One day she was out and his curiosity got the best of him. He opened the box, and inside he found 3 eggs and $2000. When his wife came home, he admitted that he opened the box, and he asked her to explain the contents to him. She told him that every time he had a bad sermon, she would put an egg in the box..........  He interrupted, "In twenty years, only three bad sermons, that's not bad." 

His wife continued...... and every time I got a dozen eggs, I would sell them for $1."

Even if we understand that this mitzvah only applies to coffee drunk in the morning, women are only exempt from mitzvot aseh shehazman grama [time-bound commandments phrased as "thou shalt"], whereas this is a mitzvat lo taaseh [phrased as "thou shalt not"]. Therefore we conclude that women are equally bound to contemplate convection currents. R. Chama bar Karkar argues that this mitzvah is not really time-bound at all.  What if one only drinks coffee after supper? The mitzvah applies to kos rishon (the first cup of coffee in each day), whether drunk in the morning, afternoon or evening. Some delay drinking kos rishon until later in the day, when they have more time to observe the swirling patterns at greater length. Do we not pray in the Amida: "v tovotecha shebehol eyt, erev vavoker vatzohoraim" [(we thank you...) for your goodness at all times evening, morning and afternoon]? And is not coffee with cream one of G-d's goodnesses? Therefore our sages maintain that this mitzvah applies to coffee drunk at any time, not only kos rishon. (Halacha follows this opinion.) Once again, women and men are both obligated in this mitzvah. Are Jews, then, commanded to drink coffee? No, but those who do are considered praiseworthy. What of those who do not drink coffee? They are obligated to contemplate the coffee of a friend, and to refrain from stirring it (masechet Shotah, perek Shtayim Shotim B'kos, mishnah kaf-he).  May one contemplate the coffee of a non-Jew? Rambam notes that coffee has never been used in avodah zarah [idol worship], so one may contemplate it. The RiTzPa notes that one may not drink it unless it was prepared and served in kosher vessels, but one may contemplate it even in unkosher vessels. Later commentators note that Ashkenazim do not do this, and Sephardim only do it when it will annoy Ashkenazim.  May one prepare the coffee, refrain from stirring, yet not drink? Bet Hillel say that such a person is yotze, as long as one observes the convection currents and remembers the 2nd Commandment of Thermodynamics. Bet Shammai say that one must drink as well. (As usual, we follow Bet Hillel.) Rashi comments that although one need not drink the coffee, the coffee must not be wasted, lest we transgress bal tashchit [do not destroy].  What of coffee drunk following a meat meal? Since real cream is forbidden in this circumstance, may one observe the mitzvah with pareve ersatz cream? Rambam says no, since the principle of hiddur mitzvah [beautifying a commandment] demands that we use the tastiest ingredients we can afford, and mocha mix is inferior to authentic cream. Hence we do not serve coffee after meat. (Black coffee does not fulfill the mizvah.) Mishnah Brewrah notes that those who are especially pious refrain from eating meat at any time so that they will always be ready to observe this mitzvah with real cream. So important is real cream that even skim milk is unacceptable (except for those with certain medical conditions). Concerning hiddur mitzvah, the Kos Tam (R. Yuban Chockfullanussen) argues that in addition to fine quality coffee and cream, one must also use fine implements. Not only must the coffee be served in a delicate cup (with a saucer!), but when one refrains from stirring, one must refrain from stirring with a silver spoon. To refrain with a wooden or plastic stick, when a fine spoon was available, shows disrespect for the Torah and brings disgrace on one's family. 

One should take care to avoid spilling any coffee on the unused stirring implement, so that nobody will see it and conclude (erroneously) that stirring is permissible. Likewise, although one may first stir sugar into coffee and then refrain from stirring after adding cream, those who are strict do not do this, to avoid wetting the stirrer. Neither may one stir the coffee first, and then pour in cream while the coffee is still in motion relying on turbulence to mix the cream. The Torah is explicit that the purpose is to observe convection currents (which must be generated by temperature diffential, and not any other motion or current). In recent years it has become common to use special coffee cups made of glass, so that one may observe the currents not only from the top, but from the sides and bottom as well. Harei zeh mishubach, although we do not invalidate cups made of fine china. 

