Mochers Magazine
MOCHERS The Jewish Men’s Lifestyle Magazine DRINKS / Whiskey SOUR KOSHER CRAFT BEER, WHISKEY: SCOTLAND & ITS MOUNTAIN FEATURES / SCOTLAND, ITS MOUNTAINS, ITS BARREN MOORS, ITS COLOURFUL PEAT BOGS, ITS PICTURESQUE VALLEYS FOOD / KIDDUSH CLUB & THE SUMMER Q: KEEP IT COMING WATCHES / TOP FOUR PICKS FOR THE SUMMER COLOGNES / NOT JUST FOR THE SIMCHA TRAVEL / GABRIEL BOXER KOSHER GURU FOOD / EATS, MEATS & THE Q SHPITZ SUITS / In Defense of the Summer Suit USA $8.99 ISSUE 02 SUMMER 2021
- Page 4 and 5: 14 Photos By Yisroel Teitelbaum 12
- Page 6: courtesy of Samuel Adams 20Photo 38
- Page 9 and 10: MOCHERS The Jewish Men’s Lifestyl
- Page 12 and 13: Whiskey COCKTAILS SOUR BY: YISSIE S
- Page 14 and 15: THE CHOSSON’S WATCH WATCH OUT for
- Page 16 and 17: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 watch can be
- Page 18 and 19: COLOGNES SHPRITZ SPRAYS BY: JOSH PE
- Page 20 and 21: WHISKY DRINKS RABBIBY: AMIR ELLITUV
- Page 22 and 23: DRINKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 SPRIN
- Page 24 and 25: COFFEE GEARING UP FOR A GREAT CUP A
- Page 26 and 27: TRAVEL Kosher Guru’s Journey to M
- Page 28 and 29: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 This riad wa
- Page 30 and 31: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 The Jewish c
- Page 32 and 33: SHPITZ SUITS In Defense of the Summ
- Page 34 and 35: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 the rules to
- Page 36 and 37: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 36 | MOCHERS
- Page 38 and 39: FOOD EATS, MEATS BY: SHLOMO ASSAYAG
- Page 40 and 41: FOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 for chi
- Page 42 and 43: M CARS Rentals on the Road for BY:
- Page 44 and 45: SHTICK LAB 44 | MOCHERS 2norlan whi
- Page 46 and 47: WORKING SPACE Designing an Outdoor
- Page 48 and 49: HOW TO HERRING Kiddush Kings for So
- Page 50 and 51: HEALTHY EATS Dess erts ARE IN BY: S
MOCHERS<br />
The Jewish Men’s Lifestyle <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
DRINKS /<br />
Whiskey<br />
SOUR<br />
KOSHER CRAFT BEER,<br />
WHISKEY: SCOTLAND & ITS<br />
MOUNTAIN<br />
FEATURES /<br />
SCOTLAND, ITS<br />
MOUNTAINS, ITS BARREN<br />
MOORS, ITS COLOURFUL<br />
PEAT BOGS, ITS<br />
PICTURESQUE VALLEYS<br />
FOOD /<br />
KIDDUSH CLUB & THE<br />
SUMMER Q: KEEP IT<br />
COMING<br />
WATCHES /<br />
TOP FOUR PICKS FOR THE<br />
SUMMER<br />
COLOGNES /<br />
NOT JUST FOR THE<br />
SIMCHA<br />
TRAVEL /<br />
GABRIEL BOXER<br />
KOSHER<br />
GURU<br />
FOOD /<br />
EATS,<br />
MEATS<br />
& THE Q<br />
SHPITZ SUITS /<br />
In Defense<br />
of the<br />
Summer<br />
Suit<br />
USA $8.99<br />
ISSUE 02<br />
SUMMER 2021
14<br />
Photos By<br />
Yisroel Teitelbaum<br />
12<br />
DE<br />
PART<br />
MENTS<br />
18<br />
8 NOTES FROM THE<br />
EDITOR IN CHIEF<br />
10 LETTERS TO THE<br />
EDITOR<br />
12 KOSHER COCKTAILS<br />
14 THE CHOSSON’S<br />
WATCH<br />
17 MEN’S HEALTH<br />
18 SHPRITZ SPRAYS<br />
24 COFFEE<br />
32 SHPITZ SUITS<br />
42 CARS<br />
44 SHTICK LAB<br />
46 WORKING SPACE<br />
55 FINE ART<br />
58 PLACES TO GO<br />
WITH THE CHEVRA<br />
62 CIGARS<br />
78 HAIR: THE BAIS<br />
BARBER<br />
82 FITNESS
26<br />
FEA<br />
TURES<br />
26<br />
52<br />
60<br />
64<br />
67<br />
73<br />
KOSHER GURU’S<br />
JOURNEY TO MOROCCO<br />
PLACES:<br />
JERSEY SHORE<br />
GETAWAY<br />
IN MEMORIAM:<br />
RUSH LIMBAUGH<br />
RESTAURANT<br />
RENDEZVOUS:<br />
LAKEWOOD<br />
RESTAURANTS<br />
SPORTS:<br />
A GIANT’S WHAT IF<br />
CBD
courtesy of<br />
Samuel Adams<br />
20Photo<br />
38<br />
KID<br />
DUSH<br />
CLUB<br />
20<br />
38<br />
43<br />
48<br />
50<br />
69<br />
76<br />
80<br />
43<br />
DRINKS:<br />
THE WHISKEY RABBI<br />
FOOD: BBQ<br />
KOSHER CRAFT BEER<br />
HOW TO HERRING<br />
HEALTHY EATS<br />
WINE:<br />
FOUR WORLDLY<br />
WHITE WINES<br />
FOOD SNACKIE<br />
DRINKS: SCOTCH
EDITOR’S NOTES<br />
NOTES FROM THE<br />
Editor in Chief<br />
from the shoot<br />
Kiddush club is what unites us<br />
mochers and if you don’t have one,<br />
you can be in quite the predicament.<br />
The kiddush clubs that I attend are cordial, with an<br />
affable chevra, and always garnished with a fine<br />
scotch. Finding a kiddush club can be quite the<br />
quandary and always a major task. I was looking<br />
for an amenable group who would enjoy talking<br />
Torah with some fine Michters.<br />
After I started davening at a new minyan in a new<br />
town, I asked around and inquired to find out where<br />
the cool cats would be. The response was quick<br />
and very welcoming — nothing like attempting to<br />
sit at the cool kids table during my high school<br />
days. I found the oilum to be interested in the new<br />
guy in town, wanting to know more and to see<br />
what my amusements were. My kiddush club is<br />
quaint, yet up-to-date, and has good taste in the<br />
finer things, and I hope yours is too.<br />
In regards to a perfect kiddush club, I learned<br />
a few tricks that are paramount. Make sure you<br />
have a real savant who knows his stuff. The first<br />
course can be of the lighter goods; it knocks out<br />
the tasters who can’t truly taste but quenches<br />
them. After the first round is when the good stuff<br />
should come out. It’s revivifying. Pace yourself,<br />
although that can be a challenge after the walk<br />
to shul, stroller pushings, and elbow bumps at the<br />
hashkama minyan.<br />
In this issue we are enthusiastic for summer.<br />
It’s finally here after a prolonged winter, stricken<br />
with masks and Zooms. We take a look at some<br />
phenomenal cocktail recipes by Yissie Steinhardt.<br />
Want to get away with some flair? Moshe Ney<br />
details local adventures right here in our Jewish<br />
communities. I prattle about cigars and the usual,<br />
while Kalman Safrut portrays the best about<br />
fine art and Judaica. Josh Perew discusses the<br />
morning cologne routine and how to get the best<br />
perfunctory shpritz.<br />
They say that a happy wife is a happy life. I find<br />
that a happy kiddush club is a delighted way to<br />
keep the dudes happy too.<br />
— I’m enjoying the cordial rendezvous, I know you<br />
are too.<br />
IZAK J. HELD<br />
Editor-in-Chief<br />
Photograph by<br />
Yisroel Teitelbaum.<br />
Office space provided by<br />
Henry Cohen.<br />
8 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
MOCHERS<br />
The Jewish Men’s Lifestyle <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
EDITOR IN CHIEF<br />
PUBLISHER & CHIEF<br />
CONTENT OFFICER<br />
Izak J. Held<br />
COPY EDITOR<br />
Chana Z. Weiss<br />
HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
Yisroel Teitelbaum<br />
ASSISTANT EDITOR<br />
Ben Zigelstein<br />
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT<br />
Yehuda Pitterman<br />
LEAD CONTRIBUTING<br />
EDITORS<br />
Gabriel Boxer<br />
Ami Lock<br />
Tuvia Mackay<br />
Naftali Engel<br />
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING<br />
EDITORS<br />
Noah Morris<br />
David Pliskin<br />
Kayla Goldstein<br />
Avrahom Pressburger<br />
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS<br />
Pinny Wasser<br />
Lizzy Brenner<br />
Eli Jaffee<br />
Kalman Safrut<br />
Menachem Ickovitz<br />
Ahuva Shandelman<br />
Josh Perew<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
Yissie Steinhardt<br />
Yisroel Zuckerman<br />
Amir Ellituv<br />
Jeremy Urbach<br />
Dovid Nahem<br />
Shlomo Assayag<br />
Bentzy Fox<br />
Sruly Meyer<br />
PUBLISHING CONSULTANT<br />
Moshe Kinderlehrer<br />
LAYOUT CONSULTANT<br />
Adam Negnewitzky<br />
DISTRIBUTION CONSULTANT<br />
Avi Conway<br />
SENIOR PRODUCER<br />
Gabriel Boxer<br />
SENIOR WRITER<br />
Moshe Ney<br />
ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR<br />
IN CHIEF<br />
Dovid Weiss<br />
OPERATIONS MANAGER<br />
Yonatan Parmett<br />
PUBLISHING ASSOCIATE<br />
Libby Unger<br />
ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS<br />
Daniel Green<br />
Ariel Katz<br />
Eyal Seti<br />
Yosef Vera<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCTION<br />
DESIGNERS<br />
Samantha Green<br />
Deanna Perew<br />
PROOFREADERS<br />
Avromi Mostofsky<br />
Azi Fein<br />
LAYOUT & DESIGN<br />
Jewish Link Marketing Solutions<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT<br />
Naftali Kunstler<br />
MARKETING<br />
Dufgers Social<br />
ALTCHIES<br />
MEDIA GROUP<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
Izak J. Held<br />
VICE PRESIDENT<br />
STRATEGY<br />
Yonatan Parmett<br />
CONTROLLER<br />
Sol Feldman<br />
CORPORATE OFFICE<br />
Woodmere, NY 11598<br />
(866) 4-ALTCHIES<br />
editor@mochers.com<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> is published by<br />
Altchies Media Group<br />
© Altchies Inc.<br />
(866) 4-ALTCHIES<br />
info@altchies.com<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> is published<br />
quarterly by Altchies, Inc. in Woodmere,<br />
New York 11598-1906. Subscription<br />
price for the U.S. is $35.96 for one<br />
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All rights reserved. No part of this<br />
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Group and <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> is not<br />
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Altchies Inc. and <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
encourages responsible consumption<br />
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<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> does not encourage<br />
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<strong>Mochers</strong> drink responsibly.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 9
MLETTERS TO THE EDITOR<br />
Dear “<strong>Mochers</strong>,”<br />
I thought Machers was<br />
spelled with an A! What<br />
is with you spelling it<br />
with an “O”??<br />
,,<br />
~ Berny from Lakewood<br />
Hi Izak, is this magazine<br />
monthly or bimonthly?<br />
~ Jen from 5 Towns<br />
Dear <strong>Mochers</strong> Editors ,<br />
How can I update my<br />
subscription? I am moving<br />
and the one you have on file<br />
won’t be valid soon! I must<br />
get my next <strong>Mochers</strong> issue!!<br />
~ Lieb from Teaneck<br />
@<strong>Mochers</strong> and @<strong>Mochers</strong>Mag<br />
Signup for our email newsletter<br />
on our website at <strong>Mochers</strong>.com<br />
Thanks for the catch!<br />
You are right indeed that the<br />
conventional way of spelling machers<br />
is with an A , not an O. <strong>Mochers</strong><br />
<strong>Magazine</strong> , however , is our brand<br />
identity and this is how we spell it. By<br />
our community simchas we dance<br />
around the rebbe or chosson in an<br />
O or circle. This is how we plan to<br />
share in the mochers experience — in<br />
a circle, together. Also...Lyft, Reddit,<br />
Tumblr, Flickr...<strong>Mochers</strong>!<br />
Hi Jen, our magazine is quarterly,<br />
meaning it will be produced 4<br />
times a year. We do this in order to<br />
provide plenty of time to gather the<br />
best content out there. During this<br />
production time our editors and<br />
contributors are hard at work watching<br />
trends, studying the products , and<br />
postulating ideas that we know our<br />
readers are interested in. We do not<br />
want to cheapen content by putting<br />
too much out too soon. With that said,<br />
we hope to go bimonthly soon!<br />
Lieb, we can help you with this!<br />
You can update your address in<br />
the portal by clicking in the original<br />
email subscription confirmation,<br />
or by visiting this page: https://<br />
subscriptions.zoho.com/portal/<br />
altchies<br />
If you have not set a password; simply<br />
click on reset your password. It will<br />
ask you to enter the images below the<br />
population box. (You can disregard the<br />
message about enabling cookies.) It<br />
will then send you the email to enable<br />
your portal login and you can update<br />
your shipping address from there!!<br />
10 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
Whiskey<br />
COCKTAILS<br />
SOUR<br />
BY:<br />
YISSIE STEINHART<br />
Whiskey sour at<br />
Fireside in Monsey, NY<br />
firesidekosher.com<br />
12 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
M<br />
sour mix<br />
1 part<br />
1 part<br />
1 part<br />
Simple Syrup<br />
L emon Juice<br />
Lime Juice<br />
Many people are under the<br />
impression that making<br />
cocktails is something that is<br />
difficult to do. You need too many<br />
weird ingredients, the tools are<br />
expensive and hard to find, and only<br />
bartenders know the right way to<br />
mix the ingredients.<br />
Truth be told, that’s how cocktail mix<br />
companies got started. Mr. & Mrs. T’s,<br />
Master of Mixes, and Rose’s, to name a few,<br />
are all able to make a living because people<br />
are looking for an easy fix when it comes to<br />
mixing cocktails at home.<br />
I have been drinking for a long time. A<br />
very long time. When I first started making<br />
cocktails, I bought premade mixers and<br />
didn’t think anything of it. It made sense to<br />
me because I had all of those standard fears<br />
and doubts. But no matter which brands of<br />
mixers I used, the drinks didn’t taste the<br />
same as the ones I would order at bars. So<br />
I started to do some research into what was<br />
actually in these mixers. Google is amazing,<br />
and thanks to YouTube as well, I was able to<br />
find really simple and easy recipes for great<br />
fresh mixers!<br />
Two of the most basic components to<br />
have on hand are simple syrup and sour<br />
mix. Simple syrup is just that, simple —<br />
one part water to one part sugar. There is<br />
disagreement as to whether<br />
you should measure by weight<br />
or by volume, but either way,<br />
it’s a pretty simple formula to<br />
remember.<br />
Simply mix the sugar and<br />
water together and heat until<br />
all of the sugar is dissolved. If<br />
you bring it to a light simmer<br />
for a few minutes, that will<br />
extend its shelf life. Adding<br />
some vodka also adds to the<br />
time this syrup can stay good<br />
in the fridge.<br />
Sour mix, an easy mixture of<br />
lemon juice and simple syrup,<br />
is a standard component that is used in many cocktails, my favorite being<br />
the whiskey sour. The exact ratio is up for debate, but those are the only<br />
two ingredients. After learning how easy it was to make sour mix, I started<br />
to riff on it. I would add or use different fruit juices for the sour component,<br />
and eventually I landed on the perfect combination which is now my go-to<br />
whenever making sour mix.<br />
You can make big batches of this mixture if you have an event coming<br />
up when you’ll need this in bulk. Otherwise, you can make it to order by<br />
squeezing fresh lemons and limes.<br />
Once you’ve got your sour mix, you’re well on your way to the standard<br />
whiskey sour, which is made of whiskey, sour mix, and egg white. (Some<br />
add bitters as well.) The trick to using egg<br />
whites in a cocktail without any unpleasant<br />
flavor is to dry shake the egg white with<br />
citrus juice first, before putting in ice or<br />
other ingredients. Personally, I prefer to skip<br />
the egg white altogether. For some extra<br />
sweetness, wet the rim of the glass and then<br />
dip into sugar before pouring your drink in.<br />
Shake whiskey and sour mix with ice, then<br />
top with Sprite. Garnish with a maraschino<br />
cherry and a cocktail straw.<br />
whiskey<br />
sour<br />
2 ounces<br />
Whiskey (or bourbon)<br />
3 ounces<br />
Sour mix<br />
2 ounces<br />
Sprite<br />
For garnish<br />
Maraschino Cherries<br />
Yissie Steinhart is a<br />
contributor for <strong>Mochers</strong><br />
<strong>Magazine</strong> and a for hire<br />
bartender, specializing in<br />
private events and cocktail<br />
workshops. Follow on Instagram<br />
@bar.simcha<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 13
THE CHOSSON’S<br />
WATCH<br />
WATCH<br />
OUT<br />
for<br />
UMME<br />
14 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
While everyone has heard of summer or winter suits, not many people think of watches in<br />
seasonal terms. However, people are definitely more apt to buy and wear certain watches<br />
in the warmer seasons.<br />
A summer watch knows how to have fun — it can be suited for dressing down or occasionally dressing up. It has<br />
a focus on flexibility and comfort along with a high level of water resistance. While it is easy to say “buy a Rolex” in<br />
every situation, let’s focus on lesser-known alternatives that provide a unique style and value.<br />
Here are our top four picks for the summer of 2021:<br />
Tissot PRX<br />
This 2021 release from Tissot sold out instantly and it’s easy to see why. It features an<br />
integrated bracelet design that is seeing a tremendous renaissance this year. The PRX<br />
brings to mind timeless watches such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Vacheron<br />
Constantin Overseas, but it is especially reminiscent of the celebrated Rolex Oyster Quartz.<br />
This is certainly fitting for a timepiece with such a reliable and accurate quartz movement.<br />
The 40mm case is a great fit for most wrists. It has a combination of polished and brushed<br />
surfaces that contribute to its instantly classy look. There are a variety of dial options<br />
available, but our first pick is the timeless blue sunray. The dial is protected by a scratchproof<br />
sapphire crystal. Fit and finish are top-notch for the price point.<br />
100m water-resistant. $375<br />
Longines Hydroconquest Ceramic<br />
MOCHERS<br />
BY: ANDREW LOCK<br />
R<br />
The Longines Hydroconquest<br />
presents a unique value<br />
proposition in a segment<br />
dominated by Rolex and<br />
Omega: a handsome diver<br />
with all the features one<br />
might need for a deep-sea<br />
dive, splash in the pool, or<br />
while munching on a slice<br />
of pizza on Central Avenue.<br />
The watch features a<br />
scratch-proof green ceramic<br />
bezel complemented by a<br />
matching dial. The dial’s<br />
matte finish differentiates<br />
it nicely from the infamous<br />
green Rolex Submariner. The<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16<br />
www.mochers.com | 15
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15<br />
watch can be purchased with a steel bracelet or a rubber strap —<br />
our choice is rubber for comfortable summer wear. When it begins<br />
to get dark out, the blue Super-LumiNova on the dial positively<br />
glows. The timepiece is powered by an automatic movement with<br />
a robust 72-hour power reserve.<br />
300m water-resistant. $1600<br />
Seiko Prospex LX GMT SNR049<br />
Oris Carl Brashear Calibre 401<br />
Limited Edition<br />
The Carl Brashear 401 is the third watch from Oris that pays<br />
tribute to the inspirational story of US Navy diver Carl Brashear.<br />
The timepiece is presented in a moderately sized 40mm brushed<br />
bronze case. While it may look like rose gold at the time of purchase,<br />
the bronze will develop a patina unique to each watch and the story<br />
of its owner. Sitting in the center of the bronze case is a dial of deep<br />
blue lacquer. The dial markers and hands are filled with a cream<br />
color Super-LumiNova that glows green and blue respectively. The<br />
watch is powered by Oris’ newly developed in-house Calibre 401<br />
movement. It provides chronometer-like accuracy and a whopping<br />
five-day power reserve. Owners can rest easy thanks to a ten-year<br />
warranty and a ten-year service interval for the movement. Rather<br />
than a bracelet or a rubber strap, the watch is worn on a moisturewicking<br />
nylon parachute strap produced by Erika’s Originals. One<br />
would be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable option for<br />
humid summer days.<br />
100m water-resistant, 2000 piece limited edition. $4200<br />
These watches and many others can be<br />
purchased at David Desso Jewelers.<br />
468 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY<br />
516.341.0733.<br />
Tell them Andrew sent you.<br />
The Prospex LX line from Seiko is a challenging watch to<br />
understand when judging it based on the brand name on the dial.<br />
It took long enough for the public to understand the value offered<br />
by Grand Seiko but here is a watch that says Seiko — and only<br />
Seiko — on the dial and costs more than many fine Swiss watches.<br />
Examine each part of the watch, however, and its true and unique<br />
value is quickly revealed. It is easy to dismiss the 44.8mm case as<br />
oversized, but slip it on your wrist and it wears more comfortably<br />
than many smaller watches. The case and bracelet are crafted of<br />
titanium, a metal significantly lighter than stainless steel. While<br />
titanium is often a dull grey, Seiko uses a bright, high-density<br />
titanium that is hard coated for scratch resistance. The case is<br />
polished by hand in the Grand Seiko studio for a mirrored “Zaratsu''<br />
