sliced ginger
- 12 cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 ounces canned sliced bamboo shoots
- 6 canned water chestnuts, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage leaves
- 2 ounces snow peas, trimmed
Directions:
For the sauce:
- Stir together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, making sure the cornstarch is dissolved well. Set aside.
For the stir-fry:
- Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high to high heat. Swirl in 2 tablespoons of oil to the heated wok and coat the bottom.
- When you see wisps of white smoke, add the tofu, and stir-fry until light brown on the edges, about 2 minutes.
- Then add the ginger and stir-fry it until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
- Add all the remaining vegetables and keep them moving while searing. Don’t be scared to scrape the pan and fold the vegetables over many times. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until the Napa cabbage gets bright green and starts to soften.
- Stir in the sauce, coat all the vegetables and tofu, and bring the sauce to a boil. The cornstarch will thicken into a glaze, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Pro tips:
- Cut all the larger vegetables into ¼-inch strips and keep smaller vegetables like snow peas and bean sprouts whole.
- The best tofu for the wok is tofu that is vacuum packaged, not the tofu in water. This tofu has naturally formed a skin and will not stick in the wok or pan. It comes naturally white, fried or often coated in a soy sauce or five-spiced glaze. It is usually in the deli section of a well-stocked grocery store and sometimes next to the cheese and cold cuts. Tofu in water should only be used for wet applications like soups or braises.
From “101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die” by Jet Tila; Page Street Publishing Co.
Quarantine Kitchen: Vegetable Stir Fry + Movie Recommendations
12/15/2020 07:50:42 AM
A wonderful film entitled “My Favorite Year” (an homage to the era of totally live television of the late 1940’s and 1950’s) contains a precious line: “Jews know two things: suffering, and where to get great Chinese food.” Stereotype or not, Jewish families have – on Christmas eve – have ordered Chinese food and gone to the movies: the theaters tended to stay open, and the only restaurants open were the Chinese ones.
This year, as we face closed theaters, we still might want to eat Chinese food and watch a movie, but here is a suggestion to make our own and watch an old favorite film at the same time.
So here is a recipe for your consideration, shown on the December 24 edition of Beth El’s Quarantine Kitchen, followed by a list of TBE Staff favorite films and snacks to eat after dinner.
What can I say? Enjoy, enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 c. orange juice
- 2 tbsp. vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 tbsp. sriracha (more or less to taste)
- 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp. crushed garlic
- 3 tbsp. peanut or olive oil
- 1 whole white onion, cut into large chunks
- 1 whole red bell pepper, seeded and cut into large chunks
- 1 whole yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into large chunks
- 2 whole garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 whole medium zucchinis, cut into 1/4 inch slices
- 1 15-ounce can baby corn, drained and halved crosswise
- 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
- Cooked brown rice
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onion, for garnish
- OPTIONAL: animal or vegetable protein
Directions:
- Prepare brown rice per package instructions; usually 45 minutes are required for simmering.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, orange juice, stock, cornstarch, sriracha, crushed garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- About twelve minutes before the rice is done:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and peppers, and stir, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute more, stirring continuously. Add the zucchini and stir it around, cooking it for 2 minutes more. Add the baby corn and broccoli and cook for a couple of minutes, then, after the broccoli has turned a brilliant green and while the veggies are still firm, pour the sauce into the vegetables.
- Stir the veggies in the sauce, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more, or until the sauce is very thick. If it needs to be a little saucier, pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot water and splash in a little more soy sauce. Serve over noodles or brown rice, with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Tips:
- Prepare the vegetables and make the sauce up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep in separate containers in the refrigerator.
- White rice, noodles of various kinds, and other starches can be used in place of brown rice depending upon your tastes.
Movies – TBE Staff Picks!
