Faith Kramer, at The Blogs

Apr 10, 2025, 5:37 AM

Passover Spicy Gefilte Fish Baked in Peppers, Honoring Hadassah’s Global Members

Spicy Gefilte Fish recipe photo courtesy of the author.

At Passover, I think of what it means to be part of something larger. Having shared goals. Working toward the betterment of others. The connection I have with Jewish women here and abroad through not just religion and foodways,...

Mar 7, 2025, 6:52 PM

Queen Esther’s Story Inspires Purim Recipes with Hidden Fillings

Purim knish recipe courtesy of the author.

I’ve often thought of Purim as the official holiday of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America because Henrietta Szold, the organization’s founder, was inspired to name the nonprofit after Queen Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah. The subterfuge of...

Feb 11, 2025, 6:37 PM

February Is Time for Hearts, Chocolate and Heart Health

February Heart Health Month Very Chocolate Brownies recipe photo courtesy of the author.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, February is a time to focus on our hearts (and chocolate). It is American Heart Awareness Month and a time, especially for women, to learn more about cardiovascular health. Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist...

Jan 24, 2025, 5:58 PM

Hadassah Life Member Ronnie Fein’s Recipes Cater to Modern Kosher Tastes

Carrott Soup with Harissa and Coconut photo courtesy of the author.

To warm you up this winter, cook up a pot of carrot, harissa and coconut soup from a new cookbook by Hadassah life member Ronnie Fein. Fein first became aware of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, because of...

Dec 19, 2024, 3:04 AM

Hanukkah/New Year’s Eve Nibbles Board with Ravioli and Charred Eggplant Dip

Hanukkah / New Year's Eve recipe board photo courtesy of the author.

With Hanukkah beginning Christmas Day and lasting through New Year’s, I’m looking to serve lots of holiday appetizers from a variety of traditions to my family and friends throughout the festive season. This unusual confluence (it last occurred in 2009...

Nov 20, 2024, 12:09 AM

Thanksgiving With a Jewish Twist

Challah “Stuffing” Kugel with Fresh Herbs recipe courtesy of the author.

What do you bring to the Thanksgiving table? Is it thanks for the abundance of your feast? An acknowledgement of how immigration has shaped our country. A discussion of the role and fate of the indigenous Native Americans? At our holiday...

Sep 21, 2024, 1:29 PM

Celebrate the New Year With Baked Apples in Date, Honey and Bourbon Sauce

I think one constant across the Jewish world in celebrating Rosh Hashanah is our wish for a sweet New Year. Serving or eating sweet foods at holiday meals is one way to express this wish, and one of the...

Aug 16, 2024, 7:22 PM

Say It With African Spiced Chicken Sauté and Roses This Jewish Valentine’s Day

One of the Jewish calendar’s lesser-known celebrations is Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av. While it is a minor holiday, it is considered one of the year’s most joyous and has come to be regarded as the Jewish day...

Aug 13, 2024, 7:01 PM

Showpiece for Summer Shabbat: Grilled Cauliflower with Tamarind Tomato Sauce

With the arrival of warmer weather, I move my Shabbat dinner cooking outdoors and feature more grilled foods, including this Grilled Cauliflower with Tamarind Tomato Sauce. It makes a colorful, golden centerpiece for a late summer cookout or a...

Aug 7, 2024, 10:31 PM

Stuffed Peppers for the Nine Days Leading Up To Tishah B’Av

For many observant Jews, the “Nine Days” of mourning leading up to the fast day of Tishah B’Av involves the avoidance of eating red meat and poultry. Jews customarily eat vegetarian meals as a way to mark the solemnity...

About Me

Faith Kramer, a former president and current board member of the Hadassah Oakland Ruach Chapter, is a member of the Hadassah Writers' Circle. The California-based food writer is the author of “52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen.” (The Collective Book Studio). She writes a twice-a-month recipe column for the J, Northern California’s Jewish News Source. See more about her cookbook, other writing, and recipes at faithkramer.com. She can be reached at faith@faithkramer.com

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