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Jewish Journal

Connect. Inform. Inspire.

June 5, 2025

Tulum Treehouse

Escape to Tulum, Where Your Dreamy Jungle Treehouse Retreat Awaits

Blogs, Travel /

Imagine waking up in the heart of the jungle, sunlight filtering through lush green leaves, and the gentle sounds of tropical birds greeting your day. Welcome to Tulum! A place where romance, adventure, and holistic wellness come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else. And at the center of it all? The Tulum Jungle Treehouse, an enchanting hideaway designed for dreamers, lovers, and seekers of serenity.

For my observant readers, did you know Tulum is home to a vibrant Jewish community centered around the Chabad Center in the lively La Veleta neighborhood? More info below.

Why Tulum Is the Ultimate Getaway.

Tulum is not just a destination; it’s a feeling. Powdery white beaches meet turquoise Caribbean waters, and ancient Mayan ruins sit perched above the sea. Here, every day feels like a new adventure. Tulum’s bohemian spirit and laid-back energy make it the perfect escape for couples looking to reconnect, ideal for a private proposal, or for anyone craving a weekend of yoga, wellness, and pure relaxation.

For couples craving romance, Tulum is pure magic: wander hand-in-hand through ancient Mayan ruins perched dramatically above the turquoise sea, slip into a crystal-clear cenote for a sunset swim, and end your evening savoring candlelit dinners at one of Tulum’s chic local restaurants. If you feel like spending a cozy night in, the treehouse is fully self-catering, perfect for enjoying a private dinner surrounded by the sounds of nature. Every moment here is designed to help you reconnect and create unforgettable memories together.

For those seeking inner peace, Tulum is renowned as a yoga capital, offering daily classes, transformative retreats, and holistic experiences set amidst nature’s tranquility.  Tulum seamlessly blends natural beauty, ancient history, and modern wellness, and invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fall in love with life.

Surrounded by serene jungle, Chabad offers soulful prayer services, enchanting Tanya classes under the stars, and legendary Shabbat dinners—complete with kosher meals and tequila tastings. Founded in 2019 by Rabbi Netanel and Linor Binyamini, Chabad Tulum now draws locals and visitors from around the world, especially during Passover when over 200 people gather for unforgettable seders.

The area offers a wide variety of yoga studios, holistic centers, and wellness programs that attract visitors from around the globe. Notable venues include Holistika, a magical jungle retreat center with breathtaking architectural design with three yoga studios, outdoor spaces and vegetarian restaurant. The abundance and diversity of the local offerings, combined with Tulum’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, have established it as a leading destination for yoga retreats and wellness travel internationally.

The Tulum Jungle Treehouse: Your Private Paradise.

Tucked away in the vibrant La Veleta neighborhood, the Tulum Jungle Treehouse is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Elevated above the jungle floor, this magical retreat is designed for two and blends eco-chic comfort with total privacy.

What makes it irresistible?

  • Romantic Seclusion: Surrounded by native trees, you’ll feel like you’re in your own world. Sip your morning coffee by relaxing next to the shared pool or stargaze from your king-size bed.
  • Holistic Haven: With no TV, this is your chance to disconnect, recharge, and truly be present. The renowned Holistika wellness center is just next door, offering yoga classes and holistic workshops all day long.
  • Eco-Friendly Luxury: Thoughtfully crafted with sustainability in mind, the treehouse features passive cooling, native wood, and reflective mirrored glass that turns transparent at night.
  • Adventure at Your Doorstep: Bike to the beach, swim in nearby cenotes, or explore Tulum’s vibrant food scene—all just minutes away.

What to Do: Eat, Explore, and Experience in Tulum.

Foodie Paradise:
Start your day with fresh fruit from Chultun market or a flaky pastry at Italdo bakery. For lunch, indulge in tacos at Tres Gallones or vegan delights at La Vegan Tulum. Dinner? Try wood-fired cuisine at Hartwood or savor Italian at Canova. Don’t miss the local ice cream at Panna e Cioccolato or a sunset cocktail at Hotelito Azul’s rooftop bar.

