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  • Easy Fish Dinner

    Myrna Ossin|May 23, 2025

    This quick dinner can be prepared in 20 minutes to serve four. 4 four-six ounce cod fillets, 1/2 thick, fresh or defrosted* Buttered flavored or traditional vegetable spray 2 tsp. dried thyme 2 tsp. paprika Aluminum foil 1 tsp. low sodium vegetable broth crystals or 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. fresh black pepper This recipe can be prepared with any white fish, sea bass, orange rugby, or tilapia. Spray a piece of foil or parchment paper with vegetable spray on a baking sheet with sides. Place the...

  • Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Journaling to help children cope with loss

    May 23, 2025

    Today, more and more American families are involved in the care of their loved ones. Often, that creates a change in family dynamics, routines, reassigning roles, economic hardships and demands on adult time and emotional stress for all family members involved. The changes taking place can be threatening for children. Change creates loss, and loss creates grief. A grieving child needs reassurance that he or she will be cared for and is loved. It is extremely important to listen to your child verbalize their fears, anger, confusion and doubts....

  • The art of the brew

    Ethel G. Hofman and Carin M. Smilk|May 23, 2025

    (JNS) - Everyone's heard of the king of beers. Now, meet the queen. For the longest time, Israel was known primarily for two competing beers: Maccabi or Goldstar, sold in stores, bars and restaurants, on tap or by the bottle. Tourists and sabras alike tended to favor one over the other, akin to preferring a cold glass of Coke or Pepsi. Those days are gone. The Jewish state has gotten into the beer industry step by step, and one of the more successful ventures is Malka Brewery in the Western...

  • The numbers don't lie

    David Levine|May 23, 2025

    (JNS) — A New York University finance professor of mine in the early 1970s said, “Give me one set of numbers, and I will give you two sets of answers.” For most of my professional career, this has been true. Going against that mantra, I am going to offer a few sets of numbers and only one set of answers. Because there is only one answer. The “land” set of numbers There are about 1.978 billion Muslims in the world out of approximately 8.2 billion people. Some 72 percent of Muslims live in countries where the Islamic religious symbol (a crescent...

  • A gift from Mom

    Natalie Sopinsky|May 16, 2025

    (JNS) - My mom had duck boots for the rain. And for the snow. Luckily, we wore the same size shoes, so when I visited her last year and it snowed, she let me wear the duck boots. They are old-fashioned and not so stylish anymore, but I remember in the 1980s they were everywhere. And practical, oh so practical. They proclaimed to keep your feet dry, and they did! My mom, Danna Miller Levy, was generous. She gave them to me to wear without hesitation. Just like she'd join groups in her senior...

  • Ruth Gruber - A fighter of injustice her entire life

    Marilyn Shapiro|May 16, 2025

    Ruth Gruber, American journalist, photographer, writer, humanitarian, and United States government official, is one of the most interesting persons who ever lived. Ruth was born in 1911 in Brooklyn, New York, the fourth of five children of Russian-Jewish immigrants. A brilliant student, she graduated high school at 15 years old. After earning an undergraduate degree from New York University at 18, she won a fellowship to the University of Wisconsin, where she obtained a master's degree in...

  • Give a listen ... Meat? Dairy? Wait!

    Steven Cardonick|May 16, 2025

    “You are invited! We’re having an all-you-can-eat all night study and gabfest.” The email goes on to say that the occasion is Shavuot. The holiday menu will be dairy including blintzes, various cheeses, and puddings, and pastries. They’re serving pizza, too, with dozens of choices of toppings such as mushrooms, spinach, green peppers, and pineapples. No pepperoni or ham because this is an official Jewish gathering. But neither will there be meatballs or hamburger. In fact, no meat dishes...

  • Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Photodynamic Therapy: A Medicare-covered solution for seniors to prevent skin cancer

    May 16, 2025

    As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to damage, making seniors particularly vulnerable to skin cancer. Fortunately, advancements in medical treatments, such as photodynamic therapy, offer effective solutions to help prevent and treat precancerous skin conditions. Even better, this innovative therapy is covered by Medicare, making it accessible to many seniors. At Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and the Orlando Senior Help Desk, families can find valuable resources and information to help navigate these healthcare options. What is...

  • Freed hostage Emily Damari to Pulitzer board: Mosab Abu Toha is 'the modern-day equivalent of a Holocaust denier'

    Philissa Cramer|May 16, 2025

    (JTA) - An Israeli released from Hamas captivity earlier this year is objecting to the Pulitzer Prize awarded to Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha, charging that he is "the modern-day equivalent of a Holocaust denier" because of his derisive comments about her and other hostages. Emily Damari issued an open letter to the members of the Pulitzer Prize board on social media on May 8, saying that she had felt "shock and pain" when she saw that Abu Toha had received the prestigious award. She wrote,...

  • Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: How to ensure adequate nutrition during hot weather

    May 9, 2025

    As the summer months approach, it is important to pay close attention to seniors’ nutritional needs. With warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activities, older adults may face unique challenges in maintaining proper nutrition and hydration. Read below for some strategies to help seniors stay nourished and hydrated during the summer, focusing on promoting overall health and well-being. Understanding the nutritional needs of seniors in summer Summer brings changes in appetite and hydration levels for seniors. The combination of heat and h...

  • An open message to Dick and Dottie Appelbaum

    May 9, 2025

    This is the speech from Faye and Paul Jeser's video honoring Dick Appelbaum at the J Soiree, held May 8. Hey, Dick & Dottie – do you miss us yet? We are Faye and Paul Jeser, and we are so pleased to be asked to make this video, Rachel [Greenspan] asked us to speak for about 15 minutes ... but I'll make it much, much shorter than that. Dottie, we know that this evening is in honor of Dick, but truth be told, you were the wife behind the husband telling him what to do ... and should also be h...

  • Consideration for a Two-State Solution - Part V

    Howard Lefkowitz|May 9, 2025

    Ariel Sharon — 2001-2006 The 2005 “disengagement” from Gaza was, for Ariel Sharon, the antithesis of both his nature, as well as life’s direction. Born in 1928 on moshav Kfar Malal to obdurate, mistrustful Russian parents, he was instilled with a deep-seated disdain for Arabs, amplified by the 1929 riots. He developed an inordinate sense of self-confidence and a compulsive work ethic, focusing deeply on details and an uncanny knowledge of Israel’s terrains. He was recognized for his analytical military brilliance, having served in every Isr...

  • Seed crackers, no gluten, vegan

    Myrna Ossin|May 2, 2025

    4/2 T. canola oil 2/3 cup water 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/3 cup sesame seeds 2 T. chia seeds 1/2 cup flax seeds 1/3 cup cornstarch 13 x18-inch parchment-lined baking sheet 1/2 tsp. flaked sea salt 275 F Mix dry ingredients. Bring water and oil to just a boil. Remove from the heat and let it cool 10 minutes. Mix dry ingredients and stir into cooled liquid. Allow to sit on counter 10 minutes for seeds to absorb the liquid. Use offset spatula or back of a spoon to spread...

  • An ear pod to musical heaven

    Marilyn Shapiro|May 2, 2025

    "What's that you have in your ear?" my mother asked me. We were on our way home from a family event in New York City in March 2009. Larry was driving, my sister, Laura, was in the passenger seat and I was sitting in the back with my mom. "This is my iPod. I can listen to music on it," I responded. "Can I try?" "Of course!" I removed the earbuds from my ears and put them in my mother's. Then I scrolled through my playlist. Nearly 90 percent were Broadway musicals. I knew my mom would love them....

  • Give a listen ... The mysteries of dreams

    Steven Cardonick|May 2, 2025

    The column name “Give a listen” was presented to me by comedian Jackie Mason and, of course, in his familiar Yiddish accent. In response to my invitation, he had shown up in a dream in which he also proceeded to expound on many of today’s controversial topics. He stayed with me the rest of the next day. Or perhaps his appearance the night before enabled me to better channel his persona. And thus I was able to deal with a number of troubling issues with a sense of humor as I imagined his voice in...

  • Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Chronic pain treatment

    May 2, 2025

    The primary aim of a chronic pain treatment program is to alleviate pain, enhancing the quality of life rather than completely eradicating the pain. It’s important to understand that chronic pain cannot be cured with medications like opioids. Opioids can be addictive and may increase your nervous system’s sensitivity to pain, reducing pain sensation while increasing pain sensitivity. Pain management specialists recommend a comprehensive approach to manage chronic pain effectively: • Consult a Sleep Specialist: Quality sleep is crucial for m...

  • Mothers honor fallen children in emotional art exhibition

    Rolene Marks|May 2, 2025

    (JNS) — Cpt. Eden Nimri, 22, was a champion swimmer who could have represented Israel at the Olympics. On Oct. 7, 2023, she was murdered at Nahal Oz base as she fiercely defended her soldiers, still in her pajamas, as her weapon ran out of ammunition. Eden’s mother, Sharon, has honored her by participating in a poignant art exhibition in the city of Modi’in in central Israel. Nine bereaved mothers from across the country took part in the exhibition, which focuses on the tragic events of Oct....