The following movies are recommended for your holiday watching pleasure by members of the Temple Beth El staff. They may be streamable for free or for a small rental fee:
- August Rush – Amazon Prime
- Back to the Future (1985, plus sequels) – Netflix
- Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
- Dances with Wolves
- Few Good Men, A – Amazon Prime
- Fiddler on the Roof – Amazon Prime
- Gandhi
- Grease – Amazon Prime
- Happy Gilmore – Hulu and Amazon Prime
- In and Out – Amazon Prime
- Inherit the Wind (1960) – Amazon Prime
- It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World – Amazon Prime
- Lawrence of Arabia – Amazon Prime, On Demand TCM
- Manchurian Candidate, The (1962) – Cinemax with Prime Video
- My Favorite Year – Amazon Prime
- Pretty Woman – Amazon Prime
- Pride and Prejudice – Netflix and Amazon
- Princess Bride, The – Amazon and Disney+
- Right Stuff, The (1983)
- Tangled – Disney+
- To Be or Not To Be (1983 or 1942) – Starz with Prime Video
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Movie Snacks from the TBE Staff
And here are some great movie snack suggestions for you. Enjoy this special holiday break!
- Assorted raw vegetables and yogurt dip (for those who are watching calories)
- Chex Mix variations
- Pistachios
- Plain M&M’s in different flavors
- Popcorn mixed with the different flavored M&M’s
- Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese
- Popcorn with Zaatar
- Twizzlers
Quarantine Kitchen: Gimel Me Another Hanukkah Drink
12/15/2020 07:32:03 AM
Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Kahlúa
- Non-dairy creamer
- Whipped cream
- Blue sprinkles
- Donut hole
- Cherry
- Gelt
DIRECTIONS:
1 part kahlúa
1 part vodka
1 part cream
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Mix kahlúa, vodka, and cream.
- Top with whipped cream, sprinkle blue sprinkles. Skewer a donut hole and a cherry on a toothpick, and place in the glass.
- Get some gelt and add as a final garnish.
Renew Your Membership Now
12/08/2020 09:46:10 AM
Your annual contribution ensures that Temple Beth El will thrive and grow in ways that reflect our foundational values. Please mail your membership renewal form or renew online now at tbemadison.org/form/renewal2021. Renewal
Our new Temple Community Contribution program encourages you to view your annual financial contribution in a new way. This new program honors the meaning of your contribution, rather than recommending a percentage of household income as in the past. The new contribution model is based on shared values and affirms our mutual responsibility to one another as we pursue meaningful Jewish experiences.
Please contact Stefanie Kushner at exec@tbemadison.org or 608-238-3123 if you have any questions or would like assistance in determining your membership contribution for 2021.
Thank You to Donors for Transforming Our Sanctuary
12/08/2020 09:43:05 AM
We have received the lead financial support for the renovations of our sanctuary that will enable us to return safely in person when feasible and to improve the experience of those who continue to worship at home. The Development Committee thanks the lead donors for this transformative project: Joanna Berke, Pam and Howard Erlanger, Amy and Marty Fields, Bonnie Denmark Friedman and Gary (z"l) Friedman, Kathy and Tim Mazur, Fran Weinstein, and TBE Sisterhood.
The Making the Building Healthier task force has been working with architect Melissa Destree on the planned changes, which will benefit TBE for decades to come:
- The pews will be removed and replaced with chairs to allow for social distancing and flexible seating options.
- The carpeting will be replaced, and the metal door frames and spindles of the banister will be painted a dark gray to coordinate with the new carpeting. The new look will be very warm, brightened by the lighter color of the new chairs.
- Our audio and video systems will be upgraded to improve the experience both in the sanctuary and for those worshiping at home. The new equipment will include cameras that can be used throughout the building to expand our livestreaming.
- An automatic door opener will be installed in the unisex restroom on the main floor to improve accessibility. We thank the Men’s Club for their financial support of this item.
We are grateful to our generous donors, whose contributions are allowing us to adapt to TBE’s changing needs and focus on our long-range goals and requirements.
