The Uptown Havurah

February Shabbat Shindig: All about America

2012-02-13T14:28:00.001-06:00

Hey friends,

In honor of President's Day weekend and Lincoln's birthday, out upcoming Shabbat will be filled with some good 'ol red white & blue.

Ok, maybe not, but there will certainly be Jews. And yummy American food!

So we hope you can join us this coming Shabbat, at 6:30pm at Madeline's place for a relaxing and spirited time.

RSVP on our fb event page or email us.

Here's Who's Bringing What:

Food: Please note: if you're bringing wine and/or challah, you must arrive on time

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____

Wine_______

Challah (at least 2)___________

Soup_________

Salad_________

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________

Main course___________(Mila's making decadent mac and cheese)

Dessert__________(Madeline's making something chocolate-y)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Monica)

Napkins_______________(Monica)

bowls________________(Madeline)

Tea-lights________

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Madeline)

Bencher with Kiddush:

Extra kippot:_____

January 'Shtetl Fabulous' Kabbalat Shabbat and Potluck Dinner

2012-01-22T14:19:00.014-06:00

Hello! Now with the temperature taking a nose-dive, what better way to warm up than enjoy some home-cooked, old-school Jewish nosh (=food)? Come join us as we kick it old country style for our January Friday night shindig.

If you're seeking inspiration, check out some of these sites:

http://www.jewishrecipes.org.../recipes/index.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4223336

http://www.jewishrecipetrader.com/ashkenazi.php

http://www.joyofjewish.com/food.html

Please use the comments section below to tell us what you're bringing for the vegetarian potluck (or tell us on facebook or email us). And as always, friends most welcome!

BYOB (Bring Your Own Babushka)

l'shalom,
Raysh

You can RSVP on facebook (and please do!)

Here's Who's Bringing What:

Food: Please note: if you're bringing wine and/or challah, you must arrive on time

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Monica's bringing chocolates; Naomi & Amirav are bringing bread and shmear)

Wine_______(Daffy and Ryan; Rafi)

Challah (at least 2)___________(Rachel & Ray are bringing one; Raysh is bringing another; Alex A.)

Soup_________(Rachel & Ray)

Salad_________(Katy; Cheylenna is bringing a couscous salad)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Madeline's bringing dessert booze; Nick's bringing wine; Yehonathan is bringing wine; Re'ema's bringing wine)

Side dish_________(Morgan's bringing tzimmes and Richard's bringing vegetarian kishke; Deborah and Todd are bringing something potato-based; Raysh is making a noodle kugel)

Main course___________(Raysh's making vegetarian cholent)

Dessert__________(Simone's bringing babka; David and Jessica are bringing chocolate babka;
Alex A.-L. is bringing peanuts; Rachael is bringing kichel)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Monica)

Napkins_______________(Monica)

bowls________________(Raysh)

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

So many great things this week. Hurray and see you soon!

2011-12-15T02:34:00.008-06:00

Dear friends,

We'd like to extend a hearty yasher koach (meaning figuratively ''good going," in Jewspeak) to everyone who participated in Project Homeless Connect this past Monday. We hope to collaborate with PHC again and support the excellent work that they do in the Cities.

This weekend, we have a number of exciting events ahead of us. First off, we hope you'll come by and warm up with a l'chaim at our December Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and vegetarian potluck dinner, beginning 8pm this Friday at Josh's place. (To find out who's bringing what, please consult our list, which we will continue to update, below. The theme is hearty and filling)

Secondly, this Sunday we have our Hanukkah Shopping Excursion, over at Calhoun Square. Let's meet in front of the indoor entrance of Kitchen Window (one of the stores there) at 3:30pm. Plan for ~90 minutes of mind-blowing shopping, and then we'll reconvene at Amazing Thailand for our Winter Programming Committee Dinner at 6:30pm. Please come with your ideas, calendars, and coupons, if you have them (actually, jk. actually, do come with them, if you have ;-)). As always, everyone is welcome to attend.

Awesome.

If you're coming Friday (and we very much hope you will!), here's who's bringing what:

Food: Please note: if you're bringing wine and/or challah, you must arrive on time

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____

Wine________(Raysh; Cheylenna's bringing grape juice)

Challah (at least 2)___________(Josh)

Soup_________(Madeline's bringing potato soup)

Salad_________(Rachael)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________(Danielle's bringing teriyaki green beans)

Main course___________(Erika + guest; Laura and Joel are bringing a pasta dish)

Dessert__________

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________

Plastic or Paper Cups___________

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Josh)

Napkins_______________

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

l'shalom,
Raysh

November Shabbat Shindig

2011-11-13T23:51:00.013-06:00

Greetings, friends! It was great fun seeing you at the Motzei Shabbat movie night party last Saturday night. We hope you're keeping warm despite the cooler temps (although still, 40 degrees in MN this time of the year is not nearly as bad as it could be!).

We look forward to hanging with you this coming Friday night, 7:30pm @ Madeline's apartment for our November "pre-Thanksgiving" Kabbalat Shabbat and potluck dinner. Wanna test-drive some of the recipes you've been thinking about for Thanksgiving? What better way than to run it by us!

Here's Who's Bringing What:

Food: Please note: if you're bringing wine and/or challah, you must arrive on time

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Alex and Doron are bringing hummus; Dana's bringing cheese & pesto spread with crackers)

Wine________ (Raysh)

Challah (at least 2)___________(Cara)

Soup_________(Katy's bringing pumpkin soup)

Salad_________(Rory and Jory; Osnat)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Cara's bringing apple cider)

Side dish_________(Laura and Joel are bringing chili and cornbread muffins; Melissa and Jeff are bringing a quinoa craisin dish)

Main course___________(Mila's bringing a lemon wine risotto dish)

Dessert__________(Madeline; Nick's bringing dessert wine)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Monica)

Napkins_______________

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

October Shabbat Gathering: THIS Friday

2011-10-25T01:33:00.005-05:00

Hello friends!

After a whirlwind of holiday activity, we can now look forward to kicking it regular Shabbat style, with song, wine, and women (yes, we have many females in our lofty ranks!)...aaaaand food!

The mostly arbitrary theme of this coming Shabbat shindig is "fancy shmancy." Decide for yourself what that means and we'll play along. It could be how you and/or the food you bring appears, etc. etc.

Most important is your company, so RSVP at your soonest convenience, since space is limited. Please feel free to bring new friends, just let us know the # you're expecting and what you're bringing to share.

To that end, let's fill out this list, ja?

Food: Please note: if you're bringing wine and/or challah, you must arrive on time

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____

Wine________(Madeline + 2 guests)

Challah (at least 2)___________(Madeline + 2 guests)

Soup_________(Raysh)

Salad_________

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________(Melissa's bringing baked brie; Sheryl's bringing something with hypoallergenic noodles)

Main course___________(Laura's bringing beet pasta; Miriam's bringing stuffed peppers)

Dessert____________(Mila's bringing a dessert--probably a pie; Katy's bringing a pear dish; Raysh's bringing a Ben & Jerry's ice cream cake)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________

Plastic or Paper Cups___________

Plastic or Paper Plates__________

Napkins_______________

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

Looking forward to welcoming in Shabbat together. Moadim l'simcha! (May we have occasion to rejoice!)
Raysh

Sukkah building gathering (tomorrow!) and party next week

2011-10-08T21:28:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

I hope everyone had a meaningful YK, and that this finds you replenished food-wise! We have two exciting Sukkot-related events coming up, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

Tomorrow, at Jon and Chaya's house (3321 Pillsbury Ave S--in their backyard, to be precise), we'll build the UH sukkah. Please arrive by 4pm to lend a hand and then kick back and hang out afterwards.

Then, on Tuesday, October 18, at 7:30pm, we hope you can stop by for a l'chaim and some quality dessert fare as we celebrate Sukkot. This shindig will be potluck style, so please bring some delicious nosh and/or spirited beverage to share. If you have an extra easily portable chair or two, please bring that along. As always, new friends are welcome too!

Shavua tov and a good year to all,
Raysh

Preparing for the New Year

2011-09-20T23:04:00.020-05:00

Hey friends. As we gear up for the new Jewish year of 5772, we have the privilege of reflecting back on a year filled with new connections, good times, and meaningful memories created together. I want to take this opportunity to express thanks to everyone in the havurah. Each of you has helped us improve and grow in a significant way, and I hope we continue to cultivate that positive energy as we move forward into the new year.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and welcomed new members into our community; to all who have opened up their living space to host a gathering; to everyone who has actively pursued local volunteering opportunities; to everyone who has participated in planning meetings--in short, we are immensely grateful to each of you for your active participation.

May the new year present us with even more opportunities to celebrate each others' triumphs together as a community.

Our first two events of the new Jewish year will be taking place on Thursday, September 29. At 4:30pm, we will gather for Tashlikh by Lake of the Isles, over on the grassy area between the street and Lake of the Isles, at the intersection of W 27th St. & Lake of the Isles Parkway E.
You don't need to RSVP for Tashlikh, but just be sure to arrive promptly at 4:30pm, as it's a very short service/ritual, and we will head over to Joyce shortly thereafter to begin setting up for dinner. We're doing this mostly BYOB (=bring your own breadcrumbs), but I might have some extra (but hey, I have a load of sins to deal with, so you might want to bring your own).