Yoga & Wellness:
With Holistika right next door, you have instant access to the best yoga and meditation in town. Explore other studios like Om Collective, Ikal, and Nomade for beachfront flows and holistic healing.

Nature & Adventure:

  • Cenotes: Bike to Cenote Cristal or Escondido for a swim, or visit Casa Tortuga for a guided snorkeling adventure.
  • Beaches: Playa Paraiso is the go-to public beach, or treat yourself to a beachfront massage at Akiin Beach Club.
  • Culture: Marvel at the Tulum ruins at sunrise, get inspired at Azulik Uh Mah gallery, or take a collectivo to the Akumal animal sanctuary1.

Nightlife & Local Vibes:
Dance to live music at Batey, sip mezcal at La Guarida, or join the locals for street tacos at La Chiapaneca. Mercado Centauro is perfect for a lively night out with music and friends.

The perfect romantic or holistic getaway

Pro Tips for Your Tulum Adventure

  • Getting There: Fly into Cancun International Airport, then take an ADO bus or private transfer to Tulum (about 90 minutes). Once in town, rent a bike from La Veleta Bikes for just $8 a day—it’s the best way to explore like a local.
  • Best Time to Visit: December to April offers sunny skies and cool breezes, perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures. For fewer crowds and lush green scenery, visit in May or June.
  • Beach Access: Bike or take a collectivo to Playa Paraiso. For a luxe beach day, Akiin Beach Club only requires a drink or meal purchase for access—and their massages are legendary.
  • Local Markets: Stock up on fresh, affordable produce at Chultun Fruit Market, or splurge on organic treats at Gypsea Market.
  • Dining: Explore Calle 7 for amazing local eats, from street tacos to Italian and BBQ. Don’t be afraid to try the local stands, they’re delicious and budget-friendly.

Book Your Jungle Escape Now

Ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary? The Tulum Jungle Treehouse is waiting to welcome you into its magical embrace. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a soul-nourishing retreat, or simply a break from the everyday, this is your invitation to experience Tulum at its most enchanting.

Book your stay today at tulumjungletreehouse.com—and let the adventure begin! You can also follow the Tulum Treehouse on insta for Tulum inspo.

Escape to Tulum, Where Your Dreamy Jungle Treehouse Retreat Awaits Read More »

It’s Already – A poem for Parsha Naso

It’s Already – A poem for Parsha Nasso

Judaism, Poetry /

When Moses would come into the Tent of Meeting so God could speak with him, he would hear the voice speaking to itself, issuing from between the two cherubim above the covering that was over the Ark of the Testimony, and He would speak to him. ~ Numbers 7:89

It’s already happening.
It started millennia ago.

It’s a perpetual stream
of information and direction.

It’s the guidance
you’ve been seeking.

It has always been there.
It’s these words and

others you’re
straining to hear.

It’s a book of numbers.
It’s inside your accounts.

It’s with a capital I.
You’re looking too hard.

It’s in the obvious places.
It’s telling you what to do.

It’s telling you what not to do.
It’s the user manual you need.

It’s in the language you speak.
This familiar voice.

This stream of sound, already on
when you entered the room.

This innate language.
This lesson –

The Source is already talking
You just need to listen.

Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 29 books including “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.” Visit him at www.JewishPoetry.net

It’s Already – A poem for Parsha Nasso Read More »

Board of Rabbis’ President, VBS Anniversary Gala, JNF-USA Fetes Sinai, de Toledo Student-Athlete

Movers & Shakers /

On May 22, the Board of Rabbis of Southern California formally installed Rabbi Ahud Sela as its new president during a ceremony held at Temple Ramat Zion in Northridge. 