finish. The timepiece is powered by a Spring Drive GMT movement.<br />
It has a true, sweeping second hand and quartz-like accuracy.<br />
While most automatic watches are accurate to within five seconds<br />
a day, this spring drive is accurate to within one second a day and<br />
fifteen seconds a month. It is also a true GMT movement; the hour<br />
hand can be jumped forward or backward in one-hour increments,<br />
making it easy to set the watch when landing at a destination. The<br />
GMT hand can be set to UTC time or home time, allowing two time<br />
zones to be seen at a glance. The gradient sunray dial represents<br />
the blue of Earth and the deep black of space. Complementing this<br />
dial is a black and blue sapphire bezel insert with a 24-hour scale.<br />
Summertime is travel time and this lightweight, feature-packed<br />
watch is just what a summertime traveler needs.<br />
100m water-resistant, 400 piece limited edition. $5500<br />
Andrew Lock is the proprietor of Andrew<br />
Lock Custom Menswear at 403 Central<br />
Avenue in Cedarhurst. His shop offers all<br />
manners of custom clothing as well as fine<br />
shoes, accessories, wardrobe consulting<br />
services, and the best cappuccino in town.<br />
Call 516.619.6264 or visit NYbespoke.com<br />
to schedule a fitting.<br />
M<br />
16 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
MEN’S<br />
HEALTH &<br />
WELLNESS<br />
BY: BENSON FOX<br />
Benson Fox practices as a certified transformation<br />
coach and specializes in helping Jewish men achieve<br />
higher levels of balance, joy, and confidence. He is a<br />
Psychology major and a Psychology Doctoral student at<br />
Adelphi University. He runs the 500 member Facebook<br />
group: Jewish Men for Joy, Balance, and Growth. Go<br />
to coachbensonfox.com or results@coachbensonfox.<br />
com for a free consultation.<br />
“There is nothing to fear but<br />
fear itself.”<br />
“Anger is an acid that can<br />
do more harm to the vessel<br />
in which it is stored than<br />
to anything on which it is<br />
poured.”<br />
“Jealousy is a form of hatred<br />
built upon instability.”<br />
Through these seemingly clever phrases,<br />
society has idealized language that makes<br />
negative emotions into symptoms that<br />
are to be feared, seen as problematic, and<br />
eliminated.<br />
In the interest of “moving on” and “not living<br />
in your past,” we must disown, repress, and<br />
skip over the process of processing our<br />
emotions. I have found that our relationship<br />
with our dichotomous parts such as negative<br />
emotions and pain is often what defines<br />
people’s lives for good and otherwise.<br />
When you experience negativity that<br />
contradicts the narrative of how you would<br />
like your life to be, do you deny it exists,<br />
immediately and reflexively push it away, or<br />
do you welcome it, seek to understand it and<br />
receive its communication?<br />
One way to work on becoming more open<br />
to the latter approach is to start noticing<br />
the language that people use every day that<br />
reflects this collective unconscious of seeing<br />
the parts we do not like in ourselves as an<br />
enemy to be defeated. Begin to notice the<br />
hyper-positivity of “just smile” campaigns<br />
and the extreme discomfort in letting your<br />
uncomfortable emotions surface.<br />
While it is true that imbalance can lead one<br />
to balance or the Rambam’s and Aristotle’s<br />
“Golden Mean,” we must not confuse the<br />
process with the result. The purpose of<br />
hyper-positivity campaigns should not be to<br />
establish a state of constant positivity, but<br />
to help someone who is too negative find<br />
a better balance between the negative and<br />
positive aspects of himself.<br />
When you are feeling sad, anxious, or<br />
mad, are you allowed to just be in it, or do<br />
you or others reflexively attempt to shut<br />
down or distract from these uncomfortable<br />
feelings? Do those around you try to cheer<br />
you up so that you feel good again, or do<br />
they help you navigate through it?<br />
Let’s get very comfortable with sitting with<br />
our most scary, painful, and uncomfortable<br />
parts by recognizing that all they want is for<br />
you to be protected and happy. Let’s become<br />
more sensitive to language that perpetuates<br />
these destructive and divisive myths about<br />
the “badness” of our “negative” parts.<br />
M<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 17
COLOGNES<br />
SHPRITZ<br />
SPRAYS<br />
BY: JOSH PEREW<br />
If you are like me, sometimes your<br />
morning routine can be rushed.<br />
After your alarm jolts you out of<br />
bed, you walk to the bathroom still<br />
half asleep, turn on the light, brush<br />
your teeth, shower, throw on some<br />
clothes with little thought, and head<br />
out the door. But there is something<br />
missing.<br />
Perhaps the most often-overlooked<br />
finishing touch to your morning routine is a<br />
few sprays of your signature scent to wake<br />
up your olfactory senses and the senses<br />
of those around you. There are many<br />
reasons why men wear cologne. For some<br />
it’s a matter self-care, for others, it’s to get<br />
noticed by that special someone, and for<br />
others it’s a matter of wanting to impress<br />
the boss. Whatever the motivation is, behind<br />
it is a singular goal: to smell exceptional.<br />
As in every area in life, there is no “one size<br />
fits all” cologne. Not everyone will have the<br />
same experience with the same cologne.<br />
Everyone has unique oils on their skin, so<br />
the same fragrances can smell different<br />
depending on the person who is wearing<br />
it. But in a world of uncertainty, one thing<br />
is for sure — if you have not yet found your<br />
signature scent, the time is now. Luckily for<br />
you, I am here to help you along that journey.<br />
The cologne world is filled with tens of<br />
thousands of options, so picking just a few<br />
is a daunting task. Nevertheless, my criteria<br />
are simple: Four colognes in total, including<br />
two that are approachable and affordable<br />
that can be worn every day, and two<br />
colognes that are more niche, expensive<br />
fragrances for more special occasions (or<br />
every day if you are a man of means ).<br />
18 | MOCHERS<br />
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M<br />
DIOR SAUVAGE<br />
3.4 oz $100. This is the quintessential fresh and bright cologne. Top notes of citrus, sweet<br />
earth, fresh wood and pepper. It lasts around 5 hours, which is above average, and has medium<br />
projection. This is the perfect everyday cologne that will get you noticed and will get compliments<br />
but won't offend people by being too bold.<br />
LA NUIT DE L'HOMME BY YVES SAINT LAURENT EAU DE TOILETTE<br />
3.3 oz $90. To me, this scent screams nighttime fun. It opens with cardamom and bergamot with<br />
citrus in the background. As it dies down, it becomes herbal and spicy with hints of masculine<br />
lavender and wood. It is sophisticated and elegant. This is a very extroverted, attention-grabbing<br />
scent, and thus is more suited to going out rather than for the office. It lasts around 8 hours and<br />
has a medium-to-high projection.<br />
OUD WOOD BY TOM FORD<br />
3.4 oz $340. This is my all-time favorite cologne. Smooth, subtle and understated. Sweet, fresh<br />
oud with plenty of vetiver, sandalwood, eastern spices, and Chinese pepper. Bright, yet refined<br />
and sensual. It lasts around 6 hours but does not project. I wear this for more formal occasions,<br />
or whenever I want to smell special.<br />
LAYTON BY PARFUMS DE MARLY<br />
3.4oz $310. This scent is from a niche fragrance house from Paris. With Parfums de Marly, you<br />
get what you pay for in terms of the quality of the ingredients. Layton opens with ripe, crisp<br />
apples, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla and pepper. It smells expensive, sweet, and fresh. As it dries<br />
down, you get floral notes and sweet spices. This is what I would consider to be a gourmand<br />
scent — it is complex and mysterious, with many things going on in the background. This is the<br />
perfect scent for a romantic evening. Projection is medium to high and it lasts forever.<br />
Josh Perew is a contributing<br />
editor for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 19
WHISKY<br />
DRINKS<br />
RABBIBY: AMIR ELLITUV<br />
Whisky (not just whiskey) or<br />
scotch (not just scaatch) is<br />
the one drink that carries so<br />
many different connotations in the<br />
mind of the mocher.<br />
It is a unifying force that brings people<br />
together, taking center stage at the kiddush<br />
club. When you pour a great dram, you<br />
are viewed on a different level, as a true<br />
gentleman who takes care of his friends.<br />
But there is so much more behind “uisge<br />
beatha” (pronounced ooshky baye) —<br />
Gaelic for the water of life. Rabbi Amir<br />
Ellituv, otherwise known on Instagram as @<br />
whiskyrabbi, opens up a whole new world of<br />
Scotch Whisky, bringing a new appreciation<br />
and understanding of this great drink.<br />
When I think of whisky, I think of the beautiful<br />
country of Scotland — its mountains, barren<br />
moors, colourful peat bogs, picturesque<br />
valleys, coastlines that are unparalleled<br />
in beauty, ruggedness, white sands, and<br />
turquoise waters. When you visit Scotland’s<br />
20 | MOCHERS<br />
many distilleries, you will undoubtedly pass<br />
many of these scenes to reach that pot of<br />
gold. Many people think that a great whisky<br />
must be old, expensive, and smooth, but<br />
I’m going to buck that trend and show that<br />
there is so much more than a Blue Label,<br />
Macallan 18, Glenmorangie Signet, Chivas<br />
Regal 25, or Glenfiddich 30. Those are all<br />
great whiskies, but can be quite expensive.<br />
I want to showcase some great whiskies<br />
which create a symphony of flavors,<br />
full of explosive sweetness, tosfos-level<br />
complexity, harissa-level spice, and even<br />
some cohiba wafting smoke (the smoky<br />
ones will come at a later stage!) that will<br />
make your friends view you as a connoisseur<br />
without hurting your wallet.<br />
We will go to the tip of the Mull of Kintyre, to<br />
Campbeltown, the former capital of whisky<br />
in Scotland. Drive through Loch Lomond<br />
and the Trossachs National Park, past<br />
Inveraray and Loch Fyne, which incidentally<br />
has some of Scotland’s finest smoked<br />
salmon and whisky shops. Continue past<br />
Kennacraig, the ferry harbor that connects<br />
to the mythical and legendary island of Islay,<br />
and drive down the coast, passing stunning<br />
coastlines with seals perched on the rocks<br />
and smooth sandy beaches, and arrive at<br />
your destination.<br />
Campbeltown’s main distillery is Springbank,<br />
which produces three types of whiskies;<br />
Hazelburn, a non-peaty triple-distilled malt;<br />
Springbank, a slightly peaty but lovely<br />
oily and fruity malt; and Longrow, a more<br />
peated malt. Next door to Springbank is the<br />
Glengyle distillery, open for a few months of<br />
the year, which produces Kilkerran, another<br />
heavy, salty, and smoky malt that is full of<br />
character. Springbank ensures that all the<br />
stages of the whisky making process is<br />
done on site, including the malting of the<br />
barley, bottling, and aging of the casks.<br />
The smell is me-eyn oilom habo, and<br />
tasting the malts direct from their famous<br />
Cadenhead warehouse is an experience not<br />
to be missed.<br />
www.mochers.com
SPRINGBANK RUM<br />
WOOD 15 YEAR<br />
51% vol<br />
NOSE: Pineapple and toasted<br />
marshmallows, with sweet barley notes.<br />
TASTE: A sweet banoffee pie in liquid<br />
— do I need to say anything else? Try<br />
this delightful heavenly dram and be<br />
transported to another sphere. There<br />
were only 9,000 bottles made, but if you<br />
manage to get your hands on a bottle, it<br />
is well worth it!<br />
Sunset by Machrihanish<br />
Bay in the Mull of Kintyre<br />
HAZELBURN 13<br />
YEAR, OLOROSO<br />
CASK MATURED<br />
Bottled September 2020,<br />
50.3% vol<br />
NOSE: Coconut, tropical fruits, and<br />
crème brulee.<br />
TASTE: An explosion of wonderful<br />
tastes greets you, with stewed fruits,<br />
sweets, and aged bananas. It feels oily<br />
and so smooth, with the sludge of the<br />
Lagavulin special release and the deft<br />
softness of a Dalwhinnie. The flavors in<br />
this Campbeltown classic come back in<br />
waves that you would expect in a peaty<br />
whisky.<br />
Location: Bamford Edge,<br />
overlooking Ladybower<br />
reservoir, Peak District<br />
National Park, Derbyshire, UK<br />
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MOCHERS<br />
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DRINKS<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 SPRINGBANK 12<br />
YEAR, CASK<br />
Strength 56.1% vol<br />
NOSE: Apples, subtle marzipan, stewed<br />
fruits, and caramel toffee.<br />
TASTE: On the palate you’ll notice a hit<br />
of spiciness, with a nice oily feel. The<br />
spiciness moves to the sides of the tongue<br />
and then vanishes, with alcohol that is<br />
quite overpowering.<br />
Add a couple of drops of water and the<br />
complexion totally changes. It is a lot<br />
more oily, the spiciness subsides, and the<br />
caramel chocolate flavors come to the fore.<br />
The initial powerful dram loses its potency<br />
— with just three drops of water, the beast<br />
has been tamed.<br />
The Springbank has been transformed<br />
from one that is clawing at you to one that<br />
hugs you and touches your palate with<br />
warm whisky chocolate.<br />
Location: Derwent Water,<br />
Peak District National Park,<br />
Derbyshire, UK<br />
M<br />
Amir Ellituv is a contributor<br />
for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. Follow<br />
his brand @whiskyrabbi
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COFFEE<br />
GEARING<br />
UP FOR<br />
A GREAT<br />
CUP<br />
An overview of essential<br />
coffee equipment for unique<br />
personalities, tastes, and<br />
brew methods<br />
BY: TUVIA MACKAY<br />
24 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
M<br />
Our last installment of the <strong>Mochers</strong><br />
<strong>Magazine</strong> coffee section covered a<br />
range of coffee brew methods, from<br />
pour over to espresso.<br />
I hope you’ve had the opportunity to get out<br />
there, sample cups at your favorite café s, and<br />
discover what styles suit you best. Personally, I<br />
like to match my coffee to my mood, the foods<br />
I’m enjoying my cup with, and yes, the weather.<br />
On hurried mornings, I’ll have a quick espresso<br />
before hitting the gym; on lazy Sunday afternoons,<br />
I’ll chill with a tall cup of single-origin pour over;<br />
and on hot summer days, I can’t resist a good<br />
cold brew to cool me down and keep me going.<br />
POUR OVER: Pure Over. As simple as pour over<br />
is, there are still so many different setups on<br />
the market. Yet even in this crowded space, the<br />
Pure Over stands head and shoulders above the<br />
competition. A sleek, self-contained, all-glass<br />
system, the Pure Over is easy to use, beautiful<br />
to look at, and creates a crisp and clean cup that<br />
elevates your bean’s best qualities. There’s no metal<br />
filter to impart a funky taste and no paper filters that<br />
you’ll inevitably run out of at the worst possible time.<br />
(Retail price: $75 for the complete kit, available<br />
exclusively at pureover.com)<br />
However, if we learned anything from the last<br />
article, we know that drinking coffee is only a part<br />
of the enjoyment. The full experience comes from<br />
sourcing great beans, getting your hands dirty in<br />
the brewing process, and of course, sharing with<br />
friends and family. In this installation, we’ll cover<br />
some essential recommended gear, fit for the most<br />
discerning Mocher and tested by yours truly, to<br />
match coffee styles for every mood and occasion.<br />
GRINDER: Baratza Virtouso+. High-quality grinders<br />
aren’t just for your favorite, ahem, besomim. They<br />
also ensure that your coffee tastes fresh, vibrant,<br />
and retains its best qualities. Buy your beans whole,<br />
store them in an airtight container, and grind just<br />
before use for best results. Burr grinders are always<br />
the way to go. They are essentially small mills that<br />
crush your beans to a fine and consistent size, unlike<br />
blade grinders which will heat your beans as they<br />
slice, burning away those precious oils that coat the<br />
bean and detracting from the flavor. The Baratza<br />
Virtuoso+ is super easy to use, with 40 grind sizes<br />
from coarse cold brew all the way down to the finest<br />
espresso. The machine’s time settings allow you to<br />
dial in for the perfect quantity every time. It’s also<br />
super easy to clean, which is critical to keeping your<br />
grinder shmutz free. (Retail price: $249)<br />
ESPRESSO: Breville Bambino. Breville has long<br />
been one of the masters of espresso machines for<br />
serious home baristas. While we will cover the full<br />
range of at-home espresso machines in a future<br />
installation, the Bambino is a no-brainer for those<br />
getting started who value serious performance and<br />
unparalleled taste. This machine is the ultimate<br />
uncomplicated and compact device for those<br />
looking for incredible espresso-based drinks without<br />
the worry of a more complex piece of equipment.<br />
It comes with a built-in frothing wand for steaming<br />
milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino’s<br />
competitive price point is another plus for those who<br />
don’t want to dive into a more complex machine just<br />
yet. (Retail price: $299)<br />
Tuvia Mackay is a multidisciplinary<br />
connoisseur and all-around faynshmeker.<br />
His love of coffee started in earnest when<br />
he discovered a micro-roastery near his<br />
yeshiva and developed through numerous<br />
tastings and classes thereafter. These days,<br />
you can find Tuvia pulling espresso shots<br />
on his Lelit Bianca or walking Zeidy, his<br />
French bulldog. Tuvia can be reached for<br />
questions, comments, or inquiries on all<br />
things coffee at mocherscoffee@gmail.com.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 25
TRAVEL<br />
Kosher Guru’s<br />
Journey to<br />
Morocco<br />
A Warm Welcome to<br />
Jewish Visitors<br />
BY: GABRIEL BOXER<br />
My crazy Moroccan adventure<br />
during the pandemic was<br />
everything I thought it<br />
would be and much more. On a<br />
Sunday morning in February, with<br />
a sprinkling of snow in New York,<br />
Rebeka and I were checked into our<br />
flight by a courteous representative<br />
from Royal Air Maroc (RAM).<br />
The plane was sleek and sanitized, the<br />
staff above and beyond. Warm Moroccan<br />
hospitality was evident the<br />
moment we took our seats.<br />
We were greeted by the onboard<br />
staff who made sure<br />
our flight was comfortable<br />
and enjoyable. The lay-flat<br />
first class section was one<br />
of the most comfortable<br />
sections I have ever been in.<br />
They provided not only stellar service, but<br />
kosher food as well.<br />
EDITORIAL NOTE<br />
After we landed, we were greeted by Hamid<br />
Aberaouz of the Ministry of Tourism, our<br />
“protector” for the week. We drove to<br />
Rabat, the capital, and checked into our<br />
hotel, Sofitel Jardin des Roses. Almost<br />
immediately we were whisked off to enjoy<br />
the sights of the city.<br />
First was the oldest hotel in Rabat, called<br />
Tour Hassan. Its traditional Moroccan<br />
decor was evident, with all modern<br />
amenities. Many celebrities are known to<br />
stay here. In fact, there’s a hall dedicated to<br />
their photographs. We had an excellent tea<br />
experience, the first of many!<br />
As a result of the Abraham Accords in the fall of 2020, whereby four<br />
Muslim nations established cordial relations with the state of Israel,<br />
the government of Morocco invited Kosher Guru as a royal guest<br />
with the aim of opening the kingdom to Jewish travelers<br />
Our tour guide took us to the Mellah,<br />
the ancient Jewish quarter located in<br />
almost every medina (Old City). We saw the<br />
facade of an old shul, the homes that used<br />
to belong to Jewish families, and the streets<br />
named after prominent Jewish people.<br />
We went to see the Tower of Hassan, which<br />
would have been the highest tower in the<br />
city but was never completed. Next door is<br />
the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V and<br />
his two sons. A walk through Kasbah Des<br />
Oudayas led to stunning views of two cities<br />
and the shore. Throughout our tour we were<br />
impressed how clean Rabat is, and how<br />