Which brings us to [drumroll, please]...2nd Night Rosh Hashanah Dinner. For this event, we are asking you do RSVP here and/or to uptownhavurah@gmail.com as soon as you can, indicating both how many people are in your party and what you'll be bringing. We'll keep updating the list below for your reference. Also feel free to add to the comments section below. You can also RSVP on facebook.

Here's everything you need to know:
What: The Uptown Havurah Rosh HaShanah Dinner
When: 6:30pm, Thursday, September 29th
Where: In the parlor room of the Joyce United Methodist Church, 1219 W. 31st Street, Minneapolis MN 55408
What to bring:
1) something to share for the vegetarian potluck,
2) a non-perishable item for the food shelf collection, and
3) (either before or after the holiday), we encourage all attendees to contribute towards Joyce's building repair fund, as their roof recently sustained serious damage after lightening hit their chimney this summer. Joyce is being very generous by allowing us to share their space, and we would like to gratefully acknowledge their kindness.
RSVP with # of attendees and what you're bringing to uptownhavurah@gmail.com

Everyone is welcome and we hope you can join us!

Shanah tovah u'mitukah,
Raysh

(Quick note: if you're thinking of ideas for what to bring, here are some traditional foods:

*apples and honey
*pomegranates
*'new' (usu. rare) fruits
*round challah
*kosher wine
*anything sweet!

We're thinking of doing a few 'blind taste tests,' so let us know if you might want to bring a couple of one thing (such as honey, ice cream, salsa, hummus, etc))

What people are bringing so far:

Food:

Kosher Wine________ (Raysh)
Grape Juice________(Katy)
Challah (at least 2)_______(Yehonathan; Ryan and Daffy)
Rare fruits_______(Ryan, Daffy, Naomi and Rafi; Erika and a guest are bringing rare fruit and pomegranates; Nick is bringing pomegranates)
Soup_________(Cara's bringing borsht)
Salad_________(Abigail and Lynsey are bring a beet salad; maybe Madeline)
Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________
Side dish_________(Camber's bringing a vegan dish; Raysh's bringing an apple kugel; Ryan's bringing a dairy noodle kugel)
'Taste test' foods_____(Raysh's bringing a few different kinds of honey)
Main course___________(Joel; Abigail and Lynsey are bringing a veggie/couscous dish; Sascha's bringing a risotto dish)
Dessert____________ (Rachael's bringing apple pie; Mila's bringing sticky toffee pudding; Steve's bringing something amazing TBA; Cheylenna's bringing fruit breads)

General stuff:

Tea-lights (will provide 24 hr candle for transfer)________(Raysh)
Paper or plastic cutlery: Cups_______(Naomi) Plates_______ (Monica) Utensils_______(Monica; Ben F.'s bringing spoons)
Napkins_______(Monica)
Games________
Transliterated Rosh HaShanah blessing sheets______ (Raysh)
Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh is bringing)
Cards and stickers for the taste test_____(Raysh)
Other:_____________

Uptown Havurah Event Calendar, Through January 2012

2011-09-18T13:26:00.003-05:00

Hey folks! Be sure to mark your calendars for the great Uptown Havurah events right around the corner (below). With the high holidays approaching, we encourage you to seriously consider contributing to local charities and pursuing volunteer opportunities that speak to you:

Tikkun Olam Corner--help us repair the world!

If you'd like ideas, we have a bunch!
First off, we want to acknowledge gratefully Joyce Church's generosity in welcoming us into their space for our Rosh Hashanah dinner. This past summer, their chimney was struck by lightning, damaging their roof significantly. Right now they are faced with unexpected repair expenses, and we can help out. We urge you to contribute to their building repair fund here (or contact Raysh or Katy).

Additionally, here are some inter/national organisations that do great work--check 'em out:
Mazon, the Jewish Family and Children Service of Minneapolis, American Jewish World Service, and Oxfam.

And remember, "Charity, Prayer, and Repentance keep you out of 'bad places'" ;-)

Now, the schedule:

6:00PM, Monday September 19th [FAITH ORGANIZING FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY CAMPAIGN KICKOFF] @ Hennepin Ave. United Methodist Church

4:30PM, Thursday September 29th [TASHLIKH] We'll be meeting We'll meet near the intersection of W 27th St & Lake of the Isles Pkwy E

6:30PM, Thursday September 29th [ROSH HASHANAH DINNER] Potluck vegetarian dinner; @ Joyce United Methodist Church's parlor room (1219 W. 31st Street)

7:30PM, Tuesday, October 18th [SUKKAH PARTY] Potluck dessert and drinks @ Jon and Chaya's (in their backyard, in the Uptown Havurah sukkah, unless there's supremely yucky weather)

Friday PM, October 28th [KABBALAT SHABBAT/POTLUCK DINNER] ISO host

8:30PM, Saturday November 5th [HAVDALAH + SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIE PARTY] @ Nick's

6:30PM, Friday November 18th [KABBALAT SHABBAT/POTLUCK DINNER] @ Madeline's

Friday PM, December 9th [KABBALAT SHABBAT/POTLUCK DINNER] ISO host

10:30 AM, Monday December 12th [PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT] @ the Minneapolis Convention Center. We'll volunteer in shifts throughout the day.

Thursday PM, December 22nd [HANUKKAH PARTY] ISO host

Friday PM, January 13th [KABBALAT SHABBAT/POTLUCK DINNER] ISO host

Planning Meeting this Sunday

2011-09-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder about our fall planning meeting, happening 7:30pm this Sunday (09/11) at Darbar Indian Grill. As always, all are welcome and encouraged to attend and share new ideas/input. If you cannot make the meeting but still wish to share your two shekels, please feel free to email me or include your thoughts in the comments section below.

Important: if you are involved in other Jewish local groups of similar demographic range, please let us know about any upcoming 'fixed' event dates, so we don't overlap when we plan out programming for the next few months. On that same note, a calendar or personal planner would be a good thing to bring along, as we will be planning out several months in advance.

We look forward to meeting with you soon!

l'shalom,
Raysh

Last Shabbat on the Water of Summer 2011 + Mega Birthday Bash

2011-08-22T16:12:00.006-05:00

Hello folks! This summer has just flown right by, but don't miss the opportunity to rejoice in what's left by celebrating Shabbat and Melissa's, Laura's, Rachael's, Monica's and Elliot's August birthdays with your favourite Uptownites (and non-Uptownites).

What: Shabbat on the Water and birthday bash
When: This Friday (Aug 26) 6:30PM
Where: On...the water. Click here for the place by the southern end of Lake Calhoun, where we'll meet
That's so awesome, I want to come! What can I do? Excellent question. You indicate what delicious something-or-other you'll be bringing to share in the comments below. Do it!!
And What if it Rains? Then we take the fun over to Madeline's new place

Who's bringing what:

Pre-Shabbat snack fare: ____________________(Laura and Joel are bringing pita and hummus)

Wine:____________________(Mike)
Challah (at least two): ________________________

Soup: __________________________

Salad: __________________________

Side Dish: _________________________(Nick's bringing quinoa)
Main Dish: _________________________(Melissa's bringing a noodle dish)

Dessert: ___________________________(Madeline + a friend)
(may we suggest birthday-appropriate fare?)

Drinks: ___________________________

Paperware and other non-food stuff:

Plates: ________________________

Cups: ________________________(Mike)

Bowls: ______________________

Cutlery: _____________________

Napkins: ____________________

Tea lights: ___________________
Lighter: _____________________

Portable chairs: _______________

Blankets:_______________(Mike)

Insect Repellent: _______________

Kabbalat Shabbat packets: ___________

Uptown Havurah July Shabbat on the Water

2011-07-19T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hey people. Get ready to hang with your favourite people as we welcome Shabbat in this week by the lake. Here are the deets:

Where: By Lake Calhoun...right here
When: 7:30pm
If it's raining: We'll meet at Meredith's house (2309 S 5 Av)
What to bring: Something vegetarian for the potluck (and/or utensils). Please consult the list below for a better of idea of what we still need.

Who's bringing what:

Pre-Shabbat snack fare: ____________________

Wine:____________________
Challah (at least two): ________________________

Soup: __________________________

Salad: __________________________

Side Dish: _________________________
Main Dish: _________________________

Dessert: ___________________________

Drinks: ___________________________

Paperware and other non-food stuff:

Plates: ________________________

Cups: ________________________

Bowls: ______________________

Cutlery: _____________________

Napkins: ____________________

Tea lights: ___________________
Lighter: _____________________

Portable chairs: _______________

Insect Repellent: _______________

Kabbalat Shabbat packets: ___________(Meredith)

Shabbat on the Water Returns! Join us this Friday!

2011-06-21T17:57:00.007-05:00

Chevre (by this I mean 'comrads/friends,' as in the Hebrew, not goat cheese),

We hope this finds you soaking in the glorious summer sun. This is just a quick reminder that this Friday at 7:30pm we are gathering to welcome in Shabbat by the southern end of Lake Calhoun. Click here for a map of where we'll be convening.

As usual, we're doing this vegetarian potluck-style, so please let us know what you're bringing (watch for updates below). You might also wish to bring along any of these:

*portable chairs
*picnic blankets
*insect repellent
*sunscreen
*tea lights and matches or a lighter

Everyone is invited, please feel free to bring friends!!

In case of rain, we'll move the fun over to Josh's place
(3037 Holmes Ave. #3 55408), but the forecast looks promising.

