The Jewish High Holy Days begin at sundown tonight with Rosh Hashana and conclude in nine days with Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. This beginning of a new year is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer for Jews, who will pay special attention to reading the Torah, the Hebrew Scriptures' first five books, most of which is believed by traditionalists to have been written by Moses according to God's instructions. Above, Rabbi Lazer Rivkin of Tampa, regional director of Chabad of Central Florida, looks at a Torah printed on deerskin or goatskin, likely from Turkey and about 125 years old. This holy text is part of a collection of antique scrolls from around the world in the Torah Museum, founded by scholar David First of Riverview. To learn more about the museum, read the Faith & Values page in Saturday's Tribune. ...more

September 18, 2009

PALM HARBOR It's just the sort of concert that Rabbi Sam Dov Berman would have loved. But the Ocala rabbi won't be taking part in the sixth annual Cantorial Concert on Feb. 7, as he had in previous years. Berman died from complications during heart surgery shortly before the Jewish High Holy Days began last fall. ...more

January 24, 2009

"Wings," by Debbie Moose (Wiley, $16.95) With New Year's bowl games and the Super Bowl approaching, we're nearing the high holy days of chicken wing consumption. This book is a tasty guide for the novices who are inexperienced at cooking them as well as the pro who might be looking for new recipes/rubs/cooking techniques. The Indian-flavored vindaloo wings got our taste buds' attention, as did the recipe for Bloody Mary Chicks. ...more

December 21, 2008

A list of food-related books. ...more

December 16, 2008

It's all in the notes. Rabbi Shalom Adler has been practicing his shofar skills, making sure he blows the perfect note. ...more

September 27, 2008

There's another hotel opening just off South Howard Avenue. Unlike Bern's Epicurean Hotel project, which will include a luxury spa, restaurant and other amenities, the Hyde Park Hotel focuses on the theory of less is more. ...more

October 10, 2007

The blast of the shofar, a ram's horn, signifies the start of the High Holy Days, the Jewish holiday season. ...more

September 11, 2007

Once a year, Jews are called to atone formally for wrongdoings, humble their souls and cleanse themselves of sin before God. ...more

September 8, 2007

A schedule of Jewish High Holy Day services in North Pinellas and West Pasco. ...more

September 8, 2007

Next Wednesday, the ancient sound of man blowing on a ram's horn will resonate in Jewish communities. The Jewish New Year and High Holy Days will have begun. ...more

September 8, 2007