If you catch me reading a magazine, chances are I’m on vacation – by myself. Unless I’m in the checkout line at the grocery store – reading absurd headlines about events someone decided we should be interested in – reading a magazine is a luxury, a real treat.

When I read a magazine, I like to be entertained (but not with the failing lives of celebrities), and I enjoy learning new things about a topic I find appealing. I want my interest to be peaked by what I am reading, and I love to discover new ideas to try or incorporate into my life.

I read my copy of Jewish Living Magazine from cover to cover (something I also don’t typically do). I read the book blurbs, the contributor tidbits, and all of the advertisements. I read the articles, visited the attached websites and folded over pages I wanted to refer to again at a later date.

My magazine reading experience was a success!

I laughed….

How else are you going to hear about a cool kid’s rock band called Goldirocks? (It was mentioned in the Sound Check section.)

Or imagine yourself at the theatre production of Mikvah Monologues, a play mentioned in the Scene and Heard section?

I learned…

… about BRCA, a breast cancer gene mutation. Having gone through genetic counseling and testing prior to having my children, I did not realize there was a test for BRCA.
After reading this article, I’ll be contacting the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov for more information

Who knew that horseradish was not accepted as maror until the 14th century?

I drooled…

... over the Herbed Matzo Ball Gnocchi recipe and the Honey Whipped Sweet Potatoes. I am already looking forward to Passover next year with some new recipes to try.

I was impressed…

... by the number of Jewish museums that exist in small towns. In this issue, they listed the top ten, and I’ve put several on my list of places I’d like to visit.

… with the number of B’nai Mitzvah (children becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah) who are donating all or a portion of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah money to charity. Their contributions add up to millions of dollars each year! Kol Ha K’vod (all the respect)!

If you enjoy thumbing through magazines and would like to read one that will inspire your connection to Judaism in a renewed and modern manner, Jewish Living Magazine is a great option for you! It is a good read with just enough longer articles to balance the multitude of tidbits you will find throughout.

2010 Jewish Living Magazine is no longer being published. I received my copy from ZS Publishing.