The evening opened with remarks from Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA) President and CEO, Rabbi Noah Farkas, who offered words of gratitude to outgoing Board of Rabbis President Rabbi Sarah Hronsky and praised Sela’s commitment to Jewish leadership and community. A highlight of the evening was a moving d’var Torah delivered by Rabbi David Vorspan, Sela’s father-in-law, which reflected on the responsibilities and spiritual meaning of rabbinic service. 

California Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita) also addressed the gathering, sharing personal reflections on working with Sela and Hronsky on interfaith and civic initiatives in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. JFEDLA Chief Impact Officer Becky Sobelman-Stern shared a moving tribute to Hronsky, who in turn formally introduced Sela, who has been at the helm of the Board of Rabbis since January. 

Sela, who has served as the rabbi of Temple Ramat Zion since 2010, will lead the Board through the end of 2026. In his remarks, he outlined a vision of unity, service and collaborative leadership for rabbis across Southern California.

The Board of Rabbis of Southern California is a cross-denominational, professional organization supported by JFEDLA, serving rabbis from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

Upper: David Grinberg, Steven Hochstadt, Stephen Sass, Eric Kingsley, Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, Lawrence Sass, Victor Kohn Lower: Roslyn Grinberg, Judy Feldman, Dennis Berman, Ilene Berman, Stacey Sass Cooperman, Debra Sass, Donna Bender, Lisa Kohn (Courtesy Valley Beth Shalom )

Valley Beth Shalom’s (VBS) 75th anniversary gala, held on May 4, honored Past VBS President Ilene Berman and late Ritual Director Yossi Dresner, who died at the age of 86 this year. Berman also served on numerous Jewish boards and committees and received multiple leadership awards throughout her career. Dresner had been part of the VBS community since 1971. 

The Sass family — Steve Hochstadt and Steve Sass; Stacey Sass Cooperman and David Cooperman; and Debra and Larry Sass — received the inaugural Yossi Dresner Ritual Award. 

Chef Elon Kviatkovsky oversaw the catering for the event, which drew hundreds of people.

With the resounding success of this year’s gala, VBS members are already eagerly anticipating next year’s celebration. If this year’s was any indication, the next gala promises to be just as memorable, both in heart and taste.

By Ayala Or-El, Contributing Writer

Sinai Temple students and staff with a Jewish National Fund-USA certificate, recognizing the school’s tree-planting efforts. Photo courtesy of JNF-USA

On May 18, Jewish National Fund-USA honored Sinai Temple Religious School students on their last day of Hebrew classes for their efforts in making the desert bloom. Over the last year, the school has planted the most trees in Israel of any Hebrew or Jewish day school in the state, with over 100 trees planted in the Negev and Galilee regions. Sinai Temple has a long history of involvement with JNF-USA. Senior Rabbi Erez Sherman is the chair of the organization’s Rabbis for Israel Committee, and Sinai Director of Education Danielle Kassin recently went on one of the organization’s Educators Mission to Israel, where she learned about the importance of connecting youth to Israel.

“At Sinai Temple, we believe in teaching our students that every mitzvah — no matter how small — can change the world,” Sherman said. “Planting trees in Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA connects our children directly to the land and people of Israel, instilling pride, purpose, and a lifelong commitment to tikkun olam.”

 “It was an absolute joy to recognize Sinai Temple for their incredible tree-planting efforts,” JNF-USA Greater Los Angeles Co-President Sepi Makabi said. “Seeing such fervor in our youth makes me optimistic for the future of our Jewish leadership.”

De Toledo High School student-athlete Nathan Epstein. Courtesy of de Toledo High School

De Toledo High School student Nathan Epstein officially signed his letter of intent to take his track and field (pole vaulting) talents to the Division 1 level at Northeastern University in Boston, starting in Fall 2025. On May 21, the student-athlete and member of de Toledo’s 2025 class participated in a signing ceremony at the high school’s West Hills campus.

Epstein is a highly decorated pole vaulter, having been crowned with the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section Division 4 Championship in pole vaulting in 2024 and 2025. His commitment to signing for Northeastern University is the first D1 track-and-field commitment in de Toledo school history.

