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Ethel G. Hofman

Ethel G. Hofman

Ethel G. Hofman is a widely syndicated American Jewish food and travel columnist, author and culinary consultant.

It literally marks the first time since 2014 that no Israeli is being held captive by Hamas or any other terror group in the Gaza Strip.
During World War II, when Britain was battered and bombed by Nazi Germany, people were able to be together, to sympathize with hugs and shoulders to lean on. Not so during COVID, but we create that feeling virtually, as we also light the candles from afar.
With people advised not to travel by the nation’s health authorities and COVID-19 cases on the rise, a more solitary affair is in the works. But don’t give up on the holiday fare!
We can eat every meal in the sukkah, even if it means schlepping foods in from the kitchen. After all, time is what we have right now. And it sure beats a Zoom call.
This Rosh Hashanah is like no other. Masks, gloves and social distancing are the norm. Families are apart. Children are restless, and seniors are sad. Still, there is a collective coming together.
It’s hot, we’re home, and there are more hands around to help. Try a lighter twist with some help in the kitchen for a weekday meal or Shabbat dinner in the waning days of the season.
Plan a road trip an hour or two from home. Or maybe you can head to a family vacation place or rental. Whatever you do, aim to eat well.
We can’t be together just yet with family and friends, but we can celebrate in tradition and style, and bring out the comfort fare with an eye towards better times ahead.
Email invitations and send the menu to family and friends ahead of time. Halve the recipes, if need be. Then, on Sunday morning, April 12, set up your mobile or other devices, and enjoy some virtual guests at the table.