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Dear Friends,
 
Ma Nishtana Ha-Laila Ha-Zeh Mi Kol Ha-Leilot… How is this night different from all other nights? 

This year, that question has an obvious answer. The outbreak of a lethal virus, which requires us to be physically distant from one another to stop its spread and save lives, means this Passover will be different from any we have celebrated in the past. Let us accept the challenge to make the most of Passover with an upbeat and positive spirit.
 
How to Celebrate Passover During the Coronavirus Outbreak

• Continue to keep physically distant from one another. The Passover Seder must be celebrated only by the people living in your home. Do not invite additional guests. The best way to include relatives and friends in your Seder is by using Zoom. Here's a great Zoom 101 tutorial.
• Here is the annual Rabbinical Assembly’s Guide to Passover. It contains the usual laws and procedures for observing Passover.
• Please read Preparing for Passover in the Coronavirus Pandemic, which explains leniencies we can and should make in order to uphold Passover traditions without making numerous trips to the store. This document supersedes the RA guide.
• During the Seder, we ritually wash our hands twice. During this pandemic, we should be washing hands MUCH MORE OFTEN than that.

A REALLY Different Night: Sedering-in-Place
Wednesday, April 1, 8:00-9:00 PM
Join me on Zoom as we will look at 10 specific ways we can enhance the evening while “sedering-in-place” and make the most of a difficult situation.
(check your email for ZOOM link)

Sale of Hametz
The sale of Hametz (leavened products) can now be arranged online. On Passover we are expected to not only refrain from eating Hametz but also owning it. Our custom is to remove Hametz from our homes before the holiday and “sell” whatever Hametz we keep in storage, including dishes and utensils. Click here to access our online form for the sale of Hametz.
 
It is customary to donate to the Rabbi’s Passover Fund (also known as “Maot Hitin”).  This year, such donations are more important than ever given the effect of the pandemic on the economy. Please donate online (just choose Rabbi's Discretionary Fund from the drop-down menu) or by sending a check to the synagogue.
 
And... the Food Pantry team has requested that people not bring matzah, Passover products, or general food donations to Oheb Shalom at this time. Monetary donations are always welcome (choose Bobrow Kosher Food Pantry from the drop-down menu).

Zoom Others Into Your Seder!
Hosting a Zoom Seder? If you are willing to welcome virtual Zoom guests who don’t have a Seder to attend, please contact Johanna Kluger. We'll try to match up hosts and guests.

Pre-Passover Living Room Lounge
Sunday, April 5, 5:00 PM
Do you have a Passover memory or story to share? Do you have a Passover recipe that excites you? Perhaps you have a question to ask about how to celebrate the holiday or a special melody for one of the Seder songs. Maybe a child in your family wants to sing the Four Questions. Or perhaps seeing some Oheb friends would bring a smile to your face. Visit our Pre-Passover Living Room Lounge. A moderator will ensure that everyone is heard.
(check your email for ZOOM link)

Siyum of the First Born
Wednesday, April 8
Zoominyan at 8:00 AM, followed by the Siyum
Our tradition holds that first-borns should fast on the eve of Passover to express relief that our people were spared the destruction of the Tenth Plague. Each year on the eve of Passover, we hold a Siyum (celebration of the conclusion of a unit of study) to enable first-borns to avoid the fast. This year’s Siyum will take place on Zoom, immediately after the morning service. (A file with our study text will be made available before the Siyum.)
(check your email for ZOOM link)

Passover Seder on ZOOM
Wednesday, April 8
5:00 PM
I will be leading a Passover Seder using the 30-Minute Seder Haggadah.  We'll share the most central rituals and end before the meal.  Please click here to let me know if you plan to participate and if you would like guidance on what to put on the Seder table.
(check your email for ZOOM link)

De-Mystifying Elijah the Prophet
Thursday, April 9
11:00 AM
Elijah plays an important role in the lore and legends of the Bible.  We invoke his name and persona at the end of Shabbat, at a Brit Milah and, most prominently at a Passover Seder, when we open the door in his honor and place a cup of wine on the table in his name.  Who was this mystical figure?  Why has his legend endured for so long?  We will study Biblical and Midrashic texts related to Elijah to deepen our understanding of what he means to us. (check your email for ZOOM link)
Note:  This session is taking place on the first day of Passover in place of a communal religious service. A study guide will be sent next week.