“As a former coach and proud Head of School, I am always impressed by the determination and grit of our student-athletes,” de Toledo Head of School Mark Shpall said. “After having 22 of our student-athletes win First Team all-league honors this year, it’s now especially exciting to celebrate the first D1 track & field commitment in our school’s history.”

Board of Rabbis’ President, VBS Anniversary Gala, JNF-USA Fetes Sinai, de Toledo Student-Athlete Read More »

A Bisl Torah~ Canopies of Peace

A Bisl Torah /

Birkat Kohanim, the Blessing of Peace, is one of the most sacred, well-known pieces of Jewish liturgy. Found at the end of Parashat Naso, the prayer is often recited on Friday nights, a blessing extended from parent to child. Additionally, the clergy offer the prayer at brit milah/baby namings, b’nai mitzvah ceremonies, and under the chuppah during a wedding. The blessing asks God to offer protection, kindness, and ultimately, peace, as the person navigates their various life milestones.

Originally, when the priests offered the blessing, they would raise their hands above the heads of the people and slightly separate their fingers. The Shiltei HaGiborim, a 16th century commentator, explains the reason for the separation between the fingers is because “the divine presence is above the fingers” and “God peers between their fingers.” Acting as a conduit between the Holy One and the people, the priests would make space to let God in. It’s a reminder to all that were present that God is available to those that choose to make some room.

The Birkat Kohanim offers canopies of peace through a heavenly merging between God and humanity. We model the priests from thousands of years ago and spread our fingers above the heads of our loved ones and community members.

It’s a constant reminder that God is closer than we think.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Nicole Guzik is senior rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik or on Instagram @rabbiguzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.

A Bisl Torah~ Canopies of Peace Read More »

A Moment in Time: “While Standing on One Foot”

'A Moment In Time', Blogs /

Dear all,

Eli got a teeny tiny fracture over the weekend that required the use of crutches for a couple of days. As he stood there on one foot, I took the opportunity to teach him a Talmudic lesson about Rabbi Hillel.

(I will offer the abbreviated version. For the fuller midrash, click this link!)

Hillel was once asked if it was possible to learn all of Torah while standing on one foot. Hillel responded:

”What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah. Everything else is commentary. Now go and learn.”

What an opportunity in every given moment in time to consider how we treat others, how we recognize our neighbor, and how we approach the teachings of our heritage.

Eli is running around again already. But he has committed the phrase to memory. The goal is to spend his life learning it and living it.

With love and shalom,

Rabbi Zach Shapiro

A Moment in Time: “While Standing on One Foot” Read More »

Tom and Ezra in the Wasteland

Poetry /

Here is what Ezra Pound once said to Tom:
“Your  poem’s ticking like a bomb,
and soon will blow up in your face,
so you will end up in disgrace,
and then there’ll be no greater wasteland!
Your poemscapes are your bad-tasteland,
a gemstone which, if it’s not polished
by me, will have to be demolished.

I will make you polyhedral,
not murdered, Tom, in a Cathedral.
Your poem’s safe, I will not wreck it:
Just think of me as Tom à Beckett!
I’ll guard your poem’s mystery,
for you’ll go down in history
a  D.O.A., unetherized,
unless by me you’re authorized.
Do as I say and you’ll be saved!”

He gave attention that Tom craved,
attention that all poets crave,
which lasts, at least, until the grave,
and to eternity, perhaps,
for some bardonic poet chaps.
Though some may claim fame’s not the spur,
I’ve never known it to deter,
an incentive, not deterrent,
to bardic thoughts a knight that’s errant.
So he revised Tom’s masterpiece
as if it were a plaster piece
he cast in bronze in shapely bundles,
with sprightly spondees, dancing dactyls,
trying to ameliorate
the words of T. S. Eliot.

Contrast  bamidbar, which continues
words in Shemot, the book of Exodus,
a sequel whose words are like sinews
that move word-limbs the Torah texted us,
about how in a wasteland, Jews
lived forty years, anticipating
the exile era ‘ere Israel renews
its right to freedom which it’s restating.

