FROM the FARM: Israeli student shares perfect salad for Holy Week

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Peace can become real, if we all will it

Peace is the state of mutual harmony between people or groups. Is this idea or concept really achievable, or is it a dream or fantasy? Theoretically, it is a word we all understand, but is it an idea that we want to bring to fruition? In the liturgy of world religions, peace is a core and pi…

Region's prominent Jewish leader retiring

MUNSTER | Sitting in the library at Temple Beth-El, Rabbi Michael Stevens reflected on his 36 years as a congregational rabbi and how music eventually led him to his calling.

Jewish tradesmen, entrepreneurs create fabric of Jews in the region

Beginning in the mid-19th century, Northwest Indiana offered opportunities for the many waves of people who brought their skills, trades and beliefs to help mold the communities where they settled.

Serving God, mankind essential to Judaism

"Judaism is a complicated belief. It is a combination of religious and societal. It calls for improvement of the world and helping your fellow man."

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

K'Ton Ton preschoolers, including Zainab Mohiuddin, center, wait to be called for lunch at the school at The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana in Munster.

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

Preschoolers James Tauber, left, and Thomas Novak play at K'Ton Ton preschool at The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana in Munster.

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

From left, Morris Silverman, Sharon Bartel, Tzippi Waternov and David Vaughn pray durning a morning prayer service at Congregation Beth Israel in Munster.

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

Preschoolers wait in line at K'Ton Ton preschool at The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana in Munster. The preschool enrollment is made up of about 25 percent Jewish children and is open to the public.

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

Marty Erann reads through the Book of Ruth during a morning prayer service at Congregation Beth Israel in Munster.

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

Marty Erann, left, and Rabbi Ben Kramer pray during a morning prayer service at Congregation Beth Israel in Munster.

Tenants of Judaism make serving God, mankind essential

Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Ben Kramer reads the story of Ruth to preschoolers at KTon Ton preschool for the celebration of Purim at The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana in Munster on Thursday, March 8, 2012.

How to take a can-do attitude to Passover foods

During Passover each year much of the culinary focus is on the seder, the celebratory meal that commemorates the Jewish liberation and exodus from ancient Egypt.

How to take a can-do attitude to Passover foods

The special dietary restrictions that go with Passover can challenge even the most creative of cooks to come up with interesting meals.

Purim: A good story and a great feast

For Jews who love to cook and eat, this holiday is a favorite.

Purim: A good story and a great feast

Purim has been summed up in this way: They tried to kill us, we won, so let's eat!

Valentine's Day has mass appeal, but ostensibly Christian holiday not celebrated by all

When Michael Steinberg was a kid, he attended public school and exchanged cards with friends on Valentine's Day.

Ind. Senate votes for schools to teach creationism

INDIANAPOLIS | In addition to learning the scientific origins of life, Hoosier public school students soon may be taught life was created by God, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the human mind and/or Xenu, dictator of the Galactic Confederacy.

Breaking the Yom Kippur fast? Consider breakfast

The Jewish Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is meant to leave observers with a clean slate for the year to come. But it also leaves you famished.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Rosh Hashana is time of introspection, growth

For Jews around the world, preparations are being made as we approach one of the most solemn periods in the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashana — the Jewish New Year — is not a time when we revel and celebrate, like we all do Jan. 1. It is, however, a time of reflection, introspection and growth.