Largest Butterfly Migration Ever Seen in Israel

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Millions of beautiful butterflies are moving through Israel. The annual migration is always a special sight to behold, and this year, it’s the biggest on record.

The butterflies are headed to Europe for breeding (they stop in Israel for food). This particular species is called “Painted Lady” and they do look lovely. Can you imagine being surrounded by a bunch at once? It must be beyond incredible.

I love butterflies. I don’t see them often, so it’s always a sweet surprise when I do. A million at once, however, would freak me out!

Easy Ways for Busy Moms to Get Involved with Their Kid’s School

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No matter how old your child is, your involvement in their education at home and in the classroom means a lot. It inspires them to make school a priority and enhances their learning experiences. Finding ways to fit volunteering into your schedule, however, can be challenging, especially if you work during the day.

Even during the busiest times, there are ways to show support for your child, their peers, teachers, and administration. Here are 6 easy ways to get involved:

Join the PTO or PTA

Most schools encourage parents to participate in a Parent/Teacher group. PTO’s are designed to help with common issues, plan events, and fundraise. To accommodate working moms, many PTO’s now schedule meetings in the evening or on the weekends.

Volunteer to Read

Instilling a love for books in kids is so important! Why not go during your lunch break and read to the class? Or talk with your employer to see if they’d allow you to leave once a month for a whole afternoon. (Some companies have partner programs with local schools. If yours doesn’t, mention the idea to them. They might welcome it.)

Help With School Events

Schools are always hosting fundraisers to earn money for resources and to bring everyone together. You can make your child proud by pitching in. Maybe you could buy wholesale backpacks for a back-to-school giveaway, create cupcakes for an upcoming bake sale, or man a table at a school flea market. Whether your participation is through the donation of your time, money, or talents, it will be cherished.

Trip Chaperone

Class trips happen frequently for students, offering exposure to the world around them. If you can’t volunteer regularly at your child’s school, maybe you could occasionally chaperone. This helps teachers keep an eye on all the students and is also a great way to spend some quality time together.

Assist Coaches or Club Leaders

If your child’s school has an athletic program or other after-school clubs that you’re interested in, volunteer to assist. You could help by making sure the kids stay hydrated by handing out drinks, or work the concession stands during home games. If you enjoy drama club, for instance, you might help with making costumes or props for upcoming plays.

Contribute From Home

What about moms that truly can’t take off work? If you can’t physically be at the school, that doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the cause—you just have to be creative. Talk with teachers and administrators to figure out where they need help. Some things can be done after hours like making templates for art and craft projects, copying packets for class, or updating the school calendar.

Being hands-on in your child’s education is one of the most important things you can do for them. Every suggestion listed above may not be right for you, but at least one should be. Don’t let work schedules interfere; there is always a way, and everyone needs a healthy work-life balance.

16 “Classic” Jewish Recipes that Aren’t Really Jewish

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If you’re craving classic Jewish food, don’t turn to Yahoo for advice. In an article entitled “16 Old-School Recipes Your Jewish Grandma Used to Make” many of the recipes aren’t even Jewish! (Perhaps they’re aware because they do admit that, “We may not make them exactly like Bubbe did, but we think we’re pretty close.” I’ll disagree and you’ll see why.)

To state the obvious, I had a Jewish Grandmother who happened to be an amazing cook. She was born in 1916 and made most everything from scratch, the way she was taught by her mother, who immigrated from the Ukraine. Some of the foods mentioned she would’ve indeed recognized and enjoyed; others would never make the cut.

Let’s look at the list first:

- French Onion Brisket
- Potato Latkes
- Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken Meatballs
- Honey Challah
- Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
- Gluten-Free Rugelach with Cranberry Jam and Chocolate
- Red Shakshuka with Tomato Sauce
- Smoked Salmon Dip with Everything Bagel Chips
- Nutella Babka
- Falafel Patties
- Mushroom Barley Soup
- Whole Roasted Carrots
- Buckwheat Cheese Blintzes
- Reuben Sandwich
- Coconut Macaroons
- Old-Fashioned Egg Cream

Their recipes for roast chicken, brisket, latkes, macaroons, barley soup, challah, egg creams and roasted carrots would be considered normal Jewish fare. I’d label them as good, just slightly tweaked.

Iffy recipes include:

Babka – The cake is standard, but Nutella? That’s unusual.

Falafel – I’ve had fried chickpeas, but never green ones. Adding mint and cilantro doesn’t sound too good.

Rugelach – Made from rice flour, millet and oats? Uh, no, never. Certainly it could be, but that’s not classic.

Salmon dip – Chives, capers, and bagel chips? Doesn’t sound traditional to me.

Blintzes – Another gluten free goodie, made with buckwheat instead of wheat flour.

Matzo Ball Soup with Chicken Meatballs is an odd one. I don’t know anyone who uses ground chicken, nor would I add noodles. It’s interesting that the creator of this particular one starts off by saying “I’m not Jewish.” (Hmmm.)

Shakshuka is popular in Israel and was created in Northern Africa, so unless you’re Sephardic, it’s unlikely your Grandmother made it at home. Most Ashkenazi food is heavy on salt, not spice.

Least on the list and the most ridiculous by far is the Reuben sandwich. Described by its creator as “crunchy and gooey,” it’s a mess of corned beef, swiss cheese, butter, mayo, pickles and sauerkraut, which is obviously not Kosher. I can assure you most Jewish ladies, especially a few generations back, never cooked anything like it.

While it’s fine to experiment in the kitchen and update a classic, it should be properly labeled. Someone who is truly familiar with Jewish food knows the difference.