Num. 1:1 states:
וַיְדַבֵּר ה’ אֶל מֹשֶׁה בְּמִדְבַּר סִינַי בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִי בַּשָּׁנָה הַשֵּׁנִית לְצֵאתָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִםThe LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year following the exodus from the land of Egypt

The mishkan had been erected in the first month according to Exod. 40:17:

וַיְהִ֞י בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ הוּקַ֖ם הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
In the first month of the second year, on the first of the month, the Tabernacle was set up.

In  “The Message of the Non-Chronological Opening of Numbers,” thetorah.com, Jonathan Grossman points out that the Book of Numbers’ description of the journey  of the Israelites in the wilderness follows that of the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus.

I imply in my poem that the  way that bamidbar follows shemot makes it a mishneh Torah, repetition of the Torah, in the same way that the Book of  Deuteronomy’s description of the exodus, the Sinai theophany and the laws described in Exodus and Leviticus make this fifth book of the Torah a mishneh Torah repetition of the Torah.

The haftarah to the sidra of bamidbar, which is commonly  read before Shavuot, is well analyzed in thetorah.com by  Tamara Cohn Eskenazi in “Hosea’s Abusive Marital Metaphor Ends with Courtship, Not Violence”:

https://www.thetorah.com/article/hoseas-abusive-marital-metaphor-ends-with-courtship-not-violence#:~:text=courtship%2Dnot%2Dviolence-

 We read in Hos.  2:16-17:

לָכֵ֗ן הִנֵּ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ מְפַתֶּ֔יהָ וְהֹלַכְתִּ֖יהָ הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְדִבַּרְתִּ֖י עַל־לִבָּֽהּ׃
Assuredly, I will speak coaxingly to her And lead her through hamidbar,  the wilderness,
And speak to her tenderly.
וְנָתַ֨תִּי לָ֤הּ אֶת־כְּרָמֶ֙יהָ֙ מִשָּׁ֔ם וְאֶת־עֵ֥מֶק עָכ֖וֹר לְפֶ֣תַח תִּקְוָ֑ה וְעָ֤נְתָה שָּׁ֙מָּה֙ כִּימֵ֣י נְעוּרֶ֔יהָ וּכְי֖וֹם עֲלוֹתָ֥הּמֵאֶרֶץ־מִצְרָֽיִם׃
And I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a plowland of hope.  Ve’anta, and there she shall respond, as in the days of her youth, When she came up from the land of Egypt.

The haftarah we read for the sidra of Bamidbar before Shavuot anticipates that Israel will again respond to God as they did on Shavuot, when they received the Ten Commandments,  containing the words הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר and  וְעָ֤נְתָה  The words הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְדִבַּרְתִּ֖יעַל־לִבָּֽהּ׃ contain a wordplay on הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר, anticipating T. S. Eliot’s poem, “The Waste Land.”

Gershon Hepner is a poet who has written over 25,000 poems on subjects ranging from music to literature, politics to Torah. He grew up in England and moved to Los Angeles in 1976. Using his varied interests and experiences, he has authored dozens of papers in medical and academic journals, and authored “Legal Friction: Law, Narrative, and Identity Politics in Biblical Israel.” He can be reached at gershonhepner@gmail.com.

Tom and Ezra in the Wasteland Read More »

Happie Hoffman: Music, Emotion and Gluten-Free Cinnamon Challah

Food, Podcasts, Taste Buds With Deb /

Musician Happie Hoffman is a former non-cook who discovered the joy of cooking during the pandemic, when she was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cooking, like music, is a way to connect to your roots and has the power to heal your soul

“I understood that if I wanted to have a proper Shabbat meal, I had to learn how to make it for myself,” Hoffman told The Journal.

She wanted to enjoy the tastes and the feelings she associated with Jewish holidays in her youth, but did not have the cooking skills.

