The World's Easiest Chocolate Icing

 

Cupcake Iced and Decorated With Chocolate Icing

I was trying to think of an easy and enjoyable activity for my younger grandchildren when it occurred to me that they could decorate some cupcakes I had baked.

This "icing recipe" is so simple, it can hardly be called a recipe. The "hardest" thing was adding bittersweet chocolate to the Friday shopping list.

Ingredients:

    bittersweet chocolate

    a little cooking oil

    spoon of sugar

    colored sprinkles or whatever

Preparation:

    melt all ingredients together either in pan on low heat, or in microwave

    mix

    spoon on cake/cupcake

    Optional: sprinkle with colored sprinkles, coconut flakes or "whatever"

Let cool and enjoy

Now tell me the truth. Isn't this 

The World's Easiest Chocolate Icing

SHEVET Imperial Stout, Great Strong Beer

The gift package I received from SHEVET Beer included their new Imperial Stout, and I'm a very happy camper. 

Imperial Stout is a very full flavor, tasty rich beer. The hops are coated with a chocolaty taste, and you can see it's dark brown, almost black. 

Imperial Stout was brewed as a "small batch" specially to sell this winter, and I hope they brew lots more for next winter. I'm sure people will be looking to buy it. If you like a nice strong, tasty beer buy some before it's sold out. At this point you can still order from SHEVET.

It's a good thing I'll be going to bed soon, since it's 8.5% alcohol.

For more background/information about this great beer read what my beer maven Doug Greener has to say in Israel Brews and Views. 

Let's Hear Something Good, Life Under COVID Corona

Watching a class on Zoom

Last night I participated in a wonderful Zoom Family Reunion with lots of cousins from my mother's side. My branch of the clan is the only one in Israel, besides one cousin's granddaughter presently on a year's program. The rest are now spread all over the United States. Not all even live as Jews anymore, but we're all family. This was the second time we've done one of these Zoom Reunions, and considering logistics, finances etc., there's no way so many cousins could ever get together f2f, face-to-face. Zooming is easier.

That's why I decided to write about the "blessings," good things that we are now able to enjoy because of COVID corona. And of course all of these can be continued once it's safer to socialize and travel. I have no doubt that all of us can think of at least one thing that has gotten better. You're all invited to add your 2¢ two cents or more in the comments.

• ZOOM- I had never heard of Zoom before the first COVID Corona lockdown, and now I Zoom daily. All sorts of classes, meetings and reunions are done via Zoom. 
• video calls- Video calls have replaced f2f face to face socializing, too. You can't get as many people/participants on most of the apps, whether telephone, facetime or WhatsApp, but they generally don't need an additional application and can be done on most smartphones.
• no traveling- Now that we're not traveling, my study group and I meet daily, instead of weekly. During this past year, we've learned more than five times the amount of material we could have learned if we had still been learning barely once a week in Jerusalem.
• seeing the world on a screen- There are many people taking virtual tours, instead of packing up, spending a lot of money on flights, hotels etc. Even when they send in a "tip/payment" to the guide, it's a tiny fraction of what real travel costs, and a lot less exhausting.
• attending classes or events that once would have been too far to get to- As this year's Matan program began via Zoom, one woman in the audience happily announced that she had always wanted to attend lectures by the teacher, but distance had made it impossible. Now she's overjoyed to be able to attend without the need to travel.
  
• masks and general health- Many people, including yours truly, have noticed that we've gotten through the winter without the usual colds and flu. Masks and social  distancing have kept us healthy. Not only do they protect against COVID corona, but hospitals and medical authorities are reporting much fewer flu and other winter illnesses. Asians, who've been wearing masks routinely for years, have been proven right. Here in Israel, at least, the price of masks has dropped considerably. 
• less money saved on weddings and entertaining- The cost of weddings and other "event" entertaining had gotten outrageously high. Keeping up with the Cohen's pushed people into spending more than they had. Now that it's forbidden to attend large events, downsizing is the rule. The new added expense is "live streaming," so your guest can attend without paying for their food.

What would you add to my list?

