From Hail Mary to Hail Miriam

From Hail Mary to Hail Miriam

At 6’2”, 210-pound Avi Rosenblum has tattoos that reflect his religious faith and cultural heritage. He stands out. Some might be astounded that this typical African American football player is the adopted son of a Caucasian, Jewish couple that keep a kosher home and...
“Kosher Soul” Shabbat

“Kosher Soul” Shabbat

If you could only cook three dishes for Shabbat dinner what would they be? This was the question we posed to culinary historian Michael “Kosher Soul” Twitty, author of the Afroculinaria blog and a Jewish educator. Twitty, who was most recently featured on Henry Louis...
The Sultan’s Curse

The Sultan’s Curse

Iris Aluf Medina was born and raised in Turkey and now lives in San Francisco. We met up with this Be’chol Lashon board member ahead of our annual retreat where she will be teaching traditional Turkish Jewish cooking. Is it true that the Sultan once courted your...
Beyond Latkes: Hanukkah Around the World

Beyond Latkes: Hanukkah Around the World

Hanukkah is observed with joy and celebration in Jewish communities around the world. There are 8 nights of lights and blessings the world over but there are also many ways different communities make the holiday uniquely their own. Here are 8 customs and ideas to help...
Psalms for the Philippines

Psalms for the Philippines

Oklahoma City, where I live, has an amazing Jewish community. And, unfortunately, this amazing Jewish community is an expert in dealing with disaster. From the Oklahoma City bombing to the relentless wave of deadly tornadoes that have hit the area, Okie Jews (as we...
Ladino Pregnant Pop

Ladino Pregnant Pop

Three words that normally don’t go together: Ladino, Pop, Pregnant. But in my world they make a perfect fit. Ensuenyo Te Vi, is a music track off my latest Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) album,  Gracia, named after the 16th century Sephardic heroine, Dona Gracia Naci. She is...