much pride the people have in their culture.<br />
Early the next morning we set off for the city<br />
of Fez. We were in for a real treat, starting<br />
with Riad El Amine, the hotel<br />
where we stayed for the day. Fez<br />
is known for their riad (garden)<br />
accommodation. Many homes<br />
in the medinas have a beautiful<br />
garden at the center of their<br />
homes, with the rooms of the<br />
home surrounding it. In Fez<br />
many of these homes have been<br />
turned into lodging accommodations with<br />
modern amenities. Some even have pools,<br />
spas and other luxurious facilities for the<br />
guests. Staying at a riad you experience the<br />
warm hospitable culture of Morocco.<br />
Fez is known for the artisans who use old<br />
26 | MOCHERS<br />
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school methods to create a multitude of<br />
products. Many are taught a trade by their<br />
ancestors, some dating back to the 12th<br />
century. You never know what you will find<br />
behind closed doors.<br />
Our visit to Riad Palais Amani was a treat.<br />
Around the spectacular garden were<br />
unassuming doors that led to beautiful<br />
guest rooms with accommodations for<br />
about 30 people. On the rooftop there is a<br />
cooking school with stunning views of the<br />
medina of Fez.<br />
After a bite to eat, we were on the winding<br />
streets of the medina. After a few short<br />
steps we went up the stairs of a building that<br />
contained handcrafted leather goods. I had<br />
no idea where our guide was taking us, but<br />
we kept on walking through different rooms<br />
until we came to a porch with the coolest<br />
view and worst smell I’ve ever experienced<br />
in my life.<br />
Off the porch was a full view of the Chouara<br />
Tannery of Fez, which dates back to the<br />
12th century. Although super odorous from<br />
the use of animal feces and urine to soften<br />
the leather and remove the hairs of the<br />
animal, it was a sight not to be missed. It<br />
looks like a huge display of watercolors and<br />
it’s amazing that it’s still in use after 1,000<br />
years. Here they color and soften the leather<br />
to prepare it to make shoes, bags, jackets,<br />
and other colorful leather goods.<br />
A walk through the souk brought us to the<br />
many artisans working and selling their<br />
crafts. We saw woodworkers, coppersmiths,<br />
wool and yarn dyers using natural dyes,<br />
tapestry makers, women making traditional<br />
Moroccan delights, pottery, handcrafted<br />
metal works, blacksmiths and shoemakers.<br />
The level of craft was incredible, with skills<br />
MOCHERS<br />
passed from generation to generation. After<br />
a long day, we went to the top of a mountain<br />
to view the entire medina at sunset and grab<br />
some amazing pictures of the sights of Fez.<br />
As a treat before the COVID curfew, we<br />
had the opportunity to check out a modern<br />
hotel just outside of the medina of Fez. The<br />
Sahrai hotel has such a cool young vibe<br />
and amazing architecture — very modern<br />
yet with subtle Moroccan flair. After a long<br />
day, we were happy to get back to our<br />
traditional accommodations for some shut<br />
eye before the next day’s adventures.<br />
We woke up early for breakfast in our riad,<br />
then headed out to the Fez mosaic and<br />
pottery factory. It’s all handmade, handpainted<br />
and sold the way the craftsman’s<br />
father taught him. It was amazing to see<br />
how the fountains were poured and the<br />
tiles made to create the amazing Moroccan<br />
mosaics you see in so many buildings.<br />
The King’s palace in Fez is right next to<br />
the Mellah, the Jewish quarter. There sits<br />
a synagogue with traditional Moroccan<br />
lanterns and mikvah, all from the 18th<br />
century. As the Jewish sights and<br />
synagogues are under the protection of the<br />
king, there were guards everywhere.<br />
Most Jewish quarters in Morocco also have<br />
Jewish cemeteries attached. It’s remarkable<br />
to see our ancient culture and heritage<br />
still extant. We inspected the communal<br />
bakery ovens, where even to this day a<br />
Jewish shamash lights the fire, symbolizing<br />
the Jews and Muslims who live in peace<br />
together.<br />
I was proud to be Jewish in Morocco.<br />
Throughout our visit we were called “brother”<br />
and “cousin.” People were happy to see us<br />
walking around the streets of Morocco with<br />
a yarmulke.<br />
We went to visit Riad Myra, run exclusively<br />
by women. As the owner explained, women<br />
are the ones who run a traditional Moroccan<br />
home and can operate a riad better than<br />
anyone. So in Riad Myra women cook, serve,<br />
and handle all aspects of a traditional riad.<br />
From there we went to see the house of<br />
Rambam, where he taught and learned. It<br />
was a special feeling to be able to walk in<br />
the same streets where the great Rambam<br />
spent a great portion of his life.<br />
Throughout our trip every guide was quick<br />
to tell us how Morocco was considered a<br />
Berber and Jewish site before it became the<br />
Muslim country that it is today. Morocco<br />
stresses a love for all people regardless of<br />
faith. Most Moroccans we spoke to said<br />
they are Moroccan first and their religion is<br />
second. It was an incredibly special place<br />
to be with all the chaos and antisemitism in<br />
our world today.<br />
A break in our riad after a long day was much<br />
appreciated, where we took advantage of<br />
the amazing decor to grab some pictures<br />
before heading out to visit Riad Karawan.<br />
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27<br />
This riad was nestled deep in the streets of the medina and<br />
we needed an escort to take us there so we wouldn’t get lost.<br />
Behind these closed doors was a stunning modern riad. Every<br />
room was different and beautiful and portrayed the owner’s<br />
lust for travel and adventure.<br />
In Rabat we were shown another riad called Dar el Kabira<br />
Salam that was situated in the medina. Although the riad<br />
was older, the views from the rooftop were dazzling, and the<br />
hospitality was above and beyond.<br />
JOURNEY TO MARRAKECH<br />
On our way to the city of Marrakech we enjoyed the<br />
breathtaking countryside. The flocks of sheep made for a<br />
pretty sight. We drove a few miles along the forest of cork<br />
trees which Morocco is known for. It was just a pretty journey<br />
heading into the desert where Marrakech is located.<br />
Upon arrival at the Pearl Hotel, we were shown the most<br />
heartfelt warmth from the entire staff. The hotel boasts three<br />
pools, an incredible spa which I highly recommend checking<br />
out, and the coolest rooftop circular bar that was enjoyed by<br />
locals as well as hotel guests. Our suite was extraordinary,<br />
from the decor to every modern amenity one can ask for. We<br />
enjoyed dinner on the rooftop that overlooks the walls of the<br />
medina of Marrakech; it was only a tease of the days that<br />
were to follow.<br />
Our day started super early with a visit to the Yves Saint<br />
Laurent museum, next door to the Majorelle Garden where<br />
YSL had his home. Many of his fashion inspirations came<br />
from Marrakech. The museum was dedicated to his fashion<br />
over the years and was interesting to see. However, the<br />
gardens were the highlight, with the colors, fountains and<br />
beautiful foliage you cannot help but fall in love with. The<br />
shocking blue villa of YSL is now a museum dedicated to the<br />
history of Berber culture. There are artifacts of the history of<br />
Morocco with its Berber, Jewish and Islamic influences.<br />
28 | MOCHERS www.mochers.com
We went into the medina of Marrakech<br />
to another museum called Dar el Bacha,<br />
which was originally a palace owned by a<br />
wealthy Moroccan family. Dar el Bacha now<br />
houses a museum of Moroccan culture<br />
with a popular coffee shop. The rooms<br />
with the mosaics were enthralling and the<br />
garden with the orange trees spectacular.<br />
The museum displays artifacts from<br />
the religious cultures that helped shape<br />
Morocco today. I especially enjoyed seeing<br />
such exhibits as the Torahs, tefillin and<br />
tallit bags as well as traditional clothing of<br />
Moroccan Jews.<br />
We then went to the Dar el Said Museum,<br />
originally a palace owned by a wealthy<br />
family. It is known as the museum of<br />
weaving. We learned about Berber and<br />
Muslim rugs and the culture of rugs for the<br />
Moroccan people. In Moroccan culture rugs<br />
gain value with age, and a rug is seen as an<br />
investment.<br />
In the medina of Marrakech there is a<br />
restaurant owned by Che Moha. He is wellknown<br />
in the country, and has been a top<br />
chef in the U.S. After watching a cooking<br />
demo at his beautiful restaurant, we spoke<br />
to him about opening a kosher spot in New<br />
York.<br />
SHABBOS IN MARRAKECH<br />
On Friday we needed to get back to our hotel<br />
for Shabbos. What better way to prepare<br />
other than a traditional Moroccan hammam<br />
and a massage at The Pearl Hotel. It was<br />
an experience I will never forget. I can’t wait<br />
to return to Morocco for more pampering.<br />
The spa at the Pearl was incredible. It was<br />
complete with both a men’s and women’s<br />
area for hammam, and another area for a<br />
private hammam. We went to the private<br />
hammam which contained saunas, hot tubs,<br />
and traditional stone tables where your skin<br />
is cleaned and scrubbed. Something tells<br />
me these weren’t the typical hammams in<br />
the streets of the medina, but this was more<br />
my cup of tea. My skin felt so refreshing<br />
after being scrubbed and cleaned, and the<br />
relaxing massage just did the trick to help<br />
me set the mood for Shabbos.<br />
We made sure to order Shabbos food to be<br />
delivered to our hotel. We called the kosher<br />
restaurant Dar Ima, which was closed<br />
during our stay, but managed to coax the<br />
owner to deliver Shabbos complete with<br />
challah, wine, traditional Moroccan salads,<br />
fish, and meat.<br />
Thank you to the Pearl Hotel for the<br />
incredible suite where we were able to enjoy<br />
welcoming Shabbos.<br />
We decided to take walking tours so we<br />
could enjoy Marrakech and Shabbos at the<br />
same time. After we davened and tasted<br />
some of the Moroccan salads from Dar<br />
Ima, we walked from our hotel into the<br />
streets of the medina and around Koutoubia<br />
Mosque and its gardens, the largest mosque<br />
in Marrakech, located near Jemaa el-Fna<br />
Square. We were told more than 20,000<br />
Muslims come to pray during Ramadan. If<br />
you cannot get a spot inside, the outdoor<br />
area has pillars to pray.<br />
On to the mellah, the Jewish quarter, to<br />
the synagogue Al Azama. It is a courtyard<br />
that contains a beautiful blue and white<br />
decorated synagogue, with a women’s<br />
section up a flight of stairs. It also has a<br />
Talmud Torah and a soup kitchen. The<br />
synagogue is no longer in use on Shabbos;<br />
there is another shul outside of the old<br />
medina, where more Jews live today.<br />
A few minutes got us to the old cemetery.<br />
We did not go in, but were told it’s one of<br />
the largest Jewish cemeteries in Morocco.<br />
We passed by a carpet store that used to<br />
be an old synagogue and walked along the<br />
surrounding streets of Jemaa el-Fna, which<br />
is the main square in Marrakech. As in Fez,<br />
there were artisans selling their handmade<br />
goods.<br />
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The Jewish community of Marrakech<br />
no longer resides within the mellah of<br />
Marrakech, but Jewish history and couture<br />
are still preserved by order of the king.<br />
Throughout our visit we were greeted in<br />
the streets with “shalom aleichem” and<br />
“welcome my brother.” Marrakech’s history,<br />
culture, and atmosphere is remarkable.<br />
Our “tent” was not a simple tent. It was an<br />
extravagant oasis with private showers,<br />
bathrooms, modern amenities, and of<br />
course, air conditioning for the day and heat<br />
for the night when it gets quite chilly. We<br />
watched the jaw-dropping sunset over the<br />
infinity pool and enjoyed a delicious dinner<br />
in one of the common areas of the resort. If<br />
this is what camping is like, sign me up for<br />
next year!<br />
King Mohamed VI. The museum boasts an<br />
old synagogue and portrays the history of<br />
the Moroccan Jews.<br />
We met the chief advisor to the king, André<br />
Azoulay, and thanked him for his relentless<br />
support. We visited the Gadol Rav Pintos<br />
shul, his home, and the Jewish cemetery<br />
where he is buried. The day ended with a<br />
stay in the stunning Hotel Sofitel with a<br />
breathtaking pool and refreshing spa.<br />
A NIGHT IN THE DESERT<br />
The next day, we decided to buy some<br />
souvenirs for the little ones at home, so we<br />
went straight to the souk. After some back<br />
and forth, I ended up with enough goods that<br />
I needed to procure a new suitcase. Then<br />
we started our drive into the desert toward<br />
Agafay, 45 minutes from Marrakech.<br />
I was told we would be spending the night<br />
camping. The camping sight was called the<br />
White Camel Lodge. It wasn’t just camping,<br />
rather “glamping.” The White Camel Lodge<br />
is a stunning resort located in the middle<br />
of the desert, with solitary views of sandy<br />
hills on the far horizon. The owner talked<br />
to us about putting in a kosher kitchen and<br />
was excited for Jewish tourism to come for<br />
his accommodations. He ordered kosher<br />
food for us, and even served us on brand<br />
new dishes he kept in the original cartons.<br />
Of course, we partook in some of the<br />
adventures the glamping site had to offer,<br />
including ATV tours and a sunset camel ride.<br />
30 | MOCHERS<br />
ESSAOUIRA<br />
I woke up and saw the sun wasn’t quite up<br />
yet, so I decided to daven right outside my<br />
“tent” and watch the sunrise. It was such<br />
a special treat to be able to daven in such<br />
a setting. After breakfast we headed to<br />
Essaouira for our COVID tests to get back<br />
home and to tour the stunning city on the<br />
shore. In Essaouira we saw a hotel with a<br />
riad-like feel called l’heure Bleu, located<br />
within the medina. It was a very pretty hotel<br />
with a rooftop pool and 360-degree views of<br />
the city.<br />
We went down to the port and fishing area<br />
that was bustling with fishermen ready to go<br />
out to sea and kids swimming in the ocean.<br />
Opposite the port is the Gate of Tolerance,<br />
bringing together Christianity, Judaism and<br />
Islam by Mohammad III. Then off we went<br />
to Dar Dikra, now a museum inducted by<br />
OUIDAD CITY<br />
On the way to Casablanca, we stopped at a<br />
stunning resort called La Sultana, located<br />
on a lagoon off the ocean in Ouidad City.<br />
The resort accommodates 30 guests and<br />
has 70 employees. It’s luxury at its finest.<br />
We enjoyed the lagoon on a boat ride along<br />
the shores and relaxed on some plush<br />
lounge chairs by the pool. At its farm-totable<br />
restaurant we sampled some of the<br />
produce that is grown right next door. In<br />
fact, the resort is built on an old tomato<br />
farm. We wished we had one more night to<br />
enjoy the wonderful La Sultana.<br />
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M<br />
Phal. We went to the Hassan<br />
II mosque situated on the coast. As<br />
the largest mosque in Morocco, it<br />
holds 100,000 worshippers during<br />
Ramadan.<br />
The Jewish museum in Casablanca<br />
is set in a former orphanage and<br />
depicts the Jewish culture and<br />
history of the Moroccan Jews. It is<br />
filled with numerous artifacts and<br />
remnants from old synagogues<br />
throughout the country. It was a<br />
superb place to visit and marvel at<br />
the original menorahs, tallis bags,<br />
tefillin bags, bridal jewelry, bridal<br />
dresses and clothing that Moroccan<br />
Jews were known to wear. Hanging<br />
in the front hall of the museum is the<br />
2011 amendment to the Moroccan<br />
constitution which guarantees<br />
freedom of religious practice to all<br />
faiths.<br />
Many people ask if Morocco is safe<br />
for Jews. My response is 100% yes!<br />
The king protects the Jews and<br />
all Jewish sites. Not once did I feel<br />
uncomfortable wearing my yarmulke<br />
and tzitzit. In fact, countless people<br />
thanked us for coming here.<br />
We were sad to leave but we had<br />
a houseful of kids awaiting their<br />
Moroccan gifts. On board RAM,<br />
one of the best airlines I have ever<br />
flown, we were again treated like<br />
royalty, with all the warm Moroccan<br />
hospitality we were accustomed to<br />
during our visit. We can’t wait to go<br />
back!<br />
Gabriel Boxer is a<br />
lead contributing editor<br />
& senior producer for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. Follow<br />
his brand @kosherguru<br />
CASABLANCA<br />
We arrived in Casablanca to our Hotel Kenzi Tower ,<br />
where a kosher bottle of wine and some sweet treats<br />
greeted us in our suite. The hotel is modern, clean and<br />
within walking distance to the Jewish area and kosher<br />
food in the city. While we waited for food to come from<br />
a local caterer, we went out to explore the city on foot.<br />
Casablanca is a typical European city with traffic and<br />
the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s amazing how<br />
every city we visited had its own charm and culture.<br />
In the morning we met with the head of tourism in<br />
Casablanca and the managers of several large hotel<br />
chains to discuss the prospects of Jewish tourism in<br />
Morocco. In the wake of the signing of the Abraham<br />
accords, there are several kosher restaurants set to<br />
open in some of the bigger hotels to prepare for the<br />
influx of Israeli and American Jewish travelers. We<br />
were so excited with all the plans to welcome and<br />
accommodate the kosher traveler to Morocco.<br />
On a quick tour of the city, we saw the synagogue and<br />
the oldest kosher bakery in Morocco called Madam<br />
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SHPITZ<br />
SUITS<br />
In<br />
Defense<br />
of the<br />
Summer<br />
Suit<br />
BY: ANDREW LOCK<br />
32 | MOCHERS<br />
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The first thing a clothier must<br />
do when meeting with a client<br />
is have a conversation about<br />
what the client needs. This way,<br />
their precious hour together can<br />
stay focused, without wasting time<br />
poring over swatches that might be<br />
irrelevant and needlessly confusing.<br />
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The greater the number of fabric books<br />
taken out of the closet and laid on the table<br />
for perusal, the greater the chance that the<br />
client will have difficulty finding something<br />
he likes. Being overwhelmed with too many<br />
choices is never a good thing. One of the first<br />
questions for the clothier to ask is whether<br />
the client would like a seasonal fabric or<br />
something to wear year-round. Of course,<br />
the seasonality of a fabric is not just a matter<br />
of the fabric’s weight — there are heavy<br />
summer fabrics and lightweight winter<br />
fabrics. Color plays a part in determining<br />
seasonality, but there is nothing inherently<br />
wrong with wearing light grey or periwinkle<br />
blue in the winter or dark somber shades in<br />
the summer. While it is not recommended to<br />
wear a bright fabric to an evening wedding<br />
or to shul on Friday night, that same fabric<br />
can look fantastic on a sunny winter day.<br />
Be careful though — some fabrics are such<br />
a light shade that they may never look<br />
winter-appropriate. However, I am a firm<br />
believer in the old adage “you have to know<br />
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the rules to break the rules.” If you<br />
understand what works and what<br />
is expected in different situations,<br />
you can bend those rules to create<br />
your own personal style. I would<br />
be remiss not to mention that it is<br />
possible to stretch that concept too<br />
far, which is where the advice of a<br />
professional clothier can help you<br />
develop your unique look while still<br />
adhering to common fashion sense.<br />
More often than not, clients request<br />
suits that can be worn year round.<br />
This seems to make sense because<br />
each custom suit is an investment<br />
and who wants to have a large part<br />
of his wardrobe hanging unused for<br />
several months of the year?<br />
It actually may be worth<br />
approaching this question from a<br />
different perspective. Do you want<br />
