Days of Awe (Destination Anywhere)

שָׁנָה טוֹבָה

L'shana tova! A sweet new year to everyone!

It's a reflective time of year, so here's what I'd like to work on in the year 5769. To those I have offended, please, forgive me as I try to do better.

1. More acts of what Maimonides called the highest form of tzedekah--acts of loving kindness and generosity that preserve the dignity of the receiver to the utmost--and often, that means doing so quietly, without calling attention to the fact of the act. No one needs to know but the giver and the recipient. Tzedekah should be about the recipient, not the giver.

2. Taking more time before making judgements of other's behavior, or not making judgements at all. Remembering that it is probable that I am not seeing the full story.

3. Making the time, each and every day, of letting my husband, sons, parents, and friends know how much I value and appreciate them. Every moment with loved ones is important.

4. Turning away from lashon hara (literally, "evil tongue"), not listening to gossip.

And to break the Fast after Yom Kippur next week, I offer my mother's Blintz Souffle recipe. Some atonement may be necessary after this delicious plateful.

Blintz Souffle Great for brunch or a dairy supper. Serves 6-8

8 frozen cheese blintz
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 tablespoon sugar
5 tablespoons orange Juice
6 eggs

Lay 12 frozen cheese blintz )2 packages) in a large casserole dish. Pour 1/2 C. melted butter over all. Beat 6 eggs in large bowl, and to those eggs add: 2 C sour cream, 5 Tablespoons orange juice, 1 Tablespoon vanilla, 2 Tablespoon sugar. Whisk these ingredients for a few minutes, and pour over blintz. Cover with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight, if you're serving for breakfast or brunch). Bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes, until set and lightly browned.