Passover Services
As the synagogue will remain closed at least until April 20, we will not hold Passover services in the building. Please continue to read the email from the synagogue for the schedule of live-streamed services.

I wish each of you and those dear to you a Passover celebration that is meaningful and fulfilling. May we all be blessed with good health and a speedy return to lives overflowing with activities that bring us joy and lead us to make our world a place of justice and peace.
 
B’shalom,
 
RABBI COOPER

Being cooped up at home can either be a curse or a blessing. I do miss my routine which gives purpose and markers to my days. However, the extra unscheduled times has allowed me to catch up on reading (I recommend The Convert by Hermans), organize my Rolodex (I can’t give it up), and think about cleaning the closets. More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to participate in some thoughtful webinars and online classes.

Some of these have been organized around the upcoming Passover holiday. In ordinary times, most of us would be planning our seders, making lists, freezing the gallons of chicken soup, and deciding which haggadah to use. These are not ordinary times; even my super organized brother hasn’t thought about Passover yet.

But today I did. The Forward presented a webinar via Zoom called The 11th Plague, referring, of course, to the coronavirus. The presenters were Jodi Rudoren from the Forward; Archie Gottesman from JewBelong, a group with seeks to draw in disengaged and disinterested Jews; Abby Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year; Joan Nathan, cookbook doyenne; and Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple, a very large Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles.

Following are some random takeaways that you might apply to your Passover celebration:

• The challenges of this year also give us the opportunity to free ourselves and experiment with other forms of a seder, a video conferencing seder, for example. The number of participants is not limited to the size of the table; there should be less crosstalk and many voices can be heard.
• Traditional family pre-Passover activities can still be held. Joan Nathan makes gefilte fish with several people in her kitchen every year. Why not do the same, using Zoom, Skype or FaceTime?
• The word Mitzrayim (Egypt) referring to narrow spaces is very appropriate this year when our movements are contracted and many of us are often physically confined in small areas.
• A large part of the rituals and even the rules of the seder is to spark joy and prompt memories.
• It is most important to tell the story of deliverance and freedom to the next generation.
• Don’t worry about what you can’t control like the chicken soup for 40 that Joan Nathan has in her freezer in Washington, DC while she’s in New Orleans and can’t get back.
• Cacophony is better than silence, referring to the voices online.
• Ask guests what they miss most about this year’s seder.
• Despite physical distancing, we can be socially and emotionally together.
• Seders are very personal with each family having its own traditions. This year’s challenge is really an opportunity to be inventive. You can’t do it wrong.

So if you can, zoom in to a seder the year. Even prominent Israeli Orthodox rabbis recognize that these are times of emergency and are permitting the use of video conferencing for the seder, providing it is activated before the holiday. Now elderly people will be able to join their families.

The  Forward webinar should be archived on the Forward website along with some links to recipes and resources for Passover.

Did you miss this morning's Daily Dose of Spirituality on YouTube?

Watch it here --> https://youtu.be/Y1JvqVSxEl4

Don't forget to hit "SUBSCRIBE" on our YouTube page to get notifications on our videos.

Did you miss this morning's Daily Dose of Spirituality on YouTube?

Watch it here --> https://youtu.be/Skz01c7JHp0

Don't forget to hit "SUBSCRIBE" on our YouTube page to get notifications on our videos.

Did you miss tonight's KABBALAT SHABBAT LIVE on YouTube?

Watch it here --> https://youtu.be/q7OPkxtrg10

Don't forget to hit "SUBSCRIBE" on our YouTube page to get notifications on our videos.

Books are an important part of our kids’ school—and hopefully home—lives. What do we do when we’ve read all the books in our houses a thousand and one times, don’t want to order another thing from Amazon, and can’t go to the library or bookstore because they are closed?

While I’m investigating how to perhaps present an online story time to our currently closed preschool, parents and kids of preschoolers and other picture book lovers might want to log on to one of these virtual story times:

Storyline Online is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, which streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. It’s free and (from what I’ve seen) the production values are excellent as one would expect from the Screen Actors Guild.

