How a Portuguese Sausage Saved Medieval Jews

WORLD At a time when Jews were being tortured and killed, one of Portugal’s “gastronomic wonders,” the humble alheira sausage, may have saved thousands of lives. (BBC Travel) What Jewish communities were likely familiar with alheira? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The intriguing BBC article credits alheira sausage with saving the lives of some … Continue reading How a Portuguese Sausage Saved Medieval Jews

Weekly Warm-Up: Hanukkah and the Geography of Judaism

Hanukkah is winding down, and I thought it appropriate to address the geography of Judaism in today’s Weekly Warm-Up. How well do you know Hanukkah? Find out in our five-question quick quiz! If any population is an ideal case study for a lesson in human geography, it is the Jewish population. Firstly, the term diaspora, commonly used to describe “the movement, migration, or scattering of … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: Hanukkah and the Geography of Judaism

Geography in the News: Hanukkah, A Jewish Celebration

By Neal Lineback and Mandy Lineback Gritzner, Geography in the NewsTM Christians around the world celebrate Christmas on December 25, while Jews celebrate a holiday, Hanukkah, around the same time. Hanukkah is traditionally thought of as one of the less important holidays, yet it has become more popular in the West over the years, perhaps in part because it falls near Christmas. Hanukkah (HAH-nih-kuh), also … Continue reading Geography in the News: Hanukkah, A Jewish Celebration

Cultural Geography through Food

It’s Geography Awareness Week! Celebrate & Learn Through Food Sarah Newman lives in Los Angeles, California, where she writes the blog Neesh Noosh: A Jewish Woman’s Year Long Journey to Find Faith in Food. She enjoys shopping at her local farmers markets and growing herbs and produce in her garden. When did your family immigrate to America? What foods are commonly eaten in the countries … Continue reading Cultural Geography through Food

Why Is This Year Different From All Other Years?

FOOD A shortage of whitefish in the Great Lakes is coming at an inconvenient time for Jewish families: the Passover holiday, perhaps the only time of year when demand for gefilte fish (where whitefish is a key ingredient) exceeds supply. “It may taste like cat food, but that’s why I love it,” says one man. (Associated Press) Use our resources to better understand Passover, food, … Continue reading Why Is This Year Different From All Other Years?