to wear a year-round suit when it is<br />
frigid outside and you have to walk to<br />
shul in sub-freezing temperatures?<br />
Would it not be preferable to wear<br />
a handsome, durable flannel that<br />
drapes better than anything else<br />
you own? Think about the humid<br />
summer months. Wouldn’t you<br />
choose to wear a fabric that is light<br />
as air and doesn’t stick to your legs<br />
and make you sweat?<br />
Additionally, it’s not as though a<br />
summer suit must be worn for<br />
strictly four to six months before<br />
being locked away. One may not<br />
want to wear a tropical suit in the<br />
dead of winter, but there are plenty<br />
of mild days on which a lightweight<br />
suit would work just fine.<br />
Fabric weight is measured in ounces<br />
per square yard or grams per<br />
square meter. Lightweight suiting<br />
fabrics generally range from 190-<br />
240g and midweight fabrics range<br />
from 250-300g. Anything over 300g<br />
is fairly heavy and best reserved for<br />
colder seasons. Contrary to popular<br />
assumption, the “super number”<br />
has nothing to do with weight; it<br />
simply indicates the diameter of the<br />
fibers used.<br />
For example, the term Super 150s<br />
means that the fibers are 16.25<br />
microns in diameter while the fibers<br />
used for super 200s fabric are 13.75<br />
microns around. A fabric with a<br />
higher super number will generally<br />
have a softer, more luxurious feel, at<br />
the expense of durability and drape.<br />
To make things more complex, the<br />
34 | MOCHERS<br />
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weight of the fabric doesn’t give you all the<br />
information you need to tell you whether it<br />
will wear warm or cool.<br />
A 240g twill with some cashmere in the<br />
blend and a brushed flannel finish can wear<br />
warmer than a 280g Fresco wool with a<br />
high-twist open weave that allows air to<br />
travel right through.<br />
This is only one example of why it is so<br />
important to work with a clothier who<br />
understands more than just how to note an<br />
order form and take measurements. A good<br />
clothier listens to his or her clients’ needs<br />
and guides them to build wardrobes that<br />
are current and versatile. Sometimes it’s as<br />
simple as a gentle suggestion that the fabric<br />
in question is “nice but not necessarily what<br />
you need” or showing a new pattern or style<br />
that the client may not have considered<br />
in the past. (Such as pinstripes. I repeat:<br />
Pinstripes!)<br />
Summer fabrics<br />
can be woven from<br />
a variety of raw<br />
materials such<br />
as linen, mohair,<br />
cotton, silk, wool,<br />
and an infinite<br />
number of blends of<br />
any of them.<br />
Summer fabrics can be woven from a<br />
variety of raw materials such as linen,<br />
mohair, cotton, silk, wool, and an infinite<br />
number of blends of any of them. Each<br />
has its inherent strengths, weaknesses,<br />
and idiosyncrasies. Like a whisky that is<br />
blended to highlight the best aspects of its<br />
ingredients, blended fabrics intend to let the<br />
wearer enjoy the best features of each part<br />
of its composition.<br />
Wool is breathable and widely available<br />
in the most colors and patterns. It is<br />
hygroscopic, which means that it can wick<br />
moisture away from the body. In fact, tests<br />
show that wool is less likely than other<br />
fabrics to carry an odor, and it can be<br />
freshened by just hanging and letting it air<br />
for a bit. Wool also tends to keep its shape,<br />
so it works well if one enjoys a crisp look.<br />
Wool can be woven with an open weave<br />
that allows air to pass through and keep<br />
the wearer cool on hot, humid days. Minnis<br />
Fresco, woven in Huddersfield, England, is a<br />
perfect example. It is heavier than what one<br />
would expect from a typical summer cloth<br />
but the high twist of the fibers allows it to<br />
retain its shape remarkably well. It is one<br />
of the most durable suiting fabrics made<br />
and is a very smart choice for a summer<br />
MOCHERS<br />
wardrobe. The weight and drape make it an<br />
excellent candidate to be tailored with little<br />
or no lining, allowing even more air to pass<br />
through. Fresco is also popular as a travel<br />
suit since it can be treated less-than-gently,<br />
with few ill effects.<br />
Lightweight wools such as Vitale Barberis<br />
120s and Loro Piana Tropical Wish 170s<br />
are also excellent choices for summer<br />
suiting. A plain weave, also referred to as a<br />
tropical weave, has less fiber per inch than<br />
a typical twill, causing it to weigh less. Suits<br />
created from these fabrics can be tailored<br />
with a lightweight canvas interlining that<br />
will provide structure while still allowing a<br />
luxurious light-as-air feel.<br />
While jackets tend to fare well in extra<br />
lightweight fabrics, it can be harder for<br />
trousers to maintain their structure and<br />
there is a bit of trade-off compared to a<br />
typical four-season twill.<br />
Linen is often the first fabric that comes<br />
to mind when thinking of summer suits.<br />
It certainly stays cool and breathes<br />
exceptionally well, but there is the very<br />
subjective question of whether the rumply<br />
nature of linen is a feature or a flaw. It does<br />
not belong at a formal wedding, but if some<br />
care is taken when it is worn, linen can<br />
stay somewhat crisp throughout the day.<br />
Heavier linen is less prone to rumpling but<br />
is less comfortable than lighter alternatives.<br />
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M<br />
Hemp is functionally the same as linen,<br />
even though they come from completely<br />
different sources. Interestingly, the fibers<br />
can only be distinguished by the direction in<br />
which they twist when wetted: hemp turns<br />
counterclockwise, linen clockwise.<br />
Mohair, made of the hair of the angora goat,<br />
is a fabric one might not associate with<br />
summer. It is rarely used on its own due<br />
to its rough feel and high cost. However, it<br />
truly shines when blended with wool, and<br />
not only because of the luster mohair gives<br />
the fabric. This luster is popular for tuxedos,<br />
but it can also create an eye-catching effect<br />
in a true blue or navy summer suit. Mohair<br />
is exceptionally durable and even just a bit<br />
of it blended into a fabric gives the fabric<br />
increased resilience and resistance to<br />
creasing. Most wool-mohair blends contain<br />
between two and fifteen percent mohair;<br />
more than that can make the fabric a bit too<br />
rough. Silk, which can add some stiffness<br />
and a bit of sheen, is also usually used as a<br />
small component of a blended fabric.<br />
Cotton is another popular summer fabric,<br />
but like all the others, it has benefits as well<br />
as drawbacks. It tends to have good body,<br />
which allows it to be worn unlined, but it is<br />
quick to crease and is more likely than wool<br />
or linen to hold moisture. Because of this,<br />
cotton has to be dry cleaned more often<br />
than wool to keep it fresh. One nice feature<br />
of cotton is that it will fade a bit as it ages.<br />
This gives it a casual “lived in” look that<br />
pairs well with a knitted tie. Cotton is also<br />
used to make seersucker, one of the bestknown<br />
summer fabrics. Loro Piana makes<br />
a seersucker using a wool and silk blend<br />
that is an intriguing option for someone<br />
who wants a suit even lighter than cotton<br />
seersucker.<br />
All in all, when it comes to making a summer<br />
suit or sportcoat, there are plenty of options<br />
to accommodate every taste, fit, and style.<br />
While it may seem easier to limit oneself to<br />
classic year-round suits, doing so would be<br />
to ignore a world of summer (and winter)<br />
fabrics that would revitalize your wardrobe.<br />
It is certainly worthwhile to explore your<br />
options and make a knowledgeable decision<br />
when buying your next suit.<br />
Andrew Lock is the proprietor of Andrew<br />
Lock Custom Menswear at 403 Central<br />
Avenue in Cedarhurst. His shop offers all<br />
manners of custom clothing as well as fine<br />
shoes, accessories, wardrobe consulting<br />
services, and the best cappuccino in town.<br />
Call 516.619.6264 or visit NYbespoke.com<br />
to schedule a fitting.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
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FOOD<br />
EATS,<br />
MEATS<br />
BY: SHLOMO ASSAYAG<br />
& THE Q<br />
With warmer weather quickly<br />
approaching, one thing<br />
we can count on is getting<br />
back to the barbecue and enjoying<br />
time outdoors. I love grilling — it’s a<br />
pastime many of us enjoy and a great<br />
way to safely bring people together<br />
outdoors.<br />
Although the art of grilling takes on many<br />
shapes and forms, everyone has their<br />
favorite item to throw on the grill and mine is<br />
steak. There's nothing like a delicious hunk<br />
of meat grilled perfectly and paired with<br />
your favorite sides to truly mark the start<br />
of the summer season (no pun intended).<br />
So which steaks are great for the BBQ and<br />
how do you achieve that perfect steak? It<br />
all starts with your choice of cut. My top<br />
picks are beef rib steaks, rib eye steaks,<br />
Tomahawk steaks, and cowboy steaks.<br />
Grilling can be a daunting task for some —<br />
despite what most people think, you are not<br />
simply born with the ability to grill perfectly.<br />
Having the right cuts, ingredients, and tips<br />
can make all the difference in the success<br />
of your grilling efforts.<br />
Kitchen prep<br />
To start, the steaks should be at room<br />
temperature, not straight out of the fridge,<br />
before they hit the grill. Steak should be<br />
cooked briefly at a high temperature and if<br />
they're cold, it’ll take much longer to cook<br />
and your results will not be optimal. With a<br />
great cut of meat, all you need is salt and<br />
pepper, but if you want to get fancy, you<br />
can use the Kosher King's Steak Rub for a<br />
guaranteed trip to flavor town.<br />
Pat your steaks dry before applying any<br />
spices or rubs to achieve the perfect sear.<br />
You can also spread a little oil to help your<br />
spices or rub adhere to the steak.<br />
Make sure your grill is clean<br />
You should always keep your grill clean, and<br />
this includes the space underneath the grill<br />
rack and grates. Simple maintenance will<br />
prevent flare ups, which can really damage<br />
your cooking process and your grill. If a fire<br />
does pop up, simply close the lid to deprive<br />
the fire of oxygen and that should take care<br />
of it. If you don't have a lid, you can spray a<br />
small amount of water into the fire. Keep in<br />
mind that fires will happen if your grill isn't<br />
clean. If a fire proves difficult to extinguish,<br />
sprinkle salt or baking soda directly over the<br />
grates.<br />
The easiest, non-toxic way to scrub a dirty<br />
grill rack clean is to wipe it down with an<br />
onion. Make sure the grill is on and at least<br />
warm before you begin this process to draw<br />
out the natural cleaning agents found inside<br />
the layers of an onion. Slice the onion in half<br />
and skewer it with a long grilling fork, which<br />
will allow you the freedom of scraping the<br />
racks with a good grip on the otherwise<br />
slippery onion. You'll notice excess debris<br />
peeling right off as you run the freshly cut<br />
onion across the grill. The added flavor to<br />
the grill itself is a great bonus when using<br />
this method to clean. Not only does the<br />
onion clean well and add flavor, but it will<br />
also coat the racks with its oils to prevent<br />
future build up.<br />
Grill Time<br />
Before you begin grilling, heat the grill to the<br />
desired temperature and grease the grates<br />
with some oil to make sure things don't<br />
stick. This is especially important when<br />
grilling chicken but is helpful for anything<br />
you choose to grill. Next, make sure the grill<br />
is HOT! Any experienced griller knows every<br />
grill has its own quirks and temperature<br />
variations. The perfect cooking temperature<br />
can vary based on the size and style of your<br />
grill so you can play around as you go. For<br />
a brand new grill, it’s always a good idea<br />
to test it out with chicken first. There's a<br />
lot more leeway and a longer cooking time<br />
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FOOD<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39<br />
for chicken so it gives you a chance to get<br />
comfortable.<br />
Keep cooking temperatures in mind when<br />
planning what will go on the grill first.<br />
Chicken cooks more slowly over low heat,<br />
so it has time to cook through thoroughly. If<br />
you’re grilling steaks as well, cook those at<br />
the end over high heat. Another commonly<br />
made mistake is making skewers with a<br />
combination of meat and vegetables. These<br />
items cook at different temperatures and<br />
the vegetables will often end up burnt or<br />
undercooked, depending on the protein they<br />
were cooked with. When cooked separately,<br />
each ingredient can be cooked for just the<br />
right length of time, resulting in perfectly<br />
cooked vegetables and meat.<br />
Once grilling the steaks, make sure to only<br />
flip them once. A critical error many make is<br />
to keep flipping steaks over and over, which<br />
will surely affect your final result and not in<br />
a good way. Don't poke or stab the steak to<br />
check if it’s ready — this causes the juices<br />
in the center to escape and can result in<br />
rubbery results. When you do make the flip,<br />
especially with large pieces of meat, the<br />
easiest way is to use tongs. A good set of<br />
long grilling tongs are a must have to keep<br />
your hands away from the fire and give you<br />
lots of control. If you're not sure if the steak<br />
is ready to flip, use the tongs to gently lift<br />
a corner and take a peek at the cooking<br />
progress.<br />
Meat continues to cook after it comes off<br />
the grill (through carryover heat), so it’s<br />
best to remove it just before it reaches your<br />
desired result so it doesn’t overcook. Let<br />
meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing it so<br />
the juices have a chance to settle back into<br />
the meat, then slice against the grain.<br />
indulge<br />
Now that you have a good steak going, you’ll<br />
likely want to throw more things on the grill<br />
and I’m here to tell you to get creative! The<br />
grill can be used for so much more than<br />
meat and chicken. In my experience, you<br />
can pretty much throw anything on. Some<br />
of my unexpected favorites are watermelon,<br />
pineapple, and avocado. I also love grilled<br />
salami and......wait for it......kishka!!! Cut<br />
the kishka into thick slices and watch a<br />
delicious outer crust form for the ultimate<br />
crunch. Lastly, don’t forget to crack open a<br />
cold beer or a nice bottle of wine, whichever<br />
you prefer.<br />
Whatever you throw on your grill, these<br />
simple tips will help you make the most of<br />
your grilling as you enjoy time outdoors with<br />
friends and family. Enjoy the season, stay<br />
safe, and happy grilling!<br />
The Kosher King's Steak Rub:<br />
• ¼ cup coarse salt<br />
• 1 tablespoon coarse cracked black pepper<br />
• 1 tablespoon onion powder<br />
• 1 tablespoon paprika<br />
M<br />
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated garlic<br />
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary, lightly crushed<br />
• 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red chili flakes<br />
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme<br />
“Don’t forget to<br />
keep it kosher!”<br />
-The Kosher King<br />
Shlomo Assayag Is a contributor<br />
for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>, follow him<br />
on Instagram and Facebook<br />
@thekosherking<br />
40 | MOCHERS<br />
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MOCHERS<br />
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M<br />
CARS<br />
Rentals on the<br />
Road for<br />
BY: DAVID NAHEM<br />
With so much talk about<br />
brands moving to EVs<br />
(electric vehicles), with the<br />
Mustang Mach E, Audi Etron, and<br />
Tesla model Y hitting the roads, let's<br />
take a quick break.<br />
As the weather is warming up, we all get in<br />
the mood of some summer vibes. I'll never<br />
forget the weekend I was going away and<br />
I needed a rental. What would a car guy do<br />
when given the opportunity but jump into<br />
something fun?<br />
It was 86 degrees, and soon I was driving<br />
in a brand new shiny Mustang with the top<br />
down — I'd call it tanning on the go. Speeding<br />
over the Verrazano bridge in a car like that is<br />
just something different than your average<br />
day!<br />
We all need a little vacation sometimes, and<br />
a simple way to enhance your getaway or a<br />
vacation at home is just to rent the perfect<br />
car. Do you ever want to get that thrill of<br />
freedom? On another occasion when I<br />
needed a rental, a Bright Red Camaro SS<br />
caught my eye as soon as I drove into the<br />
lot. It’s a 6.2 liter V8 with 455 horses and<br />
I knew this would be the one I'd be going<br />
home with. Sitting behind the wheel of this<br />
beast is exhilarating — the only problem can<br />
be too much power under that hood!<br />
If attention is not your thing, you can hop<br />
into a Wrangler or something else you’ve<br />
always wanted to try and find some off<br />
roading trails that are a hell of a lot of fun.<br />
Another time, a friend of mine had a Grand<br />
Cherokee Limited X that needed some<br />
repair work (we all know what it’s like when<br />
it comes to American cars) so off to the<br />
rental center we went. We spotted a nice<br />
Tahoe in the corner, and the sales guy got<br />
right to work, trying to convince us to rent<br />
it for $200 a day. We had a budget to stick<br />
to, so we ended up with the more affordable<br />
Nissan Yaris. Surprisingly, my friend loved<br />
the Yaris so much, he’s even considering<br />
getting one for his next car! With a rental<br />
company, there will always be someone<br />
there to help you out, but you may not end<br />
up with the car you want at the price you<br />
were hoping for.<br />
For a more personal experience, check out<br />
turo.com, which is an AirBnB or Uber-like<br />
service to rent out people's cars, which<br />
adds a special bonus of not dealing with<br />
professional sales people. It’s more homey<br />
and you can get a good bang for your buck.<br />
Unlike a professional car service, however,<br />
because you are dealing with a private party,<br />
there can be last minute cancellations or<br />
hiccups.<br />
It's not where you go, it's how you get there.<br />
Safe travels!<br />
David Nahem is<br />
a contributor for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
and a car specialist at<br />
Express Leasing.<br />
42 | MOCHERS<br />
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BY: AVRAHOM PRESSBURGER<br />
Summer invokes thoughts of<br />
spending time in the sun, sitting<br />
poolside, and manning the grill.<br />
What better way to go through these<br />
moments than with a beer in your<br />
hand?<br />
KOSHER<br />
CRAFT<br />
BEER<br />
While some might make the case that this is<br />
when you should reach for the classic light<br />
and refreshing Bud, Miller, or Coors, I would<br />
argue for the following three options, which<br />
demonstrate that a full-flavored beer can be<br />
very refreshing as well.<br />
1 2 3<br />
Avrahom Pressburger founded www.koshercraftbeer.com in 2016 when<br />
he saw a need for kosher beer news. His primary focus is now Instagram<br />
and his username is @Koshercraftbeer. He can be reached via email to<br />
discuss any beer-related questions at Koshercraftbeer@gmail.com.<br />
1. Boulevard Tank 7<br />
Boulevard may be my favorite koshercertified<br />
brewery, with a wide variety of<br />
beer across the spectrum of different<br />
styles, many of which are koshercertified.<br />
Tank 7 is a saison, also known<br />
as a farmhouse ale. Saisons are known<br />
for the flavor the yeast imparts, which<br />
can lend earthy and peppery notes. What<br />
makes Tank 7 unique is the addition of<br />
American Amarillo hops, which add<br />
citrus notes to an already flavorful beer.<br />
Despite coming in at 8.5% ABV, Tank 7<br />
is crisp and perfect for a summer day.<br />
Certified kosher by the Vaad of KC.<br />
(Availability, year-round)<br />
2. Sam Adam’s Wicked Easy<br />
What would a kosher beer list be without<br />
a Sam Adams on it? Formerly known<br />
as Sam ‘76 and recently rebranded as<br />
Wicked Easy, this is a light and easydrinking<br />