“A lot of times at a Shabbat, either it’s a potluck or somebody else, [someone in my family] is cooking,” she said. “I’m always helping, but I’m not actually orchestrating the food portion. … My contribution is a song or music.”

A singer-songwriter, who writes soulful, heartfelt music — acoustic, some of which is indie pop, Hoffman spent most of her 20s traveling around the world leading Jewish music groups. This Jewish music focus was almost by accident.

“I remember being 16 years old and walking through the halls of the synagogue to our Sunday school class, and I was pulled into a room [with] four or five other musical teenagers,” she said. The teens were told they would be trained to lead music, which Hoffman did professionally through college and beyond.

“Also in that process I was writing my own music … and it all evolved very organically,” Hoffman said. “Music was always a part of me, but that was definitely a moment where I was guided and I’m very grateful for that.”

Hoffman sees her role with music is helping people access their emotions.

“The way I see that for me is that, if I share vulnerably from my heart, whether it’s melodies, prayers or lyrics/songs that I write, then that is what … is going to move somebody else,” she said. “The special thing about music is the ability for people to connect with it … we’re programmed to react to somebody’s voice, a baby’s cry or somebody yelling.”

Music is a tool, a way to change your state of mind.

“It’s a way to connect to a sad feeling or move yourself into a place of hope,” Hoffman said. “I can turn on a song that completely shifts the way I feel, whether because of the way the music sounds or a memory that I have associated with that song.”

When going through challenging times, you can listen to music that moves you to a better place. Or, if you are a musician, start playing. Cooking is a way to get into flow state, as well.

“It’s a way to really be focused on one thing, to be of service and to in real time understand what you can change or shift to,” Hoffman said.

You have the power to make things more delicious and also create a beautiful presentation.

“Being present with whatever you’re getting to experience can make it magical,” she said. This is true for chef, guest or helper.

When Hoffman first became comfortable in the kitchen during Covid, she decided she wanted to learn to make gluten-free cinnamon challah, like the one she grew up with in Memphis, Tennessee. That recipe is below.

“I am gluten-free and I did a lot of research on how to make a gluten-free challah and then I did some research on how to make a cinnamon challah,” she said.

It was a success, and she has been baking it over and over ever since. For Hoffman, that first challah was like a rite of passage.

“For so long, the matriarchs of my family and the patriarchs of my family have provided these amazing family moments for me, and I understood that, ‘Wow, I get to … play that role and I can play that role.”

Whether you are making music or baking challah, Hoffman says to have fun.

“Look at the whole thing as an experience from the shopping for it, from the prep to the presentation,” she said. “Give yourself the permission to … enjoy the experience and make art that’s in service to yourself or people you love.”

Follow Happie Hoffman on Instagram and check out her music on Spotify.

For the full conversation, listen to the podcast:

Watch the interview:

 

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Challah

Adapted from GF Jules Gluten- Free Challah Recipe

Inspired by Rikki’s Cookies Cinnamon Challah in Memphis

3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum, or add 1 tsp separately (I use GF Jules mix)

2 tsp active dry yeast

1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)

1 tsp salt

3 large eggs (room temperature)

1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

1/2 cup warm water (100–110°F)

Optional: 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water for egg wash

For the Cinnamon Filling:

2 Tbsp melted butter (or oil for a dairy‑free version)

1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

2 tsp ground cinnamon

In a small bowl, mix the warm water with 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, the remaining sugar, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the oil and the foamy yeast mixture to the eggs and whisk to combine.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly using a spoon or a stand mixer with paddle attachment. The dough will be thick and sticky, more like batter.

If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water to loosen the dough slightly. It should be thick but soft.

Divide the dough into three portions. Roll and flatten the portions into long strands and fill each piece with cinnamon sugar filling. Pinch the pieces together into long ropes. Braid the ropes gently and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.

Lightly cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffed.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

If desired, brush the top of the loaf with egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) for a shiny finish.

Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 205°F.

Let the challah cool on a wire rack before slicing to help the texture set properly.

Debra Eckerling is a writer for the Jewish Journal and the host of “Taste Buds with Deb.” Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Email Debra: tastebuds@jewishjournal.com.

Happie Hoffman: Music, Emotion and Gluten-Free Cinnamon Challah Read More »

Print Issue: Fighting for Freedom | June 6, 2025

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Sephardic Torah from the Holy Land | Shavuot Diary, Israel 2025

Sephardic Torah /

Erev Shavuot shopping. The streets are buzzing with excitement. Finally, something to celebrate. The aroma from the bakeries fills the air and the line in the cheese store extends to the street. Our baskets are so filled with fruits that our sweetheart fruit and vegetable vendor helps Peni and I to the car. On this night, a large part of Israel would be awake – not in bomb shelters, but studying Torah at a diverse array of Tikkun Leil Shavuot programs. The Torah of Rav Kook, Rav Uziel, Agnon, Heschel, Rav Soloveitchik, Nechama Leibowitz, Rabbi Sacks, Israeli poets, artists, musicians – Torah diversity at its best.

As the sun was setting, missile warnings started. Peni and I were terrified, as our son Ilan – who recently returned from yet another tour of combat duty in Gaza – was on his way to us for Shavuot, stopping on the way to visit his wife Kayla, who is on a lengthy tour of duty in a very sensitive area in the West Bank. Ilan was bringing Kayla and her brave comrades some Shavuot cheer – cheesecakes, wine, fruits and foods for the Shavuot meal. Thankfully, despite the sirens, Ilan made it safely to Herzliya, and Kayla sent us a beautiful message of appreciation for the Shavuot care package. We were thrilled to have Ilan celebrating Shavuot with us, but sad that our dear Kayla had to spend the holiday on an outpost in the West Bank. Thank you Kayla, for protecting us.

No more missiles that night. Delicious meal, celebration of being together, Torah study – a happy and quiet Shavuot night.

Early morning walk to the synagogue. A peaceful quiet in the streets, and the synagogue beautifully decorated with greenery. Ilan is honored with the Aliyah of the Ten Commandments. This reading was his Bar Mitzvah Torah Portion 12 years ago, so he knows it well. He has read it many times, including every year at the Sephardic Educational Center’s beautiful Shavuot programs in Palm Springs. Now he reads it in Israel, in the beautiful Sephardic melody with the special “ta’am elyon” trope for the Ten Commandments. Seeing him up there – tall, proud and reading so beautifully – brought me back to his Bar Mitzvah, when a little Ilan was physically unable to carry the heavy Sephardic Torah scrolls at Kahal Joseph in LA. How did that little boy grow so tall to become the primary “Negevist” – machine gunner – of his platoon?

More good meals, discussions and an afternoon visit from our nieces.

A beautiful Shavuot.

Havdalah. Peni and I are off to a tribute concert of Ha-halonot Ha-gevohim – The High Windows – a legendary 1960’s Israeli rock trio. Entering the sold out arena, missile warnings and sirens.

Evacuate? Not here.

The concert was great…and so are this country’s people – fruit vendors, soldiers and musicians.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Daniel Bouskila is the international director of the Sephardic Educational Center.

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Honoring Tradition and Taste: VBS 75th Anniversary Gala Brings Community Together

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The Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) 75th anniversary gala, held on May 4, felt like a big family celebration. Hundreds of people attended — alumni who had gone to the school decades ago, their parents, and friends. And of course, there was plenty of food.

Among the honorees were Past President Ilene Berman and VBS Ritual Director Yossi Dresner, z”l. Berman also served on numerous Jewish boards and committees and received multiple leadership awards throughout her career. “Her dedication has helped shape VBS into the strong and vibrant community it is today,” said the school board.

