One of the main mitzvot of the holiday of Sukkot is the waving of the four species: citron (etrog), palm, myrtle and willow. Trying to understand this mitzvah metaphorically, our sages compared the four species to four different types of Jews:

I have never been a kugel enthusiast. I like the idea of comforting warm noodles baked with savory or sweet fixin’s , but the paradox is that I am not a fan of soft-mushy pasta. I guess it is because, as a chef, I struggle to serve perfect al dente pasta that is toothy and with a little bite left in it.  

Somehow my dislike for soft noodles does not translate to soft bread. I know this is not logical, but I am breaking my Yom Kippur fast with a warm, welcoming bread pudding. Even the name, Bread Pudding, screams COZINESS, and that is what I need after the fast.

At this time of the year, Jews around the globe head out in search of the perfect Lulav and Etrog (Lulav refers to the grouping of lulav, hadassim and aravot, which, together with the etrog are referred to as
the four species.) Since the lulav and etrog are used for the mitzvah of waving the four species, it’s important to find a set that is as perfect as can be.

Now that the Jewish people have repented on Yom Kippur and, hopefully, received Divine forgiveness, it is time to sit back and relax…

Just kidding!

Food on Yom Kippur? Isn’t Yom Kippur the most famous fast day on the Jewish calendar?

Three and a half years ago I met my soul mate thanks to JDate!

But perhaps the best part of October is that it comes with an enormous amount of amazing dating opportunities.   As I always stress throughout my online dating advice, the one goal that we must have with online dating if we wish to find success, especially for us guys out there, is to be interesting and original.  This is the key to separating ourselves from the competition and not appearing to be just another “boring guy” that beautiful women have been approached by millions of times.

The observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, calls for abstention from five activities: eating, drinking, anointing/washing oneself, wearing leather shoes and marital relations.

I thank God and JDate every day for bringing Dan into my life!

Think of fall flavors: pumpkin pie, Chai lattes, candied yams. There’s a warm and spicy sensuality to this season that sort of takes the edge off of the impending winter.

Cooler weather makes drinking red wine a pleasure again. Here are some hearty reds with a spicy soul, ideal for drinking and discovering in company.