lager featuring a light-bodied<br />
character, with bright citrus and tropical<br />
fruit notes and a clean, crisp finish. This<br />
is also a low alcohol beer at 4.7% ABV<br />
— perfect for those summer moments.<br />
Certified kosher by the Star-K.<br />
(Availability, year-round)<br />
3. Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy<br />
Founded in 1867, Leinenkugel’s is not your<br />
typical craft brewery. Five generations of<br />
Leinenkugels manned the brewery until<br />
1988, when it was sold to Miller Brewing<br />
Company. They offer other shandies over<br />
the course of the year, but the summer<br />
version is likely their most popular. Summer<br />
Shandy is a Weiss beer brewed with wheat<br />
and has natural lemonade flavor added.<br />
The taste is reminiscent of Lemon Heads<br />
candy and it’s easy drinking coming in<br />
at 4.2% ABV. Certified kosher by the OU.<br />
(Availability, March-August)<br />
M<br />
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SHTICK<br />
LAB<br />
44 | MOCHERS<br />
2norlan whiskey glass<br />
Set of 2<br />
glasses<br />
I have been on the search for a new whisky<br />
glass for a while. Most are similar, and don’t<br />
seem to offer anything unique. Well, at least<br />
until I discovered these Norlan glasses, made<br />
of mouth-blown double-walled borosilicate<br />
glass, which aerates better than any other glass.<br />
Its design was created to deliver and diffuse<br />
aromatics to the nose and mouth, revealing<br />
hidden flavors. The double-walled design will<br />
allow you to drink your favorite whisky without<br />
tilting your head back too deeply. Try it out for<br />
yourself!<br />
Norlanglass.com<br />
$48<br />
3THE ORIGINAL RABBIT<br />
CORKSCREW<br />
1<br />
It is Friday night, and you have your favorite<br />
bottle of wine sitting on the dinner table. You<br />
Barrel Cork Catcher<br />
Side Table<br />
‘Nuff said. Elegant, intricate, and<br />
distinctive. A barrel-shaped, antiquelooking<br />
table, which allows you to<br />
insert up to 2,000 corks, and has a<br />
chalkboard plaque where you can<br />
write your favorite quote or saying.<br />
A perfect little space to capture your<br />
favorite memories by collecting corks<br />
of bottles shared in good times with<br />
good people.<br />
Wineenthusiast.com<br />
$195<br />
SHT<br />
LA<br />
start using a corkscrew to get it opened. So<br />
you begin twisting and turning… STOP! You are<br />
already doing it wrong. If you do not have the<br />
Rabbit corkscrew, now is the time. The Original<br />
Rabbit Corkscrew effortlessly opens every<br />
bottle of wine you have ever seen, no matter the<br />
size or shape. It is an essential for any home<br />
bar. You literally just pull the cork out in two<br />
seconds. The less time you spend on opening<br />
the bottle, the more time you get to enjoy it!<br />
Rabbitwine.com<br />
$50<br />
www.mochers.com
ACACIA CIRCO CHEESE CUTTING<br />
BOARD & TOOLS SET<br />
M<br />
BY: BEN ZIGELSTEIN<br />
4<br />
5<br />
Picnictime.com<br />
ICK<br />
AB<br />
6Ikea.com<br />
$189<br />
We have all seen those wooden cutting<br />
boards that some use to cut meat, while<br />
others for cheese. They are normally basic<br />
and simple. This interesting and useful<br />
charcuterie/cheese board is made by<br />
Picnic Time and has a built-in compartment<br />
containing four stainless steel cheese tools<br />
with wooden handles. You will never have<br />
to go and look for the cutting tools; they will<br />
always be there waiting for you.<br />
$34.95<br />
MoMA Touchscreen<br />
Mist Cleaner<br />
If you are tired of constant<br />
fingerprints, dirt, and grease on<br />
your phone screen, here is a neat<br />
little gadget you might consider.<br />
It is a compact, all-in-one mist<br />
cleanser. Comes in a slender bar<br />
which contains both the alcoholfree<br />
spray and a microfiber cloth.<br />
Press the button, spray, and wipe.<br />
Simple. Easy. Affordable.<br />
Store.moma.org<br />
$13<br />
SYMFONISK TABLE LAMP W/<br />
WIFI SPEAKER<br />
Lamps are a necessity; they are just part<br />
of life. Ikea makes a unique table lamp<br />
which has a built-in speaker that connects<br />
to WiFi. It is dark, atmospheric, and clean<br />
looking. I could see this fitting in your<br />
office, bedroom, or man cave.<br />
Ben Zigelstein is an<br />
assistant editor for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 45
WORKING<br />
SPACE<br />
Designing<br />
an Outdoor<br />
Kitchen<br />
BY: KAYLA GOLDSTEIN<br />
As the weather gets warmer<br />
and social life starts up again,<br />
the outdoors are getting a<br />
lot of love with barbecues and cozy<br />
dinners with friends, not to mention<br />
the occasional party.<br />
Having a well-designed outdoor space<br />
really adds to the environment and vibe<br />
of the gathering, and an outdoor cooking<br />
space tops it off to perfection. Here are 10<br />
things to keep in mind when upgrading your<br />
outdoor kitchen this year.<br />
1. Size and Location:<br />
It’s crucial to make sure the kitchen is in a<br />
functional space that won’t block the flow<br />
of an indoor-outdoor gathering. You want it<br />
to be close enough to the real kitchen that<br />
walking back and forth is not exhausting. It<br />
should also be close enough to the seating<br />
area so that whoever is cooking is not<br />
excluded from the festivities. Size matters<br />
as well, because where you place the kitchen<br />
will determine how big it can be — we don’t<br />
want to overpower a space or underwhelm<br />
it. Keep these factors in mind when deciding<br />
where the kitchen should go and how big<br />
it should be. This will help you make sure<br />
it complements the yard and event rather<br />
than complicates it.<br />
2. Prepping Space:<br />
Once you’ve figured out the size and<br />
location and are designing the kitchen<br />
itself, make sure it has the key factors that<br />
make an outdoor kitchen amazing. The<br />
most important and yet most overlooked is<br />
prepping space.<br />
Many assume they would just prepare inside<br />
and bring the food out to cook, however<br />
this creates extra running around and less<br />
socializing. Make sure to create a clear<br />
counter space you can prep on so that you<br />
can stay with your guests in the sunshine.<br />
3. Seating Space:<br />
Make sure to have an area where guests<br />
can lounge and an area where guests can<br />
eat. This can be one combined space or<br />
two separate areas, but either way it should<br />
be easily accessible and compliment the<br />
kitchen. Good quality, comfortable furniture<br />
that adds to the feeling of the space can<br />
completely change the mood of a dinner<br />
party. Make sure this space is close enough<br />
to the kitchen so that no one is isolated,<br />
but far enough that smoke doesn’t go in<br />
people's eyes.<br />
4. Storage:<br />
When designing the kitchen, think about<br />
what you are going to be storing outside.<br />
Some like to keep all of their grilling tools<br />
outside, some like to keep cutlery and dishes<br />
on hand — it’s up to you and your personal<br />
tastes. Write down a list of all the items<br />
that you are going to be storing outside<br />
and factor it in when creating the floor plan<br />
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M<br />
and selecting cabinets and drawers, so<br />
you can make sure you have space to keep<br />
everything organized. When selecting those<br />
items, make sure you choose materials that<br />
will endure whatever climate you live in.<br />
5. Appliances:<br />
Another important factor when designing a<br />
kitchen is appliances. Once again, you want<br />
to make a list of everything you will be using<br />
out there, and then find places for them in<br />
your kitchen. This might include a smoker,<br />
a cooler, a sink, or anything else that you<br />
might want to use outside while cooking or<br />
hosting.<br />
6. Lighting:<br />
This can be an often overlooked part of the<br />
outdoor kitchen. There are a few different<br />
kinds of lighting going on, and we want to<br />
make sure to hit all of them. The first one<br />
is for the daytime — the sun can be a killer<br />
to both the food and the chef, so make<br />
sure to have adequate shade (and make<br />
it pretty, nothing striped!). Next, you have<br />
nighttime lighting. This includes party lights,<br />
mood lights, and task lights. To brighten up<br />
the whole yard, make sure to have some<br />
amazingly powerful spots to turn on for<br />
events. For cozier dinners where that kind<br />
of brightness would be too much, you can<br />
get some string lights — just make sure they<br />
actually give off lumens. Task lights should<br />
ensure that the actual cooking space is<br />
properly lit up so that you can see the food<br />
and cook it correctly. This can be done with<br />
gooseneck lamps, spot lights, or strong wall<br />
lights. This is why it’s important to build your<br />
kitchen near an electric source to power the<br />
lights you’ll need.<br />
7. Climate:<br />
The general climate in your area really<br />
impacts the design of the kitchen and the<br />
materials you’ll use, but even the climate<br />
MOCHERS<br />
in your specific backyard has an effect.<br />
There will be spots in your backyard that are<br />
shadier, windier, or sunnier that need to be<br />
taken into account. Make sure you are not<br />
in a wind tunnel, or if you are, create some<br />
blockages with the kitchen to reduce the<br />
wind. You want to have options for both sun<br />
and shade, whether that is with trees or with<br />
a shade you put up. In addition, while most<br />
people may think of it as a summertime<br />
kitchen, it will still be out in the elements<br />
throughout the winter and needs to survive<br />
them. Keep all these different factors in<br />
mind when selecting location, shape, and<br />
material for the kitchen.<br />
8. Privacy:<br />
This is an important factor in deciding<br />
where and how to place the kitchen. You do<br />
not necessarily want to be in full view of all<br />
the neighbors. A fence or some trees can<br />
give you privacy, as well as the other side<br />
of the house. Either way, make sure that no<br />
one is staring at you and that you are not<br />
bothering anyone so you can fully enjoy<br />
your space.<br />
9. Budget:<br />
The least exciting part of all — budgets<br />
are not fun to think about, but even less<br />
fun not to think about and to be surprised.<br />
I suggest writing up a budget by looking<br />
at your finances and seeing how much<br />
you can realistically spend, then writing<br />
down the number you would like to spend.<br />
Next, write down everything you will need<br />
to spend money on, including pavers,<br />
cabinets, appliances, shade, chairs, tables,<br />
decor, greenery, and most importantly,<br />
labor. Gather the prices for everything you’ll<br />
need, without making any purchases or<br />
commitments. Add it all up and refer back<br />
to what you could and would like to spend.<br />
Using this information, see if you can fit<br />
what you need into your budget. If there’s<br />
anything you need to trim down, do it now<br />
so you have no surprises. You never know —<br />
you might be able to do more than you think.<br />
10. Get Creative with Space:<br />
Lastly, here are some ideas if you feel like<br />
your space is too small. There are some<br />
design tricks that can help expand your<br />
space and make it feel bigger. Try placing a<br />
centerpiece (like a fire pit) a bit away from<br />
the kitchen space and put chairs around<br />
it, which will make the entire space have<br />
larger boundaries and therefore feel bigger.<br />
Another trick is to buy loose pavers and add<br />
them to the patio you already have. You also<br />
can put down a path extending into the yard<br />
and put furniture on either side of it, which<br />
is cheaper than putting down more patio.<br />
Another option is to put lighting at the edge<br />
of the boundary, and move that boundary<br />
to make the space feel larger. You can also<br />
extend the shade to make the space feel<br />
cohesive.<br />
All in all, an outdoor kitchen can be an<br />
amazing entertainment venue, as well as<br />
a great relaxing space. Done right, it can<br />
really be your spot. Just make sure to keep<br />
the important parts in mind before you<br />
get to work, and work with a trustworthy<br />
contractor. If you need any help with design<br />
or have any questions, feel free to reach<br />
out at kayla@kaylallc.com.<br />
Kayla Goldstein is a contributing editor<br />
for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> and an Interior<br />
Designer at Kayla LLC. Follow her on<br />
instagram @Kayla_LLC<br />
www.mochers.com | 47
HOW TO<br />
HERRING<br />
Kiddush<br />
Kings<br />
for<br />
Some of the best items for<br />
any good kiddush<br />
BY: JEREMY URBACH<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Mushki Brichta<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
The Rebbe’s Choice<br />
Gefilte Fish<br />
Gefilte fish is a staple item at any good kiddush.<br />
It’s a classic, but no less one of the greats. The<br />
sweet and savory fish melts perfectly in your<br />
mouth, and the carrot on top makes this food<br />
a visual masterpiece. I recommend the classic<br />
Manischewitz gefilte fish in gelled broth, but to<br />
be honest, any gefilte fish product will get the<br />
job done.<br />
Kichel<br />
The kichel at your kiddush club is extremely<br />
important. You can enjoy it plain, or with a variety<br />
of toppings like hummus, herring, babaganoush, or<br />
matbucha. A good kichel should have enough flavor<br />
to enjoy plain, but subtle enough that it doesn't<br />
overwhelm its accompaniments. You can never go<br />
wrong with Manischewitz Tam Tams. For a healthier<br />
option, try The Rebbe’s Choice new whole wheat<br />
kichel.<br />
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M<br />
Lox<br />
What can be said about lox? There<br />
is truly nothing better. The amazing<br />
smoky taste and unique texture<br />
provides the foundation for an<br />
amazing kiddush. You can enjoy lox<br />
plain, on a piece of kichel, or even<br />
on a bagel with cream cheese.<br />
Cholent<br />
Cholent is one of the best Shabbos<br />
foods of all time. I recommend<br />
making or buying cholent in the<br />
cooler months because nothing<br />
warms up the body like a nice bowl<br />
of cholent. Get a slow cooker pot,<br />
throw in some beef, sweet potato,<br />
onion, kishke, and barley, and let it<br />
cook overnight. Don’t bother with<br />
beans; the cholent will be better<br />
without them. I like to eat my<br />
cholent with some fresh challah.<br />
Herring<br />
No kiddush club would be complete<br />
without herring. Nowadays, the herring<br />
market has completely exploded to<br />
the point where there are dozens of<br />
herring flavors readily accessible at<br />
the supermarket. Herring ranges from<br />
creamy schmaltz to the more fishy and<br />
savory Matjes herring. My personal<br />
favorite is Everything Bagel Spice herring<br />
and lox from The Rebbe’s Choice. Use<br />
code GISHMAK for 10% off your entire<br />
order from rebbeschoice.com.<br />
Photo courtesy<br />
of Goldbelly<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Whisky Galore<br />
Potato Kugel<br />
Potato Kugel is one of the most delicious<br />
foods that Yiddishkeit has to offer. Kugel<br />
is an extremely traditional Jewish food<br />
with variations including potato, noodle,<br />
and Yerushalmi. Potato kugel is without<br />
a doubt the best type of kugel — if anyone<br />
tells you otherwise they are lying! Keep<br />
in mind that kugel is very dense, so you<br />
won’t need to a lot to fill you up. You can<br />
buy kugels in kosher supermarkets, but<br />
the best kugels are homemade. Consult<br />
your local rebbetzin for a recipe.<br />
Hummus<br />
Hummus is one of the most<br />
important foods in our culture,<br />
enjoyed by Jews and non-Jews<br />
alike. The best hummus is<br />
homemade, but you can easily buy<br />
it from the grocery store as well.<br />
Store bought hummus won’t taste<br />
much like authentic Middle Eastern<br />
hummus, but it is still fabulous with<br />
some challah or kichel.<br />
Mashke<br />
No Kiddush club can be perfect<br />
without mashke. Whether it’s<br />
whiskey, vodka, or Manischewitz<br />
wine, anything with alcohol can<br />
help elevate your fabrengen to<br />
the next level. Whiskey pairs well<br />
with herring and is always my top<br />
choice.<br />
Jeremy Urbach is a contributor<br />
for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
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HEALTHY<br />
EATS<br />
Dess erts<br />
ARE IN<br />
BY: SRULY MEYER<br />
Today I wanted to share with<br />
you the easiest and most<br />
beautiful dessert that is also<br />
super simple to make.<br />
Fill the bottom third with yogurt — I use<br />
Greek, but you can also use fro-yo! Add<br />
blueberries and chopped strawberries<br />
in the glass, followed by another layer of<br />
yogurt. Throw a few more berries on top.<br />
Sprinkle some crushed L otus cookies, or<br />
for a healthier option, use granola. Chill and<br />
serve! You can even add fun toppings like<br />
these white chocolate wafer sticks.<br />
What do you think about this bright, healthy ,<br />
and easy-to-make summer dessert!?<br />
raspberry jam<br />
oat bars<br />
• 1 cup flour<br />
• 1 cup rolled oats<br />
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar<br />
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt<br />
• 3/4 cup chopped, lightly<br />
toasted pecans<br />
• 1 stick (4 ounces) cold<br />
butter, cubed<br />
• 1 large egg<br />
• 1 cup raspberry jam<br />
• Preheat oven to 350°F.<br />
• Combine flour, oats, brown sugar,<br />
salt, and pecans. Add butter and<br />
egg and mix well.<br />
• Press dough onto a parchment<br />
paper-lined baking sheet and bake<br />
for 40 minutes.<br />
• Let cool, then cut in half. Spread<br />
jam over one half, then place the<br />
other half on top and cut into<br />
squares.<br />
• Take it up a notch: Instead of<br />
using store bought jam, try making<br />
your own — it’s surprisingly easy!<br />
Mix 1 large container of fresh<br />
raspberries with 1 cup of brown<br />
sugar in a small saucepan and<br />
cook over high heat, stirring<br />
constantly, for 5 minutes. Reduce<br />
heat to low and let simmer for<br />
another 10 minutes. Let cool, then<br />
chill in the freezer for 10 minutes<br />
to set. Store in the refrigerator until<br />
ready to use.<br />
Sruly Meyer is a contributor for mochers magazine,<br />
you can follow him on Instagram @srulycooks.<br />
50 | MOCHERS<br />
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MOCHERS<br />
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PLACES<br />
Jersey<br />
Shore<br />
GETAWAY<br />
BY: MOSHE NEY<br />
It’s been a crazy year, and we’re all looking forward<br />
to the time ahead, with the pandemic in the<br />
rearview mirror.<br />
The spring and summer of 2021 will see many return to travel,<br />
and I think that you are no exception. You’ve had enough of<br />
quarantine and are more than ready to explore new horizons<br />
and get a new change of scenery.<br />
Wait!<br />
Don’t want to be extravagant but still do it in class? Want to<br />
live it up without having to go the distance?<br />
Ok, I got you.<br />
Let me introduce you to the wonderful and spectacular Jersey<br />
Shore. Located not too far from Lakewood, Jackson, and Toms<br />
River, some of these beach towns are tailor made for your oneto-two-day<br />
excursion or simply just for your day off. It’s bound<br />
to make some pretty cool memories down the road. So sit back<br />
and relax as we serenade you to sleep with the beautiful songs<br />
of the Jersey Shore.<br />
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humpback whales and dolphins leap out of the water and give<br />
everyone some natural wildlife entertainment. Enjoy the sea<br />
breeze as you travel along the Jersey Shore from Belmar to<br />
Sandy Hook (or wherever else on the Jersey Shore). Trips are<br />
typically 1 ½ to 3 hours. Check the website or call for more<br />
details.<br />
(732) 451-6003<br />
jerseyshorewhalewatchingtour.com<br />
Maclearie Park<br />
Located just a few blocks over from the whale watching,<br />
Maclearie Park has been described as an easygoing riverside<br />
park with tennis courts, a children's playground, and picnic<br />
area with grills. Its location directly next to Shark River makes<br />
it quite the ideal place for a quiet place to chill with your friends<br />
over a good barbecue or let your energy out with a good<br />
game of tennis. Check out the beautiful waterfront location at<br />
905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ 07719.<br />
The Endless SUP Company<br />
