In the JNF Kitchen: Cauliflower latkes from the Arava

All latked out yet? We have the perfect antidote -- cauliflower latkes from the Central Arava Regional Council. The Arava is a key focus of JNF's Blueprint Negev initiative, which aims to bring communities to Israel's south, away from the congested, highly priced center of the country.

The Central Arava is a wonderful place to visit, live, raise a family -- and run a farm! What residents in the area lack in natural resources, they make up for in ingenious agricultural solutions. All year round, the tastiest peppers, artichokes, melons, and cucumbers come out of the Central Arava.

Miami bat mitzvah girl brings cheer to IDF soldiers with disabilities

Tanya, second from right, stands with Special in Uniform director Tiran Attia (far left), along with family members and Special in Uniform soldiers at the beautiful dedication event. 

Today we bring you a story of a generous bat mitzvah celebrant who helped raise money for Special in Uniform in honor of her milestone birthday. Special in Uniform is a partner in JNF's efforts to ensure no member of Israeli society is left behind, as part of the Task Force on Disabilities. 

At a special ceremony at an Israel Defense Forces base in Israel, 12-year-old bat mitzvah girl Tanya Andrusier of Bal Harbour, Florida, gave 250 backpacks to soldiers with disabilities. Tanya was inspired by the soldiers of Special in Uniform and decided to do something special for them in honor of her bat mitzvah by using her talent as an artist.

In the JNF Kitchen: Bulgarian beet carrot mozzarella latkes

This recipe of the week, an interesting twist on the holiday classic, comes from our partner Nefesh B'Nefesh. They are crafted by Chef Zissie, an American olah who made the move to Israel with NBN, and who's a great example of somebody who successfully transferred and rebuilt her independent career from the U.S. in Israel, taking her new environment into account. You can read her story here on the Nefesh B'Nefesh blog. 

Meet a JNF Leader: T Lungwitz, lover of Israel, and Arabian horses

We recently sat down with Jewish National Fund lay leader T Lungwitz, a member of JNF's Negev Society, Century Council, Circle of Sapphire and JNF Arizona's newly founded board of trustees. T has an incredible resume, dedicating her life to caring for others first as a nurse and currently as CEO of Thema Health Services, a large home health, hospice, and palliative care company. She's also a lover of horses, owning Royal T Arabians, a company dedicated to raising and breeding Arabian horses, some of the most admired in the world. Read on to hear from this impressive member of the JNF family. 

In the JNF kitchen: Lentil soup

The recipe of the week, a hearty lentil soup, is the quintessential winter dish with a Mediterranean twist, sure to warm your home and your body. It's brought to us by Hagit Lidror, one of the people making Western Galilee a foodie and wine-enthusiast paradise. The region is a key development area of JNF's Go North initiative. 

Hagit's creations, healthy and focused on quality ingredients, are representative of Israeli cuisine in its freshness and simplicity. Hagit teaches Cooking Workshops based on healthy vegetarian cuisine at her home facing the magical Clil landscape overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

In the JNF kitchen: Stuffed mushrooms from the Galilee

This week's recipe is brought to you by Tamar & Gefen, a bed and breakfast in Israel's Western Galilee. Tucked away among oak trees, olive trees, and grapevines, these accommodations are anything but ordinary, with a boutique winery, a wine cultural center, and a tasting room on the premises. The simplicity and magic of the past combine with the comfort and luxuries of the present amid the sounds of silence, the fragrance of the forest, and the taste of great wine. Imagine yourself taking in all these beauties while indulging in stuffed mushrooms from Tamar & Gefen. They're simple to make but taste restaurant-quality. Make them as an appetizer for your next party, or as a weeknight meal alongside a simple salad.