Sure, plenty of designers make clothes you might like to wear, but how many of them have the wit and charisma to sustain your interest across a movie, a memoir, or their very own cabaret? Meet our Jewish Fashion Icon of the month, and possibly the only fashion designer...
When you think about yoga, you’re probably not imagining plyometrics (jumping) or elements of tribal dance. But that’s exactly what Bizzie Gold introduced into the mix when she founded Buti Yoga in 2012. After being discovered by the likes of Julia Roberts, Buti is now taught by 6,000 instructors...
Whatever your Passover plans, they're probably not as amazing as the Passover celebration on offer from Wilderness Torah, an organization that celebrates Judaism’s earth-centered traditions. The experience is so appropriate that it borders on genius: a four-day trip to California, where you build your own village and find freedom...
Passover is fast approaching, and with it comes a lot of cleaning, shopping, and prepping for the holiday. In years past, you might have gone to your parents, in-laws, or your local Chabad or Hillel, but now it’s time to host one on your own.
Putting together a normal dinner...
If you think Kosher wine is only good for dripping on your plate while you count the plagues, have I got some good news for you! Israel produces some really nice selections that might surprise you. Here are four finds you can pick up locally and proudly serve at...
So I hope you haven’t gone full Marie Kondo yet, because you know all those sleep-away camp tees you couldn't quite bear to throw away? They’re back. For spring/summer 2019, the fashion world is heading back to the Summer of Love (or, possibly, a shared cabin in Northern California...
For a digital nomad like me, life is lived on planes, trains, and automobiles. In the two years I have lived in Israel, I've done my fair share of traveling back and forth to the U.S.
Usually, when you book international air travel, you try to book the shortest route...
Meet Slav Adam Leibin, 32, who was born in Belarus. His journey as an emissary of The Jewish Agency (shaliach) gave him the strength to come out and inspired him to start Rainbow Tour – an organized excursion that takes visitors to important LGBTQ sites in Tel Aviv.
Finding the...
Who doesn’t love a good coffee cake? A cake disguised as something you can eat for breakfast — brilliant if you ask me. The only problem is it’s often loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy fats. These things are fine in moderation, but why not have a...
When Jews hear that Purim is coming up soon, many think of what costumes they’ll wear, alcoholic drinks they’ll consume, or what they’ll put in their mishloach manot baskets. But put down your hamantaschen for a minute and remember that it's all about how much Queen Esther sacrificed...
It might be Spring, meteorologically speaking, but is your face still saying “Winter”? I feel you! Here are five simple ways to bring some of the fresh looks of the season into your beauty regimen.
Back to brown
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaetUihn0Vs]
The 90s are back — and...
Feeling creative? It’s nearly time to flex your costume-making muscles, because sunset on March 20th marks the beginning of Purim — aka Jewish Halloween. At least, that’s how it sometimes feels in the US. In Israel, Purim is something more akin to a Jewish version of the...
March 17th isn't just St. Patrick's Day. Did you know it's also National Corned Beef Day? Corned Beef isn't just for the lucky Irish though; it's arguably the most popular Jewish deli meat of them all. But why is called corned beef and how is it made?...
Lately, I've found myself texting my family pictures from the Prada Fall 2019 Menswear show in Milan and asking, “Should I get a pixie cut?”
The cropped hair on the Prada runway was a trick of the eye — styled to look like a...
Fashion month? Boring! Turns out the style heroine we all need right now is nowhere near the international runways; instead, the fashion world is going gaga for a sassy Jewish New Yorker with a mop of red curly hair, a cigarette permanently clamped to her lips, and a habit...
Whether you’re a dipper or a dunker, whether you eat cream first or cookie first, everyone loves Oreos; Nabisco says they are milk’s favorite cookie. Who am I to say otherwise? If you’re looking for an excuse to eat them (or just happy to add a cookie-based...
I try to pack as many veggies as I can into my meals, especially lunches. I love huge salads for lunch – nothing better than a ton of veggies, some protein, and fresh homemade dressing. They're delicious, fill me up, and leave me energized during the day.