Belmar<br />
I know some of you are familiar with this one. Belmar, NJ is bound<br />
to strike a chord with many. Until recently, Belmar was home to a<br />
very successful Yeshiva for boys mostly from Lakewood and the<br />
surrounding areas. Although the Yeshiva is no longer in existence,<br />
Belmar still has that unique flavor to savor for a spur of the moment<br />
getaway with friends or alone. Check it out and feel refreshed when<br />
you’re done.<br />
Att ractions<br />
Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tours<br />
With the right weather and the right company, why not treat<br />
yourselves to a stand-up paddle boating extravaganza?<br />
Whether you want to do this before or after your BBQ at<br />
Maclearie Park, the choice is totally yours. Have some fun in<br />
the water with your family or friends as you paddle around the<br />
Shark River shores. Think of it as a small Venetian experience,<br />
just in New Jersey and with more room to move. This trip is<br />
one you won’t regret. Located at the L-street Beach, Belmar NJ<br />
07719.<br />
(848) 404-9033<br />
endlesssupcompany@gmail.com<br />
endlessbelmar.com<br />
(Note: Viewer discretion is advised when visiting the websites.<br />
Make sure your computer has proper image filtering, or simply<br />
call or send an email instead.)<br />
Located on the shore of Shark River, opposite the Shark River Hills<br />
neighborhood across the river, this is the perfect exciting activity<br />
for those who want to get out on the water and watch the local<br />
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53<br />
Avon-by-the-Star<br />
Done with Belmar? Oh, but of course you aren’t! But there’s so<br />
more to see beyond its borders, and you don’t even have to go<br />
that much further. Just over the Belmar Bridge, there’s a tiny<br />
beach town called Avon-By-The-Sea. And, oh, by the sea it is!<br />
Head on over to the boardwalk on Ocean Ave. and be awed by<br />
the amazing sights of the brilliant and breathtaking Atlantic<br />
Ocean.<br />
Shuls<br />
Congregation Agudath Achim of Bradley Beach:<br />
When I say this place is tiny, I mean it. This cute little beach<br />
town covers an area only a little more than a half a square<br />
mile! Don’t let that turn you off. It’s picturesque with very neatly<br />
maintained beach homes and a beautiful shoreline.<br />
While there isn’t much here in the form of attractions, the<br />
boardwalk is definitely a must if you want to enjoy the fresh<br />
breeze from the sea. Otherwise, just take a stroll down Main St.<br />
and browse the many stores that line either side.<br />
Bradley Beach<br />
Bordering Avon-By-The-Sea by merely blocks, Bradley Beach is<br />
extra special because it actually has—wait for it!—not one, but<br />
two shuls in the neighborhood. Although seasonal, these shuls<br />
welcome guests to come into their humble walls to join them for<br />
Shabbos and sometimes during the week as well. Unfortunately,<br />
some of the local attractions in Bradley Beach are temporarily<br />
closed (perhaps due to COVID), but that definitely should not<br />
stop you from enjoying the beach and other local scenery in<br />
the area.<br />
It’s not often that you find a beach town with a shul nearby<br />
(Atlantic City has one near it as well; that’s for another time).<br />
Agudath Achim is quite the homey out-of-town shul atmosphere<br />
that you want to feel when you're away on vacation.<br />
When my son was born on Shemini Atzeres a number of years<br />
ago in Jersey Shore Medical Center, I walked 45 minutes to<br />
daven there, and boy am I glad that did. Although open only<br />
seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend,<br />
Agudath Achim has enough room for all different stripes and<br />
colors of Yiddishkeit to come and spend a Shabbos in their<br />
warm atmosphere. The shul is Modern Orthodox, but whether<br />
you’re Yeshivish, Chassidish, Modern, if you’re a Jew with a<br />
beating Jewish heart, Agudath Achim welcomes you with open<br />
arms. It’s also right near the water so you can enjoy a nice walk<br />
on the boardwalk on Shabbos afternoon.<br />
301 McCabe Ave., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720<br />
(732) 774-2495<br />
www.bradleybeachshul.org<br />
Magen David Congregation of Bradley Beach:<br />
Moshe Ney is a<br />
senior writer for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
M<br />
If you’re a Sephardi and want a Sephardic beit knesset while<br />
on vacation, not to worry. Magen David is also here for all of<br />
your tefillot needs. You can literally see it from the boardwalk so<br />
you’re never too far away! Make sure to call to ensure that they<br />
are open and running for the summer season.<br />
101 5th Ave., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720<br />
(732) 988-1200<br />
This is just a little taste of what the Jersey Shore has to offer.<br />
I’m sure you can only imagine what else lies beyond. So what<br />
are you waiting for?<br />
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FINE ART<br />
In the<br />
Laws of<br />
Writing<br />
STAMBY: KALMAN SAFRUT<br />
A<br />
scribe must pay attention to the black ink he<br />
lays down as he writes the letters as well as to<br />
the white space around the ink.<br />
In the laws of writing STAM (an acronym for Sefer Torah,<br />
Tefillin, and the Mezuzah text) the Halacha stipulates that the<br />
letters must be surrounded completely by clean parchment<br />
(Mukaf G’vil).<br />
The first time I saw the fiery letters on my friend’s parchment<br />
of Megillat Esther I was blown away and convinced I had to<br />
learn this ancient craft. I wanted to have a closer relationship<br />
with the Hebrew letters and understand them more deeply.<br />
The story goes that the first meeting between the Maggid of<br />
Mezeritch and the Holy Baal Shem Tov went as follows: The<br />
Maggid was already an established scholar, both in revealed<br />
and hidden Torah teachings. The Baal Shem Tov asked him to<br />
explain a certain passage in the Etz Chaim, a Kabbala Sefer<br />
that is the summary of the Arizal’s teachings.<br />
The Maggid of Mezeritch explained the passage word by word<br />
in intricate detail while seated before him. But the Baal Shem<br />
Tov nodded dismissingly in dissatisfaction. He said “Stand up!<br />
I will explain the passage properly.” As the Maggid stood, the<br />
entire room became dark.<br />
The Baal Shem Tov began reciting the passage with the<br />
very same words the Maggid had used, but now the Maggid<br />
stood in awe. Thunder and lighting, his mind and opened to<br />
an expansiveness he had never known. He felt as Moshe<br />
must have felt ascending Mount Sinai. As the Baal Shem Tov<br />
concluded and the Maggid returned to his senses, the Maggid<br />
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FINE ART<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55<br />
Prayer for the Home<br />
(Birkat Cohanim in the<br />
mane and Hamalach<br />
Hagoel as the face)<br />
Shiviti<br />
Inner flame. Hashems name ‘I AM THAT I AM’<br />
(Notice the right legs of the Hei:)<br />
56 | MOCHERS<br />
“You told me pshat, but<br />
without lifesource. I put<br />
the neshama into this<br />
teaching. That is the only<br />
way you must learn.”<br />
asked his master what had happened. “You told me a detailed<br />
explanation of this passage and you were absolutely right, but you<br />
didn’t understand a word you were saying.<br />
“You told me pshat, but without lifesource. I put the neshama into<br />
this teaching. That is the only way you must learn.” This story always<br />
shakes me. On a simple level we must add life and richness to our<br />
Torah learning and Jewish lifestyle.<br />
My favorite commissions of scribal artwork is when a person or a<br />
family have a pasuk or tefillah that they want decorating the walls of<br />
their home and add inspiration and kedusha to their living space or<br />
office.<br />
www.mochers.com
M<br />
With My spirit.<br />
Zecharia 4:6<br />
When working with the letters , I look for techniques<br />
and styles that I can use to express the neshama of the<br />
texts. It’s a passion of mine that I feel blessed to share<br />
with people.<br />
The holy hebrew letters are infinite, and so are the ideas<br />
that come from them.<br />
I enjoy crafting pieces or collections for homes, shuls,<br />
community centers , and offices. The bottom line is the<br />
same for all of these places, each in its own application.<br />
How do I infuse life and meaning to Hebrew texts and<br />
prayers in a way that people can relate to and find<br />
meaning in ?<br />
I take precaution not to write Hashem’s name directly<br />
in my artwork unless appropriate. Writing Hashem’s<br />
name makes the artwork halachically holy and many<br />
laws apply for safeguarding and storing. I make a small,<br />
hardly noticeable gap in the right legs of the letter Hei in<br />
Hashem’s name . This way, you have the impression that<br />
it is Hashem’s name but halachically, it is not.<br />
It’s a win-win for making Torah texts into artwork. I want<br />
people to be inspired and find insight vis-à-vis my work,<br />
without putting a stumbling block before the blind.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
Kalman Safrut is a<br />
contributing editor for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
www.mochers.com | 57
M<br />
PLACES<br />
CHEVRA<br />
to go wit h the<br />
BY: LIZZY BRENNER<br />
We love a good waterfront outdoor bar.<br />
Combined with COVID-friendly activities,<br />
we're doubly sold. Here are three that we<br />
love across different areas of NYC:<br />
the Hudson<br />
@thehudsonny<br />
Where: Just north of Washington Heights on Dyckman Street<br />
Details: The Hudson (formerly known as La Marina) is a<br />
beautiful spot situated right on the water. It’s perfect for a late<br />
afternoon or evening drink (with beautiful sunset views) and<br />
also has picnic table options for groups. It’s located right next<br />
to Fort Tyron Park, which has a nice hiking trail if you want to<br />
make this a full #sundate .<br />
Reservations: You can make reservations on opentable.com or<br />
walk in for a table .<br />
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Pier i Cafe<br />
@piericafe<br />
Where: On the UWS Pier — enter at 70th and Riverside<br />
Details: Pier i Café is a super casual summer spot<br />
to grab a coffee or cocktail before or after hopping<br />
on a Citibike (there’s a nearby dock) and riding down<br />
the pier. You order at the counter and find an empty<br />
table, making it a great spur of the moment place to<br />
check out .<br />
Reservations: They don’t take reservations, so tables are<br />
first come first serve .<br />
Grand Banks<br />
@grandbanksnyc<br />
Where: Downtown on Pier 25 – enter at N. Moore & West<br />
Details: Grand Banks is a top notch date spot we visit<br />
every summer (along with its sister location Frying Pan @<br />
fryingpannyc), located aboard a historic wooden ship. It can<br />
get very busy on weekends, so if you’re looking for a more low<br />
key date, try coming on a Monday or Tuesday.<br />
Reservations: Always make a reservation in advance here to<br />
get a spot on this boat bar, especially if you’re coming on the<br />
weekend.<br />
Second Date Shadchan is a popular NYC activities<br />
feed on Instagram, constantly delivering the best date,<br />
family and group activities NYC has to offer. If you<br />
enjoyed this article, give us a follow on Instagram @<br />
SecondDateShadchan<br />
MOCHERS<br />
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M<br />
IN<br />
MEMORIAM<br />
Remembering<br />
Rush<br />
BY: IZAK HELD<br />
You might have never known this , but Rush Limbaugh was my only friend at one point<br />
in time. The year was 2011, I had just come back from a college year abroad and I started<br />
something new.<br />
A new school, in a new town , with no one I knew. In between classes I’d run to my car for a break, grab some<br />
food , and dial up the radio. One morning , the car reset and 770 AM went on full blast, and the rest of my<br />
conservative talk radio days would begin. I never missed a month, I never missed a week , and for the<br />
past five years, never a day. When I was young, maybe 9 or 10, my mother used to play this<br />
guy who called himself El Rushbo, who I would later find out was Mr. Rush Limbaugh.<br />
Rush is like an uncle to me. He has been there for the good, the bad and the ugly.<br />
His wisdom, wit , brevity, debonair and simple love for life is what made him stand<br />
out. Aside from being a pioneer and then a titan in the radio and broadcasting<br />
arena, he was also simply a good man.<br />
Rush was a large part of my inspiration for creating my own businesses and<br />
companies. He gave betteradvice to us millennials, entrepreneurs , and blue<br />
collar workers than anyone else… and I’ve heard everyone else. It wasn’t<br />
just about what Rush did for me (and over 200,000,000 million listeners<br />
over his career), it was what he was able to bring out of every soul he was<br />
able to reach out to.<br />
My afternoons will never be the same. Life won’t ever be the same. But<br />
I will prevail. I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Rush, I know he’s with<br />
us in spirit on the waves of radio. Again, thank you for the cherished<br />
memories Doctor of Democracy, America’s Anchorman & Maharaja!<br />
Thoughts are with Kathryn, the Limbaughs, Cookie, Mr. Snerdley, Dawn,<br />
and the rest of the gang.<br />
Your “talent on loan from God,” as you use to say , is now back<br />
home. Bless you, bless you.<br />
Forever dittos , my friend,<br />
Published in Cigar<br />
Aficionado and other<br />
publications.<br />
60 | MOCHERS<br />
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CIGARS<br />
MOTZEI<br />
SHABBOS<br />
PUFFBY: IZAK HELD<br />
Cigars have a plethora of flavors — not<br />
just your typical strawberry, chocolate,<br />
or vanilla (as you get in a milkshake) but<br />
rather creamy, mild, medium, and heavy.<br />
If you’re a first time cigar user, preconceived notions<br />
will have you trying a light and creamy cigar. I would<br />
counsel differently. Being that your palate is a novice,<br />
go for a stick that is heavy and has spice. Your palate<br />
simply won’t be able to break down and decipher the<br />
hints and natural deliciousness within, but that’s ok.<br />
Think about the first time you tried something and how<br />
deep it felt, while you knew there was a long way to go.<br />
I think back to my first job on Wall Street (ok, it was two<br />
blocks north of Wall Street, but pardon the nuance).<br />
After the whole human resources welcome and a few<br />
days in training, I found myself at my desk and wired.<br />
Thinking about the entire job and what it entails can be,<br />
nay, is overwhelming. To bring the analogy back to our<br />
cigars, taking on too much in the beginning can weaken<br />
the experience. A cigar that is light is actually harder to<br />
understand for a beginner or occasional smoker. Heavy<br />
and more spiced cigars are much easier to detect and<br />
familiarize yourself with when it comes to the flavor<br />
profiles and notes within the cigars.<br />
A few of the brands that sell phenomenal heavier cigars<br />
that conventionally come in darker shades are Rocky<br />
Patel, Diamond Crown, CAO, and Alec Bradley. These<br />
four cigars will vary in price depending on where you<br />
buy them and can range from affordable to a luxury buy.<br />
They are all not only delectable but make great Motzei<br />
Shabbos chill gifts too.<br />
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M<br />
Rocky Patel Number 6<br />
This Honduran-grown Corojo<br />
wrapper and Honduran binder<br />
cigar has a delicious creamy<br />
and peppery taste. It scored a 95<br />
in professional cigar-rating media<br />
outlets and was Cigar Aficionado’s number<br />
nine cigar of the year. This has become a top<br />
five cigar for me. It’s available in your local<br />
tobacco shop, but hurry, they are going fast!<br />
$10<br />
Diamond Crown No. 3 Maduro<br />
This cigar is fairly big, coming in<br />
at 6½ by 54 rim gauge. This is a<br />
remarkable smoke for a summer<br />
day outside with the family or<br />
guys. It will last you plenty of time.<br />
It’s fermented with a Connecticut<br />
broadleaf wrapper and a Dominican binder<br />
with a mix of fillers. This special cigar is made<br />
in the Fuente factory and if you think it’s too<br />
big, well, it comes in five other sizes as well.<br />
$17<br />
CAO Brazilian<br />
This CAO Brazilian has me relishing<br />
my original days of cigar smoking.<br />
It can be found almost anywhere<br />
$8<br />
and with plenty in stock. It’s a full<br />
Nicaraguan cigar with a Brazilian<br />
wrapper. Most expect a spicy cigar,<br />
but this one is actually pretty light and very<br />
doable without overpowering your palate.<br />
What I fancy about this cigar is that it’s very<br />
consistent in taste, from the first third to the<br />
last.<br />
Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro<br />
This cigar is pretty new and<br />
aesthetically, it has a very attractive<br />
look to it. A Brazillian habano<br />
binder with a Mexican San Andreas<br />
$8<br />
Wrapper, it has a light chocolatey<br />
taste with notes of leather. For<br />
about $8 a stick this is the way to go.<br />
So for all of those first timers or newbies,<br />
embrace being a cigar dilettante.<br />
Izak Held is the Editor in Chief<br />
of <strong>Mochers</strong>. <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com | 63
RESTAURANT<br />
RENDEZVOUS<br />
LAKEWOOD<br />
Restaurants<br />
BY: MOSHE NEY<br />
Sometimes, we all need a<br />
change of scenery — especially<br />
the young and adventurous<br />
entrepreneur looking for a nice<br />
venue outside of the Five Towns and<br />
Central Avenue.<br />
You’ve probably been to every restaurant<br />
already (or have you?), and Brooklyn and<br />
Cedarhurst just don’t seem that exciting.<br />
Where can you go without having to travel<br />
too far?<br />
Listen closely.<br />
Lakewood.<br />
What? Lakewood?! The Lakewood of today<br />
offers a lot of new phenomenal restaurants<br />
that weren't there once upon a time,with<br />
the quality dining outlets you’re looking for.<br />
These venues are good for a date, corporate<br />
meeting, or special events with family and<br />
friends. Here is but a sampling of some of<br />
the luxury dining that Lakewood has to offer.<br />
Bon appetit! (Just a little reminder to call<br />
ahead or check online for COVID-related<br />
info. Some, but not all restaurants, may still<br />
be doing outdoor dining.)<br />
64 | MOCHERS<br />
FLEISHIG RESTURANTS<br />
Entrée<br />
Photo courtesy of Entrée<br />
www.entreerestaurant.com<br />
The ambience at Entrée is simply stunning.<br />
Located in the heart of Lakewood in the Kikar<br />
Shabbos shopping center on Monmouth<br />
Ave. and 4th St., Entrée is a must visit if you<br />
are on a date (whether single, newly married,<br />
or many years married) or want to make a<br />
smashing celebration that’s a little over top<br />
(just a little, though). The interior is classy<br />
and distinguished for its coveted guests<br />
coming for their special evening. Let’s not<br />
forget about the reason you came in the first<br />
place — the food! Dig in to their unbelievably<br />
delectable appetizers and entrées (hence<br />
the name, if you haven’t realized). Don’t<br />
forget to make a bracha with kavana! (The<br />
more kavana in the bracha, the heartier your<br />
enjoyment will be!) Their out-of-this world<br />
menu includes:<br />
• Smoked Brisket Eggroll<br />
• Pastrami Empanadas<br />
• Short Rib Tacos<br />
• Baby Back Ribs<br />
• Stack of Lamb Riblets<br />
• Stunning Sizzling Steak Selection (Don’t<br />
forget to ask if they have the surprise<br />
steak available. Boy, is it a surprise!)<br />
• Chicken Marsala<br />
• Baby Chicken<br />
• Grilled Chicken<br />
Entrée also has an exquisite selection of<br />
wines and other upscale beverages, hard<br />
and soft. Just check out the beverage menu<br />
upon being seated. Check them out today<br />
for an unforgettable dining experience.<br />
399 Monmouth Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701,<br />
(732) 534-6000, entreerestaurant.com<br />
www.mochers.com
M<br />
Revolve<br />
Photo courtesy of Revolve<br />
@revolverestaurantandcatering<br />
Instagram<br />
Another heart-of-Lakewood grand slam for<br />
any event, big or small. Revolve is a unique,<br />
two-level rustic boutique restaurant in a<br />
fully-renovated 19th-century brick building,<br />
located in the municipal parking lot right<br />
behind Eat-A-Pita (on Clifton Ave). The<br />
relaxed setting is good for any corporate<br />
business get-together, night out with<br />
friends, or any classy celebration, with a<br />