Be well and stay safe (word has it the tornadoes aren't leaving our area alone...),
Raysh

Who's bringing what:

Pre-Shabbat snack fare: ____________________

Wine:____________________(Emily's bringing grape juice)

Challah (at least two): ________________________(Josh)

Soup: __________________________

Salad: __________________________(Josh; Mike's bringing a heavier, non-green salad)

Side Dish: _________________________(Deborah and Todd, or maybe a main dish)

Main Dish: _________________________

Dessert: ___________________________(Danielle)

Drinks: ___________________________(Caren is bringing homemade soda, Kumquat Vanilla)

Paperware and other non-food stuff:

Plates: ________________________(Rema)

Cups: ________________________(Rema)

Bowls: ______________________

Cutlery: _____________________

Napkins: ____________________

Tea lights: ___________________(Meredith)

Lighter: _____________________

Portable chairs: _______________

Insect Repellent: _______________

Kabbalat Shabbat packets: ___________(Meredith)

May Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat and Potluck Dinner...TONIGHT!

2011-05-20T16:51:00.004-05:00

Dear friends,

What better way to wrap up ~~our time on earth~~ the week than join your favourite people for a restorative and spirited Friday night gathering? We were going to meet by the lake, but rain interfered with our plans, so the ever-wonderful Meredith Cuda will be hosting at her place: 2609 5th Ave S.

We hope you can make it---the fun begins at 7pm.

Shabbat Shalom,
Raysh

Now here's who's bringing what:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Nathan's bringing pita and hummus)

Wine________

Challah (at least 2)___________

Soup_________

Salad________

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________

Main course___________(Meredith's bringing a 7-layer dip thing)

Dessert____________ (Jenna and Mike are bringing dessert)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________

Plastic or Paper Cups___________

Plastic or Paper Plates__________

Napkins_______________

Tea-lights________(Meredith)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Meredith)

Bencher with Kiddush:

Extra kippot:_____ (Meredith)

Dear Weather, Let's pretend it's spring already. Love, the Uptown Havurah

2011-05-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

Hey friends. For a while we've been talking about finally doing a non-holiday/Shabbat outdoors event, so we hope you can join us for the first of such events, this coming Sunday, May 15th, when we'll bike to Minnehaha Falls for a fun afternoon of yoga, eating, and schmoozing.

Those biking: meet at Meredith's (2609 5 Ave S) at 11am.
If we encounter unpleasant weather (rainy and/or cold, this will be our default in-door location)

Those coming directly to the picnic: please meet us at the Wabun Picnic Area in Minnehaha Regional Park (right off 46th Ave S, on the east side, towards the Mississippi River) at 12:30pm

For a map of the Minnehaha Park Picnic area, click here
and scroll down to the last map link

Here's the facebook event link

You might wish to bring:
*Food for the picnic potluck
*Those biking: a bike and helmet (let us know if you need to borrow either/both)
*A yoga mat, if you have
*Picnic blanket(s) and/or chair(s)

Happy Spring!

April Kabbalat Shabbat / Potluck Dinner + Provisional Summer Calendar

2011-04-28T14:58:00.009-05:00

Hello! Now that Passover has passed us over, it's time to indulge in quality leavened and leguminous delights. So we hope you can join us tomorrow night at Laura's place, as we round out the month of April with some good cheer and some great challah. To see what people are bringing so far, check out our list below.

But first----

Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming dates (dates subject to change--any changes will be announced here and on our facebook page):

Sunday, May 15 spread the word! Bike and Picnic Event. Those biking will meet 11am at Meredith's (who lives right near the greenway), and we'll head to Minnehaha Falls together. Our picnic there will be at ~12:30pm. (In case of bad weather, our back-up location will be Meredith's house)

Friday, May 20 Kabbalat Shabbat/Potluck dinner. Depending on how our weather shapes up, we may need an indoor host

Friday, June 24 Friday night on the lake. Kabbalat Shabbat and picnic potluck dinner on the southern end of Lake Calhoun!

Friday, July 22 Friday night on the lake (same deal!)

Friday, August 26 Friday night on the lake

September 30 Second Night Rosh HaShanah Dinner

Got it? Awesome. Now here's who's bringing what this Shabbat:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Josh is bringing pita and hummus, Monica's bringing snack food)

Wine________(Nick; Mira)

Challah (at least 2)___________(Laura)

Soup_________(Evan S. is bringing vegetarian mushroom bisque soup)

Salad_________(Talitha; Mira)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Nathan)

Side dish_________(Madeline's bringing bruschetta; Joanna's bringing a potato dish)

Main course___________(Meredith's bringing a 'special interpretation' of mac&cheese; Raysh's bringing a gluten-free risotto dish)

Dessert____________ (Jenna and Mike are bringing a floury dessert)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Melissa M.)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Melissa M.)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Melissa M.)

Napkins_______________(Melissa M.)

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

Help prep for the Uptown Havurah seder today!

2011-04-17T01:28:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

Want to help Chaya & Jon cook for the seder?

Have a dish you want to make for the seder but don't have a kosher for passover place to prepare it? (Please bring your kosher for passover ingredients with you.)

Want to hang out with fun people and have wine (Chaya's mother taught her that wine must go in the food and the cook!)?

Great!! Come over and cook (and otherwise help with seder prep) today!

(There will also be a fun baby who will need attention.)

Just a friendly reminder that if you're attending our 2nd night seder (@ the Sulmans), we ask you come over to their place today (at noon) to help prepare the food.

May everyone have a joyous week and a fabulous Passover!

Shavua tov,
Raysh

Planning meeting tonight + preparing for Passover

2011-04-10T15:07:00.000-05:00

Hey people,

Just a friendly reminder that tonight at 6pm @ Roat Osha is our planning meeting. Come help plan and drink, all while feasting on gluten-ous culinary delights (unless you are gluten-free!) before Passover rolls around. And speaking of Passover, make sure to let us know if you're coming to our seder. You can find out more and reply here. Or if you're not on facebook, simply leave a comment and we'll fill you in with more.

As you prepare for the seder, you can check out free online audio files of 'seder standards' at this awesome site.

Also, if you still need to go shopping for Passover, we're coordinating an excursion to the SLP Cub Foods this Wednesday, so drop us a line if you're interested in coming along and showing Manischewitz they are still very much loved.

March Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner + Upcoming Events

2011-03-23T21:54:00.015-05:00

First off, anyone have pics from last Saturday night's party?? We'd love to see them!

Thank you to everyone who attended. We had a great turnout and it was a total blast! Free fresh baked goods + alcohol + awesome people = a little like heaven.

We hope you can join us this Friday night for our March Kabbalat Shabbat + potluck dinner at Raysh's place. There will be some birthday festivities as well, so come for the stories of fatal priestly mishaps*...stay for the birthday cake!

*(See http://www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Weekly_Torah_Portion/shemini_summary.shtml )

Also, please let us know if you're coming to our awesome Passover seder. Chaya and Jon are hosting the second night, Tuesday, April 19. More details forthcoming. The night Passover ends, we're also planning on having a Tap 'n Torah party involving--you guessed it--beer and learning (and other chametz-filled delights).

And stay tuned about the planning meeting where we'll brainstorm the May bike ride/picnic event.

For now, here's who's bringing what this Friday:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Monica's bringing fruits, veggies, and chocolates; Nathan's bringing hummus and pita)

Wine________(Madeline, Evan S. [later])

Challah (at least 2)___________(Emily)

Soup_________(Raysh)

Salad_________(Chaya and Jon)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________(Meredith's making a quinoa dish; Katy's bringing cooked root veggies; Molly and Melissa S. are bringing noodle kugel; Yehonathan)

Main course___________(Emily, Deborah and Todd)

Dessert____________ (Raysh is making some sort of cake, the kosher sangria might make an appearance; Mike)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Melissa M.)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Melissa M.)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Melissa M.)

Napkins_______________(Melissa M.)

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

Happy New Month of Adar II!! Great weekend, and it only gets better!

2011-03-06T13:50:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's programming. It was wonderful learning, singing, eating, and schmoozing with y'all at Raysh's and just now at Common Roots Cafe. We've discussed everything from the boundaries of communal obligation, a certain Rabbi Yossi and his controverial position on resource sharing, Biblical sources on employers' obligation towards workers, and what exactly is "glatt."

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Bronfman Foundation for their generous sponsorship at this Shabbat's Shalosh seudot. Also, major thanks to Temple Israel for donating to us a truckload of amazing freshly-baked challah.

We were very fortunate to learn from Rabbi Morris Allen this morning, and we look forward to the exciting developments about to unfold with Magen Tzedek. Once you see their symbol on food products, be sure to buy these products and show your support for the ethical treatment of workers in the food industry. Spread the word!

Looking ahead at our calendar, several of us will be attending the upcoming Shalom Hanoch Concert at the CCC (this Thursday night), and of course, be sure to join us for our crazy awesome Purim party at Meredith's late Saturday night of Purim (March 19th).

We are looking for a host for our March 25th Friday night gathering, so if you're in Uptown and have a place that will fit ~20ish awesome folk, please contact Raysh

May the new month of Adar II be filled with blessings for you and everyone important to you.

Be well!

b'virkat Shalom,
Raysh

February Friday Night Gathering: February 11, 2011

2011-02-04T15:46:00.009-06:00

Hey everyone. Thank you to everyone who participated in our planning meeting last week. Everyone in attendance had great ideas that we look forward to making a reality soon!

Stay tuned for more information on non-Shabbat/holiday programming we'll be doing. For now, those interested in attending the CCC March 10th Shalom Hanoch concert should contact Raysh.

