-Mr. Berniker- High School Head and Principal
Special Delicacies for Tradition ...
"What's it like being Jewish?"
For many, the idea of "being Jewish" includes a significant religious component, which in some cases means a very strict adherence to the guidelines of the Torah (Old Testament). In fact, my paternal grandfather was a cantor (prayer leader in synagogue) and my paternal grandmother "kept kosher" (followed precise Jewish dietary rules) in her house for her entire life. However, for lots of others with a more secular upbringing, like myself, the notion of being Jewish means a connection to the traditions of Jewish culture, without necessarily any explicit religious element day-to-day.
"What do you cherish most about your cultural heritage?"
My family commemorates several Jewish holidays each year, and the foods and ceremonies that go with those celebrations are what I cherish most. For example, we get a round challah (with raisins, if possible!) to eat with apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. For Passover we have a special meal called a seder, which includes foods like matzoh and charoset that are generally eaten only at that time of year. And for Hanukkah we make sure to prepare latkes (potato pancakes) and light the menorah. Besides just tasting good, many of the foods have symbolic significance related to the holiday when you eat them, which makes them extra special.
Next Time...
Mrs. Helvey