menu featuring exotic appetizers, as well<br />
as a variety of fish, chicken, and steak<br />
entrées. Be sure to stop in for a great dining<br />
experience next time you’re in the area!<br />
116 Clifton Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701<br />
(in the parking lot behind Eat-A-Pita),<br />
(732) 738-6583, dineatrevolve.com<br />
Estréia<br />
guys, there’s no smoking lounge yet!) Estréia<br />
has a very serene feeling — with dimmed<br />
lights, relaxing classical background music,<br />
and candlelit tables, it’s pleasant in every<br />
sense of the word. Relax into your seat as<br />
you analyze the delicious and impressive<br />
menu selections, from steak and chicken<br />
to duck — you name it! The spirit selection<br />
isn’t too bad either, and can be ordered by<br />
the bottle or the glass. Call today to make<br />
your reservation or check out the website<br />
for more details.<br />
978 River Avenue Lakewood, NJ 08701,<br />
(732) 994-7878, www.estreia978.com,<br />
info@estreia.com<br />
MILCHIG RESTAURANTS<br />
Kava Coffee House<br />
Ottimo Café<br />
Photo courtesy of Ottimo Café<br />
www.ottimocafe.com<br />
Upscale dairy dining could not taste any<br />
better, with the perfect setting for a date or<br />
fancy outing with friends. The menu boasts<br />
an array of pizzas, salads, and an impressive<br />
selection of fish entrees including:<br />
• Teriyaki Grilled Salmon<br />
• Espresso Crusted Tuna<br />
• Roasted Chilean Sea Bass<br />
Check out their menu for all the details —<br />
you’re bound to come away happy. Don’t<br />
forget to reserve in advance!<br />
6794 U.S. 9 S, Howell Township, NJ 0773,<br />
(732) 367-0009, ottimocafe.com<br />
The Upper Crust<br />
Photo courtesy of Kava Coffee<br />
House @kava_coffeehouse<br />
Instagram<br />
Photo courtesy of Estréia<br />
www.estreia978.com<br />
Estréia is another popular and classy<br />
location for a date, anniversary outing, or<br />
any other occasion, but be prepared to<br />
spend because it can be quite pricey. (Sorry,<br />
MOCHERS<br />
Kava’s cozy atmosphere is great for a<br />
late morning breakfast with friends or a<br />
lunch meeting with business associates.<br />
Check out their variety of omelet and bagel<br />
selections. The menu also boasts a variety<br />
of fish, wraps, quesadillas, pizza, salads, and<br />
more! (The Breakfast Burrito and Nachos<br />
are my personal favorites.) Of course, there<br />
are more than enough coffee, smoothies,<br />
and milkshakes to go around for everyone,<br />
and waffles and pastries as well. Kava is an<br />
all around-winner! (If you’re not in the mood<br />
of sitting down, Kava has a drive through<br />
option as well, so you can order from the<br />
comfort of your car and be on your merry<br />
way.)<br />
6791 US-9 N, Howell Township, NJ 07731,<br />
(732) 534-5199, kavacoffeeonline.com<br />
Photo courtesy of The Upper Crust<br />
@TheUpperCrustLakewood<br />
Facebook<br />
Now this is fine kosher Italian dining, in<br />
my humble opinion. The Upper Crust is<br />
a spacious dairy restaurant serving the<br />
Lakewood community and anyone who<br />
wants to drop in for the experience. It’s not<br />
just a pizza shop, it’s an experience in and<br />
of itself.<br />
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RESTAURANT<br />
RENDEZVOUS<br />
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M<br />
The comfort, the ambience, and the food are<br />
all part of the same package. Great for an<br />
afternoon or evening party with friends and<br />
family,<br />
The Upper Crust will please you more than<br />
enough to come back again. Check out the<br />
full menu of pizza, salads, soups, and other<br />
tasty selections that The Upper Crust has to<br />
offer.<br />
95 E Kennedy Blvd, Lakewood, NJ 08701,<br />
(732) 243-8226, uppercrustlakewood.com<br />
If these aren’t enough for you, then I don’t<br />
know what is, my friend! You’ve got more<br />
than enough here in Lakewood to keep you<br />
busy with family or friends for any event, big<br />
or small.<br />
It’s worth the trip, it’s worth the money, and<br />
it’s worth the experience. Plan your next visit<br />
whenever you need to be in Lakewood or are<br />
looking for a nice change of scenery.<br />
AUTHOR’S NOTE<br />
While I made a strong emphasis on the<br />
details of the gashmiyus here, I want<br />
to clarify that it is not my intention to<br />
endorse splurging into these things just<br />
in and of themselves. It goes without<br />
saying that as Yidden, our job is to<br />
take the gashmiyus and raise it up for<br />
ruchniyus. Beyond eating and enjoying,<br />
the purpose of these venues is to allow<br />
us to have a nice change of scenery<br />
so we can come back to our davening<br />
and learning a little more refreshed and<br />
relaxed than we were before, showing<br />
Hashem how much we really want to<br />
serve Him and be close to Him.<br />
Moshe Ney is a senior writer for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
66 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
SPORTS<br />
GLAZE<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Peter Morgan/AP<br />
a<br />
GIANT(S)<br />
what if?<br />
BY: MENACHEM ICKOVITZ<br />
The NFL draft is a time of great<br />
opportunity as each team works<br />
to improve their roster.<br />
MOCHERS<br />
For fans, especially those of teams that<br />
didn’t make the playoffs, there’s a renewed<br />
optimism that this group of players can help<br />
turn the franchise around. There are many<br />
remarkable NFL draft stories from over the<br />
years but the one that might have the best<br />
“ what if” attached to it is from 1984.<br />
The story of the 1984 draft is an interesting<br />
one. The draft itself was filled with good<br />
players, but nobody who would eventually<br />
make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This<br />
was partially due to the fact that there was<br />
another football league at the time, the<br />
USFL.<br />
The USFL did what they could to get the<br />
best college players to play for them instead<br />
of heading into the NFL. Amongst the things<br />
that they offered was more money to start<br />
their careers, which enticed many players.<br />
NFL owners wanted to have the rights to<br />
these players but did not want to “waste” a<br />
pick in the actual draft , so they implemented<br />
the supplemental draft.<br />
When the supplemental draft took place in<br />
June, the draft order was the same as from<br />
the NFL draft , which took place a month<br />
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SPORTS<br />
GLAZE<br />
Reggie White (R) talking to<br />
Lawrence Taylor (L) before<br />
the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl. Photo<br />
courtesy of Lenny Ignelzi/AP<br />
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M<br />
What if the Giants<br />
would have drafted<br />
Reggie White instead?<br />
earlier. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, needing<br />
a starting quarterback , drafted Steve Young.<br />
At #2, the Houston Oilers took the 1983<br />
Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mike<br />
Rozier to replace future Hall of Famer Earl<br />
Campbell, who was traded away.<br />
Then came the #3 pick and the New York<br />
Giants. The Giants were choosing between<br />
offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman and<br />
defensive end Reggie White. Both players<br />
would eventually make the Hall of Fame<br />
and neither would play for the Giants.<br />
They decided to go with Zimmerman, who<br />
requested a trade and the Giants obliged.<br />
Then at #4, the Philadelphia Eagles picked<br />
White and he played for them from 1985 –<br />
1992.<br />
The Giants’ reasoning for not drafting White<br />
was because they needed more help on<br />
the offensive line than on defense. But the<br />
question must be asked. What if the Giants<br />
would have drafted Reggie White instead ?<br />
Having White along with the other defensive<br />
players would not have hurt the Giants’<br />
Super Bowl runs in 1986 and 1990. In fact it<br />
may have helped them reach another Super<br />
Bowl. At the very least , watching White and<br />
Taylor together would have been amazing.<br />
Finally, after the 1992 season , White was<br />
a free agent and signed with the Green<br />
Bay Packers. The other team he was<br />
considering was the Cleveland Browns,<br />
whose head coach at the time was former<br />
Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick.<br />
White’s decision to go to the Packers over<br />
the Browns sent both teams in opposite<br />
directions. The Packers soared all the way<br />
to a Super Bowl win, while the Browns<br />
moved to Baltimore. The NFL could have<br />
been completely different had the Giants<br />
taken Reggie White!<br />
Menachem Ickovitz has written<br />
for numerous sports websites and<br />
enjoys taking an historic look at<br />
sports topics. He is a contributing<br />
editor for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
68 | MOCHERS<br />
www.mochers.com
WINES<br />
4WORLDLY<br />
Whit e Wines<br />
BY: NOAH MORRIS<br />
As far as popularity goes, white<br />
wines often take a back seat to<br />
red wines. For the longest time I<br />
favored red wines until recently, when I<br />
began to develop a greater appreciation<br />
for the lighter side of wine. It’s really all<br />
about having the right white wine at<br />
the right time.<br />
With summer approaching, I wanted to share<br />
some excellent white wine options that you<br />
may have never heard of and are definitely<br />
worth trying. These are mostly of the Old World<br />
style, but are each an incredible example of its<br />
country.<br />
Just as in the world of red wines, one of the<br />
best places to start is in France. There you can<br />
find the two most popular white wine varieties<br />
available — Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.<br />
Today we will begin our journey with the latter.<br />
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Domaine Joost de<br />
Villebois Pouilly-<br />
Fume 2019<br />
It’s important to note that the most<br />
prestigious regions in France for growing<br />
the Sauvignon Blanc variety can be found<br />
in the Loire Valley, and more specifically, the<br />
appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.<br />
While I do enjoy several examples from both<br />
of these regions, I’d like to focus on one in<br />
particular, the Domaine Joost de Villebois<br />
Pouilly-Fume 2019.<br />
Let’s start off with a little bit of background<br />
information about this kosher run, produced<br />
at a non-kosher winery. (Side note:<br />
Sometimes the best worldly wines are<br />
kosher runs from non-kosher wineries.)<br />
With lineage tracing as far back as the<br />
knights of the Medieval period in Touraine,<br />
in the heart of the Loire Valley in France,<br />
Dutch businessman Joost van der Does<br />
de Villebois is an aristocrat whose original<br />
family castle still stands in the foothills of<br />
the Perigord, Gironde, and Charente.<br />
Pursuing his dreams, Joost de Villebois<br />
understood the potential of the Sauvignon<br />
Blanc grapes growing in the Loire Valley and<br />
dedicated himself to bringing his passion<br />
to the tables of wine lovers everywhere<br />
while remaining faithful to the terroir of this<br />
region, which consists primarily of soils rich<br />
in limestone and flinty clay.<br />
The Pouilly-Fume appellation, originally<br />
created in 1937 as Blanc Fume de Pouilly,<br />
is one of Loire Valley’s most revered white<br />
wines, and is made from Sauvignon Blanc<br />
grapes (Blanc Fume is the local nickname<br />
for Sauvignon Blanc). As with all French<br />
wines in their portfolio, Menachem<br />
Israelievitch, European Chief Winemaker for<br />
Royal Wine Corp., oversees all aspects of<br />
the production of this kosher run.<br />
Pale straw in color, this refreshing and<br />
beautifully balanced light-to-medium<br />
bodied dry white wine is made from 100%<br />
Sauvignon Blanc grapes.<br />
On the nose, there are aromas of citrus,<br />
lime, peach, orange blossom, fresh cut<br />
grass, light smoke and flint.<br />
On the palate, we get a soft and round<br />
mouthfeel, with flavors of lemon, lime,<br />
grapefruit, white peach, papaya, and apricot,<br />
with nice salinity and limestone minerality<br />
balanced with mouthwatering acidity.<br />
This wine is Mevushal, and has an alcohol<br />
content of 12% by volume.<br />
Chill well to about 50°F and enjoy now. This<br />
wine can be appreciated with food or on its<br />
own, and should hold up well for another<br />
2-3 years with proper cellaring. It pairs well<br />
with fresh fish dishes, oven roasted chicken<br />
breast, grilled asparagus with hollandaise,<br />
or tangy goat cheeses.<br />
One thing to look for in an Old World white<br />
wine is its level of salinity, or mineral aromas<br />
and flavors in the wine.<br />
Ramon Cardova<br />
Albariño, Rias Baixas<br />
2019<br />
Our next offering (and the one following it as<br />
well) certainly does not disappoint.<br />
If you ask someone what the most popular<br />
70 | MOCHERS<br />
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white wine from Spain is, they would probably<br />
answer Albariño or Verdejo. Although we<br />
have good examples of both, let’s focus on<br />
the Albariño varietal, specifically the Ramon<br />
Cardova Albariño.<br />
Ramon Cardova is the kosher line of wines<br />
produced by Ramon Bilbao, one of Spain’s<br />
most respected wineries, with the name<br />
of the brand paying tribute to the town of<br />
Cordova.<br />
Rias Baixas is a DO wine zone<br />
(Denominación de Origen, which indicates<br />
both the geographical origin as well as the<br />
style of wine) located in the Galicia region<br />
of northwestern Spain. Rias Baixas is<br />
named after the coastal inlets, or rias, that<br />
characterize the landscape.<br />
Hailing from old vines carefully picked at<br />
sunset in the Salnes Valley (Val do Salnes)<br />
located along the Umia River, the Albariño<br />
grape variety is a green-skinned grape<br />
native to Galicia on the north Atlantic coast<br />
of Spain, and is a variety not commonly<br />
found in the kosher wine world.<br />
The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean is what<br />
influences the environment at Rias Baixas,<br />
MOCHERS<br />
with mist and fog from the sea, along with a<br />
very high annual rate of rainfall, contributing<br />
to the cool climate.<br />
The coolness helps the grapes to retain<br />
their crisp acidity, and the granite soils on<br />
the slopes and floors of the valley imbue the<br />
wine with the intense minerality that this<br />
local variety is known for.<br />
Light gold in color, with slight greenish hues,<br />
this light-to-medium bodied crisp dry white<br />
wine is created from 100% Albariño grapes.<br />
On the nose, there are aromas of melon,<br />
citrus fruit, pear, peach, nectarine, apricot,<br />
and wet stone.<br />
On the palate, we get tart citrus flavors of<br />
lemon, lime, tangerine, and pink grapefruit,<br />
with a hint of green tea leaf in the<br />
background.<br />
This wine has medium acidity, nice<br />
minerality, and just the right amount of<br />
salinity; is not Mevushal, and contains 13%<br />
alcohol by volume. At the price, this wine<br />
earns a very high QPR (Quality to Price<br />
Ratio) recommendation.<br />
Chill well and enjoy this wine while it’s still<br />
young, or cellar for up to 3 years longer.<br />
The wine has a novel label with a postmark<br />
on the front, which becomes visible at the<br />
correct serving temperature of 46-48°F.<br />
Pair this wine with grilled sea bass, ceviche,<br />
spicy fish tacos, seared tuna with tropical<br />
fruit slaw, creamy Greek-style pea soup,<br />
fried Padrón or Shishito peppers, or soft,<br />
creamy cheeses.<br />
Pescaja Solei Terre<br />
Alfieri Arneis 2019<br />
Another great white wine of similar style<br />
representing an amazing wine region is a<br />
grape you also probably never heard of —<br />
the Italian Arneis.<br />
Owned and managed by Beppe Pescaja, the<br />
Pescaja Winery is located in the Piemonte<br />
(Piedmont) region of Italy, source of some<br />
of the country’s oldest and most soughtafter<br />
wines.<br />
A majority of this area is covered in<br />
vineyards, with the best sites located atop<br />
hilltops or on south-facing slopes where<br />
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exposure to sunlight is maximized. The<br />
climate here is hot and humid during the<br />
summertime and cold in the winter, with<br />
year-round precipitation. Fog during the<br />
autumn season is common, and provides a<br />
cooling effect, beneficial for many varieties<br />
grown here.<br />
The Arneis grapes used for this wine are<br />
grown and harvested in the Terre Alfieri<br />
region in southern Piemonte, on sandy soils,<br />
at altitudes ranging from 130 to 350 meters<br />
above sea level. Arneis has a reputation<br />
as being a troublesome variety — it is lowyielding<br />
and susceptible to powdery mildew<br />
and in warm seasons, struggles to retain<br />
useful levels of acidity. All of the above<br />
supports the theory that the variety’s name<br />
is derived from a Piemontese word meaning<br />
“little rascal”. Arneis was also once known<br />
as Nebbiolo Bianco.<br />
This fruity and fresh well-structured complex<br />
and fragrant dry white wine is pale yellow in<br />
color, with notes of lemon, elderberry, peach,<br />
apricot and flint on the nose.<br />
On the palate, we taste concentrated yellow<br />
fruit, banana, lemon, honeydew, lychee, as<br />
well as floral nuances, almond, and hazelnut<br />
along with nicely bracing acidity and loads<br />
of flinty minerals.<br />
This wine is mildly oaked, and has a smooth,<br />
supple, and lightly oily mouthfeel, and is<br />
medium bodied. Alcohol content is 13% by<br />
volume, and this wine is not Mevushal.<br />
Serve slightly chilled and enjoy now, or cellar<br />
for another 2-3 years. This refreshing white<br />
wine pairs well with lemon sole, spaghetti<br />
with garlic and olive oil, hard aged cheeses,<br />
or Waldorf salad.<br />
Domaine Netofa Tel<br />
Qasser White 2017<br />
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the Old<br />
World, let us try a wine and winery that takes<br />
all that influence and further develops it with<br />
our own holy land of Eretz Yisroel. Let’s head<br />
up north, where we can share a glass of the<br />
Domaine Netofa Tel Qasser White 2017.<br />
This elegant white wine is made from<br />
100% Roussanne grapes and is harvested<br />
completely by hand at the Domaine Netofa<br />
Winery. The Roussanne grape variety is also<br />
one of the more popular grapes produced in<br />
the northern Rhone Valley in France.<br />
Netofa Winery, established in 2006, is<br />
located in Mitzpe Netofa, with the vineyards<br />
located at the foot of Mount Tabor in the<br />
Lower Galilee region in northern Israel,<br />
whose landscape is characterized by<br />
rocky elevations of well over 1500 feet.<br />
The relatively high rainfall and cool climate<br />
attribute to the fresh and vibrant flavors of<br />
the wines grown here.<br />
The creators of this wine are the winemaker<br />
Pierre Miodovnik, who spent many years<br />
producing wine in France, Spain, and<br />
Portugal; and Isaac Thor, who has lived and<br />
breathed the vineyards in the land of Israel<br />
for many years.<br />
The nose on this bright, golden colored,<br />
medium-to-full bodied dry white shows<br />
plum, pear, apricot, toasted walnuts, peach,<br />
and apple, with mineral, earth, and orange<br />
blossom floral notes.<br />
On the palate, we get a slightly oily texture<br />
with nicely balanced acidity, along with<br />
layers of green apple, stone fruit, melon,<br />
quince, lemongrass, vanilla, and mineral<br />
flavors. Aged for 10 months in French oak<br />
barrels, this non-Mevushal wine contains<br />
13.5% alcohol by volume.<br />
Allow this white wine to come up almost to<br />
room temperature for greatest enjoyment.<br />
Drink now, or store for up to 5 years longer.<br />
Pairs well with baked salmon, turkey, or<br />
chicken dishes.<br />
These are great white wines that I highly<br />
recommend trying, but represent only the tip<br />
of the iceberg of what’s available. I urge you<br />
to continue to try new and different wines<br />
that challenge your assumptions and your<br />
palate. If you would like to learn more about<br />
wine, and particularly more about kosher<br />
wine, please go ahead and follow me on<br />
Instagram @kosherwineguy, and subscribe<br />
to my blog kosherwinelife.com. We have<br />
lots of new and exciting developments, as<br />
well as offering a unique curated wine club<br />
available for those of you in New York.<br />