Next week, we hope you can join us for the February Friday night gathering at Josh's. Watch your emails for more info.

Below, watch for updates in who's bringing what:

Here's who is bringing what:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Nathan's bringing hummus and pita)

[FOR BOTH THE WINE AND CHALLAH, YOU MUST BE ON TIME]

Wine________ (Monica; Elliot)

Challah (at least 2)___________ (Laura and Joel; Meredith)

Soup_________(someone's bringing Ethiopean Split Pea Stew)

Salad_________ (Josh)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Katy)

Side dish_________(Cia; Sonia's bringing sweet noodle kugel; Deborah and Todd are bringing a vegan dish)

Main course___________(Mila's bringing a mushroom and greens gratin; Madeline is bringing mac 'n cheese; Alexander is bringing a casserole)

Dessert____________(Monica)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Raysh)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Raysh)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Raysh)

Napkins_______________(Josh)

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

Planning Meeting this Sunday

2011-01-27T18:46:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone. This Sunday at 6:15PM we're having a planning dinner at Darbar India Grill (1221 W Lake St). Please come with ideas, your planner, and a good appetite.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Thursday,

Raysh

Friday Night Gathering THIS Shabbat

2011-01-16T14:53:00.014-06:00

We hope you can join us this coming Friday for a Friday night gathering full of happy occasions: we will be welcoming Chaya and Jon's newborn daughter and celebrating Tu b'shvat and MLK day.

One exciting Uptown development is that Lake Wine & Spirits has opened and carries well-priced kosher wine (two kinds: just ask them for their Israeli wine)!! Not only that, their very helpful staff told me they can order kosher wine by the case if people are interested.

In terms of food, you might wish to consider bringing foods that are either products of trees and/or are baby-friendly (but no need--anything vegetarian is cool):

Here's who is bringing what:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____

Wine________ (Ben; Nick; Bradley; Evan)

Challah (at least 2)___________(Nathan)

Soup_________

Salad_________ (Yael, Alex; Madeline)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________ (Rachael)

Main course___________ (Mila; Chaya)

Stuff for Tu B'Shvat Seder:
--walnuts, coconuts, or almonds_____(Meredith is bringing walnuts)

--olives or dates or peaches or apricots________

--figs or grapes or (c)raisins___________(Jon's bringing dates and figs)

--mangoes, bananas, avocados, or pears (dried versions of any of these is cool too)__________

Dessert____________ (Raysh is bringing something that involves oranges, dates, and lots of booze; Abi is bringing some kind of baked goods)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Monica)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Monica)

Napkins_______________

Tea-lights________

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Chaya and Jon)

Extra kippot:_____ (Chaya and Jon)

A Different kind of '3M'

2010-12-30T18:41:00.005-06:00

Hey all, the opportunity below is a great way to connect with the community at large in focused, friendly, local venues: Minneapolis Mitzvah Morning

Presented by Women's Philanthropy of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation Mitzvah Morning: Choose Your Mitzvah
An opportunity to experience the impact of Federation through hands-on projects with community partners

Wednesday, January 19 9:15 a.m. Volunteer (at various locations)

11:30 a.m. Lunch at Federation

Choose from five different volunteer experiences:
9:30 a.m. Jewish Family and Children's Service Help sort and organize the Hag Sameach storage area
9:15 a.m. Jewish Family and Children's Service Altercare Interact with developmentally disabled adults by reading and discussing current events, doing exercises and watercolor painting. (Program located at Sholom Home West)

9:15 a.m. Sabes Jewish Community Center Read and conduct activities with children in an early childhood classroom.
9:30 a.m. Sholom Home West Tour Sholom Home West and experience Yiddish Club with residents.
9:15 a.m. VOICE Project Make Shabbat candlesticks with the Russian-Jewish population living in the Booth Manor Residence in the Loring Park Area.

Minneapolis Jewish Federation 13100 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka (day will begin at volunteer location followed by lunch at Federation) $12 per personLunch will be served. (Dietary laws observed) Click here to RSVP or contact Dana Rubin at 952.417.2344

Introducing...our youngest member!

2010-12-20T21:25:00.009-06:00

Dear friends,

It is with great joy that I announce the birth of Eve Blue Sulman, daughter of Chaya and Jon, born last week. Everyone is home now, happy and healthy. We hope you can meet Eve and join in celebrating her birth at our next Shabbat gathering on January 21 at Chaya and Jon's.

As they say in Yiddish, af simkhes! (=only happy occasions!)

Happy pre-new year!

Next week: Shabbat/Hanukkah shindig

2010-11-26T15:53:00.016-06:00

Hey everyone. It was great to see so many of you a couple weeks ago at our most recent Friday night gathering. We hope you can join us next Friday for our big Shabbat/Hanukkah celebration.

It'll be going down 5:30PM, Friday, December 3 @ Andrea's.

As always, please bring something for the vegetarian potluck. Please consult the list below to see what we still need for this coming Friday night.

Secondly, in celebration of hanukkah, we'll be doing a Hanukkah grab bag. To that end, we ask everyone bring one item to throw in. Try not to exceed $5 in selecting your item, and try to get something you think others would enjoy.

Also, if you have an extra chair or two, please bring that along with you--we'll most likely need it! Finally, if you would like to light, please BYOH (bring your own hanukiah, or Hanukkah candelabra and candles)

Who's bringing What:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____ (Monica)

Wine________ (Elliot)

Challah (at least 2)_______(Ben F. is bring one challah; Devorah)

Soup_________ (Devorah's bringing matzah ball soup)

Salad_________ (Mila)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________

Side dish_________ (Sonia's bringing curried veggies and beans; Cia's bringing stir fry; Deborah and Todd are bringing something vegan/gluten-free and delicious)

Main course___________ (Andrea's making gluten-free latkes; Raysh might make some glutenous latkes; Meredith's making spanikopita; Laura and Joel are bringing something awesome)

suggested: Latkes

Dessert____________ (Raysh is brining Hanukkah Gelt; Katy; Nick)

suggested: Sufganiot (=jelly donuts)_______

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________

Plastic or Paper Cups___________

Plastic or Paper Plates__________

Napkins_______________ (Monica)

Tea-lights________ (Monica)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh)

Hanukkah grab bag bag:_____(Raysh)

Extra dreidels:_________

Other:_____________

Happy Thanksgiving weekend and see you soon!

Shavua tov.

Upcoming November Friday Night Dinner + pre-Hanukkah lunch meeting and shopping excursion

2010-11-14T13:39:00.000-06:00

Hey people!

I hope this does not find you buried under the snow. Or if it does, I hope you're having a fabulous time building that snow replica of the Kremlin to scale. Either way, be sure to make it out this Friday night for our awesome November Havurah Friday night gathering, which will be taking place this Friday, November 19, at 7pm @ Elliot's. (Watch your inboxes for address and instructions)

There's a very good chance we'll need extra chairs, so if you could bring a folding chair or lawn chair along, that would be great. (No sweat if you can't.)

We'll also be collecting for the Uptown Food Shelf, so please remember to bring a non-perishable food item to contribute.

Finally, this is a vegetarian potluck, as always. If you're looking for creative, delicious ideas, check out this posting from my good friend Tamar Fox, over at myjewishlearning.com :

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/blog/culture/the-curse-of-the-vegetarian-potluck/

Please consult the list below to see what we still need for this coming Friday night:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away: this is important)_____(Monica; Raysh)

Wine________ (Emily; Stefanie)

Challah (at least 2)_______ (Nick)

Soup_________(Joel; Shira)

Salad_________ (Raysh is bringing a salad-esque stir fly; Yael)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Katy)

Side dish_________ (Deborah and Todd are bringing a vegan/gluten-free kugel; Raysh is bringing a gluten-filled apple kugel)

Main course___________(Meredith is bringing Blintzes)

Dessert____________ (Jon and Chaya)

General stuff:

Plastic or Paper Cutlery__________(Josh)

Plastic or Paper Cups___________(Josh)

Plastic or Paper Plates__________(Josh)

Napkins_______________ (Josh)

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Bencher with Kiddush: (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh is bringing)

Food Shelf Donation collection bag:____ (Raysh is bringing)

Other:_____________

Also, a number of you have expressed possible interest in having a group Hanukkah shopping excursion. Please watch your inboxes for possible options. If we do it, it will be on Sunday, November 21, mid-day. We'd gather for a quick lunch, over which we'll have a planning meeting, and then we'd go holiday gift hunting.

We're all super busy, so this won't be terribly long. Figure lunch (~an hour) plus shopping (~a little more than an hour). And remember, you can show up for one part and not the other, if you so prefer.

So please, you are warmly encouraged to join me for high-quality noshing, high-quality planning, and (moral support in) shopping--most importantly, figuring out What My Mother Will Love. We'll vote on possible places via email, so stay tuned! Meanwhile, stay warm and safe.

b'virkat Shalom,

Raysh

Uptown Havurah Turns One! Come celebrate at tomorrow night's kabbalat Shabbat and potluck dinner

2010-10-28T18:56:00.001-05:00

Hey folks. It's hard to believe a full year has already sped by since we started coming together as a group. It's been fun watching us grow, meeting new friends, networking, learning new tunes and traditions, trying out new recipes, and planning for an exciting future.

Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. We are tremendously blessed to have such a strong group of awesome people, each of whom offers so much to us all. And thank you to everyone who has opened their living space up to us and hosted. This past year we've celebrated Jewish life at the lake (thanks God!), at Ben M.'s, at Deborah and Todd's, at Elliot's, at Laura's, at Meredith's, and at Mila and Steve's. (Please forgive me if I'm missing anyone--and let me know so I can put it up here).

May we be blessed with each other's continued company as we enter our second year. To everyone I wish a hearty l'chaim!

bi'virkat Shalom,
Raysh

At this time, I want to remind y'all that we have our October gathering tomorrow night, at my place. If you haven't yet, lemme know if you can make it and if you are, what you'll be bringing.

Below, I'll start listing who I know is bringing what (and again, if you've already said you're coming but didn't say what you're bringing, please scan this over and shoot me an email indicating what you'll bring)

Food:
Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away)__________
Wine________ (Evan)
Challah (at least 2)_______(Laura is bringing)
Soup_________(Deborah's bringing borscht)
Salad_________(Monica; Ben F.)
Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(David's bringing soda; Katy's bringing juice)
Side dish_________ (Max is bringing kugel; Yael's bringing veggies; Rachael; Ben M. and Eric are bringing couscous)
Main course___________(Raysh is making stuffed peppers--vegan/gluten-free/dairy variable)
Dessert____________ (Jon and Chaya are bringing apple pie; Erin's bringing ice cream)
General stuff:
Tea-lights________(Raysh)
Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)
Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh is bringing)
Other:_____________

Guilt-free post-Yom Kippur break-the-fast Shindig + Save the Date for our Sukkot Bash

2010-09-16T21:32:00.000-05:00

1) This Saturday night, 9pm at Meredith's house, we'll be noshing on a variety of goodies (please watch you inboxes for an updated list of who's bringing what). Please do come!

2) We're currently in the process of gathering the materials needed to plan and construct our very own sukkah! If you would like to contribute to the building of the Uptown Havurah Sukkah, please get in touch with Raysh. Thank you so much to those who've already stepped forward to help out!

Also, if you're particularly skilled at construction or interior design, this is your moment to shine. Don't be shy about volunteering. We'll probably start building the frame Sunday in front of Ben M.'s place (where the sukkah will, with any luck, stand).

3)...which brings us to the last point: save the date for our Sukkot dinner, Monday night, Sept. 27th. More details to come. (This is during the intermediate days of Sukkot)

That's all for now. May everyone have a meaningful and inspiring Yom Kippur.

Todah Rabbah!

2010-09-12T03:19:00.001-05:00

Todah Rabbah, great thanks to everyone who participated in Thursday night's Rosh Hashanah dinner. It was so nice to see so many of you there! May this be a blessed year for all of us, full of more such opportunities for us to celebrate together.

Especially big thanks to Laura for hosting. Please note that we will also have a break-the-fast party this coming Saturday night (9/18) at Meredith's. Please watch your inboxes and/or contact Raysh for more details.

In the meantime, many of us might be interested in hearing Arun Gandhi who will soon be visiting the Twin Cities. For more details on his upcoming talk, please click here. (Thanks Katy!)

Shavua tov and shana tovah

Tashlikh Service: 5:20pm, Thurs. 9/9

2010-09-01T18:46:00.000-05:00

Ever wish you could just toss away your wrong-doings?

Well now you can!

Tashlikh consists of tossing some bread crumbs into a body of water and reciting an accompanying text. We will provide said text and even some additional bread.

Come spend time with lovely people in a lovely setting just a couple hours before dinner, right in the neighbourhood. Let's meet over on the grassy area between the street and Lake of the Isles, 5:20pm, Thursday 9/9 at the intersection of W 27th St. & Lake of the Isles Parkway E.

No need to RSVP, just please arrive on time, as we will start promptly at 5:20pm.

Rosh Hashanah dinner, who's bringing what

2010-09-01T18:37:00.000-05:00

7:30pm, 9/9 @ Laura's. Be there.

What people are bringing so far:
Food:
Wine________ (Bradley)
Challah (at least 2)_______ (Laura)
Rare fruits_______(Raysh's bringing pomegranates; Andrea's bringing dragon fruit; Ben M.'s bringing pomegranates, apples, and honey)
Soup_________ (Margie/David; Deborah+1 or 2)
Salad_________(Katy; Monica;)
Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Ben F.)
Side dish_________(Meredith; Mila; Raysh's bringing apple kugel; Sonia)
Main course___________ (Emily; Andrea)
Dessert____________ (Raysh; Rhiannon is bringing apple pie)
General stuff:
Tea-lights (will provide 24 hr candle for transfer)________(Raysh)
Paper or plastic cutlery: Cups_______ (Deborah) Plates_______ (Raysh) Utensils_______
Napkins_______
Games________
Transliterated Rosh HaShanah blessing sheets______ (Raysh)
Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh is bringing)
Other:_____________

Rosh HaShanah Dinner-Save the Date

2010-08-29T23:24:00.000-05:00

We hope you can join us for Rosh HaShanah dinner, on the second night, Thursday, September 9th, at Laura's. Check your email for more details this week or email Raysh.Weiss@gmail.com for more information.

Don't know what to make for Rosh HaShanah? Find inspiration with chef Russell Klein:

[class description from St. Paul JCC website]:

Haute Holiday Cuisine: New Rosh Hashanah Recipes with Russell Klein
Thursday, September 2, 7:00pm, $18 members, $25 community
Just in time for some new Rosh Hashanah recipes, Russell Klein teaches a cooking class at the St Paul JCC. Klein is chef and proprietor of highly-acclaimed Meritage in downtown St Paul which features seasonal local New American food with a strong French influence. Prior to opening Meritage in 2007, he was the executive chef at W.A. Frost and Company in St. Paul. He has been named the Twin Cities Best New Chef by Minnesota Monthly, the Twin Cities Hottest Chef by Where Magazine and has been nominated for Food & Wine magazine's "Best New Chefs in America." In 2006 the Star Tribune called him "one of the Cities top talents," and he was named a "Restaurateur of the Year" for 2007 by Mpls.-St. Paul Magazine. Klein will feature Rosh Hashanah recipes with local and French flavors.

Save the date!

2010-08-13T00:41:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. First off, a hearty todah rabbah, thanks, to everyone who attended our last gathering by the lake and brought items for the foodshelf. The folks at the Joyce Uptown Foodshelf were very grateful and were excited to hear about our group.

Mark your calendars for our next Shabbat gathering, happening on Friday, August 20. Unless the weather does not cooperate, we're going to do this one potluck picnic-style by the lake again. More details to come (watch your inboxes).

Also, you're invited to join us for a free screening of Ghosts of Rwanda at the Guthrie 7pm, Tuesday, August 24. (Thanks Katy!)

Kabbalat Shabbat and Potluck Picnic Dinner this Friday night

2010-07-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

Friday Night on the Water

when: 7pm, Friday, July 30

where: southern end of Lake Calhoun, enter from the intersection of Upton and Lake Calhoun Pkwy*

what: some singing, lots of eating and schmoozing

what you can bring: 1) a non-perishable food item: we will be collecting these to donate to the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf and 2) something vegetarian for the potluck

Please RSVP (you can just shoot an email to Raysh.Weiss@gmail.com and indicate what you're bringing. Feel free to invite others, just include how many)and feel free to forward this invitation to anyone you think might be interested

*The forecast now suggests that it might rain Friday night, in which case we'd meet at Deborah and Todd's place. If you respond that you're coming, I'll email you the address and let you know via phone or email (whichever you prefer--please let me know) Friday afternoon where it'll be. If the weather cooperates and we're meeting outside, head over to Upton and Lake Calhoun Parkway, and head straight towards the lake. To the right there's a picnic table. We're going to try to snag that. Great view and great proximity to some port-o-johns. If you are lost, please feel free to call: 312.613.7707 up until 8:20pm.

What people are bringing so far:

Food:

Pre-dinner snack food (we won't be eating dinner right away)__________(Laura's bringing bean dip/pita); (maybe Jeff too)
Wine________(Yoni)

Challah (at least 2)_______(Miriam and Scott are bringing)

Soup_________(Raysh's bringing borscht)

Salad_________(Deborah); (Barb and Bruce)

Drinks (water, soda, juice etc.)________(Nathan's bringing soda)

Side dish_________

Main course___________(Andrea's bringing Polenta); (Meredith)

Dessert____________ (Emily)

General stuff:

Citronella candle(s) that repels bugs_____(Raysh)

Bug spray________(Raysh is bringing)

Tea-lights________(Raysh)

Paper or plastic cutlery: Cups_______(Andrea) Plates_______(Meredith) Utensils_______ (Andrea)

Napkins_______(Katy)

Games________(Katy)

Transliterated Kabbalat Shabbat song sheets______ (Raysh)

Extra kippot:_____ (Raysh is bringing)

Other:_____________

New Uptown Havurah Facebook Page. Huzzah!

2010-07-12T20:17:00.001-05:00

Yes friends, the title says it all. Please 'like' us. On our spanking new facebook fan page, that is. It will do wonders for our tender ego! More importantly, it will enable you to access our equally new and fantastic "Events" message board and "Synagogue hopping/Synagogue Buddies" message board. Fire away!

Explanation: the Events discussion board (under 'discussions') is to invite others in the group to join you for local social and/or social action outtings. Know about something cool going on in town? Post to invite others. The Synagogue hopping/Synagogue Buddies board is designed for those interested in checking out local communities with others. In both cases, people should indicate if they need a ride or can offer one (if you won't be using public transit and it is a non-walkable or bikable distance).

