Wine

Rare Cache of Silver Coins Dating to the Hasmonean Period Discovered in Modi‘in

June 8, 2016 by Robert J. Avrech 1 Comment

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO-r4HGA1tc[/youtube]

A hoard of silver coins dating to the Hasmonean period (126 BCE) was exposed in April in an archaeological excavation the Israel Antiquities Authority is currently conducting near Modi‘in, [Modi’in is located 22 miles southeast of Tel Aviv and 19 miles west of Jerusalem] with the participation of local youth. The excavation is being carried out prior to the construction of a new neighborhood, at the initiative of the Modi‘in-Maccabim-Re‘ut municipality. The treasure was hidden in a rock crevice, up against a wall of an impressive agricultural estate that was discovered during the excavation there.

Book Review: For the Love of Wine

March 3, 2016 by Robert J. Avrech 5 Comments

Alice Feiring, my natural cousin. — My cousin, author Alice Feiring.

As most of my readers know, Seraphic Secret does not drink. Not wine, nor any type of liquor.

That’s because alcohol, even the smallest amount, is a sure-fire trigger for a migraine.

So, you ask, why is Seraphic Secret reviewing a book dedicated to wine? Well, it’s simple, the author of this elegant and fascinating volume, an odyssey though the wine culture of Georgia (the republic, not the American state) is my first cousin with whom I grew up in Brooklyn. I love and admire my cousin Alice.

Besides, Alice’s book is not just about wine. Like any good movie or novel, there is plot and then there is the all important subtext. Alice writes about wine—natural wine, and the people who cultivate, produce and consume it—but what she’s really writing about is the importance of family and tradition.

The Best Kosher Wines for Passover

March 18, 2013 by Robert J. Avrech 24 Comments

My cousin, Alice Feiring, wine critic and best selling author. — Alice Feiring, wine critic and best selling author.

Passover is almost here. We’re scrubbing Casa Avrech top to bottom, switching dishes and silverware, purchasing tons of kosher for Passover food, and shopping for new clothing.

And many are wondering which wines to buy for the Passover seders in which we are commanded to drink four cups of wine.

Seraphic Secret does not drink wine, nor imbibe liquor — ever. The reason? Drink leads to migraines that can flatten yours truly for days. Hence, I have nothing to say about wine.

However, I am well-connected.

Once again, Seraphic Secret has invited first cousin Alice Feiring, the award-winning author and wine critic to sample and recommend the best Passover wines on the market.

Take it away, Alice. [Read more…] about The Best Kosher Wines for Passover

My Cousin Alice: Wine Critic and Hurricane Hero

November 1, 2012 by Robert J. Avrech 9 Comments

Seraphic Secret has not, so far, written about Hurricane Sandy (what a terrible name for such a devastating storm) because, frankly, we had nothing original to say. We all know that nature is pitiless, government services fail, and neighbors help neighbors while politicians pose and preen.

Seraphic Secret has one daughter in Teaneck and one in Queens. Both are okay, thank G-d.

We also have an elderly relative who lives in Long Beach, a beloved aunt. Aunt X is, um, kind of stubborn. So when the order to evacuate was given, she just hunkered down in her second-floor apartment, saying: “What do they know? This is my home. I’m staying.”

On the phone, before the storm hit, a concerned Seraphic Secret called Aunt X.

“You have to evacuate.”

“No.”

Passover Wine According to Alice ‘Naked Wine’ Feiring

March 29, 2012 by Robert J. Avrech 15 Comments

Passover is almost here. We’re scrubbing our houses, changing dishes and silverware, purchasing tons of kosher for Passover food, shopping for new clothing, and many are wondering which wines to buy for the Passover seders in which we are commanded to drink four cups of wine.

Medical Interpolation: Seraphic Secret does not drink wine, does not imbibe liquor, period. The reason? Drink leads to migraines that can flatten yours truly for days. Hence, I have nothing to say about wine. But, I am well-connected.

Seraphic Secret has invited my cousin, the award-winning and very cool wine critic Alice Feiring to sample and recommend the best Passover wines on the market.

Take it away Alice.