Noah Morris is a wine connoisseur<br />
and sommelier, holding the Wine<br />
Spirits and Education trust level 2<br />
certification in wine and spirits. This<br />
is a side hustle and a passion for<br />
Noah, who is a professional digital<br />
marketer and owner of the digital<br />
marketing agency Tevahmedia, where<br />
he helps Jewish owned businesses<br />
and non-profit organizations execute<br />
effective marketing strategies to grow<br />
their reach, revenue, and impact.<br />
Learn more about Noah and his firm<br />
at Tevahmedia.com.<br />
72 | MOCHERS<br />
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BY: AARON BALKANY<br />
I<br />
have been deeply involved in the<br />
cannabis and hemp industry for almost<br />
a decade. Particularly, my expertise<br />
lies in extraction from the plants and<br />
infusion of their derivatives into delicious,<br />
all-natural, kosher edibles.<br />
Together with the team leaders at Kosher CBD,<br />
Mendy S. and Shloimy R., our aim is to provide<br />
customers with the highest degree of quality and<br />
kashrut at a price that will not break the bank. To<br />
educate our clients about CBD+ products, we felt<br />
it necessary to dispel some rumors and stigmas<br />
and to validate some of the medical research on<br />
cannabis and hemp.<br />
Welcome to part one of the world of CBD and the<br />
host of beneficial substances derived from the<br />
ancient hemp plant! This is the first in a series<br />
of informational segments on hemp, marijuana,<br />
cannabinoids, and how to use them. To be<br />
clear, this is meant to provide information and<br />
education on cannabis and its derivatives, and<br />
NOT to be used for legal or medical guidance.<br />
This information has been culled from extensive<br />
research, beta-testing, lab results, and scientific<br />
journals. Our hope is that you will come away<br />
more informed and less wary when considering<br />
the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits<br />
hemp has to offer.<br />
Public interest in and the availability of CBD<br />
have grown extensively due to its promising<br />
health benefits. People use CBD to help with<br />
a wide variety of physical and mental issues,<br />
including pain, nausea, addiction, and depression.<br />
Although scientific studies have not confirmed<br />
CBD’s usefulness for all these conditions,<br />
available evidence suggests that CBD works with<br />
the endocannabinoid system, which is a signaling<br />
network.<br />
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M<br />
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73<br />
CBD, or cannabidiol, is non-intoxicating<br />
and one of the more than 540<br />
phytochemicals found in the Cannabis<br />
sativa (C. sativa) plant. THC, or delta-9-<br />
tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound that<br />
gets people high. It is the difference between<br />
THC levels found in hemp and cannabis that<br />
has caused so many legal complications.<br />
What is hemp?<br />
Hemp is a specific variety of C. sativa.<br />
People have grown hemp for hundreds of<br />
years, using it to make rope, clothes, sails,<br />
food, and much more. Industrial hemp has<br />
an equally long history in the United States<br />
– Thomas Jefferson, the third president,<br />
grew it himself.<br />
The 2018 Farm Bill considers C. sativa plants<br />
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with less than 0.3 percent THC as hemp<br />
or industrial hemp. Producers can grow it<br />
legally across most of the U.S. (excluding<br />
three states), subject to strict regulations.<br />
Hemp plants do contain THC, but at very low<br />
levels. However, certain types of processed<br />
hemp, such as tinctures, gummies, or<br />
capsules, can still cause euphoria. In most<br />
cases, manufacturers use the leaves and<br />
flowers of the hemp plant to make CBD<br />
products.<br />
What is cannabis?<br />
There are three standard varieties of<br />
cannabis plants: C. indica, C. sativa, and C.<br />
ruderalis. There is also a range of hybrid<br />
plants that are a mix of these three strains.<br />
These cannabis plants contain much<br />
higher and varying levels of THC than hemp<br />
plants. Besides containing more THC,<br />
these plants also tend to contain less CBD<br />
than hemp plants, and the difference has<br />
become steadily more pronounced. A 2016<br />
analysis found that the average potency<br />
of cannabis plants rose from about 4% in<br />
1995 to 12% in 2014. Average CBD levels<br />
decreased from 0.28% in 2001 to less than<br />
0.15% in 2014.<br />
Cannabis CBD vs. Hemp CBD<br />
Cannabis and hemp plants contain both<br />
CBD and THC, along with more than 540<br />
other substances. The main difference<br />
between the two plants is the amount of<br />
each compound they contain. Cannabis<br />
contains more THC and less CBD. Hemp<br />
contains more CBD and less THC.<br />
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Most importantly, the benefits of CBD do<br />
not change whether it is cannabis-derived<br />
CBD or hemp-derived CBD. Common<br />
side effects, such as an upset stomach,<br />
tiredness, or feeling on edge, remain the<br />
same. This is because the chemical makeup<br />
of CBD does not change depending on<br />
which plant it comes from. However, the<br />
amount of CBD available for extraction<br />
does depend on the source. The hemp<br />
plants contains far more CBD, making it a<br />
more lucrative option for manufacturers<br />
and the option with the least potential<br />
legal ramifications.<br />
The main difference between hemp<br />
CBD and cannabis CBD is their legal<br />
status. According to the 2018 Farm Bill,<br />
products made from plants that meet the<br />
legal standards of hemp are legal across<br />
most of the USA, except three states.<br />
Products made from plants that have<br />
higher levels of THC are not legal under<br />
this statute. However, it is important to<br />
note that all CBD products must have<br />
less than 0.3% THC, so even those made<br />
from cannabis-derived CBD should contain<br />
less than this amount. The United States<br />
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)<br />
consider any CBD products containing<br />
more than 0.3% THC as a Schedule I drug<br />
in states where the recreational use of<br />
cannabis is not legal.<br />
Summary<br />
• CBD is attracting considerable public<br />
interest because of its promise in<br />
treating various physical and mental<br />
health issues, even though there is<br />
no scientific evidence to prove these<br />
health claims.<br />
• Hemp and cannabis are two different<br />
varieties of the C. sativa plant with<br />
hemp containing more CBD and<br />
minimal THC.<br />
• Most CBD products are made from<br />
hemp plants, as they contain far more<br />
CBD and almost no THC, which is the<br />
compound that creates the high.<br />
• Individuals considering using CBD for<br />
physical or mental challenges should<br />
inform their doctors to make sure it<br />
does not interact with any medications<br />
they may be taking.<br />
• The main difference between hemp<br />
CBD and cannabis CBD is legal<br />
standing.<br />
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for<br />
Segment Two, in which we will look at how<br />
the cannabinoids contained within the<br />
plant get from the ground into a beautifully<br />
infused edible.<br />
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OOD<br />
Your favorite sports drink is now<br />
available in a frozen format!<br />
New POWERADE® Sports Freezer Bars. Each<br />
bar, available in sizes ranging from 1.5oz to<br />
5.5oz, will feature POWERADE's ION4 Advanced<br />
Electrolyte Solution, that helps replace the<br />
sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium<br />
lost in sweat, as well as Vitamins B3, B6, and B12.<br />
And they are kosher!<br />
Products are currently rolling out to stores and<br />
online nationwide and are available in two classic<br />
POWERADE® flavors – Fruit Punch (red) and<br />
Mountain Berry Blast (blue).<br />
Mentions:<br />
@powerade @jelsertco<br />
Kosher Certified @oukosher<br />
SNA<br />
Koma is a traditional, authentic kosher<br />
omakase dining experience, with a<br />
variety of unique & exotic fish from<br />
all over the world, brought to you in the<br />
heart of brooklyn. Koma stands for ‘ko’sher<br />
‘oma’kase.<br />
The Line Up<br />
• Otoro with fresh wasabi on top<br />
• Triple toro<br />
• Yellowtail belly with scallion<br />
• Sake Sakura maki<br />
(lightly seared salmon with tomato)<br />
• Salmon roe ikura<br />
Mentions:<br />
@komasushinyc for inviting @teamgrowth<br />
@kosherlicks for a true omakase experience!<br />
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi Poke<br />
Atmosphere: Casual Dining<br />
1618 Ave M, Brooklyn, NY 11230<br />
(718) 758-5311<br />
Kosher Certified Pareve, Vaad Hakashrus of Flatbush<br />
76 | MOCHERS<br />
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M<br />
CKIE<br />
BY: YISROEL ZUCKERMAN<br />
New Mountain Dew Frost Bite Zero<br />
Sugar, available exclusively at<br />
Walmart.<br />
The melon-flavored beverage is the brand’s<br />
alternative to the original flavor, delivering the<br />
same “bold charge and flavor” now with zero<br />
sugar.<br />
Additionally, the brand is also expanding its<br />
packaging offerings of original Mountain Dew<br />
Frost Bite by adding 24-can packs to the lineup.<br />
Both the Original and Zero Sugar varieties are<br />
Walmart exclusives.<br />
Available now @walmart<br />
News @pepsico<br />
The all new and limited edition:<br />
PEACH HABANERO POTATO CHIPS<br />
If you like sweet and the right amount of HOT,<br />
you’ll love these chips. Sweet and salty, tangy<br />
and spicy, they’ll carry you away with their burst<br />
of fruity peach flavor and peppery habanero heat.<br />
What do Y’ALL think of the new Southern Peach<br />
Habanero?<br />
Yisroel Zuckerman Is a<br />
contributor for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
Follow his snack experience<br />
@kosherfoodie_stalker<br />
MOCHERS<br />
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THE<br />
BAIS<br />
BARBER<br />
1Stop using the 5-in-1:<br />
while we’re at it? Cheap shampoos tend to be formulated<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
There’s no way that this mystery soap can properly clean and<br />
moisturize your hair, face, and body. Why not use hand soap<br />
while we’re at it? Cheap shampoos tend to be formulated<br />
with harsh ingredients that can dry out your hair. Find a more<br />
natural shampoo that is right for your hair type.<br />
Condition more:<br />
This step is more important than you think. It helps keep your<br />
hair smooth, hydrated, and shiny. After using conditioner, you<br />
should find your hair softer and less tangled. It should be<br />
used after shampooing to replenish moisture that shampoo<br />
strips away.<br />
Shampoo less:<br />
I still highly recommend a shower. Everyone needs that.<br />
However, your hair does not need the shampoo every day.<br />
Why not clean your hair? Everyone’s scalp produces sebum<br />
and oils that are crucial to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.<br />
Washing with shampoo too often strips these oils away<br />
and leaves your head dry. It’s recommended to wash with<br />
shampoo 2-3 times a week unless you have particularly dirty<br />
or oily hair.<br />
Be gentle:<br />
Hair is fragile. Rubbing your head with a towel like it’s the<br />
hood of a car is not what it needs. It’s especially important to<br />
be gentle while your hair is wet. Hair absorbs water, making it<br />
more elastic and prone to breakage. Use a quality hairbrush,<br />
let it air dry, and avoid heat tools.<br />
Use hair oils or leave-ins:<br />
Many of us do not naturally have soft, silky hair, but that<br />
doesn’t mean it’s far from reach. Aside from taking proper<br />
care of your hair, putting on a little specialized cream or<br />
oil can make dry hair instantly feel soft and moisturized.<br />
Whether you experience dry, rough, or thinning hair, there<br />
are many oils or leave-in conditioners that will help you feel a<br />
difference. Just a bit after a shower, either alone or followed<br />
by some styling product, will do a trick.<br />
BY: ELI JAFFE<br />
TIPS FOR HEA<br />
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6Find the right barber:<br />
You want your hair to look good? All the hair care in the world<br />
can’t protect you from a bad haircut. Even great hair can be<br />
ruined by a bad haircut and even the worst hair can look good<br />
with a great haircut. Your barber should be on speed dial. Like<br />
it or not, he is one of the most important people in your life. A<br />
large part of your physical appearance is accredited to him,<br />
for good or bad.<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
Get the right haircut:<br />
The right barber will work with you to find the haircut that<br />
suits you best. It may not happen right away, but that’s why<br />
it’s important to stick with one barber. Over time, your barber<br />
should learn your hair and preferences and will fine-tune your<br />
haircut until it’s 100% on point.<br />
Use the right product:<br />
There’s a good product out there for everyone’s hair. Don’t like<br />
it too shiny? Don’t like it too hard? Don’t like it greasy? There<br />
are still good products out there that will suit your needs<br />
and keep your hair where you want it. Know your hair type<br />
and find a product that caters to it. The right product can<br />
make thin hair look more full. The wrong one will make it look<br />
even thinner. The right product can make curly hair fresh and<br />
bouncy. The wrong one can make it frizzy and heavy.<br />
Eat right:<br />
The most common cause of hair loss is genetics. However,<br />
many other factors can affect your hair health. Lack of proper<br />
nutrition and vitamins from your diet can cause hair loss over<br />
time. People with protein-deficient diets and extreme and<br />
sudden weight loss can experience thinning hair. Fatty fish,<br />
eggs, greens, and nuts are good for your overall health, and<br />
especially hair health.<br />
Chill out:<br />
Another factor that can affect hair loss is stress. An<br />
occasional bad day or week won’t move your hairline up,<br />
however chronic stress or psychological trauma can lead<br />
to losing some or even all of your hair temporarily. In most<br />
cases, hair loss from stress is not permanent.<br />
LTHIER HAIR<br />
Eli Jaffe is a contributor for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. Follow his hair<br />
care experiences on Instagram<br />
@the_bais_barber<br />
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DRINKS<br />
Is Bourbon the New<br />
Scotch?<br />
Since time immemorial (or at least since<br />
1495), scotch has always been the staple<br />
at the Kiddush club.<br />
BY: YEHUDA PITTERMAN<br />
Back in the day, we all remember the blended Scotch<br />
at our grandfathers’ Kiddush club. You had Chivas<br />
Regal, Crown Royal, or Canadian Club (unless your<br />
grandfather was Chassidish, in which case it was<br />
Slivovitz and Old Williamsburg, with sponge cake, of<br />
course) and if you were really fancy, you had some<br />
Johnny Walker. As single malts became more popular<br />
and prevalent in the late 80s and early 90s, The Glenlivet<br />
(yes, its official name is THE Glenlivet) and McCallan<br />
overtook Dewar’s and J&B as the must-haves at any<br />
self-respecting kiddush club. As additional distilleries<br />
started importing more varieties and people’s palates<br />
matured, we entered the start of the golden age of<br />
scotch. Besides the classic single malts, people<br />
began discovering smoky and peaty scotch (what<br />
exactly is a smoky or peaty scotch is a topic for a<br />
future date), and Lagavulin and Laphroig became<br />
common sights. While scotch became more popular,<br />
good old fashioned American bourbon became “old<br />
fashioned” and out of style and the people who drank<br />
it were looked down upon. (It bears mentioning that<br />
you should never make fun of someone’s drink of<br />
choice if it’s what they enjoy— they’re entitled to enjoy<br />
themselves, even if they’re wrong.) It had a reputation<br />
of being the drink for those who couldn’t appreciate<br />
a single malt scotch, besides a few exceptions like<br />
Woodford and Basil Hayden.<br />
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Beer Barrel Bourbon<br />
AMAZING! It was the<br />
first bourbon that I<br />
really liked.<br />
Angel’s Envy<br />
At one point, they<br />
even partnered with<br />
Kedem and had a<br />
hechsher.<br />
In spite of all of that, an extraordinary thing happened<br />
— bourbon became popular and mainstream. If you go<br />
to most liquor stores nowadays, the bourbon selection<br />
has probably doubled, and people are unabashedly<br />
drinking bourbon by kiddushim. People began to<br />
realize that there actually are some very decent<br />
bourbons, including some very high-end bourbons,<br />
and they might even prefer some bourbons over<br />
some scotches. Once you realize that there are some<br />
good and even great bourbons out there to try, after<br />
years of drinking scotch, you might not know where<br />
to start. First of all, here’s a very important life lesson<br />
when it comes to buying alcohol: Always speak to<br />
the sales people at your local liquor store. They are<br />
usually very knowledgeable (I mean, it is their job) and<br />
very helpful. That being said, although I’m personally<br />
more of a scotch guy, here’s my (slightly eclectic) list<br />
of bourbons that I have personally enjoyed, excluding<br />
some of the more famous ones like Woodford and<br />
Basil Hayden.<br />
Yehuda Pitterman<br />
is a contributor for<br />
<strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
Spring Mill<br />
Around $30 and<br />
somehow delicious<br />
Wild Turkey 101<br />
I told you it was<br />
eclectic!<br />
Bulleit<br />
Probably one<br />
of the most<br />
underrated<br />
bourbons<br />
Jeffersons<br />
Especially their<br />
special editions<br />
Widow Jane<br />
Michter’s<br />
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M<br />
FITNESS<br />
The<br />
gyms<br />
are<br />
closed<br />
is no<br />
excuse.<br />
BY: JEREMY URBACH<br />
Russian Twists<br />
One of the things about this pandemic<br />
that has really annoyed me was that all<br />
the gyms were forced to close down.<br />
This meant that many avid gym-goers like myself had to<br />
step into a whole new territory of exercise: bodyweight<br />
exercises, which are exercises using only the weight of<br />
your body. This especially took a toll on me; as someone<br />
who enjoys lifting weights and swinging kettlebells, my<br />
university's gym facilities being closed meant that I had<br />
to stay in my room and work out without equipment.<br />
But over the months, I became familiar with many<br />
bodyweight workouts and have even learned ways to<br />
alter them to reap more muscle-building benefits. I'm<br />
going to let you tzadikim in on three of my favorite<br />
bodyweight exercises that hit all areas of the body,<br />
work up a good sweat, and will definitely help you cut<br />
down the kugel gut.<br />
Push Ups<br />
Push ups are an excellent upper body<br />
exercise that you can do anywhere.<br />
Push ups will hit your chest muscles<br />
and also work your shoulders, triceps,<br />
and back.<br />
If you’re ready for something a little harder,<br />
you can do diamond push ups with your<br />
hands together, so your fingers form a<br />
diamond. If you want even more of a<br />
challenge, try clap push ups.<br />
Squats<br />
Squats are the ultimate lower body workout.<br />
While gym-goers usually like to squat with<br />
heavy weights to bulk up their legs, we can do<br />
bodyweight squats to make our legs stronger<br />
and get our heart rate up. When squatting,<br />
make sure to keep your feet shoulder-width<br />
apart and your knees in line with your toes.<br />
If you want to make it harder, hold the squat<br />
position for longer. If that gets too easy, try<br />
single-leg squats, AKA pistol squats, by doing<br />
the regular squat movement, but on only<br />
one leg.<br />
Jeremy Urbach is a contributor<br />
for <strong>Mochers</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />
Russian twists are an excellent workout for your core and can get your heart rate<br />
pretty high. To perform them, rest your tailbone on the floor with your legs off of<br />
the ground in front of you, then twist from side to side until your abs can’t take<br />
anymore. You can make this exercise more challenging by holding something in<br />
your hands, like a water bottle. For even more of a challenge, try and keep your legs<br />
locked in place.<br />
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