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Pomegranate economics

As we say goodbye to the ‘chagim’ period, the month-long span of Jewish holidays, a piece of news about pomegranates, a major fruit in the Rosh Hashana new fruit ritual. The pomegranate has also become a major component of the health food trade, given its antioxidants that lower blood pressure and reduce risk factors for heart disease. As a result, Israeli farmers have doubled the size of their pomegranate orchards over the past five years to 20,000 dunam from the previous 10,000 dunam, or 2,500 acres. Them’s a lot of pomegranate seeds. As a result, an oversupply of the red-seeded fruit has led to a 30% drop in prices over the last few weeks, and at the height of pomegranate season, according to a recent item in Ha’aretz.

That’s great for the Israeli consumer, who’s now buying pomegranates at the supermarket for NIS 10 a kilogram, down from NIS 14 at this time last year. So if you’re so inclined, and live in this pomegranate-heavy region, here’re are some recipes from Haim Cohen and Eli Landau, the current recipe-testers and writers for the Ha’aretz weekend magazine. They also offer the same advice as my sister for getting the seeds out of the pomegranate: Fill about half of a good-sized bowl with water; cut the pomegranate in half and place the cut side down in the water. Then just peel off the seeds in the water, which will prevent you, the peeler, from getting sprayed with ruby red pomegranate juice. It’s a a great ‘patent‘, as we say in these parts.

As for the recipes, this is the one I’m thinking about trying this week:

Pomegranate risotto

A slightly sour and wonderful-tasting dish.

half kg. rice for risotto

1.5 liters hot vegetable stock

1.5 cups pomegranate juice

seeds from 1 pomegranate

1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

100 gm. butter

olive oil

4-5 tbsp. grated Parmesan

salt and pepper

In a heavy, medium-sized pot, melt 50 gr. butter with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add the onion; saute over medium heat until it becomes transparent. Add the rice and saute for another minute or two, while stirring. Add half a cup pomegranate juice and cook until it evaporates almost completely. Add one ladle full of vegetable stock. Add salt and pepper; stir until the liquids are absorbed. Gradually add one ladle full at a time, while stirring. After about 15 minutes of cooking, when the rice is still hard, add the pomegranate seeds and continue to cook until the rice softens. The risotto should be well cooked, not al dente.

Turn off the flame and add 50 gr. butter; stir until it melts. Add the Parmesan, mix well and serve.

High holiday woes

I’ve spent the last two weeks alternately pining for and cursing my husband, who like many educated Jewish men with good voices and/or rabbinical ordination, spent Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur in the U.S., making some useful U.S. dollars in exchange for — in his case — working as a shliach tzibbur for the high holidays in a small New Jersey congregation.

This year’s gig offer came late in the season, as a friend decided not to take the job because of personal reasons. We also have plenty of personal reasons, including my two stepdaughters and nearly year-old twins, as well as mothers, siblings, nieces and nephews, all of whom benefit when our family unit is intact. But the financial reasons ended up outweighing the personal ones, because it’s hard to argue with an influx of cash during ‘these troubling economic times.’

So I said goodbye to Daniel a few days before Rosh Hashana, and shored up my own preparations. We headed out to my brother’s for Rosh Hashana, loading up the car with a load of gear. When it came to Yom Kippur, I couldn’t face the same kind of trip, and decided to stay home.

But remembering something my mother used to do with me 40-odd years ago, I decided to find a babysitter for the boys on Yom Kippur, so that I could do some of my own praying. And get out of the house. Of course, that’s easier said than done in a city like Jerusalem, where most people are either going to be in shul, or bicycle riding down the empty city streets. Anyway, you can’t really ask a fellow Jew to stay home from shul on Yom Kippur, even if they’re not planning on praying.

Instead, I asked our two Sri Lankan cleaning ladies, Renuka and Hindu, if they’d be interested in helping me out for a few hours. Given that they play with my boys each week when they’re at our house, as well as have some five children between them, I knew they’d be fine babysitters. And they were.