Volunteer opportunities
12/07/2020 11:22:21 PM
Looking to volunteer? Need a b’nai mitzvah project? Here are ways to help people in our community.
Meals for Catholic Multicultural Center
The Catholic Multicultural Center meal program provides grab-and-go meals from the center’s parking lot. Our volunteers drop off food every other Wednesday to meet the growing need. We cook for 80+ people by sharing recipes and dividing up the work. If you are interested in preparing food at home for delivery to the center, please use this SignupGenius link. Contact Sue Levy if you have any questions.
Porchlight Wish List and Volunteer Opportunities
The Porchlight shelter continues to operate at Warner Park Recreation Center. They do nightly COVID-19 screening and monthly COVID-19 testing, and they offer flu shots. You can help by donating to the Porchlight wish list of hygiene supplies, household items, and cleaning supplies. Or shop locally and give Porchlight food products for holiday gifts. Porchlight also has current volunteer opportunities in health assessment and graphic design. Please contact Jessica Mathis for more information.
Healing House Meals Coming Up in February
Healing House serves individuals without homes as they recuperate from surgery, illness, or childbirth. TBE cooks meals for the residents and staff on a quarterly basis. Our next week will be February 28 to March 6, 2021. Volunteers are asked to assist by cooking and dropping off meals at the Healing House, 303 Lathrop St., Madison, WI 53726. To help with this mitzvah, please sign up here. Please contact Cathy Rotter if you would like to be on the volunteer mailing list. In the meantime, you can help by donating new items from their wish list.
Food Boxes for Madison School Families
The Thoreau Weekend Food Bag Program is part of the wider Madison West High Area Collaborative, delivering food to Madison school children from the 14 elementary schools in the West High area. Volunteers are needed to distribute 250 boxes of food each week:
- On Tuesday mornings, volunteers unload shelf-stable food and stock the pantry.
- On Friday mornings, volunteers pack large boxes of food and household goods for that day’s delivery. Masks and social distancing will be maintained. This would make a great b’nai mitzvah project for a young person able to work in company with others.
- On Friday mornings, there are no-contact volunteer opportunities for drivers to pick up supplies and deliver food boxes to family’s doorsteps throughout the west side of Madison. People with larger vehicles and those who are comfortable carrying moderately heavy boxes are encouraged.
Volunteers can sign up on the United Way’s website. At present no other registrations or background checks are necessary. Contact Vic Levy if you have any questions. Temple Beth El is scheduled to help at the end of December 2020 and January 2021, and we will provide a volunteer update if that becomes a reality.
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis Wins Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Award
12/07/2020 11:08:10 PM
We are proud to announce that TBE member Rabbi Bonnie Margulis is the 2020 winner of the Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award. This award recognizes a Madison resident who shares Jeff Erlanger’s passion for public policy, civility, and human rights, who conducts their daily life with these values, and who has made a significant impact on the Madison community.
Rabbi Bonnie was nominated in recognition of her work as a visionary faith leader who has tirelessly engaged in important social justice work. Rabbi Bonnie is a member of the TBE Social Action Committee, Racial Justice Action Team, and Immigrant Rights Action Team. In nominating her, TBE member Erica Serlin wrote: “I have known Rabbi Bonnie in a wide range of contexts and capacities, and she is unfailingly inclusive and collaborative, respectful of diverse opinions, and encouraging of everyone’s contributions. She also works harder than anyone I know and brings passion, knowledge, wisdom, and humility to every endeavor.”
Rabbi Bonnie is the founder and executive director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice (WFVJ), a state-wide interfaith organization working toward social and economic justice on the local, state, and federal levels, formed in 2011 to “raise the progressive religious voice in support of low-income and underserved populations.” Under her leadership, WFVJ has been instrumental in organizing the Dignity at Work Coalition (advocating for policies such as a living wage, paid sick leave, and affordable childcare), the Dane Sanctuary Coalition (assisting vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities), and the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign (promoting nonpartisan civic engagement education and voter outreach).