In addition, Stimola Literary Studio will have a variety of literary events for older kids starting March 23.

Storytime with Miss Becky also has a good selection of books.

Actor Josh Gad (Frozen, Beauty and the Beast) is doing reading a book online each night for kids (via his Twitter feed). (Tip: search the hashtag #GadBookClub)

There are many other websites and YouTube channels presenting books for kids.

Find one you like and read together soon. While libraries are an important part of our lives for the entertainment and information they provide, during this time when they are closed, we may have to supplement and find other ways to get our reading fix.

Dear Parents,

I hope this email finds you and yours well—both physically, emotionally, and mentally. Please know that if you need anything, even a listening ear, I am here as is your Oheb Shalom clergy.

I am happy to introduce Zeman @ Home! (Naming credit to Beth Hendler!)

The entire Zeman staff will be thinking of creative ways to engage your children over the next few weeks.  Here's what we have so far:

• Wednesday Classes: As many of you already know our 3rd - 7th grade will be having small group video conference classes to continue with their Hebrew learning.
• Sunday Classes: We will be taking a hybrid approach, offering both small group video conference classes on Sundays as well as at home projects and assignments. You will be getting a sign-up sheet for this in the coming days to find a 25-minute block of time for your child.
• Community Games: We want our Zeman students to continue feeling connected to the community and we thought some silly games and contests might be the answer! Please check out this fun quiz, " Who Are You at Zeman School? " that Beth created on Buzzfeed.
• We will also be offering multi-grade virtual gatherings for things like tefilah or shirah (song session).

We know this is a lot! As a first step to making things simple, we have tried to consolidate all digital things you might need into a Google Drive folder so you don't have to wonder where THAT email went (it's always that email).  This way you only have to remember one link... this one. Right now are only a few links to log onto the classes but teachers may also include other resources here.

Please know that everyone is experiencing this once in a lifetime event in a different way.  For some of you, this might be really overwhelming and the idea of putting more on your plate (like the Zeman School) is just simply too much.  We get it! Please feel no pressure and have your child join us if they can.

Warmly,
Gavin

Dear Oheb Community:

We hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe as the Coronavirus has officially been categorized as a global pandemic.

We write this with heavy hearts, knowing that Oheb Shalom is both a spiritual and social home for so many. But your safety, and the safety of others, is our first priority. 

Please be advised that all March programming has been suspended as of today, Thursday, March 12. 

This does NOT include Shabbat services—including Katan and Gadol, Morning Minyan, and Men's Club Shabbat—which will take place as usual.

Cancelled or Postponed Programs Include:

• World Wide Wrap (3/15)
• Vashti's Banquet (3/15)
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parent Orientation (3/15)
• Monday Free Movie (3/16)
• Beer & Bible (3/18)
• Family Friday Shabbat & Dinner (3/20)
• Jews & Booze LLL Presentation (3/22)
• MFPS Family Fun Day (3/22)
• Club BellagiOheb Casino Night (3/28) - Will be rescheduled
• Tuesday Talmud Class - cancelled until further notice

We will be reviewing April programming soon and will update you as necessary.

Again, Friday night and Saturday morning services, as well as Morning Minyan, will continue. These will take place in the Sanctuary, and we ask that everyone spread out! Sit a reasonable distance apart from one another. Also, please refrain from shaking hands or other forms of contact, and wash your hands as much as possible.

If you are in a category of “elevated risk,” you should think carefully before deciding to attend. Those who exhibit any symptoms of illness, who have knowingly been in contact with someone with the virus, or who have recently traveled internationally, should please stay home.

Oheb's online calendar will be updated, so please check it regularly before coming to the building. All committee meetings should be done remotely. Please contact Jodi Rotondo, Communications Coordinator, for assistance.

For now, Zeman School and the Mickey Fried Preschool will continue to follow the SOMA school district policy on any school closings.

Thank you for your patience and your attention during this turbulent time. We will continue to be in contact with the New Jersey Department of Health and the CDC as to updates.

Stay safe, stay home as much as you are able, and please wash your hands.

