In the dead of winter, cherry blossoms bloom in Brooklyn, New York. And in the Midwest, the unseasonably mild weather allows Jack to still wear gym shorts when he plays basketball in the driveway. Then again, he likes to trudge barefoot in the snow.

Seems innocent enough, but truthfully I wonder if this bizarre temperature pattern is a subtle warning sign that our environment is in trouble. (more…)

I’m not a football fan, except when the Rams win the Super Bowl, but I get excited about any sporting or entertainment event that gives my family an excuse to eat in front of the television. The only other show that justifies crumbs on my family room carpet is the season finale of American Idol. Let’s face it—the big game calls for some seriously playful finger food. Best of all, since the nation’s biggest sporting spectacle falls on the same weekend as Tu Bishvat, I thought why not extend the fruit eating ritual one more day and give my guests something truly unique and exciting to nibble on. (more…)

Leave it to ancient and modern Jews to milk another holiday—Tu Bishvat—for all its glory. Tu Bishvat, also known as the New Year or birthday for trees, raises our awareness of the environment. On top of that, Tu Bishvat is also called Feast of Fruits, which celebrates the native and abundant delicacies of the land of Israel.

Sounds like a good excuse to satisfy my sweet tooth. (more…)

Let the countdown begin. It’s officially the time to freak out about my son’s bar mitzvah, which is scheduled in March 2008. I know what you’re thinking. What took me so long? What can I say, except that I’ve never planned this kind of lifecycle event, not even a bris, which only my obstetrician was invited to.

So far, this is what I have in mind, roughly. (more…)

My New Year’s Resolution this year is to never make another New Year’s Resolution. And this time I’m sticking to it. I figure, why bother setting myself up for failure when any promise I make to shed a few pounds is usually broken before the Super Bowl playoffs anyway? As soon as I tell myself that I won’t mindlessly munch on as many carbs, I start to fantasize about Mr. Salty Pretzel himself. Likewise, if I make a commitment to be a better parent, I feel even guiltier when I daydream about the laundry instead of paying attention to my daughter’s drawn-out synopsis of gym class.

Still, for those of you who follow tradition to make a resolution or set a personal goal, then more power to you. To improve your chances of success, here’s what the experts advise: (more…)