The success of these organizations is a testament to Rabbi Bonnie’s vision and tireless dedication. As Erica’s nomination states: “Rabbi Bonnie is available almost any time night or day to provide a respectful and empathic listening ear as well as terrific resources and suggestions—all with genuine interest and no apparent ego involvement. Her desire to help create a more just society is always apparent, but plans and projects emerge organically from whatever group she works with or leads rather than from a unilateral agenda. It would be hard to imagine a nominee more qualified to receive an award honoring Jeff Erlanger’s legacy of commitment to a lifetime of public service, social justice, constructive and impactful advocacy, and a celebration of diversity.”
Both Rabbi Bonnie and Erica are able to designate a nonprofit charity to receive $250, and both have chosen WFVJ as a way to continue this work. The award honors TBE member Jeffrey Clay Erlanger, who was an individual of integrity, passion, intelligence and civility. Jeff understood that thoughtful and caring people could have very different views on how to best address our community's many complex issues and problems. Jeff spent a significant part of his life committed to public service, focusing on constructive advocacy and civil debate, fairness, openness, and effective representation. He embraced the similarities that unite us.
Civic Engagement Action Team Concludes a Successful Year
12/07/2020 11:04:36 PM
Over 50 TBE members participated in our 2020 Civic Engagement Action Team, working to promote nonpartisan voter registration and education. We were pleased to have a share in making history: there was record-breaking turnout both nationally and in Wisconsin, and more Americans voted in this election than in any in the last century.
The TBE team was part of the national Reform Movement’s “Every Voice, Every Vote” campaign, working all year to ensure that people who are often disenfranchised could make their voices heard. The Reform campaign reached more than 560,000 voters, with a special focus on outreach to “low-propensity” voters in communities of color. It provided calls, texts, and postcards on successful state ballot measures: expanding Medicaid in Missouri and Oklahoma, defeating an abortion ban in Colorado, and fighting felon disenfranchisement in California. At Temple Beth El, 40 members wrote 1,800 postcards to encourage low-propensity voters in North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia to overcome their state’s voter suppression efforts and vote. Even now, members are writing postcards to encourage voters in Georgia to register and vote in their senatorial runoff election.
Closer to home, we joined forces with the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign, headed by Rabbi Bonnie Margulis of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice and Dr. Peter Bakken of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Our members contributed hundreds of hours through this campaign to fight voter suppression and make sure every citizen was able to vote and vote safely.
Because voter registration in Wisconsin is more complicated than it needs to be, TBE members attended hours of training and presentations on how to combat voter suppression measures. Some members offered socially distanced voter registration at food pantries and colleges, while others shifted to staffing voter hotlines and distributing written information. We helped the Madison City Clerk by preparing a record number of absentee ballots, assisting with early voting, accepting absentee ballots at Democracy in the Park, and serving as poll workers in four elections. This was a successful and satisfying effort for the TBE team. We thank everyone who participated, and everyone who voted.
In 2021, the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Project will continue its work to encourage voter engagement, fight voter suppression, and hold elected officials accountable. To stay up to date on this work, sign up for their mailing list.
Hanukkah Ideas from the Immigrant Rights Action Team
12/07/2020 10:49:14 PM
From the TBE Immigrant Rights Action Team, here are some advocacy, educational, and volunteer opportunities you might wish to consider during Hanukkah.
1) Write to your state legislators to support driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. See this toolkit put together by Voces de la Frontera.
2) Watch Immigration Nation on Netflix. With unprecedented access to ICE operations, as well as moving portraits of immigrants, this documentary series takes a deep look at US immigration today through six one-hour episodes.
3) View a Dane Sanctuary Coalition presentation such as a conversation with the author of The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez, or an update on new developments in immigration from the Community Immigration Law Center. The videos are available on the Dane Sanctuary Coalition Facebook page.