But...
Some of my fondest memories of growing up in New York City revolve around food. For many like me who have moved away to other parts of the U.S., there’s an ongoing search for the true New York City style Jewish delicatessen. They are all over the...
What was the first thing you did when you got home today? If you took off your bra the minute you walked through the door, then chances are you have yet to discover the joy of wearing ThirdLove — a San Francisco-based brand well on its way...
D id you ever wonder what Virginia Woolf’s private parts would look like as a dinner plate? What about Georgia O’Keeffe’s? No, me neither.
Natalie Barney Test Plate #2,
Evidently, artist Judy Chicago has given this much thought. Two pieces representing these famous...
Who doesn’t love a good kindness story? If you can’t get enough of those viral videos where the kindergarten children surprise the janitor with a gift, or everybody in the workplace chips in to buy one of their co-workers a car, then February 17th is the holiday...
Awards season is in full swing — and while it’s great to see so many Jewish nominees and winners (mazel tov, Michael Douglas, Justin Hurwitz and Patricia Arquette!), it’s really all about the frocks. Never mind Bohemian Rhapsody versus A Star Is Born... for many of us...
Should Jews celebrate Valentine’s Day? It feels more problematic than Christmas somehow — partly because it’s associated with a Christian saint, but also because there’s isn't another holiday in the Jewish calendar that falls around the same time.
We actually do have our own version, but unlike the...
When people think of Chicago dining options, their minds go instantly to Chicago-style pizza, or hot dogs sprinkled with celery salt and sport peppers. And of course this is true. You will find unrivaled deep-dish pizza and Chicago dogs in the Windy City. But in the last few decades,...
This year's big winner was decided before the Oscar nominations had even been announced. The coveted winner of the Red Carpet Grand Slam — the starlet whose fashion choices during Award Season catapult them to a whole new level of fame — is a nice Jewish boy from New...
No pressure, but did you get engaged yet? “Engagement season” is in full swing, and you’ve only got until Valentine’s Day to pull it off. Starting at Thanksgiving and lasting through February 14th, these three months see 40 percent of all engagements in the US.
Of course, there's...
2019 is in full swing and everyone is talking about the breakthrough resolutions they made for themselves. They proudly declare how they are “giving up” chocolate, or how they are going to go to the gym 5 days a week. Don’t get me wrong, I think self-improvement...
Is your New Year off to a healthy start? Eating well has never been easier, with new and old food trends popping up on lists and recipes everywhere. I've rounded up my favorite food trends for 2019 -- I'll be exploring each of these in more detail...
With gift-giving season behind us, there's no time like the present to remind you that every gift, no matter the size, requires a thank you of some sort. Call me old-fashioned, but quickly shooting off a text message or email doesn’t quite cut it. Here are 6...
Even as minor Jewish festivals go, Tu B’Shvat has always felt particularly tiny. Hanukkah has candles, donuts and gifts; Purim is basically a Jewish carnival. For Tu B’Shvat (New Year for the trees) we're asked to do little more than eat a few nuts and commune with...
Travel is great for so many reasons. New sites, sounds, places, and people. But it's really the local cuisine that can change the complexion of a long afternoon, a day of walking around, or even bad weather. Food has that power, and while traveling across countries, for me...
It’s been a big year for Jewish style (isn’t it always?). From the unexpected trends to fabulous celebrations and the wedding of the year, here’s how the face of fashion changed in 2018.
The trend
...
Anytime you go on a long trip where you’re bouncing from place to place among different countries, destinations can start to run together in your mind. When that happens, it's time for a change of scenery.
Photo by Harry Ehrlich.
The collars! The frankly astonishing workout routines! The merch! Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become a full-fledged pop culture icon, and this winter the Notorious RBG is more relevant than ever.
The Hollywood biopic
If this summer’s documentary, RBG, and the new...