The moment that gave me pause was when Renuka asked me where my husband was, given that it’s the holiday season. I explained that he was working in the States, making some extra money. As I was speaking, I thought to myself that Renuka must think we’re crazy, to want extra money when we clearly live comfortably, in a lovely home, and affording babysitters and cleaners. And then, I thought again, and realized that no, she absolutely gets it, given that as foreign workers, she and Hindu have both left children, husbands and parents in Sri Lanka for more than three years. They know what it is to separate in order to make a living. Albeit, of a different standard.

So instead of feeling put upon when Daniel finally does return, I’ll try not to. Can’t promise, but given that he’s only been gone two weeks, and not two years, I can grin and bear it for one more day.

It’s a wonderful life

It was one of those pre-Rosh Hashana crunches that most of us have experienced – a bunch of meals to shop for and cook, a house to clean, phone calls to make, and errands to do. That’s why two last-minute calamities almost did us in.

First was the emergency light in the car going on indicating a malfunction in some vital system. The second was evidence that the pipes leading from our bathrooms were totally clogged. Erev chag, Friday morning, while my wife waited for the plumber (who happens to be a good friend in the neighborhood), I took my chances and drove into my garage in Jerusalem, knowing that the window of opportunity to get it fixed in the few short hours they were going to be open were slim.

Sure enough, after rigging up the computer to the engine, Shimon the mechanic said, indeed there was something wrong with the car (gee, thanks) but that they wouldn’t be able to check in depth until Monday, after Rosh Hashana. He advised that I not drive the car until then, meaning leaving it with him.

However, we already had plans at our congregation in Jerusalem, where we drive to on Shabbats and holidays – my wife had an aliya honor scheduled and we had a meal planned with friends. In addition there was still a trip to the supermarket on tap, and various other tasks requiring a car.

I called home and relayed the bad news that we were going to have to cancel our plans and stay close to home for the holiday, and started walking toward a bus to go home. As I passed an Avis Rent a Car, I thought of the old Devo song, “Are We Not Men? No, We Are Devo” and thought, what would an adult do in this situation? Rent a car, of course.

So, ignoring the flashing overdraft in my bank account, I went in and walked out 20 minutes later with a chugging Suzuki sedan with stains on the upholstery.

Meanwhile, back at home, our plumber was solving that problem, and when hearing about our transportation woes, immediately invited us for dinner that night, along with two other families we were friendly with.

So, a few hours after we started with no car and clogged toilets, we had a rent a car, clog free pipes, and a great dinner invite. We brought our food we had already prepared along with us, and had a delightful time. The rest of Rosh Hashana was great, my wife shined on her aliya to the Torah, the Suzuki ran like a bumpy dream, and our bank is happy at getting that additional interest we’ll be paying on the overdraft.

Shana Tova!

Foto Friday – Apples & Honey

One of the more lovely traditions of Rosh Hashana is eating apples dipped honey to symbolize our hopes for a sweet new year. At this season, you start seeing apples and honey everywhere. Body artist Flora certainly does…

Dorit “Dot” Malin, a talented architectural and stage lighting designer, created this lovely image incorporating dance and light.

Israel’s Fruit Production and Marketing Board has chosen to market apples the old-fashioned way…

And there are a slew of apple-themed New Year’s animations on YouTube! A small selection follows. Enjoy! And a healthy, happy and prosperous Shana Tova to all.

Picking apples for New Year at Kibbutz Malkiya

Apples and Honey

Shana Tova – the Apple’s Perspective

Shana Tova – Another Apple

Happy Holidays

You can tell Rosh Hashana is nearing when guards at restaurant entrances and parking lot attendants merrily say “Hag Semach” to their customers. Radio and TV talk shows also sign off with “Shana Tova”, and in the work place, the well wishing already began a couple weeks ago.

In empty lots and corners around Jerusalem, vendor are already out selling supplies for Succahs, with the holiday of Succot right around the corner. It’s another sight that might seem out of place anywhere elese, but feels perfectly natural here.

And the supermarkets, let’s not get started on that… ok we will. Israelis must think that there’s going to be a food ban after the two days of Rosh Hashana, because for the last week or so, the parking lots and aisles of all the food emporiums have been jam packed, from morning til night. If you have to do some last minute shopping on Friday morning (erev chag), it’s best to bring an army helmet and some elbow pads. We Israelis are serious about our food.

But, by late Friday afternoon, a sense of serenity will begin to spread, and by nightfall families around the country will be gathering for their Rosh Hashana dinner – part 1. Another year, harder than most, has come to an end, and Israelis will collectively be commemorating it.