4) Volunteer to assist the important work of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition by joining the Communication and Outreach Committee or the Advocacy Committee. For more information, contact Rabbi Bonnie Margulis for more information.
Social Justice Readings for Hanukkah
12/07/2020 10:18:54 PM
Hanukkah celebrates humanity's ongoing struggles for freedom and justice. Remembering our own experiences of persecution throughout history and today we stand in solidarity with those who share our yearning for a more just and equitable world. Each night of Hanukkah, may our conversations be richer, our advocacy be stronger, and our voices be louder as we commit to another year of justice and freedom for all.
- Jewish Center for Justice: This guide provides easy, fun, and important ways to help enhance your Hanukkah experience and spark a discussion each night.
- Religious Action Center: Sustaining the Light: A Social Justice Program Guide for Chanukah. This guide is focused on four issues for discussion: the environment, economic justice, children’s issues (child slavery, poverty and bullying), and religious liberty.
- American Jewish World Service: Light one Candle for Freedom, Dignity & Justice. This is a short reading and prayer for social justice to accompany the candle blessings.
- Find addional suggestions and readings for incorporating social justice into your holiday in our Hanukkah@Home resources on our Hanukkah Page.
Plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend 2021
12/07/2020 10:11:19 PM
This year, instead of the annual retreat, members will be staying in town. Several TBE-sponsored events have been planned to help us commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing our focus on racial justice. Activities include:
- A special Shabbat service on Friday, January 15, incorporating readings and prayers that reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. (on Facebook Live).
- A program on Zoom on Saturday, January 16, at 1:30 pm, that will include listening to a sermon by Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl on “Rethinking Race in the Jewish Community,” followed by discussion groups on the concept of race, particularly as perceived by Jews toward Jews.
- A direct-service mitzvah project to aid African American–led organizations in Dane County. Details coming soon.
- A Zoom program appropriate for adults and children in 4th grade and above at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 17, that will focus on Jewish participation in the Civil Rights Movement and the role of music in building solidarity. In the 1960s, American Jews made up a large percentage of white Americans who participated in the Civil Rights Movement, standing shoulder to shoulder with African Americans and strengthened by the freedom songs that were based in African American church music. Cantor Jacob Niemi and Les Goldsmith will introduce several of these iconic protest songs and explore how this music crossed racial and religious boundaries to build community.
- A listing of community events that you can attend from home to learn from and show your support for our African American neighbors here in Dane County.
- We will also share more racial justice opportunities in early 2021 and include a “Racial Justice Action of the Week” in Wednesday’s Weekly Happenings emails from Temple. We hope you’ll engage in these opportunities and do the action of the week.
This weekend builds on a series of Temple-wide conversations on race this summer, when more than 70 Temple Beth El members joined in virtual conversation to talk about what Temple Beth El can do to address the changes needed in our society. It incorporates what was learned from a survey on how TBE members want to become involved, through education, service, advocacy, and forming relationships. We look forward to this chance to learn and serve together. Please contact Aleeza Hoffert if you want to help with the weekend plans or other racial justice initiatives.
Thanksgiving Basket Collection Gets Help from Two B’nai Mitzvah Students
12/07/2020 09:57:49 PM
Religious School may be virtual this year, but the generosity and love shown by our children and families is very tangible and very real. TBE families have once again collected cans and boxes of food for the Goodman Community Center, helping to fill baskets with all the ingredients needed for a Thanksgiving meal. Usually each grade brings in an assigned item, such as cranberries or stuffing mix, and the items pile up in the coatroom in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
This year, we used the "front porch" method to collect the food. Families dropped off cans and boxes at one of the eight houses around town. Some members donated cash through the Goodman Community Center website to help buy turkeys and other perishable items. Working together, our TBE families helped the Goodman Community Center reach its goal of serving 4,000 families (22,000 individuals), by collecting a record number of 597 food items.
