WE MUST NOT THINK OF OURSELVES

This moving and powerful book holds a special place on my best of 2024 list, and in my heart. It is the story of Adam, a young Jewish teacher confined to the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII, who is chronicling the lives of those imprisoned there. Adam is waiting out the war in a cramped apartment where, despite his best intentions, he falls in love with a married woman whose family is living there too. What will be their fates, along with the rest of the Ghetto's inhabitants? Are they too late to survive the circle of evil that threatens to close in around them?
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Rich with unforgettable supporting characters, fascinating subplots, and lessons that now seem uncannily prescient, I highly recommend this beautiful novel. On a personal note, as a Jewish reader and creator, I am grateful to @readwithjenna for choosing to highlight this important story. It's hard to imagine - as swastikas are being painted on college campuses, synagogues, nursery schools, picnic tables where my family eats - a more timely book than one that reminds us of the dire consequences when hate is allowed to flourish unfettered. Ultimately, though, there is light and hope, both in the story and on this holiday, as we pray for peace this Hanukkah.
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Now, about these desserts: if you’ve been here a while you know I cook everything on this page. But sometimes, especially during the holidays, life gets in the way. Despite my best intentions to learn to make sufganiyot (jelly donuts traditional for Hanukkah) - injecting jam into pastries with a syringe was not on my holiday bingo card today. So in a last minute pivot my wonderful local bakeshop @sugarhi_ny saved the day with their famous colossal Hanukkah donuts we look forward to every year. Part of being a dedicated home cook is knowing when to leave certain technical culinary feats to the pros, and I'm lucky to have some amazing ones just around the corner. Happy Hanukkah and may light shine in your home today and all throughout the holidays!