Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Adventures in Pet Sitting (It’s Been Crazy!)

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If a friend ever asks you to pet sit for 1 dog and 4 cats, think it over carefully…

For five days, I’ve been running myself ragged, taking care of a zoo—mine and hers. Her sweet doggy came to my house, but the cats stayed at hers, which means twice-daily visits there, tons of running around, and endless chaos.

All of her cats are on medication, one needs a special diet, and none are being very friendly. (I’ve got scratches on both arms to prove it.) Previously, I have never had any issues with them and it’s pretty weird. I get along well with most animals and have experience with fostering, so I assumed it wouldn’t be tough.

Pets, like people, have their own personalities and some are incredibly moody. I did call the vet, to be on the safe side, but they’re not ill, just unhappy. I feel so badly that I can’t make them more comfortable. They have everything they need, just not their human family. 

Oh, and did I mention she’ll be gone for TEN more days? Yup, that’s my luck. 😉

10 Creative Ways to Use Fresh Mint

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The fragrance, the color, the taste—mint is one of my favorite things to plant in a garden. Like zucchini, a tiny bit seems to multiple like magic, producing an abundance of epic proportions. Convinced you can’t use it all up? Try these 10 creative ways to enjoy fresh mint, ensuring the bounty won’t be wasted:

1. Drinks 

Water (cold is very refreshing, hot is good for indigestion), lemonade, tea, seltzer, smoothies. 

2. Salads 

Green salad, fruit salad, or cucumber/tomato. For a fancy version, try sliced strawberries, mint & basil with balsamic dressing. 

3. Desserts 

Homemade ice cream (every kid’s favorite!), brownies, chocolate pudding, candy, cupcakes, and  the infamous Grasshopper Pie.

4. Sauce 

Finely chop, then combine with 1 tsp. of vinegar and 1 tsp. of sugar. Great with beef and lamb.

5. Ice cubes

Pretty and delicious way to make a cold drink nicer. My sister loves it with Diet Coke.

6. Yogurt 

Mint, berries and yogurt make a lovely light breakfast. Add chocolate chips for a decadent version.

7. Decoration 

I use it as cut greenery, both on its own and mixed into a bouquet.

8. Decongestant 

If you have a stuffy nose, make a small bunch of mint and eucalyptus, then tie it upside down in the shower. The steam combined with the scent works so well.

9. Cleaning

Mix with white vinegar for an all-purpose spray. Dry, crush and add to baking soda, then sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming.

10. Sunburn Relief

According to Martha Stewart, an infusion of black tea and fresh mint is super soothing when applied to the skin.

 

Do you like mint?

Swedish Jewish Group Forced to Disband Because Police Won’t Protect Them

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A 50-member Jewish group in Sweden has been forced to disband after relentless Neo-Nazi threats and attacks. The police, who claim they can’t find the culprits—perhaps they don’t want to?—have offered little help, despite four years of constant abuse. Offenses include swastika graffiti, broken windows, trespassing at the homes of members, and a picture of Adolf Hitler hung in the building where the group worshipped. 

Chairwoman Carinne Sjoberg said that everyone in the community, who are mostly Israelis connected to the university, is terrified, adding: “My mother and father are Holocaust survivors…it was like stepping into their shoes in the 1930’s.”

Think about how surreal it must be for that poor lady! The child of survivors, literally in fear for her life, that it could happen all over again. Just sickening and so unjust!

This is part of a troubling pattern of anti-Semitism in Scandinavia. In 2015, there was a shooting at the Copenhagen synagogue and Norway has the dubious distinction of being known as the most anti-Semitic country in the West. Iceland’s shameful ban on circumcision, coupled with Sweden’s indifference to hate crimes, demonstrates an on-going effort to humiliate and hurt the Jewish community—on purpose.  

Even the famous and influential are not exempt. Actor Kim Bodnia, who starred on “The Bridge” TV show, was driven out of Malmo, Sweden. If he feels unsafe, to the point of leaving a hit role, how could the average citizen not be afraid? 

The rest of the world, particularly America and Israel, needs to put serious pressure on these governments to take action now. Victims are being blamed instead of criminals, told that they should just move away. That is not the answer! Let the ones responsible go to jail, rather than telling good citizens to leave their own country. We are supposed to be a society of human rights, a fair legal system, and protection from discrimination. In Scandinavia, none of those basic freedoms exist anymore, and that is a crying shame. 

The Best Jewish Delis in America…Sort Of.

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My Jewish Learning has put together a list of The Best Jewish Delis in America, with restaurants featured in 44 states. Because I love that kind of food, I was excited to see what the options are. To my dismay what they’ve called a “Jewish deli” is quite the stretch; Jewish-inspired would be much more accurate.

Take the location closest to me, Bubby’s NY Style Delicatessen. Do they offer familiar favorites like challah, latkes, bagels with lox, and pastrami sandwiches? Yes. But would I call it a Jewish deli? Absolutely not. Other menu items include Eggs Benedict with ham, Monte Cristo sandwiches with ham, Breakfast BLT with bacon, and on it goes. Even the foods that are okay (meat) have slices of cheese on top, which is definitely not the Jewish way. 

The author offers an interesting interpretation about which places were selected and why: “In making this list, we sought delis with Jewish roots, serving standards like matzah ball soup or overstuffed sandwiches—kosher or not. Some are Jewish-owned, while some are owned by folks whose appreciation for Jewish food and culture run deep.”

I have no problem there, and if the article had been titled differently to reflect that, it would’ve been fine. Obviously, most of the patrons who frequent these restaurants are not Kosher and probably not even Jewish. They don’t follow the dietary laws. But those who do observe Kashrut can not eat at these ” Jewish delis” which is rather ironic. A true Jewish delicatessen does not serve ham or bacon or melted cheese turkey sandwiches. Saying otherwise is misleading.