Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

I Love Guatemala

Guatemala has become the second country, after the United States, to open an Embassy in Jerusalem. Such an act of solidarity with the Jewish people is truly incredible and my heart is bursting with love. 

Unlike many other countries, who are siding with Hamas terrorists and blaming Israel for the current chaos, Guatemala is smart enough and brave enough to challenge popular opinion. 

Here in the New England area, over 30,000 Guatemalans live in Massachusetts. I have met some, and I can honestly say that these are wonderful people, who are very family oriented and contribute a lot to the country when they immigrate (legally, of course). Even with cultural differences and a language barrier, friendship can flourish and I support them.

In addition to Guatemala and the US, I’ve heard that Paraguay is intending to move their embassy as well, which is tremendously exciting! Obviously, I want everyone to embrace Jerusalem. Unfortunately, that will not happen, but if we can get a majority, that alone would be a miracle. 

Israel’s existence should never be taken for granted, but She continues to grow stronger, year by year, providing a safe haven for Jews and a hotbed for innovation that benefits the entire world. 

4 Dairy Free Recipes That Mimic Traditional Shavuot Foods

Shavuot is a holiday when dairy foods are commonly eaten, with ice cream socials and cheesecake parties being a fun way to celebrate. I personally love this tradition and because no one in my family is dairy sensitive, it’s never been an issue. (Well, aside from the extra calories and fat, it isn’t.)

But what about folks who can’t eat dairy, either for health reasons or taste? Nobody wants to be left out, so making dairy free versions of what’s being served is a kind gesture. Because many copycat recipes taste truly awful, it can take some experimenting to find a winner. 

One of my closest friends has a little girl that is extremely allergic to cow’s milk—to the point that she can’t go to restaurants. Shavuot is probably the hardest Jewish holiday in their home because of the dairy issue. She has tested tons of different things and recommends this menu because it’s the most kid-friendly and tasty. I have not made any, but I have been served them, and I would agree. The flavor, of course, is not identical, but for anyone with a true safety issue, it’s an excellent alternative.

Cashew Alfredo Pasta

Like the classic fettucine, it has a cheese—sort of, it’s made from soaked and blended nuts. The look is the same; the taste is close.

Coconut Custard

Very smooth like a pudding. Try adding toasted almonds along with flaked coconut as a garnish. 

3-Ingredient Mocha Milkshake

The author makes her own ice cream. I’d use prepared because it’s easier. Yummy either way. 

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Similar to blondies, these make a nice chewy treat. Be warned the ingredient list is long, with some obscure items. The taste is wonderful, if you’re feeling ambitious.

For those who don’t have time to cook, look for So Delicious brand. Their ice cream is awesome and the fudge bars—provided you can find them—are another good pick. 

 

Do you have any dairy free recipes to share?

18% of California Voters Would Elect Anti-Semitic Candidate

The State of California is nearing a State of Emergency. There are endless budget woes, immigrations battles, a water crisis, etc. Residents are angry, afraid, and want change. (When I was in San Francisco last October, I spoke with many disgruntled citizens who were desperate to move.) That part is understandable; what’s unimaginable is that this “change” could come in the form of a vicious Anti-Semitic Senate candidate.

According to a recent poll, 18% picked Republican Patrick Little who is challenging longtime Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein. She is polling at 39%. The other contenders aren’t even in the double digits. 

Mr. Little is a self-described White Nationalist who makes constant, false, and outrageous statements to anyone who will listen. Some of his nastier ones include that the Holocaust is a hoax, that Israel is responsible for 9/11, that Jews masterminded the African slave trade and that Jews love to kill Christians. (Still not convinced? Read this article from the Jewish News of North California. It is truly jaw-dropping.)

As if that wasn’t offensive enough, one particular quote is so baseless and barbaric, it shows the full extent of his wickedness. When asked about concentration camps, he claimed: “They had ice cream, swimming pools, orchestras, plays, they had soccer fields, soccer teams….I mean, I’d like to take a vacation at Auschwitz.”

A vacation at Auschwitz?!!! OMG….

Think about how warped a mind he has to even say that as a joke, let alone as a serious statement. Such people are either mentally ill, pure evil, or a mixture of both. Whichever it is, in his case, he is 100% unfit to serve in the Senate. 

I can accept that one monster has a twisted view of history and a hateful heart, but I can not accept that 18% of potential voters share his delusions. Yes, polls have a margin of error. Yes, people sometimes change their minds as campaigns progress. Yes, it was only a small segment of 540 people included. Even if we cut it in half, though, that’s still a significantly scary amount in proportion. 

America is a huge country. We have many different types of people, who hold different views. That is just fine, provided we can tolerate and respect others and treat them with dignity. We don’t all have to agree. We do have to get along!

The California Republican party has denounced Patrick Little. He was banned from their convention and will not receive any funding. The overwhelming majority of Americans, whether they’re liberal or conservative, don’t support Anti-Semitism. For that, I am very grateful. But it’s that razor-thin minority who can do so much damage that worry me to my core. We must, as a society, continue to expose these hateful folks who want to push a fringe agenda. They shouldn’t have a platform, they shouldn’t be taken seriously, and they should never, ever be elected to any office, anywhere.

Feeling So Blessed

What an amazing celebration it’s been. Not only is it Mother’s Day, it’s also Jerusalem Day—two events that mean the world to me.

I’ve been spoiled non stop since I woke up—pancake breakfast in bed, homemade cards, purple tulips. After that, we enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner consisting of steak, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and asparagus. Dessert was a giant chocolate chip cookie. 

And my big surprise? It’s a gift certificate, good for 6 sessions, at a local pottery painting studio! (How cool is that?) When I was in my teens and 20’s, I did a lot of artwork. As I’ve gotten older, it’s dwindled, but that hobby filled me with joy and it’s something I want to take up again. 

In addition to my own personal blessings, the greatest joy for me is to see Israel and America, standing strong together, with the Embassy about to open. This has been longed for by Jews around the world, a wish, hope, and prayer that has been delayed so often, it seemed like it would never happen. But the Good Lord, in His time, has finally made the dream into a reality, showing once again that anything is possible with enough faith and fight.

This Embassy is the most important thing. Why? Because it guarantees that the Capital is much less likely to be divided, nor will Israel be chopped into Two States. 

Israel and America mean freedom—for men, women, and children who love the Lord, love liberty, and want to preserve both. I pray that these great nations with always be best friends and 500 years from now, these celebrations will continue.