Join Us Rosh Chodesh Adar

 

For thousands of years Jewish women have come to Shiloh to pray to Gd. Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the New Month, is the traditional holiday for women, so I've been inviting women to join me at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh to pray together. Especially now when our lives have been so challenged by COVID corona, we need to be together and pray.

Shiloh Hakeduma is the same location as Biblical Shiloh, where the Mishkan Tabernacle stood for almost four hundred years and Hannah prayed for a son who would rescue the Jewish People from the chaos of the Time of Judges, Samuel The Prophet.

Today there's a wonderful archeological park in Tel Shiloh with all sorts of attractions for all ages to learn from and enjoy. For more information 02-5789122 and visit@telshilo.org.il.

SHEVET IPA Yum

 

SHEVET IPA

SHEVET Beer very kindly sent me a small selection of their beers to sample. I decided to start with their IPA, and I'm glad I did. It's good, fruity with a strong taste of hops. IPA is what I consider a "real beer." SHEVET's IPA has a nice rich flavor and gorgeous color. 

As you can see on the bottle, it's 5.2% alcohol, and according to their site, it's a new one for them. 

This may sound shocking, almost sacrilegious, to some people, but I'd be happy to drink beer during our Shabbat meals instead of wine. A good beer is just as festive for me as wine. I sometimes have a bad reaction to the sulfur in wines, and beers don't pose such dangers. A good IPA is very similar to a nice white wine in my opinion. Sometimes when I'm making morning kiddush on my own, it's on beer. OK, now you know my little secret.

What more can I say?

COVID Corona Vaccine #2, Real Life Lockdown Adventures

Last Monday I received my second COVID Corona Vaccine. Just like with the first one, I went to Ariel, and the care by Kupat Cholim Leumit was great. I arrived over an hour early, and it didn't bother them at all. They took me immediately. 
 

I handed over my card, then it "went through the system," was returned to me, and I was sent to the next clerk who swiped it yet again and sent me off to a nice lady who got ready to vaccinate me.

"Is there anyone who can take my picture?" I asked, hoping the smile showed through my triple-layer mask.

Before I knew it, someone had volunteered, took my phone and snapped a few photos.  I was told that it's good to have proof of shot in case there's a computer glitch.

I hope you like this T-Shirt. It's pretty old, but the message is still relevant:

"THE LAND OF ISRAEL IS NOT FOR SALE!"

ארץ ישראל לא למכירה!

In a few days Gd willing my COVID Corona antibodies should be strong enough to keep me relatively safe.

Recent statistics here in Israel show that a very very very low percentage of those vaccinated are catching the coronavirus.

Here I am with my post shot "smiley." Apparently they ran out of the official "WE'VE BEEN VACCINATED" stickers. I was looking for one and got the 😀 instead.

If you want Gd to keep you healthy, you have to take some steps, make an effort. Gd goes for the "matching funds" principle. That's why I'm strict about masking, keeping my distance from people and get vaccinated.

I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here- Book Review

I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here by Howard Jonas in an inspiring memoir. Jonas reminds us that we don't really know what's going on in other people and that Gd's in control.

Howard Jonas has made and lost more money than most people would dare imagine, but his successful rollercoaster life has included challenges more powerful than simple money. Jonas has had to conquer clinical depression which he found more challenging than making an international fortune. 

In I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here, Jonas tells us how he has survived and thrived with the help of Gd despite clinical depression. Jonas doesn't waste words, and the book reads easily. Yes, I recommend it to all. 

SHEVET Iceman Beer, That Was Good!

SHEVET Iceman Beer is a good classic lager, and it tastes like a lager should. No doubt it was made with enough hops to call to a "cold spiked vegetable soup." That's how I like my beer.

Just the right amount of foamy head, perfect golden brown. SHEVET Iceman is a great classic beer when you're not looking for any unpleasant surprises. I guess I'm still traumatized by the raspberry flavored beer I had at a beer festival. It tasted like medicine hidden in sweetened artificial fruit flavored syrup. Since that nightmare, I make it clear that my beer should taste like beer.

I'll buy SHEVET Iceman again, one of the better of Israeli craft beers.

