The Jewish Women's Circle, a group of women from the held their monthly meeting on Tuesday night.
Led by Chanie Kramer, the group meets on the second Tuesday of each month to relax and socialize, as well as participate in a do-it-yourself activity.
"We have been meeting since December," Kramer says with a smile, motioning to the group, scattered throughout the Center's early education classroom.
At previous meetings, the women have made herbal blending oils for Hannakuh and Hamantash for Purim. This month, they shared their favorite Passover recipes in a food tasting entitled "Pass-Over The Tradition," in honor of the holiday, which begins just after sunset on March 29.
The group of 16 was led in two cooking demonstrations and a collection of recipes were distributed to each woman.
Irene Kuller, a member of the circle and a professional personal chef, began the night with "Pineapple Matzo Kugel," a dairy dish spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest.
The women shared cooking tips and family traditions as Irene, "The Cooking Queen," carefully explained each step of her recipe. The women pitched in, peeling apples and beating eggs as they sipped on coffee and tea.
As Kuller's dish baked, filling the warm room with a delicious scent, the David sisters, Devora, 15, Miriam, 17, Rachel, 27, and Hanna, 21, shared their Passover Mandelbroit recipe. The girls each took part in the demonstration, carefully preparing the dough for the sweet holiday bread.
"It's a family favorite," Hanna David said.
The Davids distributed small loaf pans to each woman, so that they could take the dough home to bake and share with their families.
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life is holding a variety of Passover events, including a Community Passover Seder. Kramer and her husband, Rabbi Shimon Kramer, hold the holiday dinner each year at their home in the Chabad of Merrick.
"It is really a great thing they do," Kuller said of the Kramers. "It is a good thing for widowed people and people who don't have family in the area to celebrate with. They invite everyone."
The women ended the night with a spritual discussion led by Kramer, to bring them back to the bible, until next month, when they will once again meet to share in tradition and friendship.
