My American Anniversary

Today is nineteen years since I’ve arrived in this blessed land of the USA. We came here as a family. Since then we lost two most beloved male members of it. And – we gained two most amazing little girls. The circle of life? How did we fare here? Am I grateful, sad, indifferent, cheerful?  I…

Dreaming of the Golden City

  В этом городе звезды так близко – рукою подать В этом городе воздух напоен лавандой и мятой В эту ночь как спою я Тебе о любви? Your night’s stars are so close, I can touch them by hand Satiated Your air with lavender smell Where find the words for my love song to You, When…

Something from Nothing или каша из топора

Sometimes you come home after running errands on a hot summer Sunday hungry and tired. This is when you realise that there is pretty much nothing to eat at home. So, what does a creative woman do? She makes a каша из топора. For my non-FSU-origin readers – this is when you really get anything you…

Ice Cream, Anyone? Just sharing a great ice cream story.

This post is here just to share a great story about Jewish ice cream making in America. Guilty, I have to admit that I always thought Haagen-Dazs was German in origin. This was the only kosher ice cream I learned about in Moscow in my early days of Jewish observance. Of course, I love ice cream!…

Making my Dad’s Salad Missing Him Crazy

A couple of days ago I was passing by a Russian store and saw white radishes. I bought one for a salad, not knowing that it would bring me to tears. You see, my dad עליו השלום, loved it. He made it himself for the last 20 years at least. He would be very happy to add…

Jury Duty Day

I have served as a juror once. Quite a while ago. It was a terrible mafia case, and I had to spend a whole week sequestered with other people discussing the murder. I don’t remember the particulars of the organization itself, but now, I have decided to document my experience whatever it will turn out to…

IT ALL STARTS WITH A BAG OF POTATO CHIPS… — scriptoris

Just sharing this post here keenly aware that many people are struggling with these issues. What do we know about autism? Whom does it affect? What are the long term consequences? Are there any cures? What do parents and caregivers of autistic children need to know? Where are the best programmes in the USA, Europe,…

My Depressing Poetry

I love poetry, but for some reason, when I try my hand at it, everything comes out so depressing, that one might cry. Nevertheless, I am going to put it here for your critique. My little things are not really poetry, I wouldn’t dare call it that way, but just little try-outs. Torah, Jewishness, Israel…

Dreaming of Jerusalem in a Jewish History Class

Not sure if I ever mentioned this, but I am in love with Jewish learning. I am trying my best to match up to my new countrymen that had all the studying opportunities I was never able to experience in the Soviet Union. To set the record straight, the education system, generally, was much better there….

Independence Day Trip

I am not usually the one to talk about American history. This 4th of July, however, I wanted to go for a short restful trip, and accidentally, saw that Valley Forge Park is less than two hours away from New York City. So, to the Valley Forge, we went with the dog and all. Thankfully,…

Easy, Fast, Vegan, Healthy, Delicious

This was a healthy Shabbat. I made a few salads, a peach crumb for dessert – a perfect way to eat late at night. One of my favorites is to use lots of greens, so this time since I got some really great fresh basil, I decided to experiment with one of my favorite summer salad…

Peaches are in Season

I love to make Shabbat meals in summer! You have so many fresh fruit and  vegetables  to choose from. And – they actually have a real taste! So for this Shabbat dessert, I decided to experiment with fresh peaches. They are so nice now. I was looking for an idea on the web, and, like lots…