• They Would Have Asked Directions. 
• Arrived On Time. 
• Helped Deliver The Baby. 
• Hired Someone To Clean The Stable. 
• Made A Brisket. 
• And Brought Practical Gifts. 

G-d First Went To The Egyptians And Asked Them If They Would Like A Commandment. "What's A Commandment?" They Asked. "Well, Its Like, Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery," Replied G-d.  The Egyptians Thought About It And Then Said, "No Way. That Would Ruin Our Weekends."  So Then G-d Went To The Assyrians And Asked Them If They Would Like A Commandment. They Also Asked, What's A Commandment?"  "Well," Said G-d, "Its Like, Thou Shalt Not Steal."  The Assyrians Immediately Replied, "No Way. That Would Ruin Our Economy."  So Finally God Went To The Jews And Asked Them If They Wanted A Commandment.  They Asked, "How Much?"  G-d Said, "They're Free." 

The Jews Said, "Great! We'll Take Ten!" 

When he arrived in New York the customs official was perplexed as to why anybody would have 5 sets of gold teeth. So Moisha explained.  "We Orthodox Jews have two separate sets of dishes for meat products and dairy products but I am so kosher and religious I also have separate sets of teeth." The customs official shook his head and said, "Well that accounts for two sets of teeth. What about the other three?"  Moisha then said "Vell us very religious Orthodox Jews use separate dishes for Passover, but I am so religious I have separate teeth, one for meat and one for dairy food.  The customs official slapped his head and then said, "You must be a very religious man with separate teeth for food and dairy products and likewise for Passover. That accounts for four sets of teeth. What about the fifth set?" 

"Vell to tell you the truth, once in a while I like a ham sandwich." 

The two elderly gentlemen were talking, and one said, "Last night we went out to a new restaurant, and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly." The other man said, "What's the name of the restaurant?" The first man knits his brow in obvious concentration, and finally said to his companion, "Aahh, What is the name of that red flower you give to someone you love?" His friends replies, "A carnation??" "No. No. The other one," the man says. His friend offers another suggestion, "The poppy?" "Nahhhh," growls the man. "You know the one that is red and has thorns." His friend said, "Do you mean a rose?"

"Yes, Yes that's it. Thank you!" the first man says. He then turns toward the kitchen and yells, "Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?"

The Likudnik summons the waitress and asks her to serve the poor man the best food in the house and put it on his tab; the waitress does so.  The Labor party member asks the waitress to please serve the poor man iced tea and put it on his tab. The waitress does so.  The Histadrut member asks the waitress to please serve the poor man pecan pie with ice cream and put it on his tab. Again, the waitress does so.  When Michael is finished eating, he goes over to the Likud man and says, "I was hungry, and you gave me what to eat. Thank you. I see that you are blind." He touches the man's eyes, and his blindness is healed.  Michael then goes up to the Labor man and says, "I was thirsty, and you gave me what to drink. Thank you. I see that you have a lame leg." He touches the man's leg, and it is healed.  Michael then approaches the Histadrut member. 

Suddenly the Histadrut man moves away quickly and shouts, "Don't touch me! Stay away! I'm on a hundred percent disability!" 

