All a-twitter @ellenfutterman

I am not all that tech-savvy, though the reason may be genetic. Until several years ago, when my mother made the great pilgrimage from New York to New Jersey, she still had rotary phones. A computer might as well be a space ship in her eyes. For at least a dozen years, she used the microwave that my brother and I bought her as a breadbox.

I mention this because over the weekend, after months of prodding from my ultra tech-savvy husband, pushed past my genes and opened a Twitter account. Yup, now I’m tweeting up a storm and loving it.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter where I will do my best to keep you updated on Jewish news, arts and cultural events around town, local bargains and sales, restaurant happenings and pretty much anything I think Light readers may be interested in. To follow me, go to twitter.com/ellenfutterman.

So now you can keep abreast of all the Jewish Light news on @stljewishlight and my own personal takes as well. And for those of you on Twitter, I’ll follow you, if you’ll follow me . . .

Step into style

Fashion week may be winding down in New York, but it will be in full swing Thursday, Feb. 24 at Neiman-Marcus in Plaza Frontenac for J Associates Winter Event. Enjoy cocktails and light bites at 6 p.m., followed by a spring fashion show at 6:45 and after-hours shopping (as in having the store to yourself) at 7:15. The cost is $30 per person; for $10 more, become a J Associates member. Contact Ericka Zoll for more information at [email protected] or 314-442-3189.

Cooking up a Jewish recipe book

The Jewish Book Council in New York is soliciting recipes from Jewish communities across North America for inclusion in a cookbook that will be published by Algonquin Books.

While the Council has a long history of being at the forefront of the literary vanguard, there’s been one question that’s eluded it: Is there a greater tragedy for the Jewish people than having eight people over for dinner, but not enough food for 20?

In that spirit, Algonquin wants a book on Jews and food that is part cookbook, part commentary, part history and all delicious. The book will feature contributions from both celebrity chefs and home cooks about the Jewish food that matters to them, as well as essays on the history of Jewish food.

If you have a favorite recipe for the Jewish food you know and love. The guidelines can be found at www.jewishbookcouncil.org or call 212-786-5157. Recipes should be kosher, or at least not mix milk and meat or use non-kosher foods (such as pork, shellfish, etc.) but if you have a great Jewish recipe that isn’t totally kosher, we can figure out ways to adjust it so it meets kosher guidelines.

Go to: http://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/page.php?653 to have your recipe and story considered for inclusion in the book. The Jewish Book Council will let you know if you’re recipe has been selected.

Deadline is May 1, 2011

Soup kitchen

On the subject of recipes, dust off your best one and participate in B’nai El’s fourth Annual Chicken Soup Cook-off from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at 11411 N. Forty Drive in Frontenac. In addition to some serious judging, attendees can vote for their favorite soup and earn the right to vote more than once by bringing cans of food (more cans, more votes). Proceeds will benefit the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. The event also features a bake sale and children’s activities. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and free for those under 7. For more information, contact 314-432-6393 or email [email protected].

Exploring Jewish Chicago

If you’re considering a spring getaway, Spertus, the center for Jewish learning and culture, is offering a new tour and travel initiative focused on Jewish history, culture and community. Dubbed Jewish EDventures, the program launches with a four-day experience in the heart of Chicago, from May 31 through June 3. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with experts, author and artists at activities and events designed to inform, entertain, and uncover the historical roots and contemporary culture of Jewish Chicago. Trip highlights include:

• A custom tour of Lawndale, the historic neighborhood once home to both Golda Meir and Martin Luther King Jr.

Exclusive seats at Lookingglass Theatre’s World Premiere of “The Last Act of Lilka Kadison.”

• A lecture by art critic and journalist James Yood about Jewish artists, followed by a tour of works by Jewish artists at the Art Institute of Chicago.

• A gourmet kosher dinner by Spertus Executive Chef Laura Frankel, author of “Jewish Cooking for All Seasons” and the “Chosen Bites” column in the Jerusalem Post, and entertainment by the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band quartet.

The package costs $650 per person, $1250 for two people registering together, $614 per person for Spertus members. It includes seven meals plus the Lookingglass Theatre ticket and admission and transportation to all tour activities. Travel to and from Chicago is not included. Reservations are being accepted through Thursday, March 31. Participants will also have the option of staying at The Standard Club of Chicago, a five-star private club, at a special discounted rate. For more information, go to www.spertus.edu or call 312-322-1743.