The great fringe of the Diaspora gets even fringier

Oy. This just in from Rabbi Strulowitz:

Tel Aviv Kosher market has decided to no longer remain under Rabbinic supervision. Therefore, until further notice, Tel Aviv shall be considered like a Kosher supermarket, meaning I can only recommend the purchase of packaged goods. All products cooked or made at the store, or fresh meat that has been cut at the store, is not under any Rabbinic supervision. However, I do encourage you to patronize the store for it still will serve an important role in the San Francisco Jewish community.

Well, back to Trader Joe's plastic-wrapped meat for me. Who needs a leg of lamb, a flanken, a duck or anything else, really? Sigh.

Why is this night more fattening than all other nights?

Well, kiddies, I hosted my first seder. The occasion? My parents were in town. Why go to mom's if mom can come to yours?

It was meant to be a little get together for them and me and Bill, and maybe one or two minyan friends, but next thing you know, FIFTEEN PEOPLE had joined in. All good friends, but it was a terrifying project for me. (I cut off my Shabbat dinners at 8, and honestly, I prefer 6.)

Bill and mom and I cooked all weekend. I mean, ALL WEEKEND. WE got up at 10 and cooked until after dark. The menu included

MB soup
veggie MB soup
8 pounds of brisket
25 orange glazed chicken breasts
veggie stuffed cabbage (inside: mushroom-onion farfel stuffing)
citrus avocado beet salad
roast vegetable quinoa salad
raspberry poached pears

It was a hell of a meal. Other guests brought tons of other food, and ladies and gentlemen, I brought home more food than I know what to do with.

The most interesting takeaway of the evening, aside from Rafi's fascinating discourse on the Four Children, was the tidbit that my mother and grandmother also always make too much food...and that they also both apologize relentlessly for its quality and misperceived scarceness.