Tastes of Jewish Tradition: Recipes, Activities & Stories for the Whole Family

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Book of Holiday Traditions
Review: Daylight is precious now and the nights are long and cold. It is time to gather our family and friends around the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah, "the Festival of Lights." The glow of the candles is reflected in our children's faces, full of anticipation and awe. Warmth, light, miracles...this is Hanukkah. ~page 69

This is a Writer's Digest Award Winner and it truly is the Ultimate Holiday Guidebook for families. You will find information on eleven significant Jewish Holidays:

Shabbat - Dipped candles, dye-painted Challah cover, spice boxes.
Rosh HaShanah - Creative Cake Cones, apple print cards.
Yom Kippur - Read-aloud story, book of life scrapbook ideas, writing your own prayers.
Sukkot - A suggested Sukkot Menu, collage, decorations, crayon leaf picture.
Hanukkah - The Miracle Moon story, gift ideas, making your own Menorah.
Tu Bishvat - Tree of life diagram, easy bake cookies, family tree project.
Purim - Manot baskets, costumes, woven paper cones, puppets.
Passover - The story of Egypt, Seder Plate, Matzah Pizza recipe, cartoon story.
Lag B'Omer- Hats, games, egg races.
Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Layered Sand Jars, flags and necklaces.
Shavout - Blintzes, Yogurt Popsicles, parades, crafts and activities.

Each chapter highlights a Jewish holiday and you can learn how to experience the holidays, create interesting foods and research holiday traditions. There are Read-aloud stories, traditional passages, crafts and fascinating food facts.

Then, you will find a chapter of recipes:

If you have always wanted to make delicious latkes, there is a recipe. If you want to try some contemporary favorites, try the Oreo Cheesecake. Salmon Mousse with Cucumber Dressing, Homemade Hummus, Challah, Chicken Soup, Beef Tenderloin, Sour Cream Potatoes, Broccoli Soufflé and Mandel Brot all make their appearance along with a number of delicious favorites. You can also make Passover Brownies with matzo cake meal.

There are diagrams you can copy and an Appendix filled with blessings. The index is excellent. This book would be perfect for teachers. It is essential for parents and for any student of Jewish traditions.

As one who learned how to make chicken soup from a Jewish friend in Seattle, I can say Jewish food has always been a favorite. I even make my own Matzo balls for soup and have mastered the making of Challah. As a child, some of my most comforting memories included eating meals at Jewish parties. I seem to remember eating the creative cake cones as a child.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Rating:
Summary: A superbly presented celebration of Jewish holiday tradition
Review: Tastes Of Jewish Tradition is a superbly presented celebration of Jewish holiday traditions and celebrations featuring 11 "kids friendly" stories, 90 do-it-yourself craft ideas; and 125 delicious recipes. Complete chapters are dedicated to Shabbbat; Rosh HaShanah; Yom Kippur; Sukkot; Hanukkah; Tu Bishvat; Purim; Passover; Lag B'Omer; Yom Ha'Atzmaut; and Shavuot. There are recipes for appetizers, breads, salads, soups, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Rounding out this "family friendly" compendium is a section of reproducible templates and "Prayers & Blessings". Showcasing the core of Jewish heritage as reflected in celebrated holidays, Tastes Of Jewish Tradition is a wonderful and highly recommended addition to any family library.