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There's lots going on in both the cyber and real worlds. As the world continues to open up a bit, live entertainment has slowly begun again or will soon.

The weather encourages outdoor gatherings.

But for when we are confined indoors, here are some programs and activities available via the Internet.

But first—Shavuot is right around the corner. Dairy is a must. Here’s a simple, homey, versatile classic dairy dish which is a lot easier than cheesecake and probably better for you. 

Noodles and cottage cheese            serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1 small onion diced (optional)

 butter for sautéing (optional)

1 (16 oz.) package pasta (penne, bow ties, egg noodles, etc.)

1 (16 oz.) container small curd cottage cheese

3-4 Tbsp sour cream (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

2. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and add it back to the hot pot.

3. (Optional) While the pasta cooks, sauté the onion in the butter until softened.

4.  Add the onions (if using) and cottage cheese to the pasta and stir until all of the noodles are well coated and saucy.

5. Add sour cream, if using. Season with salt and lots of pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.

6. Serve hot, and if desired garnish the dish with fried onions, parmesan cheese, and/or  chopped parsley.

NOTES: For a sweeter dish, eliminate the savory toppings and onions and add about 3 T of sugar or to taste. Mix in some cinnamon, too. You can also use farmer cheese.

If you want to get a little fancier and put in a little more effort try Noodles Romanoff.

The Center for Jewish History (https://programs.cjh.org/ ) has a variety of programs, many free.  Literature, history, culture, cooking and many more sessions are available.

Sunday, May 15 @ 12. Shavuot Cooking with Jake Cohen. This popular cook has just released a cookbook called JEW-ISH in which he gives his own twist to classic Jewish recipes, many from his family. And he makes the most beautiful hallah.

Saturday, May 15- Sunday, May 16. Shavuot Live from Judaism Unbound is a full 30 hours of learning from a variety of perspectives.

Wednesday, May 12, 19, 16.@ 3:30. Yearning to travel? Take a virtual walking tour of Jewish London, Tour leader Rachel Kolsky is the author of Jewish London: a comprehensive guidebook for visitors and Londoners. The tours cover the East End, Disraeli’s London, and The Rothschild’s homes. 

Wed. May 19 @12.  Now let’s go on to Toledo, Spain, which had one of the largest medieval Jewish quarters in Europe. 

My Jewish Learning gathers scores of programs of all kinds under the heading “The Hub.”  There’s something for everyone here from religious services, study sessions, cooking, culture, and more.

Interested in art? Visit with Jacqueline Kott-Wolle, a painter who has documented her family’s story via her paintings.

Lastly, here’s a tasty bite for while you are watching, studying or need sustenance for all that traveling.  How about a pickle sandwich? Don’t be put off by the title.  You never know what you’ll find when you are surfing the net.