Sincerely,

Kevin Katz, President, Oheb Shalom Congregation
Linda Griffler, Executive Director, Oheb Shalom Congregation

On the 15 of Shevat, corresponding to the 10th of February, we will be celebrating Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.

Customarily, certain grains and fruits mentioned in the following quote from the Torah are eaten:

“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill, a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and [date] honey (Deuteronomy 8:7-8).”

These items are collectively known as the seven species and each has been given a characteristic.

According to an article on the  My Jewish Learning website, these are the characteristics of each of the seven species.

• • Wheat represents chesed, kindness, because it is so nourishing and accessible.
  • Barley is the embodiment of gevura, restraint, due to its thick hull.
  • Grapes signify tiferet, beauty, due to their color and manner of growing.
  • Figs represent netzach, endurance, for their lengthy ripening stages.
  • Pomegranates symbolize hod, majesty or glory, for their crown shape.
  • Olive oil represents yesod, foundation, for the staple role that the ingredient plays in many foods.
  • Dates denote malchut, kingdom, thanks to their digestive benefits.

Eating from the seven species shows an appreciation of nature and gratitude for the world around us. Only the first fruits of these seven items were allowed (in addition to animals and birds) as sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem

So on Sunday evening and Monday, the 15th of Shevat, enjoy a treat that includes an item from the seven species.

Books about Israeli and Israeli foods will be on display in the library.

I grew up in Los Angeles, a city of perennial sunshine and smog.  I didn’t see snowfall until the year I spent in Jerusalem in rabbinical school.  I received an outstanding Jewish education and a wonderful experience at my hometown synagogue in the San Fernando Valley.  There I learned to love Judaism, became a proficient service leader and Torah reader, and soaked up every minute of Religious School.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I also experienced anti-Semitism firsthand.  I have distinct memories of being harassed by bullies while as a young teenager I walked to and from synagogue wearing a kippah and dressed for Shabbat services.  Some of the tough kids on our street who knew my family was Jewish would try to prevent me and my siblings from entering the elementary school we attended, blocking the entrance and yelling “kikes don’t belong here.”  During the week of Chanukkah, when my father would hang a Star of David ringed by blue and white lights over our garage door, our house was routinely egged by hoodlums who specifically targeted our Magen David.

While my parents told me to be proud that I am a Jew, and she probably called the school principal to clear the way for us to enter the building, there was never any meaningful discussion of anti-Semitism among the members of my family, at the public school I attended, or even at my synagogue.  Looking back at those years, it seems to me now that nobody wanted to talk about anti-Semitic hatred, harassment of Jews, vandalism directed at Jewish families or even anti-Jewish violence, no matter how mild.  The attitude seemed to be one of “ignore it and it will go away.”

Still, none of these incidents affected my interest in being Jewish.  I happily attended the Los Angeles Hebrew High School, enrolled in undergraduate courses at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University), spent six summers at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California and plowed ahead with my plans to enter Rabbinical School and become a rabbi.  The anti-Semitism I had grown used to in my childhood and teen years did nothing to question my commitment to Judaism or dissuade me from living a Jewish life.

My childhood experience was the product of the times and community in which I was raised, as well as of my parents’ reluctance to rock the boat of acceptance they likely felt they were working hard to navigate.  But it is not a model for how to address anti-Semitism in the United States or anywhere else in the world.  We are facing a brewing crisis and we must be pro-active in our response to the anti-Jewish sentiments and actions we see around us.  This is the message of the landmark new study of anti-Semitism just released by the American Jewish Community.  The study coincides with the first anniversary of the horrific murders of 11 Jews praying on a Shabbat morning at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last October.  It is the largest and most comprehensive study of American Jewish attitudes on anti-Semitism to date.

The survey indicates that American Jews are deeply concerned about anti-Semitism and believe it is getting worse. Nearly 88% of American Jews (88%) believe anti-Semitism is a problem in this country.  More than a third of respondents say they have personally been the targets of anti-Semitism, in person, by mail or by phone.  Young people are significantly more likely to have been victims of anti-Semitism.  Nearly a third of American Jews say they have avoided publicly wearing, carrying or displaying things that might help people identify them as Jewish, while 25% of respondents say they avoid certain places, events or situations out of concern for their safety or comfort as Jews at least some of the time.  American Jews resoundingly view efforts and statements against the state of Israel as being tainted by anti-Semitism. For example, the statement that “Israel has no right to exist” is viewed by a large majority of respondents as anti-Semitic.