 

COVID Corona Update: Vaccinated 1 out of 2

Today was the day. I was vaccinated against COVID Corona, or whatever you want to call it.

Although I had chosen 11am for my vaccination appointment in Ariel, a time I could arrive by bus, my friend offered to drive me there. Actually two friends offered, and since I'll need a second vaccine...

As soon as we got near to the Ariel Culture Hall we could see signs all over with the Kupat Cholim Leumit (the sick/health fund I've been a member of for over fifty years) logo, an arrow and the words חיסוני קורונה CHISUNEI CORONA, CORONA VACCINATIONS all over.

I just kept following...

...and following the signs. Yes, I had to walk up the stairs. When I was finished I did notice an elevator, but I try never to go into elevators, since there's no window to open.

Upstairs there were lots of chairs, some people sitting and a few secretaries/clerical staff as you can see. They asked if I had an appointment, and I gave them my card. Then I was told to go into the next room and to show my membership card again.

Then I was assigned to two young people in a curtained off area. I made a big "ceremony" out of taking off my jackets and showing them my specially chosen T-shirt. Jerusalem "Big Blue" Lions football team shirt. I asked the two young people if they knew that there's American football in Israel. They didn't, but the guy said that he loves watching the game. Now he knows to look for us. I have a very different T-shirt planned for the next vaccination.

First the football fan sanitized my upper arm, and then I asked if they also had a photographer. He seemed enthusiastic about taking my picture, so I set up the camera on the phone and handed it over. Then the young woman painlessly jabbed my upper arm while I smiled for the camera.

Now, as the sticker says, I've been vaccinated. And in three weeks I'm supposed to return. A week after that I should be immune for about six months Gd willing. 

Thank Gd here in Israel COVID Corona is considered a national emergency, and vaccines are available for us to be vaccinated.

Awaiting Replacement from SHEVET Beer

When I was in Ariel not long ago I ended up shopping in the liquor store near the Rami Levy. I was actually in the market for some whiskey on sale, which I bought. In order to get the special sale price I had to join their "club." Of course, since I've been mentored by the beer maven Doug Greener, I had to check out their Israeli craft beer selection, too.

Following the recommendation of the rather amused young man manning the cash register, I went for the special sale/deal of two SHEVET beers. I was impressed by the "collar" showing that they had won prizes. This Wee Laddie | Scottish Ale 5.5%  had been awarded the Bronze Medal (3rd prize) in the 2020 London Beer Competition. I figured that if anyone knows beer, it's the Brits. 

Yes, the percentage of liquid beer to foam was pretty pathetic, and I had to keep waiting until I could pour more and for it to liquify. Then I'd pour more and wait yet again and again.

Apparently there was a problem with the bottle I had bought, and they've promised me a replacement. I'll blog again after receiving it.

Torah Tanach Bible Commentary, Tale of Two Robes, Joseph and Samuel

Friends and others who have learned Torah Tanach Bible with me over the years, or has it already been decades, know that I tend to notice what others don't. Rarely a teacher much more scholarly than myself will say that one of the sages chazal wrote something similar, but usually my "inspirations" are met with various forms of incredulity. I guess my mind works very differently from most. And I wasn't raised on the usual "sipurei Torah," Torah stories a mishmash of drash commentaries frequently far removed from the pshat actual text of the Torah Tanach Bible. 

Recent Torah Portions of the Week, Parshat Shavua, have mentioned the special coat that Jacob gave his favorite son Josef, the first born of his favorite wife, Rachel. This coat caused terrible jealousy among Josef's ten older brothers, and Josef had no clue as how to lower the tension. Actually, neither did Jacob. That coat became a symbol of the hatred between the brothers, and it was brought all bloodied to Jacob after the older brothers sold Josef to Egyptian merchants.

Compare that robe, the one Jacob gave Josef and the one (actually many) Hannah gave Samuel. Jacob gave one that didn't "fit" causing problems, while Hannah gave Samuel, whom she had sent to "study" with Eli the High Priest in Shiloh, a new one each year to suit his "size."

I picture Hannah teaching her precious son each year when she visited him in Shiloh. Not only was each new robe the correct size for Samuel, but her instructions suited his age and development. That's how Samuel became the great leader, Samuel the Prophet, who was privileged to anoint the first two kings of the Jewish Nations, Saul and David. 