All of the above are some of the endearing aspects of holiday time in Israel, and a timely reminder of why we live here, moving to the rhythm of the Jewish holiday cycle. May we all move together toward a better year ahead. Shana Tova!

Spread a little happiness with a Rosh Ha’Shana competition

With Rosh Ha’shana (the Jewish New Year) fast approaching, we are offering a competition for one and all to make Israel a little bit brighter and better, with a $25 JGooders gift token to give to one of eight charities.

All you have to do is to take a look at the charities listed below – all of which appear on the JGooders web site, and choose which one you think should get the money. Then tell us why – in no more than 50 words, and post your suggestion in the comments on this story, with your email address attached.

We’ll choose a winner on Monday next week, and then send the gift token on to you to give to one of the JGooders charities. This is your chance to spread a little happiness this holiday season.

The Nalaga`at Theater

The Nalaga’at Theater provides deaf and blind actors with the opportunity to achieve artistic expression and create awareness and acceptance of the deaf-blind in Israeli society.

100 Ethiopian-Israeli Engineers by 2014

The project is raising engineering college enrollment for young men and women from the Ethiopian Israeli community, to secure their place and success in academic engineering degrees and future careers in Israel.

Make the Desert Bloom – Student Scholarships

The project’s goal is to match government funding for 300 student scholarships of students who live in the Negev. Ayalim students live in the development towns of the Negev and volunteer in the community, with the purpose of building their permanent home in these areas.

Green Processes Center
The Green Process Center’s aim is to lead the assimilation of sustainability in Israel. The center includes research in Green Engineering, Green Chemistry and Clean Technology, and various academic and community programs.

Hug an Abandoned Baby

First Hug received the 2009 Presidential award for volunteerism for providing small, permanent volunteer teams for each child during the time they are hospitalized, providing warmth, love and a homely environment.

Galilee Circus
The circus was set up to create a harmonious family of Jewish and Arab children who learn circus skills and work together as a troupe, bringing the message of peace and coexistence to audiences.

Around the Clock Family Project
Shanti House`s main goal is to absorb 100% of Israel`s run-away and homeless youths.

NATAL’s Social Therapeutic Club

The club aims to empower trauma victims to reintegrate into the Israeli community.

Nostalgia Sunday – Old/New Cards for the New Year

Israelis love their nostalgia and nowhere is that more evident than the Jewish New Year.

There’s something about starting a new year that brings out the child in us…

Perhaps our wishes for health, prosperity and peace will not be in vain and will this year be granted…

…as we look forward… and never backwards…

…in the hopeful belief that this time, this year, things will be different!

That last image – new and nostalgia-inspired rather than actually old — was created by graphic designer Yael Bar, a member of the Israeli Community of Designers who this past Friday held a New Year’s greeting card event at the Israel Cartoon Museum in Holon. More images from that event — and of their work — can be found here.

There’s no more ‘after the holiday’

The sounds of people taking down their succot is in the air, the month-long holiday season is over, and there’s no more excuses.

It’s virtually impossible to get anything done here in the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana through the end of Succot. ‘Aharei Hachagim’ (after the holidays) has become a catchphrase that’s both made fun of and used constantly – by the same people. There’s no way to avoid saying it, even as you realize what a cliché it is.

Whether being fooled by the unpredictable – or basically non-existent – schedules for opening hours of banks, post offices, and government offices, trying to contact subjects for interviews, setting up parent-teacher meetings, or even worse, if you’re trying to do something life important, like buying or selling a house, the past month has been one cruel joke on anyone with an ounce of efficiency in their blood.

The country basically runs on auto pilot. I’m sure even in the IDF, there are signs posted on the doors outside senior military briefings about Iran saying ‘Convening after the holidays’. The only people who actually seemed to be doing anything were the rioters in Acre, and they probably weren’t upset at that Arab Yom Kippur driver, but because the Lotto lottery stands were closed so much.

But now, everything’s changed, and all the chips are being cashed. For all of the plumbers, lawyers, gardeners (alright, they’ve been saying ‘after shmita’ instead for a whole year), and a whole slew of other deadbeats who have pulled that line on me this past month, I expect you here at noon time today. We have work to do.