Nutcracker season is over — and while Disney’s cinematic version didn’t quite set the world alight this year, plenty of us are still reliving our annual dose of live ballet at the theater. The grace, the strength, the beautiful bodies...
Feeling inspired to work out like a dancer?...
Amsterdam aside, the Netherlands is a country full of unique cities that are worth seeing; Rotterdam is the lesser known of the two Dams, and our visit there was a true travel exploration!
More than just another Dam
As midwinter looms and the nights draw in, is there anything more tempting than a good soak in the tub? Lowering yourself into a delicious hot bath is such an obvious no-brainer that I can’t believe anyone felt the need to go out and prove it; nevertheless,...
Holiday travel is everyone’s favorite nightmare. On the one hand, everyone is especially excited to leave work/school for a week and go on vacation, but the thought of the airport/train station or any other public transportation during the holidays is absolutely terrible. New York City is in...
When we think of some artists, we can't help but think of the themes they return to throughout their careers. Claude Monet created more than 250 oil paintings of the water lilies in his home garden. Paul Gaugin painted scores of Polynesian women. Degas had...
Jewish Christmas. Yes, it's a thing. Traditions aren't only for Christians; were off work and hanging out with our families too. We just do different stuff. Looking for ideas for this Christmas? Here you go.
Food
Photo...
Anyone who knows me knows I can't pass up a good dessert. I've learned to embrace my sweet tooth over the years, and instead of restricting myself, I do my best to manage the quality of ingredients I put into my baked goods. I love developing recipes made with real...
Hanukkah, Hanukah, Chanukah -- however you spell it, its finally here! If you're wondering what to do every night, here's a guide full of fun ideas:
Play Cards Against Humanity - Jew Pack
Hanukkah is a great opportunity to play a game that requires lots of players, like Cards Against Humanity....
Feather trim. Fanny packs. Leopard print — oh, and snake print. Looking at the fall/winter 2018 collections, you could be forgiven for thinking there was only one fashion muse in town: everyone’s favorite makeup-salesgirl-turned-babysitter Fran Fine, as played by Fran Drescher in the 90’s sitcom The Nanny. Right now,...
Not warm these days, is it? Still, one of the joys of winter is cozy knitwear, and there’s no shortage of Jewish inspiration. From destination knits to stripes and teddy bears, meet your new sweater icons.
Sonia Rykiel
View this post on Instagram
It’s officially Christmas time ! Let’s warm up with...
This Hanukkah, I will mainly be buying gifts for other people’s dogs. Every day, it seems, another friend succumbs. “We did it!” says the inevitable Facebook post, accompanied by yet another picture of an adorable ball of fluff, as one more Jewish mom goes over to the bark side.
At...
If it’s the holidays, it must be red lipstick time. Chances are, you already know where you stand on this. Red lipstick is one of those things that you either wear every day or not at all: for some women, it’s their signature; the rest of us can’t remember...
T he best part of travelling is the unexpected adventure that starts by connecting with new people. My memorable visit to Ghent started with a casual conversation in a bar in Rotterdam, Netherlands. As my friend Joe and I drank local beer and played cards, “travel tired” from a great...
Some people think that the best bagels can only be found in New York City, and they might be right, even after the tragic loss of H&H Bagels. But while New York does have more than its fair share of amazing bagels (something to do with the tap water), there are...
Chanukah comes early this year (like, December 2nd early!) which means you have less time than you think to track down gifts for your friends and family. But with a little inspiration, combined with online shopping and free shipping, you should be able to snag some great new gadgets...
Project TEN is an international development program run by The Jewish Agency for Israel that brings together Jewish young adults from around the world for volunteer work and cultural exchange with local communities. Programs are currently running in Ghana, Mexico, Uganda, South Africa, and Israel. Project TEN encourages participants to...
We've been following Jewish stories in period films since movies began. Who hasn't sung along with Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof or cheered the efforts of Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List?
But not every Jewish story has to take place in the shtetl. Plenty of Jewish film and TV characters capture...
