#JewishJoy Updates

The shofar — an ancient ram’s horn trumpet — is one of the most powerful and stirring sounds in Jewish tradition. It’s most famously blown during the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, calling communities to reflection, renewal, and return. But beyond its solemn tones, the shofar also resonates with joy. Its blasts are raw and primal, connecting us to something beyond words — to a joy that’s spiritual, deep, and communal. On Rosh Hashanah, the shofar celebrates the birthday of the world, a moment of awe and gratitude. Its sounds remind us not only to wake up...

For generations, herring has held a cherished place at the Jewish table — a humble fish turned culinary icon through resilience, creativity, and tradition. Eastern European Jews, especially those from Poland, Lithuania, and Russia, embraced herring as an affordable and accessible food in often harsh economic conditions. Salted or pickled to preserve it without refrigeration, herring became a staple in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, served at everything from weekday meals to festive gatherings. In the shtetl (small towns with large Jewish populations), herring was often eaten with black bread and onions, providing essential nutrition through cold winters. With immigration to the...

Challah is more than just a delicious braided bread — it’s a symbol steeped in Jewish tradition, culture, and spirituality. Central to the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) and holiday meals, challah represents both sustenance and sanctity. Every Friday evening, families around the world gather to welcome Shabbat with rituals that include lighting candles, reciting blessings, and breaking bread together. The two loaves of challah on the table recall the double portion of manna that fell from heaven for the Israelites in the desert — a reminder of divine provision and rest. Traditionally, challah is braided, with three, four, or six strands,...