Back to nature

The Shabbat between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is referred to as ‘Shabbat Shuva’ – literally, a return to God and one’s self. Falling during the ten days of repentance, it’s the time for introspection and reflection, ahead of the upcoming Yom Kippur fast.

While we usually observe Shabbat Shuva at our synagogue in Jerusalem, this year, we decided on a more novel approach – a scenic hike along Sataf, in the Jerusalem hills.

Located only a few minutes outside of Jerusalem, close to Hadassah Hospital, Ein Kerem, Sataf is a 250-acre thing of beauty, maintained by the Jewish National Fund. The downhill trail along the terraced mountainside includes the remains of a 4,000 BCE Chalcolithic village with some of the oldest agricultural traces in the region, the remains of a pre-1948 Arab village, an observation post overlooking the western entrance to Jerusalem, an abundance of fig and olive trees, and the Ein Sataf water spring.

According to the site, Gems in Israel, most of the remains found in Sataf are from the Byzantine era.

There is no mention of a village named Sataf in the Bible and the first occurrence of the name in writing, is from Ein Karem, during the Mamluk era. Most of the remains found in the Sataf are from the Byzantine era. The Arab village of Sataf numbered about 450 people around the middle of the 19th century. A short time after the War of Independence, a small group of immigrants from North Africa settled here – but they were only here for a few months. Later, the area served as a training area for the IDF’s 101st and paratrooper units. In 1985, the KKL-JNF began the restoration of ancient agricultural practices in the area, with the help JNF supporters from Switzerland.

The primary crops in the Judean Hills in ancient times included vineyards, olives, figs and pomegranates. In this rocky-hilly region, dry farming (which relies only on rainfall for irrigation) was practiced using an elaborate system of terraces and tunnels. The springs here were not plentiful, so the existing water supply had to maximized. This was achieved by tunneling into the water-bearing strata. An ingenious system of channels (parts of which are clearly visible) conducted the water that was stored in large pools to the terraced plots.

The place was packed with nature-loving Israelis, some taking advantage of the bicycle rental stand in the parking lot, to cycle down the steep road circling the terraces. But the hiking trails – ranging from 500 yards to two miles – are the main attraction. The trail floors of full of brown pine needles, reminding me of new England hikes of yore. And when you reach the bottom, and the Sataf pool, there’s a short water tunnel that the two seven-year-olds in tow had no problem going through at least 15 times in an hour, in between munching on a picnic lunch.

Despite the hordes of hikers, the trail didn’t feel congested, and until we reached the pool, we rarely saw anyone else. And unlike many public Israeli situations, these outdoor enthusiasts were respectful of both the surroundings and the people around them. No litter, loud music or barbecues here.

I even got a few moments alone to contemplate the year, the world and myself. I might have been able to do the same at ‘beit knesset’, but the surroundings at Sataf were certainly more inspiring. Now if we could only figure out a way to get there for Yom Kippur without driving, that would sure be a fast to remember.

The long haul

Israelis are getting ready for Rosh Hashana they only way we know how – by shopping.

Most people at work are still coming to terms with the length of the holiday – the only two day religious holiday celebrated here.

“You mean, we don’t go back to work until Thursday? I might as well take a trip abroad,” said one colleague.

Not having any close family here, Rosh Hashana – like every other holiday – has always been bittersweet for my family. We get together with friends and other families for some meals, hang out by ourselves for some, but without the mishpacha around, there’s always something missing.

Herb Keinon in The Jerusalem Post, put it very aptly:

As the son of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up with a very small extended family – no relatives on my mother’s side; grandparents, two aunts and three cousins on my father’s. My childhood table never brimmed over with relatives. But I didn’t know the difference; it’s what I knew.
But my kids have a different reference point. They see friends with relatives spilling out the windows, and want some too.

“Why can’t we have relatives,” the youngest son asked once, using the same tone he uses when asking for more ice cream. Indeed, the lack of a large clan is hardest on him, something that has to do with his bar mitzva in six months.

Here’s hoping that all Israelity readers – even David Joe – whether in the bosom of their families, or enjoying the holiday with friends old and new, have a meaningful Rosh Hashana, and that next year will bring peace and tranquility to all.

 

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