In Israel children and adults traditionally plant an almond tree on Tu Bishvat. The almond is the first tree to bloom when spring arrives. Weather permitting, plant an almond tree (or any other type of tree) in honor of Tu Bishvat.

Would you like to serve a fried treat that is delicious and beautiful this Hanukkah? Surprise your family and friends with a delicate rose, created from batter, shaped by a metal cookie cutter, and cooked in olive oil. This ethereal treat harks back to ancient Persia, medieval German woodcutters, and the Ottoman Empire.

Have you ever felt underwhelmed by the Hanukkah “miracle of the juglet of oil”? I have, and if you have too, it is probably because most of us are so disconnected from the land. We do not appreciate what an amazing accomplishment it was for the Maccabees to press all the olive oil they needed for the Menorah in only eight days.

Hanukkah is a celebration of olive oil. Traditionally the oil is used as a medium for frying other foods. I think that the more appropriate way to savor the subtleties of olive oil is by making some of the most premium olive oil from Israel the main event. Served cold, with Israeli spices and warm pita, this oil brings us the fresh flavors of the Israeli olive fruit. When eating this oil, we can taste the foods that fortified Judah the Maccabee.

The story of Hanukkah is often portrayed with images of brave, muscular male warriors. However, it is acknowledged that the Maccabee victory would not have been possible without the support of the brave Jewish women. It is the tradition in parts of the Sephardic world that the seventh day of Hanukkah is reserved especially to celebrate the women and girls of the community.

Who is responsible for the foods we serve for Hanukkah today? The answer might surprise you.

Sephardic Hanukkah specialties, many of which consist of deep fried dough flavored with honey and sesame seeds, all originate from a special honey cake introduced to the Levant by Alexander the Great.

Two thousand years ago, a group of Judean rebels called the Maccabees waged a guerrilla war against the Seleucid Empire. This war was sparked by a decree issued by King Antiochus that forbade Jewish religious practice. Hanukkah is the celebration of the Maccabees’ military victory. “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” in honor of the purification and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees celebrated the rededication with a victory feast.

The Sephardic community has a unique mystical tradition for Rosh Hashanah. Symbolic foods are served at a Rosh Hashanah Seder. Some of these foods are also puns, and are called “simanim,” or “signs.” Special blessings called “Yehi ratzones,” Ladino Hebrew for “May it be God’s will,” are chanted over these dishes. Here are some of them, and the traditions associated with them.

The first person to send a Rosh Hashanah greeting was Rabbi Jacob Halevi ben Moshe Moellin.  He lived in the 14th century in Mainz.  He concluded all of his correspondence with “L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu,” “May you be inscribed for a good year.”  Others followed his example. It is fun to continue this tradition today by making your own homemade Rosh Hashanah cards.

Sukkot is the celebration of the harvest. There is a Jewish custom of sharing the bounty of one’s crops with the poor called 'pe’ah' (the corners of the field).

Have you ever felt an uncontrollable urge to cut the etrog in half? Many of us wonder why we bring this strange fruit into our sukkah. Is it not just an overpriced lemon? How is it a part of the Jewish tradition? Most importantly, can we eat it?

It is traditional to eat a “new fruit” on the second night of Rosh Hashanah.  By “new fruit,” we mean a fruit that has just ripened, and that we have not yet eaten this season.

Some Sephardic communities have the unique tradition of baking special cookies for Lag Ba Omer, shaped like a bow and arrow. Bows and arrows are an important part of the Lag Ba Omer celebrations. The Bar Kokhba revolt was fought with bows and arrows.