In October of last year, Dresner received a phone call letting him know he would be honored at the upcoming gala. Dresner had been part of the VBS community since 1971. He was first hired as a Hebrew and B’nai Mitzvah teacher and, in 1988, became the ritual director. Over five decades, he touched the lives of thousands of students.

When he passed away at the age of 86 in January of this year, he had taught more than 3,500 students, including multiple generations of some families. In many ways, the gala became a heartfelt farewell to the man and his legacy.

Chef Elon Kviatkovsky, who oversaw the exquisite catering at the event, as he had in previous years, recalled hearing Dresner pray every morning for years.

“His minyan chapel at the shul was directly across from my office, so I used to leave my door open and listen to the men davening for three solid years. It was beautiful, and it’s sad not having him there anymore.”

The Sass family received the Yossi Dresner Ritual Award at the event. They became very close with Dresner shortly after he moved to Los Angeles from Israel. Born in 1938 in Tel Aviv, Dresner came to the U.S. in 1966 after a visit and decided to stay. After joining VBS as a teacher, he met the Sass family, and they soon became close friends. He stayed with them during the holidays so he could walk to synagogue, and he celebrated the holidays with them. Dresner also prepared two generations of the Sass family for their b’nai and b’not mitzvah. Over the years, the entire family became involved in the school — as teachers, camp counselors, and USY (United Synagogue Youth) advisors.

One of Dresner’s students was Kviatkovsky’s wife, Kimberly Tobman. Tobman, as well as her entire family on both sides, were taught and prepared for their b’nai and b’not mitzvah by Dresner. While Kviatkovsky didn’t go to VBS, he was also a Valley kid. “I went to Heschel Day School, but a lot of the members of my school came to this synagogue, so I have many friends here.”

When he became the school’s chef in October 2022, it felt like everything had come full circle. His two children, Lila, 12 and Shay, 8 attend the school, which makes drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze.

With VBS now such an integral part of his family’s life, Kviatkovskyfelt a special responsibility to deliver an unforgettable catering experience. After all, the synagogue’s galas are known for being nothing short of a royal feast.

Preparing a meal for 600 people is no easy task. Kviatkovsky began working on the menu a month in advance, knowing he wanted to create a variety of food stations offering delicious bites on small plates. There was a Mexican station serving tacos and a Classic California station with kosher sushi, including rolls and nigiri. Gluten-free sushi was also available upon request.

Photo credit: Steve Sherman Photography

An Israeli station featured all the favorites: baba ganoush, hummus, Moroccan carrots, and cabbage salad. There was also a Chinese food station.

“Our fast-moving taco bar featured authentic birria, fire-roasted with agave for flavor, then wrapped in banana leaves and braised for 10 hours,” Kviatkovsky said. “It creates a rich flavor and a fall-apart, juicy texture. Give me a homemade tortilla and some salsa, and I’m happy.”

“Steve Cohen, the previous chef, used to do all the catering in the Valley, and those kosher hot dogs were addictive,” Kviatkovsky said. “Everybody loved them. I’ve worked in fancy restaurants, but whenever people saw me, that’s what they asked for, so I decided to include them. I plated everything on small dishes so the line would move quickly, and it worked out great.”

In addition to the gala and daily meals, Kviatkovsky prepares complete Shabbat dinners that include everything a family needs: challah, salad, chicken, rice, dessert, and more. Parents can simply pick up a full Shabbat meal and head home, free from kitchen duties. This service is open to everyone, so anyone can call, order, and pick up a delicious, ready-made Shabbat meal.

Elon is also responsible for preparing the school’s regular menu, bringing his culinary expertise to everyday meals. “I had the opportunity to take some of that old-school flavor and put a modern twist on it,” he said. “I’m making it a little more refined as the culinary world has evolved and palates have become more sophisticated,” he said.

With the resounding success of this year’s gala and the unforgettable flavors Chef Elon brought to the table, VBS members are already eagerly anticipating what culinary delights he will create for next year’s celebration. If this year was any indication, the next gala promises to be just as memorable, both in heart and taste.

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