Some of this success is due to two students who made food collection their b'nai mitzvah project. Henry Riley and Gabe Staresinic are studying to become b’nai mitzvah this year. In addition to collecting food from TBE members, they reached out to neighbors and friends to join in. Henry said: “Thank you to everyone who donated items so families in need can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. We collected 90 items and got many different kinds of food. I feel good about helping with this cause and hope that it brings joy to some families who otherwise may not have much for the holiday.”
According to Gabe: "I picked this project because I wanted to help out families that can't afford this wonderful time each year. This year we also are in a pandemic and lots of people are struggling even more. Hopefully by raising all of this food we can give more people a great Thanksgiving dinner. Also, I hope this will make people receiving this food happy that people care for them, and the people who donated the food will feel good that their money and food that they gave is going towards a good cause.”
Thanks to all who contributed for giving so many grateful families a holiday meal to enjoy together! Special thanks to Henry and Gabe; to all our front porch families; to Pam Robbins, Julie Swedarsky, Rochelle Alpert, and Aleeza Hoffert for organizing; to Rochelle for also delivering some of the food; and to Laurie Borkon and Nicole Jahr for coordinating with Religious School familes. We also recognize Rabbi Jonathan Biatch for making a donation from his discretionary fund to help meet the extraordinary need this year.
High Holy Day Food Drive Raises a Record Amount
12/07/2020 09:52:22 PM
Over 50 million people in America live in food insecure homes. Many people are using food pantries for the first time in their lives. In Southern Wisconsin, the need for food relief is 40% greater than it was before the pandemic.
With these needs in mind, a generous donor offered to match TBE member contributions to the High Holy Day Food Drive to make sure we could meet our ambitious $15,000 goal. Our members rose to the occasion and donated a total of $15,657, the most we have ever given as a congregation. We offer our deepest thanks to all who gave.
The Social Action Committee met and divided the funds between several worthy organizations that fight hunger in our community. As in past years, the majority of the money will go to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. Second Harvest distributes millions of pounds of food each year, acting as a central distribution network for smaller food programs and pantries. Dollar for dollar, they are the most efficient distributor of food in this area. Since the pandemic began, Second Harvest has distributed over 500,000 boxes of food equaling more than 10 million meals.
By allocating $12,500 to Second Harvest at this time of year, TBE members are considered a silver level supporter in Second Harvest’s Share Your Holidays campaign to end hunger, a partnership with NBC15. According to Executive Director Stefanie Kushner, “It is a great reflection on our congregation that we are helping the greater Madison community in a large time of need. We are the only nonprofit organization to give at this amount (typically they are businesses) and Second Harvest is thrilled to have us listed as a sponsor to motivate other organizations to do the same. I am thankful for strong leadership that motivates our congregation to do wonderful things for our entire community.” To learn more, watch this Day in the Life video from Second Harvest.
We are also donating $1,000 to the Catholic Multicultural Center Food Pantry. The Catholic Multicultural Center is a social service–based community center on Madison’s south side and is the only organization in Dane County to serve a free community meal every single day of the week. During COVID-19 the center has been giving out packaged, hot meals to about 100 people each day in their parking lot. We are proud that members of our congregation have been providing the main dish for this program every other Wednesday. The center’s food pantry also provides food boxes in the parking lot and delivers food to households with vulnerable members.
Last year our congregation was fortunate to have Pastor Marcus D. Allen of the Mount Zion Baptist Church speak to us during our Social Action Shabbat. The Mount Zion Baptist Church Food Pantry is being stretched due to increased need, so we are also donating $500 to support their food recovery efforts.
In past years we have allocated some funds to help make and deliver meals to men at the Porchlight Shelter. It is possible that after the pandemic restrictions have ended we will once again provide meals at Porchlight, so we have retained the rest of the funds to support that effort once it begins, or other efforts later this year.
Thanks again to all our congregants for stepping up to the plate.
