Megillah, November - December 2002

Sisterhood News

• Sukkot Lunch and Learn
• Sisterhood Cookbook
• Knishing Around
• Coming Attractions
• Comfort for the Homeless
• Grocery Store Certificates
• Shopping for Chanukah

Sukkot Lunch and Learn

On September 21, 2002, Sisterhood sponsored a Lunch and Learn program. After attending Sukkot services in the sanctuary, we had Kiddush and Bruchas in the Sukkah. Between the two congregations (Nevey Shalom and Shaare Tikvah) there were so many people, we could not all fit in the Sukkah. Blessings were said, wine and grape juice distributed, and we took turns tasting the goodies. Many were heard to say, "Next year we build a bigger Sukkah".

Those who had made reservations were then invited into the social hall for a buffet luncheon. Approximately forty people sat down to a lunch of a delicious salmon loaf, mixed salad, and a carrot-raisin-pineapple salad. We received so many requests for the salmon loaf recipe that Ellen Weiss was kind enough to share it. The recipe is printed here. The dessert table had a delicious assortment of cakes, fruit, and punch.

While enjoying dessert, everyone took part in Rabbi Resnick's "learn" portion of the afternoon's program. He chose to discuss the Hebrew system of numerology called Gamatria. In no time at all, people were asking about the numerical value of their birth dates, names, etc., and enjoying a discussion of the possibility of good or other portent. It was a very enjoyable afternoon!

Thanks to Rabbi Resnick, and to Ellen Weiss and her crew.

Salmon Loaf

1 can 14 3/4 oz. salmon, drained, flaked
3 egg whites and 1 whole egg or 1 cup liquid egg substitute
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
2/3 cup non-fat dry milk
1 1/2 cups green bell pepper finely chopped
1/4 cup onion finely chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp dried mustard
1/4 tsp celery seeds

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 4 x 8 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine salmon, egg, rice, and dry milk. Mix until completely combined. Add onion, pepper, lemon juice and zest, dried basil, parsley, mustard, and celery seed. Mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into pan. Press into pan gently with back of spoon. Bake uncovered 1 hour or until top of loaf is golden. Let stand for 5 minutes, and then remove loaf to serving plate. Recipe serves 8.

Sisterhood Cookbook

After much consulting, typing, collating, and filling, we finally have a cookbook that is a joy to behold. It is bright and cheerful and big enough so you don't have to strain your eyes looking at the recipes. The pages are encased in plastic so you can easily wipe up spills. The book is loose-leaf so pages can easily be added or removed. Pockets in the front and back cover allow you to keep those recipes you can't resist cutting out of the newspaper. All in all, a delicious book! You will want one for yourself, and any cook would love to get this lovely book as a gift – maybe for Chanukah. The cost is only $18 for the 105-page book. Call Theda Rosenblum and give her your order before they're all gone.

Knishing Around

On October 8th, 2002, we had a Round Table Cooking Class. Ellen Novak, our chef for the evening, had us all peeling potatoes and chopping onions to prepare the evening's specialty, potato knishes. Ellen is an excellent teacher and we were all cutting, stretching, and pinching pastry dough before you could say, "I never did THAT before!" The results were delicious – we know because we all had some with a cup of coffee as soon as the knishes came out of the oven. We made enough for each of us in the class to take some home to amaze our families with this new expertise.

Once again, I was convinced that the best place to make new friends and to enjoy your long-time friends is in the kitchen! Come and join us for the next Round Table on November 12th, 7:00pm, when Chef Andy Friedman will demonstrate making various types of latkes just in time for Chanukah! Call Theda and make your reservation. I look forward to seeing you there!

Coming Attractions

Mark your calendars now for these dates:

Comfort for the Homeless

Theda Rosenblum is still collecting unused sample- and trial-sized toiletries for the homeless. There is a carton in the synagogue lobby for these items. Please think of those unfortunate homeless people of our county. We would like to see that carton overflowing with things for Theda to take to her group. This is a mitzvah which costs you nothing, but means so much to the recipient. If you have any questions, call Theda.

Grocery Store Certificates

Using grocery store certificates is an easy way to raise money for Nevey Shalom. You can buy food certificates for Giant, Safeway, or Magruders from these women:

Bernice Cohen, Bessie Davang, Gloria Markowitz, Marilin Rubinstein, or Pauline Levin.

Katz and Shalom Kosher certificates are sold by JoAnne Sternberg and Pauline Levin.

Shopping for Chanukah

It's that time of year to do your Chanukah shopping. Chanukah comes early this year – the first night is the day after Thanksgiving! You can find many lovely Judaic items right here in our gift shop. Call Pauline Levin for a private showing. She will be happy to help you select a gift that is just right.

~Pauline Levin