Surveys define problems and issues, but we require action and solutions.  What should we do?  As I said in my Rosh Hashana sermon, we need to be proactive and vigilant in our response, which should include at least three elements:  knowledge, pride, and partnership.

We need to be knowledgeable about the threats we face as Jews.  I ask you to attend the ADL’s Never Is Now Summit on anti-Semitism and hatred sponsored by the ADL on November 21 at the Jacob Javits Center.  Oheb Shalom is part of the ADL’s Signature Synagogue program, and any of our members who register will receive an 18% discount on the cost of registration.  And this Friday, come to Oheb Shalom to hear Fred Bloch, Senior Vice-President at the ADL, speak about “The Four Corners of Anti-Semitism.”  Fred will address our congregation after a brief Shabbat service.

We need to express pride in our Jewish identity.  This is not a time to hide our Jewishness out of fear or conspicuousness.  As I said on Rosh Hashana, if the goal of anti-Semitism is to intimidate Jews and eliminate Judaism, then we must resist by fully embracing our way of life and our heritage.  We must support, with resources of time and money, synagogues, our Jewish Federation, Jewish Day Schools and summer camps and the State of Israel.  It is the responsibility of each generation to ensure that Judaism grows and does not diminish.

And we need to build and sustain partnerships with all those who oppose hatred and anti-Semitism, not merely for our own sake but because we need a united front of good and decent people to oppose all forms of bigotry and oppression.  That is why this Shabbat Oheb Shalom is participating in Show Up for Shabbat, a project initiated by the AJC.  Launched last year right after the Tree of Life massacre to banish fear and nurture solidarity among ALL peace-love and hate-rejecting people—not only Jews—this moment is happening again.  By participating, we are sending the message that our services this Friday are open to all those who want to stand together in opposition to anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred, racism, and bigotry.

Knowledge, pride, and partnership…these are the keys to standing up and standing strong to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism and hate.  We must take this threat seriously, not out of fear or anger, but out of a strong desire to build a world of decency and peace.

There’s a Jewish proverb that says "No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell." You never know what surprises you’ll find when you travel and where your feet will lead you.

My daughters and I spent a few days in Barcelona, Spain at the beginning of April. We planned to see the usual sites: a walk along La Rambla, tour Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia… and Park Guehl, the Picasso Museum, a stroll along the Mediterranean.

But it’s the unexpected that sometimes leaves the greatest impression. 

Whenever I visit a new city, I try to attend Kabbalat services, dragging along whoever is with me.

Several weeks before our visit, I researched the various synagogues in Barcelona. There is one Masorti/Conservative synagogue in the city. We emailed as requested and filled out an online form.

So Friday afternoon, we hailed cab, identification in hand, and took off for ATID, located in an ordinary neighborhood on two floors of an office building.

As we found out, if we didn’t know it was there, we might not have found it even after the cab dropped us in front of the unassuming building. Nothing stood out to differentiate this building from any other in the neighborhood- at least not until we spied a mezuzah discretely attached to a commercial looking door.

That must be it, we decided and approached. While we are much more security conscious in the US than ever before, the Europeans have it down to a science as we found out as we approached the door and were confronted by a burly man who proceeded to ask a series of questions: where are you from; have you ever been to Barcelona before; have you been to a synagogue here; why are you here; do you attend synagogue regularly; what’s the name of the rabbi at the synagogue you attend.

I guess we passed the test as we were let into the building. It looked strangely familiar despite the different language. There was a case with ritual items for sale. There were several bookcases with siddurim. There was literature on community events. And there were people milling around waiting for the 7:30 service to begin even though it was after starting time.

Jewish time is universal.

So far, so good. But we were in for a treat. After we took our seats, scores of young adults in their 20s and early 30s walked in. Wow! This congregation of 250 people must be quite a place to attract so many young Jews.