Food for thought. What do you think?

Perfect Visit to Tel Shiloh

 Today my husband and I took visitors to Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh. I was happy to see lots of tourists there, Israelis, Jewish. There was a time when most of the tourists were Christian visitors from abroad. Now after close to a year living under the threat of COVID19 aka Coronavirus, foreign tourists don't come to Israel. Nobody wants to waste two weeks of a vacation in quarantine. Besides that, those who administer Shiloh Hakeduma have been working hard to bring more Israelis to see our local Biblical archeological site. From the buses and cars in the parking lot, it's clear that they are succeeding.

Today's Shiloh and the Biblical Shiloh are one and the same. It's where the Mishkan, Tabernacle -the forerunner of the Holy Temple- stood for close to four hundred years. Shiloh is where Chana prayed for a son and then was the location she took her son, Samuel to for his education. Shiloh Hakeduma is a wonderful place to spend the day.

Before you see some of today's photos, here's contact information: Phone: 02-5789122, visit@telshilo.org.il

Alexander Green aka IPA Definitely Great Beer

 

I must admit that I bought the Alexander beers, because they were among the less expensive of the Israeli craft in one of the local supermarkets. Unlike the Jerusalem store where I had gotten my Shapiro Beers, in this store each brand was a different price. I'm glad that I have found a source for good craft beer at a decent price not far from home. And now I have two "favorite" brewers who are large enough to sell to supermarkets and specialty stores.

Another confession, I had no idea what Alexander had meant by "green," but I really liked the beer. So, no surprise, I consulted my beer mentor, Doug Greener the beer maven who informed me that Alexander Green is an IPA first produced by them before Israeli craft brewers were using the term. That shouldn't have surprised me, because I do like a good IPA, but I'm not professional enough to recognize them by taste. Maybe now I will be...

OK onto the beer, enough introduction-

As you can see, the beer pours to a gorgeous golden brown and just enough, but not too much foamy head. There's a clean, pure hop aroma and taste making it the perfect beer for us purists. I'm looking forward to sampling more of Alexander's craft beers.

How Would I Survive Without Crocheting?

 

I've been having so much fun crocheting. I've discovered a whole new world of creativity. Besides the potholders, hotplates and bags, I've made a  bunch of  "mask holders," too. I have two packages, of 50 masks each, tied into this one. Our disposable mask supply had needed some organizing. I bought myself two pretty colors for the same price as the pale blue. My husband is sticking with the blue and doesn't want a crocheted holder. 

Crocheting is just mindless enough not to interfere with my concentration when listening to classes. By keeping my hands busy, it actually helps me concentrate. I'd also be happy crocheting while watching tv or movies on DVD/tv. The only thing that stops me is the expense of the yarn. I'd finish of a batch too quickly. And then there's the other problem. Not all that many people are really interested in my creations. Recently I gave one to a young woman who volunteers as an emergency medic and needed a nice special bag to carry her phone on Shabbat.

No doubt that I'll find more people who appreciate them, Gd willing. In the meantime, I'm having fun.

Shapiro's Oatmeal Stout Beer, Nice, Dark and Tasty

I like a nice dark, but not too sweet, beer. So a few weeks ago when I found Shapiro's Barista Beer in a liquor store on Agrippas Street, on the border of Machane Yehuda, I mentioned that to one of the staff. Taking into account that I had made it clear that Shapiro Beer is a favorite of mine, he recommended their oatmeal stout.

Shapiro's Oatmeal Stout may be the same dark brown as those cheap dark/black beers sold in Israel inexpensively in the soda selection, but the taste is definitely a world apart. 

Shapiro's Oatmeal Stout is rich and satisfying, perfect way to end a chilly day.

While writing this post, I decided to check out my report about the Stout Beer Tasting I had participated in almost four years ago under the tutelage of Doug Greener, my beer maven.  That evening I discovered that I liked stouts, so I was curious about how Shapiro's ranked. To my great surprise, it wasn't in the running. That seemed strange, because according to Shapiro's site, they've been in business since 2011, though I have no idea how long they've offered their oatmeal stout. I guess it's time for Doug to offer another tasting session to try out what the Israeli craft breweries are now offering as stout.