AND....mark your calendars for our next Kabbalat Shabbat potluck dinner gathering, Friday July 30. Unless it rains, we'll do it picnic-style by the lake. Hope to see you there!

Reminder for today's meeting

2010-07-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hello again! Just a quick and friendly reminder that our planning meeting is happening 2pm today at Infinitea. Drop by if you can. And if you can't attend, no sweat--we'll be sure to send minutes.

Hope to see you soon!

b'Shalom,
Raysh

Planning Meeting Information and Summer Shout-outs

2010-05-25T22:29:00.000-05:00

Hey Khevre,

It has been decided: the upcoming planning meeting is happening this Sunday (30.05.10) at 7pm at Infinitea (2827 Hennepin Ave S). Bring your ideas, suggestions, and any interested friends. If you can't make the meeting but would like to contribute to the discussion, please shoot me an email.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
People have been up to some exciting things recently, so a quick moment to schep some collective nakhes (fig. take pride):

Mazal Tov shout-outs to...
Eddie on his engagement and on surviving 1L along with Evan, Mila, and Joline; Ben on successfully completing his MA and being elected COGs (umn's Council of Graduate Students) VP; Andrea on being awarded both the GRPP and the SSHRC Fellowships; Katy and Laura on signing leases to live in Uptown; Elliot on being awarded an OIP grant; Mandy on finishing her successful tenure as COGs president

Good luck to shout-outs to...
Deborah, Todd, Mila, and Mandy on their upcoming marathons

Have a wondeful summer, everyone!

Upcoming Events and Opportunities of Possible interest, Part III

2010-05-21T18:04:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all. Looking forward to seeing many of you tonight. Very soon I'll be sending out the time/place for our upcoming planning meeting, so please check your email. Even if you cannot attend, please do send me anything you would like to throw into the mix as we discuss ideas for what's next.

In the meantime, a couple of things going down in town:

National Harvey Milk Day of Action
March and Rally for LGBT Equality NOW!

SATURDAY, MAY 22nd
1 pm – Gather at Loring Park (corner of 15th St and Hennepin Ave)
March downtown for a closing rally and concert
2 pm - Rally at Government Plaza in downtown Minneapolis (corner of 5th St and 4th Ave)

On May 22, 2010, celebrate gay rights hero Harvey Milk's birthday by marching for LGBT equality. Let Congress and Obama know that we are tired of waiting for our demands to be met!

- Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act
- End Don't Ask Don't Tell
- Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
- Full Federal Equality for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender people - NOW!!

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HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Come to a Sign Making Party the night before the event (Friday May 21, 2010) @ May Day Books from 6-8pm.
Show up at 12:30pm at Loring Park (30 minutes early) on Harvey Milk Day for Marshal Training to help make this event safe and successful.
Come celebrate Harvey Milk Day with us and bring all your friends!!

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About Harvey Milk
In 1977, after years of working within the gay rights movement in San Francisco, Harvey Milk became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Milk served 11 months on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and was responsible for passing a strong ordinance that protected gay and lesbian people from being fired from their job for their sexual orientation. More than that, he helped forge a powerful alliance in San Francisco among LGBT people and allies that was an example for how to build a strong movement.

Endorsed by: Impact Twin Cities, ISO, Socialist Alternative, Unite + Fight Midwest Equality Network, and Equality Across America

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From Cong. Mount Zion :

Volunteer at the Family Shelter June 1st – 30th

What is the Emergency Shelter?
Each June, we partner with Project Home to provide safe emergency shelter for families that find themselves without a home. We set up an 18 bed shelter here and provide a snack, a place to sleep, and a bit of breakfast. Families primarily become homeless due to the lack of affordable housing and the downturn in the economy. Most of our guests are children and many of their parents have jobs but are still unable to afford housing.

What can we do to help?
VOLUNTEER: We welcome new volunteers! Shelter Orientation will be on Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. in Johnson Social Hall.
To Learn More and Sign-up click on this link: http://sites.google.com/site/2010mountzionfamilysheltersite/home

Evening Shift: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. OR Overnight Shift: Sunday –Thursday 8:00 p.m. until 7:30 and Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m.- 9:00 a.m.

REMINDER: As our focus is to care for the families in shelter, many of whom have small children, we ask that if you volunteer with your children that they be age six or older so that your attention is on the guests and not your own children.
For more information call Judi 651-698-3881 ext 119 or email: socialjustice@mzion.org

Help Mila Support Her Mom in Her Fight Against Leukemia

2010-05-11T19:58:00.000-05:00

As many of you may already know, Mila recently found out her mother has been diagnosed with leukemia.

This summer, Mila will be training for the Minneapolis Duathlon, and I hope you will support her in her goal of raising money to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.

The foundation funds research to fight blood cancers and supports patients and their families.
You can help by making a contribution online. Any amount helps:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/MinnDua10/mgumin

Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers.

Please show your support to Mila and her family by supporting this worthy cause and circulating this message widely.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities of Possible Interest, Part II

2010-04-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

From Cong. Beth Jacob (Mendota Heights):

From Rabbi Amy Eilberg and Rev. Tom Duke:

PREPARING THE GROUND FOR DIFFICULT DIALOGUES:A LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP FOR CLERGY, INTERFAITH DIALOGUE AND PEACE ACTIVISTS

Learn the state of the art on:

·Choosing and preparing participants for dialogue·

Creating the conditions for meaningful dialogue to succeed

·Crafting Communication Agreements

·Building a spirit of reflective collaboration

PRESENTER: ROBERT STAINS Senior Vice President, Public Conversations ProjectNational expert in creating constructive public conversations on the most polarized of issuesMay 17th 6:30-9:30 PMHouse of Hope Presbyterian Church797 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 between Dale and Victoria; enter from Portland Ave. side) Snacks providedNo charge for admission; donations welcome. RSVP to Rabbi Amy Eilberg rebamy@eilberg.com Please share this invitation with other colleagues who are potential dialogue leaders and planners (and encourage them to RSVP so we can plan appropriately).Hope to see you there!

From the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration:

VISITOR TRAINEES WANTED FOR THE ICOM CIVIL IMMIGRANT DETAINEE VISITATION PROJECT
The Rev. Paula Bidle, a professional chaplain, and Julia Smith, a student at Macalester College who knows first hand what it means to have a friend detained by ICE, are ICOM's visitor training leads. For those interested, this is their announcement -- please respond directly:
Hi Everyone!On behalf of some of us that are working on the Visitation Project, we would like to invite you to join us for a training! If this is your first email about this project, the Visitation Project is a project that will, once we successfully navigate all of the red tape, bring community members to the detention center in St. Paul where detained immigrants are held. The goal of this project is to provide detained immigrants with support and someone to talk to in such an isolating environment. We are currently recruiting people who would be dedicated to this program. To be eligible to participate you must be able to make a commitment to a 6 hour training as well as visiting at least once a month for six months(we will provide transportation if that is a concern). Also, since this is a new program, we have to ask that anyone who has ever served jail time, even if it was for a civil disobedience offense, not participate. Sorry! Additionally, we want to make clear from the get-go that the purpose of the visitation is to provide support, not conversion and NO proselytizing will be permitted. Therefore, if you are receiving this email I would like to know from you...1. If you are still interested and able to participate and if so....2. On what days of the week and at what times of day are you generally free? Would you like the training to be done in one chunk, or on two separate days?
Thank you very much and we look forward to hearing from you. Julia Smith <jsmith10@macalester.edu> Paula Bidle <bidlemoore@CorazonDigno.net>

Go to Cuba with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee:

(FROM THE JDC)

JDC INSIDE JEWISH CUBA TRIP INFORMATION

About Cuba: Cuba has a unique and compelling place in the history of Jewish life in Latin America. Most are aware that Cuba—only 90 miles south of Key West, Florida—has had extremely strained relations with the U.S. since Fidel Castro took power in 1959. What is less well known is that Cuba is home to 1,500 Jews and that this community had lost connection to Jewish culture and tradition under communism. A change in Cuban law allowing religious expression in 1991 enabled JDC to re-enter the country. Since then, JDC has provided critical humanitarian aid as well as religious and cultural support for the island’s small Jewish community. Today, Cuba is experiencing a remarkable renaissance in Jewish life. Itinerary Highlights:Visits to the island’s historic synagogues and Jewish institutionsExclusive briefings with Jewish community leaders to understand the realities of Jewish life in Communist CubaVisits to programs of the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), to address community needs and support Jewish lifeConversations with local young leaders about their uniquely Cuban Jewish culture and way of lifeMojitos and Afro-Cuban beats in Havana’s lively night clubs, visits to museums and art galleries, and strolls through Havana’s historic neighborhoods Trip Dates: September 2-6, 2010 Cost: $2,400 The trip cost includes: Round-trip airfare from Miami to HavanaLocal transportation within CubaMealsHotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double rooms; participants may elect to stay in a single room for an additional fee)Briefings, tours, and leisure activitiesMedical and emergency evacuation insurance Note that participants will be expected to submit a deposit of $850 upon notification of selection. Final payment of $1,550 will be due by Friday, August 6th. JDC Global Leadership Grants: JDC does not want the cost of the trip to prevent your participation. If you are unable to contribute the full participation fee, we encourage you to apply for a JDC Global Leadership Grant (see JDC Global Leadership Grant section of attached application). JDC will award JDC Global Leadership Grants to a select number of participants on an as-need basis. Your decision to apply for a JDC Global Leadership Grant will not impact selection decisions. Beyond applying for a JDC Global Leadership Grant, we also encourage you to fundraise to cover the cost of your participation. We are happy to provide guidance as you reach out to friends and family to seek donations for this worthwhile experience. Flight Details: The group will depart on a charter flight from Miami International Airport early in the morning on Thursday, September 2nd, and will return to Miami on Monday, September 6th. A detailed flight itinerary will be announced closer to the trip. Participants will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from Miami to meet the group flight, and should plan to arrive in Miami by the evening of Wednesday, September 1st, to ensure you are able to make the Havana, Cuba, connection. JDC will provide hotel suggestions for the night of Wednesday, September 1st. Participants will be responsible for expenses associated with a hotel stay in Miami.