But like us, they were visitors, delegates from Masorti groups around the worlds whose leaders were meetings for a leadership conference.

And that’s when the magic began. Young leaders from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Israel, Kenya, Spain, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom, Ukraine and the United States led the service which was conducted mostly in English, the language most common to the participants and the congregation.

The tunes were mostly familiar Ashkenazic. Most Conservative Jews would have felt comfortable; participation and ruach were high. But we knew that we were not in the U.S. when one of the prayers was sung using a Hungarian melody and then when several were sung to African tunes and a rousing Adon Olam was led by the Spanish contingent. A young Ugandan woman led the service in fluent Hebrew.

The history behind the Ugandan Jewish community is fascinating. In fact, the Abayudaya Jewish community is marking its 100^th anniversary this June in Kampala Uganda.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abayudaya

To make this experience even more unique was seeing Rabbi Stephen Berkowitz, an American expat from Westchester County, who had been serving as an interim rabbi in Strasbourg a few years ago when I visited. He now resides in Barcelona and is the rabbi of ATID.

Following the service we shared wine and hallah; the young people went off to a dinner on the lower level of the building and the rest of us went of to wherever we had dinner plans.

The spirit lasted for us through the rest of the evening as we walked along the sea, shared a pitcher of sangria and remarked about the closeness of the Jewish world.

Where else but in this Jewish world could we have attended a Conservative/ Masorti  synagogue, led by an American expat rabbi, hosting an international group of youth leaders, davening with tunes from several different countries  and speaking in Spanish and English? And everyone was smiling!

Was it an irony that the next day we toured the miraculous Sagrada Familial designed by Antoni Gaudi? The contrast between the physical spaces was dramatic, but the spirit infusing both spaces was palpable.

Our Jewish experience concluded on Sunday with a tour of Jewish Barcelona. In a way that is a misnomer, for most of Jewish Barcelona is no more, wiped out, not in 1492 but in 1391 by a pogrom which destroyed much of the community which was either killed, forced to flee or convert.

One can see traces of old Jewish Barcelona in La Call, the Jewish quarter of narrow streets.  While there is almost nothing left of the community, a small museum is built over the purported site of the synagogue.  There are a few streets named after prominent Jews.

 And on buildings here and there, if one looks carefully, pieces of engraved stone can be seen. These are tombstones that were removed from the Jewish cemetery and used for building.

What a poignant reminder of a once flourishing community that made up as much as 15% of Barcelona’s population. The cemetery is a virtual wilderness on Montjuic, a park named for the Jewish cemetery. Once a defensive site, today the park, set on a steep hill overlooking the harbor, is home to the Miro Museum as well as other recreational facilities.

Vibrant Jewish life did not return to Barcelona until after the Franco era.  However, the revitalized  community has grown and flourished and now has several synagogues,  a few kosher restaurants, and new members, from around the world,  identifying with the community.

Barcelona is a friendly city, easy to find one’s way around. The pace is not frenetic. Dinner is late (and the food is delicious) There’s something for everyone in this city where modern buildings meet the sea and the old meets the new.

Reading related to Spanish and Sephardic Jewry:

Alexy                         The Mezuzah in the Madonna’s Foot: oral histories exploring five hundred years in the paradoxical relationship of Spain and the Jews.

Brooks                      The Woman Who defied Kings: the life and times of Dona Gracia Nasi—a Jewish leader during the Renaissance.          

Carvajal                    The Forgetting River: a modern tale of survival, identity and the Inquisition.

Corona                     The Mapmaker’s Daughter: a novel. (FIC)

Gordon                     The Last Je. (FIC)

Jules                          Never Say a Mean Word Again: a tale from Medieval Spain. (JFIC)

Miklowitz                Secrets in the House of Delgado (JFIC)

Morris                       Gateway to the Moon: a novel (FIC)

Netanyahu              The Origins of the Inquisition in fifteenth century Spain.

Ragen                        The Ghost of Hannah Mendes: a novel (FIC)

Shulevitz                  The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela: through three continents in the twelfth century (JBIO)

Sternberg                The Sephardic Kitchen: the healthy food and rich culture of the Mediterranean Jews