Limmud becomes a Jewish networking nexus

Published on January 19, 2011

Journalist and author Lisa Alcalay Klug flew across the country this month to present at the annual New York version of Limmud, one of the Jewish learning gatherings that occur worldwide. She’ll fly in the other direction next month to attend the fourth annual LimmudLA, Feb. 18-21 in Costa Mesa. LimmudLA will be Klug’s eighth Limmud gathering in 12 months. Like the hundreds of other Limmud presenters whose paths she crosses, she doesn’t get paid for her time. “I’ve met amazing people, developed new friendships and reinforced past relationships,” said Klug, who splits her time among California, New York and Israel. “My world has grown exponentially because of it.”

Limmud becoming new favored networking tool for Jewish authors, artists, groups

Published on January 13, 2011

Journalist and author Lisa Alcalay Klug flew across the country this month to present at Limmud NY, the annual New York version of the worldwide Jewish learning extravaganza. The Jan. 14-17 conference in upstate New York will be Klug’s seventh Limmud gathering in 12 months. Like the hundreds of other Limmud presenters whose paths she crosses, she doesn’t get paid for her time. “I’ve met amazing people, developed new friendships and reinforced past relationships,” said Klug, who splits her time in California, New York and Israel. “My world has grown exponentially because of it.”

Hey, Hipster Jew—you probably think this book is about you

By Jay Firestone
Published on October 30, 2008

If you count yourself among the Heebsters and Sheebsters, you're proud to be a Jew and have no reservations when it comes to flaunting your J-bling. If this is all new to you, welcome to the world of hipster Jews.

Port Town Harbors ‘Oasis of Judaism’

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on September 15, 2005

The captivating simplicity of Onset, Mass., sneaks up on you. In this quaint harbor town, the main activity is perhaps taking walks to the harbor to watch the boats sail and the sun glisten on the water. Therein lies its charm, as well as a hidden jewel of a shul near the bridge at the entrance to town.

Bachelorettes Just Wanna Have Fun

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on July 7, 2005

Your best friend is soon to wed. You're in charge of the prenuptial ladies fete but your buddy is an iconoclast and so are you. If you're looking for bachelorette parties that score points for originality, you might consider these unusual substitutes.

Raise a Glass to Herzog’s New Winery

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on June 30, 2005

California's newest and largest kosher winemaking facility boasts the longest history.

Last week, the Baron Herzog Winery debuted its 77,000-square-foot winery in Oxnard. The label dates back to 1848, when the Herzog family established an operation in the small Slovakian village of Vrobove. Philip Herzog produced an off-dry Riesling favored by Franz-Josef, the Austrian emperor, who established the winery as his sole supplier and knighted the family patriarch with the title "Baron." In the 1930s, his grandson, Eugene Herzog, watched the Nazis, and, later, the communists take over the winery. When he finally sailed with his family to New York, he arrived in 1948 with more children (six) than dollars. He began working for the Royal Wine Co. as truck driver, sales manager and winemaker. To supplement his meager income, the company paid him in stock. He eventually became a majority stockholder and bought the company in 1958.

Forgo Rainy Day Woe With Spa Trip

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on March 3, 2005

When the torrential winter rains take a reprieve, don some wings and head south. This three-day itinerary for rest, relaxation and kosher cuisine creates sunny inspiration even on the cloudiest days.

Watching Whales With a Maui Rabbi

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on February 17, 2005

Spiritually Found Among the Surf

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on February 17, 2005

Standing on a surfboard for the first time, it felt as if time stood still. I can recall the palm trees on the shore, the dusty blue of the island's silhouette in the distance to my left, and my teacher afloat on his board to my right. That first, miraculous ride seemed to last forever. In one unforgettable moment, every stray thought inside me was quieted, pushed aside. All I knew was a sense of harmony between myself, the board and the wave. The water must have been slapping on the sand and the birds must have been chirping, but I heard absolutely nothing. A complete and total silence enveloped me and carried me closer and closer to shore, until the board stopped and I fell. The moment was gone.

Pesach, Matzah, Maror and Massage

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on February 17, 2005

Thanks to an increasing number of spas offering Passover packages, a Pesach getaway doesn't necessarily have to lead to weight gain. There is no shortage of luxury resorts where you can nourish your spirituality, pamper your psyche and get a workout. In fact, several highly rated wellness centers are hosting seders this year for the first time, including the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Jerusalem’s Own Garden of Eden

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on January 13, 2005

Atop a small hill in a corner of Jerusalem, tropical plants take root. Nearly black orchids stand amid carnivorous plants and other leafy creatures dating to ancient times. While the intense Israel sun bakes the outdoors, this treasured vegetation grows protected in a beautifully constructed greenhouse. A team of experts manages their well-being in this delicately balanced tropical environment. Their home is one of the city's choice retreats from urban mayhem: the dome-covered University Botanical Garden and its Tropical Conservatory.