Local Jewish Winemaker Pursues his Passion at Maple Springs

By Monica Friess
Special to HAKOL

“Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.” Every week Jews around the world perform this mitzvah with a kiddush (sanctification) over wine. It is fitting, then, that one of our region’s premier winemakers is Jewish.

Native Californian Jef Stebben has…

Jewish Destinations: Celebrating Purim and More in Bangkok

By Judith Rodwin
Special to HAKOL

I travel for various reasons: fun, curiosity about life on this earth, to experience and understand through wide-opened eyes and first-hand experience as well as the possibility of encountering the unexpected. This was my first visit to Asia, so I was not s…

Anime Boston Talk Highlights Jewish-Japanese Interactions through History

By Michelle Cohen
HAKOL Editor

Did you know that Jews have traveled to Japan for hundreds of years? Or that there are several Jewish characters and plots in modern anime series? Attorney James A. Wolf delved deep into these matters in his presentation, “Japan and the Jews,” at Anime Bos…

The Two Most Dreaded Words … 'Passover Shopping'

By Shari Spark
Special to HAKOL

Preparing for Pesach was much easier in the time of the ancient Israelites. You set aside a lamb, planned to share it with your neighbor, roasted it whole and ate it with bitter herbs and matzah.

These days, the seder is an extravagant affair requiring onlin…

Jewish Community in India Remains Small but Mighty

By Iris Epstein
JFLV Campaign Chair

My recent study mission with the Jewish Federations of North America's National Young Leadership Cabinet to India was an opportunity to explore the strength and perseverance of a special group of people who fought hard to maintain their Judaism despite te…