Swarsensky Memorial Weekend 2020
12/07/2020 02:25:48 PM
Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, a leading figure in American Reform Zionism, focused his 2020 Swarsensky Memorial Weekend presentations on the divisions among Israeli and Diaspora Jews over who should define what constitutes legitimate religious practice in Israel. Voicing the concerns of many Jews that the present arrangement is both politically undemocratic and liturgically uninviting, he proposed an updated Zionist project to reinvent the meaning of “being Jewish in the Jewish state.”
Across the globe, Weinberg argued, Jews regard Orthodox religious practice in the Holy Land as the standard against which other forms of Judaism are measured, whether rightly or not. This paradigm, he affirmed, is no longer tenable: it spiritually dispossesses many Israeli Jews by forcing them to identify as either Orthodox or secular, distresses most Diaspora Jews by demeaning their indigenous practices, and obstructs realizing a unified worldwide Jewish community.
These strains reflect tensions embedded in the original Zionist movement itself: should a realized Jewish state concentrate on protecting Jews from persecution while advancing secularized ideals of peace and justice, or should it function as a mechanism for instilling Jewish culture and religious practice? The State of Israel’s foundation entrenched rather than resolved these conflicts: it created a civil government premised in part on valuing religious freedom but ceded control over defining officially sanctioned religious practice to an ultra-Orthodox rabbinate determined to enforce their particular vision of Jewish tradition against all comers.
In opposition to the status quo’s cession of religious authority in Israel to this powerful minority, Diaspora Jews must, Weinberg urged, trumpet a counter-narrative that endorses their equal responsibility for defining Judaism and upholding Jewish values in Israel. Grounded as it is in the experience of Diasporic pluralism, Reform Zionism has a mission to promote religious openness and tolerance in Israeli society through concerted political action.
Quarantine Kitchen: Oven Latkes
12/07/2020 11:35:56 AM
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds Russet baking potatoes or yellow boiling potatoes, about 3 medium potatoes
- 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely diced or shredded; about 3/4 cup shredded onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- about 1/2 cup peanut oil or vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS:
- Peel the potatoes. Cut each potato into about 6 chunks.
- If you’re using baking potatoes, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle with 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, to taste (more if you like a saltier latke). Cover the plate with plastic wrap, and microwave for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
- If you’re using yellow boiling potatoes, cut each of the chunks in half, and place them in a medium saucepan. Cover with about 4 cups of water; the water should cover the potatoes by about 1/2″. Add 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons salt to the water (yes, tablespoons; use the greater amount if you like saltier latkes). Boil the potatoes for about 8 minutes, or until they’re fork tender. Drain in a colander.
- Allow the potatoes to cool a bit while you shred or dice the onion, and whisk the egg. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Use a potato ricer to rice about 1/3 of the cooked potatoes into a bowl. Sprinkle with half the onions and 1 tablespoon of the flour, and drizzle with about half the beaten egg. Rice another third of the potatoes into the bowl, and sprinkle with the remaining onions and flour; drizzle with the remaining egg. Rice the remaining potatoes into the bowl.
- Gently combine all of the ingredients. Don’t stir too much; you don’t want thoroughly mashed potatoes.
- Line two rimmed baking sheets with easy-release aluminum foil (for easiest cleanup, and guaranteed no-stick latkes). Or simply get out two rimmed baking sheets. Pour 1/4 cup oil into each, tilting the pan to spread it around.
- Place one of the pans into the oven, and allow the oil to heat for 2 minutes. this step isn’t necessary if you use easy-release aluminum foil, but helps avoid sticking if you’re using a plain aluminum foil.
- If you’ve heated the pan, remove it from the oven. Scoop a heaping 1/4 cup of potatoes onto the pan; a muffin scoop works well here. Repeat till you’ve scooped 6 or 7 latkes onto the pan. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers (be careful!), gently flatten the latkes to about 3/8” thick.
- Repeat with the second pan and the remaining potatoes.
