Real Life Under Fire

A local shelter, I waited in a couple of times

I thought I could write a Baile Rochel about real life under fire, but although I do find some humor, it's just too serious a situation. I planned a Baile Rochel before Israelis were murdered, but now... I can't ignore the tragedies, even when I can mock/satirize what is ironically enjoyable. ... it's not that life has been dull, but...

This isn't in Shiloh, but I did
visit it. Some people spend the
night in their local shelter, so
they don't have to wake up and run
to safety. Especially those with young  
children.

No doubt you're aware that I live in Israel, so you must be aware that we're under attack. Iran has been launching dangerous rockets at Israel, destroying homes and murdering innocent Israelis. Many Israelis have been injured, too. 

Some have been injured trying to get to shelter. One old man even died on his way to safety. Most Israelis don't have convenient shelters in or near their homes. We're among them, unfortunately, but I'm so grateful that we had our house built extraordinarily well insulated with stronger walls and foundations than standard. There are a few spots, away from windows, where my husband and I feel safe, certainly safer than we'd be going to a neighborhood shelter.

On Shabbat, just hours after the war began, as I was walking to a Torah class, suddenly a neighbor called out that there had been an alert. She's the mother of young children and used the emergency situation to turn on her phone. I was just a few steps from the shelter pictured at the top of the post, so I walked in. One entered with a bottle of whiskey, so of course I requested some-- which he happily poured for me. By the time it was affirmed that there had been an "all clear," lots of other neighbors had entered, and we had a lovely time together. 

Once it was permitted, I continued on my way to the class. The neighbor who had agreed to give it was surprised that we had shown up and were waiting for him. When it was over, there was another alert. That gave me ten minutes to return to the shelter I had been in previously. No whiskey that time, but great company. After the all clear, I walked home.

True story, Shushan Purim Sameach

Israeli Craft Beer Festival in Jerusalem First Station

It's rather embarrassing to admit that it has taken me so long to blog about the Israeli Craft Beer Festival in Jerusalem First Station. Considering that I really enjoy attending that beer festival. It offers a great choice of small Israeli craft beers. You're not going to find any of the larger companies, like Shapiro, Jem's, Malka, Shevet or Beer Bazaar.

Considering that it's much more difficult to find these smaller and newer craft beers commercially, versus the beers I've mentioned, I didn't miss the big ones at this venue. 

For those of us who like beer and are adventurous, enjoy tasting relatively unknown craft beers, this festival is like a gift from Gd.

It may be hard to believe, and even I'm very surprised, but besides one beer which I found rather tasteless, they were all drinkable to excellent.

How did I manage to sample a very large percentage of the beers?

On the right you can see me in my "beer tasters T-shirt." At various Israeli beer events, you'll probably see Doug Greener of Israel Brews and Views in a similar shirt. I'm one of the crew. Some of you may be familiar with his beer reviews in the Jerusalem Post.

Doug and the beer tasters at the 
Israeli Craft Beer Festival, Jerusalem First Station

At last year's Israeli Craft Beer Festival in Jerusalem First Station, the odd man out was an Israeli Whiskey, which we had also sampled. This year I was disappointed when I couldn't find them at the fair. It was excellent, so no surprise that soon after the festival we heard that it had won first prize in an international contest. Milk & Honey (M&H) has been awarded the title of ‘world’s best single malt’ by The World Drinks Awards.

In the end there was something VERY different. This year there was mead. What's mead? You may ask; I sure did. It's a liquor made from honey. It's a traditional alcoholic drink in areas where honey is much more common than grape vines. Here in the Land of Israel, grapes are much more common; even I have a mini-vineyard in my garden. They are that easy to grow. But in other parts of the world there are many bee hives for honey. They make and drink mead, while wine is our traditional drink. 

If you have the opportunity to drink/buy mead, go for it. I prefer those I tasted at the festival to many wines.

I'll repeat that this year's selection of Israeli craft beer provided lots of tasty beers of all types. I'm not going to list a favorite or say which was the one disappointing beer, since the same brewery also had a really good one.

Don't be afraid to try the various Israeli craft beers if you have an opportunity, and if you can make it to next year's craft beer festival, go.

Following are more photos from the festival.

Does Your Whiskey Need a "Hechsher" to Be Kosher?

I'm not a whiskey drinker.  Water, wine and a very occasional beer are my limit. But for those Torah observant Jews who like their drinks serious and strong, whiskey is their favorite.

If you're not yet familiar with Jewniverse, now's the time. You may like to get into this article about kosher whiskey.

But obtaining the certification isn’t easy. Over the years, distilleries acquire hundreds of oak casks for aging their whiskey, and their origins are generally unknown. Many of the casks are assumed to have housed sherry in the past, which, as wine, is subject to much stricter kashrut scrutiny. So kosher scotch-makers like Glenmorangie have to know exactly what’s been in their casks.

Bottoms up!