  • Birthright Israel's 10,000th volunteer

    May 2, 2025

    (JNS) — Madison Stock of Woodbury, N.Y., is officially the 10,000th participant in the Birthright Israel volunteer program. The 22-year-old recently completed working on agricultural projects in Moshav Gamzu, Moshav Zeitan, Moshav Beit Yitzchak, Moshav Gan Haim and Hinanit as part of the subsidized Post-October 7 Volunteer Program. She is still in Israel and has decided to extend her visit. Stock participated in the 10-day Birthright Israel trip last summer, fell in love with the country, and decided to return as a volunteer. In the United S...

  • Consideration for a Two-State Solution - Part IV

    Howard Lefkowitz|May 2, 2025

    Menachim Begin 1977-1983 A Holocaust survivor, and a religiously educated Jew, Menachim Begin’s Revisionist approach to Zionism reflected two primary beliefs. First, Judaism had only survived the millennia by embracing its historical teachings. Second, the historical State of Israel included the entirety of Trans-Jordan, modern Palestine, Judea and Samaria, and Gaza. As such, Begin viewed Ben Gurion’s acquiescence to a Partition of the land as both “illegal” and “unjust,” in betrayal of Jewish history, and the product of a European socialist ...

  • The red heifer: Catalyst for war or harbinger of global peace?

    David Brummer|Apr 25, 2025

    (JNS) - The laws about the red heifer are among the most enigmatic of any of the biblical commandments. Even a king as notably wise as Solomon, as admitted in Ecclesiastes, could not fully comprehend their logic. Partly, this is due to the rarity of their presence in our midst; indeed, only nine heifers have ever been sacrificed from the time of Moses until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. In both Judaism and Christianity, the appearance of viable red heifer candidates heralds...

  • Leftover matzah? Some ideas

    Myrna Ossin|Apr 25, 2025

    You may be tired of eating matzah for Passover, but there are lots of dishes that you can use up all that leftover matzah. Any recipe that uses bread crumbs is a good candidate. Here are some ways to use the matzah: • Add 1/4-1/2 cup ground matzah to your hamburger or meatloaf mix. • Make a streusel crumble topping for baked goods, banana bread, fruit crumbles, muffin toppings or over ice cream. In a small bowl Process 1 matzah to tiny crumbs. Mix with 3 T. brown sugar and 3 T. granulated sugar. Add 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. If desired, add 1/4...

  • Israelis flock to Keith Siegel's Pancake House for the former hostage's signature hotcakes

    Deborah Danan|Apr 18, 2025

    (JTA) - TEL AVIV - As an American immigrant to Israel, Lital Friedman knows a thing or two about pancakes - including that Israel's crepe-style versions don't often stack up favorably against the fluffy style popular in the United States. But she didn't make the trip from Jerusalem to the American-style pancake pop-up in Tel Aviv's Sarona Market for culinary reasons. She came because Keith Siegel's Pancake House honors the former hostage long known for his Shabbat-morning tradition of making...

  • Give a listen... What a blessing, Kinahora

    Steven Cardonick|Apr 18, 2025

    My grandmother, Ida, was a consistent nurturer and protector in my life. Since my parents did not yet have their own place when I was born, her home was my first. And because my mother had surgery and a lengthy hospital stay after my birth, Grandmom started off as my primary caregiver. Family stories have it that Grandmom placed a colorful ribbon in my baby carriage and stroller to ward off evil spirits. As whenever anyone remarked “what a beautiful child” or “look at those dimples!” she wou...

  • Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Types of skin cancer to look for

    Apr 18, 2025

    Given that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, it’s crucial to understand the basics of skin cancer so you can monitor your own skin for changes. Let’s review the essentials of four types of skin cancer: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. The positive news is that early detection and treatment by a dermatologist can often eradicate skin cancer with minimal scarring. In essence, skin cancer occurs when cells in the epidermis, the outer skin layer, grow uncontrollably due to...

  • Standing together in unity with the people of Israel - Part II

    Hal Simonds|Apr 18, 2025

    This is the conclusion of Simonds' journal of the Orlando delegation of the JLI-Land and Spirit trip to Israel. Day 5 (Friday, March 21) City of David – A walking tour of the area that was the palace for King David, and then the Administration for King Solomon when he built the Temple. Amazing history that included a tour of the tunnel that was used to draw water from the river whenever the city was under siege. In fact, it was through this tunnel that David was able to capture Jerusalem. The s...

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