Charleston, South Carolina is making its way to the top of everyone’s American bucket list and it’s easy to see why. A charming little southern city with mild weather and an amazing food scene — what's not to love? It’s a perfect weekend destination — or a place to...
Cinque Terre, (in Italian, "the five towns") are nestled in the northwest corner of Italy, close to France. With crazy vistas, bomb beaches, and pasta up to your eyeballs, the Cinque Terre region is a true jewel of Italian travel.
The towns of Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and...
My friends always look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I am visiting a whole city, or even worse, a bunch of cities, all by myself. I personally enjoy traveling alone and think it is a great way to learn more about yourself and immerse yourself...
Marc Chagall, one of the most famous artists of all time, brought his Jewish aesthetic to everything he did. The artist famously declared, “If a painter is Jewish and paints life, how can he help having Jewish elements in his work! But if he is a good painter, there...
It’s so great being Jewish over the holidays. There’s no pressure surrounding Christmas; just a bunch of fun stuff (office parties, gingerbread latte) if you happen to feel like it, and some other bits (eggnog, I’m looking at you) that you can safely ignore. And from mid-November onward, a...
Jews in America have always had a special love for baseball. Newly arrived Jewish immigrants embraced the all-American pastime as part of their integration into a new society. Everyone knew the basics of the game; its close relative, stickball, was one of the few organized games Jewish kids could play...
Krav Maga is a self-defense system that was started in the 1930s as a technique for fighting fascists. It was developed and formalized for the Israel Defense Forces and is taught today as part of IDF training. This unique and always-evolving martial art takes the best of a collection...
Olive oil, donuts, even elephants: the story of Hanukkah is packed with beauty inspiration. So this year, instead of socks and pencils, why not give gifts that are useful and contextual? Here’s my round-up of gifts sure to please the beautiful people in your life.
One little candle…
Scented candles have...
From the Crown Jewels to Big Ben and the London Bridge, the UK's capital offers many infamous tourist destinations. But the world-class shopping is so fabulous that it would be silly not to at least do some poking around. (Even if it means skipping out one of the classic...
Sure, you can always pull out last year’s trusty black dress, or play it safe with jeans-and-a-nice-top. But 2018 is turning out to be a banner year for glamorous party wear: If the sequins don’t get you, this season’s one shoulder dresses will. Here’s how to sparkle for all...
Can you train yourself to be happier in just five minutes a day? That’s the promise of the gratitude industry, a burgeoning school of thought that ascribes all kinds of benefits to feeling thankful — and not just at Thanksgiving. Various studies have shown that gratitude can help you...
We all know and love the many classic Jewish musicians who have dominated the scene over the years. From Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand to Leonard Cohen, Billy Joel, Lou Reed, Simon & Garfunkel and Bette Midler, we’ve heard some incredible music from members of the Tribe. And the...
There was really only one name in contention to kick off our Jewish Fashion Icon of the Month series. Did you see Jeff Goldblum’s zebra print pants and sweater on Instagram last week? My daughter and I spent all afternoon WhatsApping each other about it. We are obsessed, and...
As a site dedicated to celebrating the GOOD things in Jewish life, the horrific shootings at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh have left us all bewildered and saddened. While it is nearly impossible to find anything good here to celebrate, one silver lining is the way Jews...
The high holidays are a fading memory; Chanukah’s on the horizon, and holiday gift sets are starting to drop in stores. Yes, according to the beauty calendar, winter has officially begun. Here’s how to prep your skin for the season.
Change Up Your Moisturizer
When temperatures drop outside and the thermostat...
As a people who have been persecuted, exiled and separated throughout history, Jews around the world take strength and meaning from coming together with their people. The more remote and far-flung the communities, the more urgent the need to gather, to be seen and accounted for.
Brazil is home...
I am pretty sure I was born to live in Israel, since I am obsessed with every type of food that comes out of that country. I hate eggplant in the US, but in Israel, it is one of my favorite foods. The way the food is seasoned and...