To apply, visit: http://jdcnextgeneration.wufoo.com/forms/jdc-national-young-professionals-trip-to-cuba/ Questions? Contact: globalservice@jdcny.org

About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC): For 95 years, JDC has provided rescue, relief, and renewal for Jewish communities outside of North America, helped Israel meet the needs of its most vulnerable citizens, and offered a Jewish response to natural and man-made disasters and non-sectarian development needs around the world. JDC’s work in over 70 countries is inspired by Jewish values of mutual responsibility, that kol yisrael areivim zeh l’zeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another), and tikkun olam, that Jews have an obligation to repair the world.

March for Immigrant Rights and Against SB1070

MARCH FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

NO to Arizona's racist law, SB1070

SATURDAY, MAY 1ST (International Workers' Day!)

2:00PM-8:00PM

MARCH: Gather at 2pm at 1 of 3 Minneapolis meet-up points:1) 42nd and Nicollet Ave. S - International Workers' Day March for Immigrant Rights 2) Chicago Ave and Franklin Ave. S March for Immigration Reform/Marcha por la Reforma Migratoria 3) University Ave. and Central Ave. SE March for Immigration Reform/Marcha por la Reforma Migratoria Marches will meet up downtown and march on the Republican State Convention, where the 2 leading candidates for the governor nomination say they support Arizona's racist, anti-immigrant, anti-Latino law SB 1070 FOLLOWED BY A RALLY IN LORING PARK featuring music, speakers, and more
-------------Last Friday, Arizona's governor signed into law the most reactionary anti-immigrant legislation yet passed by any state in the U.S., a law that essentially legalizes racial profiling. As the NYTimes reports, "The law, which proponents and critics alike said was the broadest and strictest immigration measure in generations, would make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and give the police broad power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Opponents have called it an open invitation for harassment and discrimination against Hispanics regardless of their citizenship status." As Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine put it, this bill will "turn the entire state police force into sanctioned agents of racial profiling. It seeks to turn the entire state of Arizona into an island of hate, where to be brown is to be suspected of a crime."
The legislation has generated a wave of protests in Arizona and across the country, including a walkout by over 1,000 Arizona high school students on Friday. Even President Obama denounced the legislation. But only massive pressure from below can stop this racist legislation in its tracks, and win full legalization for all immigrant workers in this country!
Join us Saturday in the Twin Cities to protest Arizona's legislation and demand legalization and equal rights for all immigrants, and an end to the deportations and attacks on immigrant communities! Thousands will be march across the country as well!

Articles/videos on the Arizona legislation: Arizona Legalizes Racial Profiling - http://www.zcommunications.org/arizona-legalizes-racial-profiling-by-marjorie-cohnGOP Hopefuls in MN Say Arizona Law Step in the Right Direction - http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/92369324.htmlArizona Enacts Stringent Law on Immigration (NYTimes) - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.htmlThousands of Students Walk Out to Protest Immigration Bill - http://www.kpho.com/news/23206700/detail.htmlAlto Arizona: Zack de la Rocha speaks out against AZ's racist law: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVOZGAbEARMAlto Arizona campaign website - www.altoarizona.comRazing Arizona: Good summary of the issues involved - http://counterpunch.org/huerta04232010.html

Psoy Korolenko LIVE at Macalester

2010-04-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

Last-minute announcement, but if you don't have plans for tonight, you should absolutely consider checking out Russia's pride and joy (or at least he should be), badass troubadour extraordinaire Psoy Korolenko. His music defies proper description, but imagine Jewish music bursting with the most colourfully obscene remarks and references to psychoanalytic theory. (And I know what you're thinking: "not that again")

Psoy's performance will also include a screening of Abram Room's 1927 masterpiece Bed and Sofa, an NEP-era film with a wonderfully subversive feminist edge.

Again, this is happening tonight. Hope to see you next Friday night.

Until then...Shabbat shalom

Interfaith Seder

2010-03-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

(to the left: Beckham in a kippah, apropos naught)
The following I'm pasting from a SPIN (St. Paul Interfaith Network) email. If you are available this Sunday at 4:30pm-ish, you should check it out. They say registration is due today, but they're very welcoming, even to procrastinators (like yours truly):

March 16th is the deadline for pre-registration for the SPIN Interfaith Seder. This note is going out to everybody on our list, including new registrants and people who have let us know that you cannot attend. For you guys, please be patient with us. For everybody else: PLEASE PRE-REGISTER to ensure your place at this very special event. You may pre-pay at www.spacc.org/spin by tomorrow, March 16. We cannot accept an increasing registration count after that unless you make special arrangements. If you are definitely intending to come but need to pay at the door, please email Rabbi Amy at rebamy@eilberg.com (and she will include you in the count). Our Interfaith Passover Seder is held this year at Temple of Aaron Congregation, 616 South Mississippi River Boulevard, Saint Paul, 55116.It takes place on March 21st, 2010, with doors opening at 4:30 PM, and the Seder beginning sharply at 5:00 PM and going until 8:00 PM. A fine vegetarian meal will be served well into our third hour together, so be sure to munch a little in the afternoon to tide you through joy and celebration and artistic expression until actual food is served. Here are directions to the Temple of Aaron Synagogue in Highland Park, Saint Paul. From the east end of the Ford Bridge, drive north on Mississippi River Boulevard just two blocks and turn right onto Hartford to the parking lot. From I-94 at the Cretin Avenue Exit in Saint Paul, drive south on Cretin across St Clair Avenue, across Randolph Avenue, and several more blocks, turn right onto Hartford for some four blocks. The parking lot will be on your left.

Where to go for kosher food and spirits

2010-02-28T01:55:00.000-06:00

Another practical post. Here's a list of places where you can find a good selection of kosher food:

Fishman's Delicatessen and Bakery
www.fishmanskosher.com
4100 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55416
(952) 926-5611

Any Lund's/Byerly's. Here are two nearby ones:

Lund's
1450 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN‎
(612) 825-2440‎
[You can almost always find challah in their bakery section]

Byerly's
3777 Park Center Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN‎
(952) 929-2100‎
[This second one has a complete kosher section, many kosher bakery items, and an adjoining liquor store with a section of kosher wines. Did I mention they almost always have food samples?]

Cub Foods
3620 Texas Ave S, St. Louis Park, MN‎
(952) 938-5959‎
[Hands down, the best place to go for Passover shopping. Best prices, best selection]

MGM Wine and Spirits
3620 Texas Ave S, St. Louis Park, MN‎
(952) 938-5959‎
[Their selection has improved and the prices for kosher wine are definitely the best here]

Surdyk's Liquor Store
303 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN‎
(612) 379-3232‎

Zipp's Liquor Store
2618 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-333-8686

1st Grand Ave Liquor
918 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105
651-227-7039

Sites (mostly virtual) of possible interest

2010-02-11T20:11:00.000-06:00

NYT article on the Moishe house phenomenon. There is not any Moishe house in the Twin Cities…yet. Anyone care to save big on rent? ;-)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/garden/11moishe.html

An awesome, open-source, online database of Jewish texts on social justice:
http://www.on1foot.org/

Minneapolis and St. Paul's hub for all things hip and Jewish:
http://tcjewfolk.com/

A transdenominational website of Jewish information and education which offers thousands of articles on all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life and is geared toward adults of all ages and backgrounds, from novice learners, who may be exploring Judaism for the first time, to experienced learners, who are looking to delve deeper into specific topic areas:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/

Name says it all:
http://www.jewishminnesota.org/

Local Jewish art opportunities and goings-on:
http://www.jewishminnesota.org/page.aspx?id=89036

An inifinite well of delightful Jewish snarkiness, replete with fascinating oddities and stories you might not otherwise catch:
http://www.jewschool.com/

Everything you ever wanted to know about Jewish rituals/holidays:
http://www.ritualwell.org/

Jewish Calendar:
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/week.asp?tDate=2/2/2010

To find out when candle-lighting is:
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting_cdo/aid/6226/jewish/Candle-Lighting.htm

Hebrew Date Converter:
http://www.hebcal.com/

Learn Hebrew for Free:
http://free.byki.com/?c=98001&ag=55011

Recipes galore

2010-02-11T19:49:00.000-06:00

By popular demand, I'm finally sharing with everyone Eddie's mom's awesome vegetarian lasagna recipe:

The recipe usually takes less than 20 minutes to cook, with the majority of time going into preparation. This is a tasty treat that gives you protein, carbohydrates, veggies, and some dairy too. It really covers a lot of bases.

