PROVIDENCE – As a vegetarian, I was excited when I heard some weeks ago that Veggie Fun, a new restaurant in Providence, was kosher-certified.  For years, the only alternative for individuals here who follow the laws of kashrut andwanted to eat in a restaurant was to make the hour-long trip to Boston or Newton; then after eating, they’d have to make the return trip.

PROVIDENCE – Always eager to “bring quality kosher options to the Jewish community here,” Rabbi Barry Dolinger, of Congregation Beth Sholom, added that he believes it’s a rabbi’s responsibility to try to foster traditional Jewish observances. Being able to dine out with friends and family and having a night off from cooking, he said, enhances the quality of people’s lives.

PROVIDENCE – Cooking and baking, I have found, are the perfect antidotes to the “blahs” that ensue with cold weather and dark days. With this issue’s theme of “generations/family heroes,” why not be a family hero to your children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews by cooking or baking? Consider introducing them to the intricacies of baking some time-tested favorite family recipes or experimenting with some recipes offered here.

Wine is an integral part of Judaism, a part of every holiday meal. Wine and vineyards are referred to numerous times in the Bible, and many ancient wine presses have been found throughout Israel. But Israel has only recently come into its own as a producer of quality wine, notably quality wine that happens to be kosher.