One of the things I am always asked when people want to know about eating less animal products and more vegetables is, what dishes do I recommend people try? This recipe is one of them. Veggie chili -- yup, made without meat -- can be delicious, and it's an...
Jews love food. We love to eat it, we love to talk about it, and we love to argue about who makes it best. And of all the foods Jews love to debate, nothing is quite like authentic Jewish deli. Whether you're getting together with family and friends, or...
For the past 17 years, Israeli Hanoch Greenberg has spent his summers in the American south, where he serves as a Specialist Supervisor and self-proclaimed “ambassador of fun” at URJ Camp Coleman in Georgia. Greenberg is the Director of Operations for The Jewish Agency’s Summer Camp Shlichim -- Shlichim are...
With our long history of surviving attempts to erase our culture and stories, Jews are understandably proud of our accomplishments and determined to never forget our past. There's no better way to get in touch with the universal elements of Jewish culture, celebrate our shared stories, and honor those...
Israeli cuisine's popularity is on the rise, from upscale dining experiences to addictive street food. These seven authentic Israeli recipes will have you serving up delicious dishes that taste like they've come straight from the land of milk and honey.
Shakshuka
Recipe courtesy of Dr. Shakshuka
Ingredients:
¼ cup of canola oil
...
I’m serious when I say this: I love Jewish holidays that are very physical, require tons of preparation and take hours upon hours of work to pull off. Sukkot, which is on the 15th day of Tishrei, is one of my favorite Jewish holidays.
Each year, right after our Yom Kippur...
Growing up in a Russian household, science and math were always stressed as top priority subjects. I spend a lot of time studying, and was often the sole girl in classes such as Honors Algebra and AP Chemistry -- no surprise to my teachers and family that I went...
Do you feel a bit verklempt when our fellow Jews make it to the top? I do. I take it to an extreme -- I'm like everyone's proud Jewish mom bragging about her kids. But really, each one of these impressive Jews has had an impact on the world in their...
"Jewish Film" is hard to pin down, exactly; it is as broad and diverse as the culture it reflects. As a category, it cuts through all genres – comedy, drama, romance, action, documentary – and tells the stories of Jews of all eras and backgrounds, from the shtetl to...
The glorious month of September is upon us, complete with pumpkin spice lattes, cooler evening temperatures, and of course New York Fashion Week. The weeklong fashion event, which kicked off September 5th, 2018, showcased designers premiering their Spring/Summer 2019 collections.
Fashion has always had deep-seated Jewish roots and while many...
Paris is one of the most famously romantic cities in the world, and one of my favorite places to photograph. It's a city that combines the best of culture, architecture and culinary delights. Every iconic spot is worth visiting in the day and at night as well -- the city...
Happy, angry, sad, bitchy, too good for anything, in love, dramatic -- I literally have a playlist for each of these moods and more. Music should align with your current vibe, and mine is constantly changing. When gathering my Top 20 Israeli pop songs I made sure to keep...
Jewish women have always dominated the comedy scene, from stand-up legend Joan Rivers to the dark and hilarious Sarah Silverman. Funny femmes like Gilda Radner, Lisa Kudrow, and Bette Midler have paved the way for the Jewish female comedians of today, and they're taking over the road.
This next generation...
As a frequent traveler, I've learned that there are some things I just won't leave home without. Whether it’s a weekend escape, 4-day beach trip or 2-week adventure, I always have my staples. These necessities have helped me stay organized and saved me from mishaps and more. You can...
Brunching in NYC is my favorite weekend activity no matter what. I love brunch food and am always looking for the next "best" brunch restaurant to call my new favorite. You can check out some of my favorite boozy brunch places near the Flatiron district. Keep reading below to find...
According to my birth certificate, being Jewish is my race, my religion, and my nationality. I like to call it the “Kosher Trifecta.” While I speak English without any sort of accent, something about my my physical appearance must tip people off to the fact that I'm not third...