Ingredients:
one large box of lasagna noodles
one bunch spinach, chopped
one medium-sized container of no-fat ricotta cheese
one container of firm tofu
1 1/2cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce (yourfavorite jar or make your own)

The Nitty-Gritty:
Chop the tofu into small cubes and mix it in well with the ricotta (thisdoes a great job of hiding it from those who are not fans). In a large saucepan, boil the noodles until they are soft. Cover the bottom of a nonstick pan with a thin layer of the spaghetti sauce. Now begins the layering. Add a layer of noodles, then a layer of thericotta/tofu mix, then a layer of the chopped spinach, then a layer ofsauce, then the noodles again, and so on. Be sure to save some sauce--wewill want that to be the last layer added. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and put the lasagna in a 350-degreeoven. Watch for the cheese to melt and brown a little--that means it's done.

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Apple Kugel for all occasions (but especially for Rosh Ha'Shanah)

Ingredients:

6 egg whites 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour 5 granny smith apples, peeled and sliced
3/4 cup oil

The Nitty-Gritty:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease rectangular pan (about 8 x10 inch)
2. Mix all ingredients, except apples, together
3. Add apples
4. Sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar (1 part cinnamon to 5 parts sugar)5. Bake uncovered @350 for one hour.

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My Inferior Challah Recipe (ISO a superior challah recipe)

The following was ruthlessly stolen from an innocent elderly woman:

You will need:
a lot of luck (especially you, honey)
7 cups flour (1/3 version: slightly more than 2.3 C)
1 T salt (1/3 version:. 1/3 T)
1/2 cup sugar (or honey) (1/3 version: .05/3 C)
2 pkg yeast + 1/3 cup warm water (1/3 version: 1 yeast + 1/9 C w.w.)
1/2 cup oil (1/3 version: .05/3 C)
4 eggs (1/3 version: 2)
1 cup boiling water (1/3 version: 1/3 C)
1/2 cup cold water (1/3 version: .05/3 C)
This recipe makes the equivalent of 3 braided loaves.

Now do THIS:
Beat eggs in a small bowl.
In a large bowl mix oil, sugar and salt.
Add boiling water to large bowl and stir until all is dissolved.
Sprinkle yeast into a measuring cup with 1/3 cup warm water. Wait a few minutes, then stir.
Add cold water to mixture in large bowl. (The stuff in the bowl should now be the right temperature to add yeast. If too hot, wait a few minutes; if too cold, put the bowl in the microwave to heat it.)
Add yeast to large bowl.
Add eggs to large bowl, reserving about 1 tablespoon.
Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Turn out dough onto floured board and knead for 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed (but not too much). Dough is ready if it springs back after being poked with a finger.
Put back into bowl, cover with dishtowel, and put in warm oven (heated to 170-200, and then turned off beforehand) until doubled - about 1 hour.
Turn out onto floured board and knead for 1-2 minutes.
Divide dough into thirds.
Take one of the thirds, and knead for another minute. Form into 8-12 small "snakes" for bulkies, or 3 large snakes for braid. Make bulkies by knotting each small snake and pinching the ends together. Place bulkies close together pinched-end down in greased pan (I use Pam). For braids, pinch ends of 3 large snakes together and begin braiding. Pinch ends together when done. Place in greased round pan or loaf pan.
Repeat for 2 other thirds. Put formed loaves/bulkies into oven (pre-heated and then turned off, as before) for about 45 minutes.
Remove from oven. Turn oven to 350.
Brush tops gently with reserved egg. Sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired.
Bake for about 30 minutes (loaves) or 20 minutes (bulkies). Times will vary. Watch for moderate browning on top, but be careful not to allow scorching on bottom.
Remove from pans, and put on dish towels to cool.
YUM!! (her words, not mine)

Notes from Laura, who also uses this recipe, but with much greater success than the author of this post: I completely ignore all that information about the various water temperatures. I just do all the water normal bread making water temperature at the beginning (so sorta warm, I think many bread recipes have better descriptions than that) along with the yeast. Then I add the rest of the stuff as close to the order that its listed on the website. Also I only add as much flour as I need, which I don't think has been up to the full 7 cups so far.

Additionally: Deborah points out that Minnesota air is especially dry, and one should adjust moisture accordingly.
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The Most Spectacularly Rocking Hamantaschen Recipe Out There

This is Mandy's recipe, and I hereby vouch for this recipe's absolute superiority over all other hamantaschen recipes I have ever tasted. Yes. Really.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt (kosher salt works fine)
1/2 tsp ginger
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Filling:
1 can peach pie filling
1 cup raspberry jam

Makes about 24

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Select a filling option, combine ingredients, and mix well. To prepare dough, mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls and then combine. Mixture will be crumbly and look dry; use hands to form into a lump. Knead a few times on a floured board. Roll out half the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles with a cookie cutter. Repeat with remaining dough.

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle and fold dough to form a triangle, covering as much filling as possible. If needed, use a little water to stick edges of dough together. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for about 15 minutes, until edges begin to brown.

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Kosher Sangria: or, how to redeem Manischewitz:

~ Cups
Manischewitz Concord*
1 Manischewitz Blackberry*
0.5 ½ Lemon-½ Lime Juice
0.25 Orange Juice
0.5 Pineapple Juice
0.25 Cranberry-Pommegranate (100% Juice Mix)
0.5 Gin
0.125 Pomegranate Flavored Seltzer Water
1 Yield = ~4 people drinking ~1 cup each -- Multiply according to need

To Add to Punchbowl:
½ Orange, wedge cut/seeded
2 Blackberries, whole
Chill and Enjoy!

*Use Passover Manischewitz to avoid high fructose corn syrup. From Manischewitz' Web Page: In the case of Manischewitz wines, this means Kosher for Passover wines are produced using real cane sugar, instead of corn syrup. Manischewitz produces Kosher for Passover items beginning 4 months prior to the Passover holiday each year.

Thanks to Ken Kowalchek who shared this recipe with me at the National Havurah Institute!
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K for P (Kosher for Passover Recipes)

The first in this category is again from Eileen. It's for Pineapple Kugel:

Ingredients:
1 stick margarine
2 large cans crushed pineapple, drained
1 C Sugar
3 C. Matzo Farfel
Cinnaman to taste
8 eggs

Now make it happen:
Melt marg, add sugar. Beat in one egg at a time. Soak farfel for 3 minutesin warm water only. Drain add to mixture with pineapple. Pour into sprinkle cinnamon on top. 350 for 45-60 min until firm and knife out clean.
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INDULGE in your Vices/Weisses (hey it's pronounced the same, it IS the same) Alcohol-Chocolate Cake

You need 10 regular matzos. (This makes two cakes of 5 matzo layers each)

And then:
1. Soak the first matzo in sweet Concord Grape wine on both sides

2. Put the matza on a flat surface and spread liberally with the chocolate cream frosting (see below for recipe), then soak the next matzo in the wine and put it on top of the first one and spread it with the cream, and so on. Use 5 matzos per cake, ending with a layer of the chocolate cream frosting.

CHOCOLATE CREAM FROSTING (makes enough for 2 cakes of 5 matzos each)

1. MELT: 6 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened pure cocoa powder, like Hersheys -
this is always Kosher for Passover, even without
a special marking)
7 oz. (200 grams) bittersweet chocolate
2 sticks margarine
2 teaspoons rum flavoring

(I melt the above ingredients by putting them in a pan which I put above another
pan full of boiling water -- i.e. a kind of homemade "double-boiler").

2. Cool the melted ingredients -- (they don't have to be cold, just not hot -- kind of
body temperature is ok...)
3. Beat 3 eggs well, and blend into cooled chocolate mixture.

4. Refrigerate for 3/4 hour -- not longer, or it will get hard! (If it does, just put it back
over boiling water again and keep stirring constantly until
it re-melts..)
5. Spread onto the matzo as instructed above.

ENJOY!!

________________________________________________________

Sweet Potato Zucchini Kugel

(this is Deborah's awesome recipe which is not only gluten-free and vegan, but also KforP. And, as all of you who attended the March gathering know, it is amazingly delicious and goes fast)

Ingredients:
1 lg sweet potato, peeled
2 sm zucchini
1 med russet potato, peeled
2 sm or 1 med yellow onion, peeled
2 eggs OR 1 1/2 Tbsp potato starch with 1/4 C water
1/3 C olive oil or canola oil
1/3-1/2 C potato starch
Salt & Pepper to taste (I recommend about 1 tsp salt)

Throw all the vegetables in a food processor to grate them, or you can do it the old-fashioned way if you have a grater (which will take more time). Put all the vegetables in a mixing bowl and add the oil and egg or egg substitute. Mix together. Slowly add in the potato starch and salt and pepper. Mix to distribute evenly.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 365 degrees. Spray a 9x13 or equivalent sized casserole with cooking spray or grease with oil. Spread vegetable mixture evenly in the casserole and place in oven. Bake for 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 30 min until top is golden brown and vegetables are soft. When in doubt bake for longer, but be careful not to let it burn. I also recommend turning off the oven when the kugel is done and leaving it in there to cool down. Best enjoyed with friends!
Makes about 8 servings.

Thanks again Deborah for sharing this fantastic recipe here!

Welcome (=) ברוכים הבאים

2010-02-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the ~blog of the Uptown Havurah. This site will function more like a resource bin, but feel free to post anything you'd like. For now, I'm starting threads on the following categories that may be of use to us:

*Recipes
*Places to find kosher food in the Twin Cities (I swear, this isn't all going to be about food...)
*Online resources (learning, ritual, oddities)

...and more!

L'Chaim, (and I do mean that)
Raysh