- Bake the latkes for 10 minutes. Reverse the pans in the oven—upper pan to the lower rack, lower pan to the upper rack—and bake for an additional 15 minutes, till the bottoms of the latkes are golden brown.
- Remove the pans from the oven, and carefully flip the latkes. If you’re not using easy release foil, and they stick, try baking for a few more minutes; when they’re thoroughly cooked on the bottom, they should flip over without sticking.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the bottoms are nicely browned.
- Remove the latkes from the oven, and serve warm.
Quarantine Kitchen: Air Fryer Sufganiyot
12/03/2020 08:21:09 AM
INGREDIENTS:
- Canned biscuits (not the flaky ones)
- Powdered sugar
- Butter Jelly of your choice
- Plastic bag or piping bag
DIRECTIONS:
- Place the canned biscuits into the air fryer in one single layer, not touching and cook for 5–6 minutes. They are better eaten warm, so only do the following steps before eating.
- Put powdered sugar in a bowl with a wide flat bottom.
- Butter one side of the biscuit. 4. Dip that side of biscuit in powdered sugar.
- Pour jam in a piping bag with a long cake frosting tip or cut the corner off of a sandwich bag.
- Pipe 1 to 2 tablespoons of jelly into each doughnut.
- You can reheat the biscuits in an air fryer at 320 degrees for 2 minutes, then do steps 2–6.
Quarantine Kitchen: Hanukkah Chocolate Gelt and Goodies
11/19/2020 04:41:10 PM
Aunt Randy’s Hot Fudge Sauce
Makes 4-8 servings
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cocoa (sweetened)- Ghirardelli
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 T butter
- Mix together but do not boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir until smooth.
- Let cool before storing in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- To reheat, microwave or heat in pan for 30 second to a minute until pourable but thick.
Molded Chocolates
- 8-10 ounces melting chocolate
- Chocolate molds- like Jewish stars, dreidels, menorahs
- Oreos or sandwich cookies
- Microwavable bowl
- Pour melting chocolates into bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds on high.
- Stir well.
- Microwave for another 20-30 seconds and stir.
- Repeat microwaving and stirring until all the chocolate is melted.
- Spoon into molds.
- If using Oreos, put melted chocolate in bottom of mold, add Oreo and spin Oreo in chocolate to set it.
- Freeze for 6-9 minutes or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
- Flip over molds to release chocolates.
Quarantine Kitchen: Shabbat Catalina Chicken
11/12/2020 08:13:03 PM
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Catalina Dressing (You can use Kraft or any Store brand)
- 1 can of Cranberry Sauce ( 14 Oz Ocean Spray or Any Store brand )
- 1 Tablespoon of Dried Minced Onion
- 1 Tablespoon of Trader Joes 21 Season Salute
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic Salt
- 1 teaspoon of black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt or any salt
- 1 teaspoon of Lemon Pepper (I like Trader Joe's)
- 3-5 large Carrots Peeled and sliced on an angle
- 1 tomato diced up
Directions:
Never worry about over seasoning in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, more is always better in these devices...
- Place the 3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts in the slow cooker, spray the Crock of your Cooker if it's not non-stick... Newer slow cookers are usually non-stick material now...
- Pour the Catalina and Cranberry sauce over the chicken.
- Next pour the seasonings over the chicken and sauce. You can also do it in reverse order, its not a problem.
- Add the Carrots and Tomato and spread everything evenly coating the chicken breasts...
- Cook on LOW for six hours, if you are home, stir it up a bit after about 4 hours, but not a problem, as it can cook on its own nicely for the duration of the time set
It really is a great Shabbat chicken, perfect to serve year round. It's wonderful with a side of steamed green beans, Brussel sprouts, or rice. I like the rice and vermicelli side mixes. If you keep kosher, you can get the Kosher Chicken Breasts at Trader Joes, and the rice side dishes via Manishevitz. I've also had this with a side of potato or noodle kugel. Excellent!
Enjoy and let me know how yours turns out!
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