Despite the high summer temps that most of the country is still experiencing, next season's fashion is already dropping in stores. From plaids to prairie dresses, here's a look at the top pieces trending this Fall and how to wear them IRL (in real life).
And if you're saying "this...
Every August, Edinburgh, Scotland becomes the arts and entertainment capital of the world, bringing more than 50,000 shows to the picturesque ancient town. There are comedy, dance, theatre, circus, kids, and music shows happening at venues, big and small, all across town.
A number of Jewish artists perform at...
Friday in Israel is the best day of the week. The weekend is off to a start and there’s plenty of time to explore. This suggested itinerary will leave you feeling like a local.
If you're starting the day in Jerusalem, start your day early. It’s an amazing feeling to...
Over the last few years, Iceland has become a destination hotspot both in summer and winter. Just a 3 hour flight from NYC, this entirely different world is remarkably easy to get to. Whether you want to see the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights, there are spots you cannot...
I have always loved the High Holidays. My mother is an incredible cook and entertainer, and Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were two of her biggest and best "parties" of the year. Her traditions ran deep, from the special china that she used to her homemade bite-sized sticky buns,...
Scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, it appears as if every blogger, model, and Jane Doe is frolicking on the beaches of Capri or making friends with the white walls of Greece. In reality, the majority of us are working at our desks, chasing kids around trying to keep them...
The air was thick with love and celebration as the 20th Annual PRIDE Parade took over the city of Tel Aviv. The parade, the largest in Asia, brought in a bevy of international tourism, as people of all races, creeds, colors, and sexual orientation flooded the streets to celebrate...
Back in my day (circa 1982), the array of Bar and Bat Mitzvah gifts we're pretty much limited to cash, savings bonds, Cross pen sets, jewelry, important books, luggage, binoculars and cameras. It wasn't until the 90s when things really started getting interesting. Budgets and desires seemed to rise,...
I was in a sleep-deprived haze, similar to all first-time mothers who bring their newborns home, when I received the call from my daughter’s pediatrician stating, "something popped up on her newborn screening test and a genetic counselor would be following up with me within the next few days."
I...
As record summer heat rolls across America, air conditioners and fans are working double time. But if you're still sweating the heat, here are some simple tips to help you cool down.
Stick with 100% cotton
Although there are all sorts of new-fangled moisture wicking materials, nothing breathes and keeps you...
Growing up, I was always told two things by my traditional Jewish immigrant parents - I must become a doctor and marry a nice Jewish boy. So like most obliging daughters, I enrolled at Brandeis University and majored in Neuroscience. I dated really nice Jewish boys (Hi Ariel, if you’re out there)...
I wasn’t always the insane, detailed planner that I am today. I didn’t understand how important or how strong my desire to travel was when I was younger. My parents remind me (often) that I almost didn’t even see the David when I lived in Florence for a month...
Los Angeles is home to more than 600,000 Jews – so there's no shortage of amazing Jewish food here. From shawarma and shakshuka to ghormeh sabzi and gefilte fish, you can find any Jewish cuisine from the Persian, Israeli, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi cultures in La La Land.
Here are some...
If your family is anything like mine, we start talking about our next meal while we're still eating the current one. Lately, there's been a lot of discussion about a host of modern Israeli restaurants that are delighting taste buds around the country with fresh ingredients, contemporary techniques and...
“Where should I go for seafood when I visit New Orleans?” That's everyone’s favorite question to ask me when planning a trip. True story: I lived in New Orleans for 4 years and never tried crawfish. Or oysters. Or alligator. Or gumbo. Or jambalaya. Also true story: I believe...
The beauty benefits of the minerals from the Dead Sea are known far and wide, and thankfully there are an array of skin care products that make those benefits portable. So, if you can't make it to Israel, no worries, these products will transport you and your body.
MUD MASKS...
Welcome to So Tov, a new lifestyle blog that aims to connect Jews everywhere to one another and to Israel, through a shared zest for life and an appreciation of the “good” or “tov” things, like great food, inspiring travel, the latest in the arts, innovation and fashion, and...