STORY TIME Continues on My Facebook Live

Months ago, at the beginning of these corona/COVID restrictions I began reading a children's book on my facebook live every weekday afternoon. 

https://www.facebook.com/shilohmuse/videos/10224577905097884

Sometimes I'm amazed at the people tuning in to watch. Some are total strangers, and some are close family. Generally I read at 4pm Israeli time which is 9am New York time. I must admit that I'm rereading books, a suggestion of my sister.

If you're on facebook, you're welcome to join.

Alexander's AMBRÉE Beer, Nice Full Flavor

Last week when I explored the local shopping center/industrial zone, I discovered that the Super Menachem supermarket has an interesting selection of Israeli craft beers. So, of course, I bought some,  a couple of Alexander beers. Tonight I decided to try the Alexander Ambrée.

The Alexander Ambrée has a nice warm orangy color and a very foamy head. I enjoyed the rich flavor. In English it would be called an amber beer, but the Alexander brewery apparently prefer the French word. But no matter how you spell or pronounce it, this is a very tasty beer. I'm glad I chose it.

I'm adding Alexander Ambrée to my list of favorite Israeli craft beers.

Pishers' Guide to Jerusalem #33, New Public Toilets Downtown

This is a continuation in my ongoing series about public toilets in Jerusalem. See #32,  #31, #30, #29, #28, #27, #26, #25, #24,  #23, #22, #21, #20, #19, #18, #17, #16, #15a, #15, #14, #13, #12, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, #6, #5, Saved by The First Station aka #4a, #4, #3, #2 and #1.

I was happily surprised to discover a new prefabricated public toilet building on Rechov Yaffo near Kikar Davidka. That area has long been in need of a WC 00 or whatever you want to call it.

Though I wasn't in need of the facilities, this intrepid journalist bravely opened the door to the "ladies room." After I recovered from the strong smell of urine plus, I quickly surveyed and photographed it.

Thankfully, there was lots of soap in the dispenser, and I could even see toilet paper. Obviously, whoever is supposed to be cleaning it should arrive to work more frequently and with sanitizing detergent. But if one is in need of such facilities, soap and toilet paper are definite necessities. 

I was rather surprised and upset to see that the handicapped stall is part of the men's room. If a woman is in need, she'd have to have someone with her to make sure no urinal or man is there. There should have been a third door, special for the handicapped stall.

It's possible that placing the handicapped in the men's section was because the area of land is too small for a larger prefabricated public toilet. If that is the case, then I'd have preferred a "unisex" public toilet like the one in the First Station. Men and women use it, and there's a handicapped stall. Of course there isn't a urinal, which shouldn't be a problem, since homes don't have them.

Again, I'd like to thank the Jerusalem Municipality for adding these public toilets to an area of downtown Jerusalem, which had been needing them.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know, thanks.

Still More Stories To Tell About Our Early Days In Israel 50 Years Since Aliyah

I've written a bit about our early days in Israel on Shiloh Musings, since it's already fifty 50 years since our aliyah. There's lots more to tell. That first year in Israel was quite a year. We arrived by boat as newlyweds and finished the year as parents of an adorable baby girl.

Davka, our neighbors, even our closest friends in Shiloh, know almost nothing about that first year. It was a full decade before we moved to Shiloh. The one person we knew then in the Old City of Jerusalem, yes that's where we lived most of the first year, passed away a few years ago. That's one of the reasons I offered to tell our story to the senior citizen club, Adarta. Even though it's for our age, we generally don't go to the meetings. When we celebrated our fiftieth 50th wedding anniversary I realized that only two other couples have been married longer than we have. And as olim immigrants who had made aliyah as a married couple, we hold that record as having done it longer ago than any other.

I gave the talk in both Hebrew and English, translating for myself. The most frightening part was being without my mask, but all the audience wore masks and kept distant. 

Many in the audience want to hear more of my stories, so maybe I'll speak again to them.

Photos by Linda Fairman