1. GONIF WITH THE WIND - A thief tries to acquire ownership of Tara through a forged deed.
2. THE PUTZMAN RINGS TWICE - A Mohel murder mystery.
3. SCHNORRER RAE - A freeloader tries to get in on the union movement.
4. BALABOOSTA COGBURN - John Wayne's wife memorizes the Grossinger cookbook.
5. THE GOOD, THE CHABAD, AND THE UGLY - A kosher noodle western.
6. MOBY DRECK - Captain Ahab harpoons the wrong end of the whale.
7. THE CINCINNATI YID - Steve McQueen uses some of his poker winnings to start a reform congregation.
8. LITVAK BIG MAN - Dustin Hoffman learns that his parents are an American Indian and a Lithuanian immigrant.
9. THE SEDER HOUSE RULES... Zaydie lays down the law on Pesach.
10. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KIBBITZER - Paul Newman and Robert Redford do some standup shtick while they rob their victims.
11. BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KVETCH - the extras complain that whistling the theme song dries out their mouth and hurts their lips.
12. THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LATKE - an overdone potato pancake turns into a monster.
13. DRIEDELS OF THE LOST ARK - Harrison Ford plays Chanukah games.
14. SINGING IN THE CH'RAIN - Gene Kelly gets horseradish on his umbrella.
15. THE SIX CENTS... Three Jews each put in their two-cents' worth.
16. SNOW FALLING ON SEDERS... Unexpected storm disrupts Passover.
17. DREYDEL WILL ROCK... A Chanukah toy comes alive with frightening results.
18. GOYS DON'T CRY... A Rabbi explains why only Jews observe Tisha B'Av.
19. STUART LADLE... A Mouse makes chicken soup for Shabbos.
20. THE GREEN MOYEL... Young man performs first circumcision.

 The first said, I had a big house built for Mama.  The second said, I had a hundred thousand dollar theater built in the house.  The third said, I had my Mercedes dealer deliver her an SL600 with a chauffeur.  The fourth said, Listen to this. You know how Mama loves reading the Torah, and you know that she can't see very well. So I sent her a parrot that can recite the entire Torah. It took twenty rabbis 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a year for twenty years. But it was worth it. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it.  Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her Thank You notes. She wrote:
 Milton, the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks so much.  Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. Moreover, the driver is a Nazi.
A million thanks. Menachim, you give me a theater with Dolby sound, it could hold 50 people, but all my friends are dead. I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind.
But thanks, anyway.

Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift.
Such a delicious chicken!

"You come to the front door of the apartment complex. I am in apartment 14T. There is a big panel at the door. With your elbow push button 14T. I will buzz you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow hit 14. When you get out I am on the left. With your elbow, hit my doorbell."  "Bubbe, that sounds easy, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow"? 

"You're coming empty handed?" 

2. Christmas is a major holiday. Chanukah is a minor holiday with the same theme as most Jewish holidays. They tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat.  3. Christians get wonderful presents such as jewelry, perfume, stereos... Jews get practical presents such as underwear, socks, or the collected works of the Rambam, which looks impressive on the bookshelf.  4. There is only one way to spell Christmas. No one can decide how to spell Chanukah, Chanukah, Chanukka, Channukah, Hanukah, Hannukah.  5. Christmas is a time of great pressure for husbands and boyfriends. Their partners expect special gifts. Jewish men are relieved of that burden. No one expects a diamond ring on Chanukah.  6. Christmas brings enormous electric bills. Candles are used for Chanukah. Not only are we spared enormous electric bills, but we get to feel good about not contributing to the energy crisis.  8. Christmas carols are beautiful. Silent Night, Come O Ye Faithful.... Chanukah songs are about dreidels made from clay or having a party and dancing the horah. Of course, we are secretly pleased that many of the beautiful carols were composed and written by our tribal brethren. And don't Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond sing them beautifully?  9. A home preparing for Christmas smells wonderful. The sweet smell of cookies and cakes baking. Happy people are gathered around in festive moods. A home preparing for Chanukah smells of oil, potatoes, and onions. The home, as always, is full of loud people all talking at once.  10. Women have fun baking Christmas cookies. Women burn their eyes and cut their hands grating potatoes and onions for latkas on Chanukah. Another reminder of our suffering through the ages.  11. Parents deliver to their children during Christmas. Jewish parents have no qualms about withholding a gift on any of the eight nights.  12. The players in the Christmas story have easy to pronounce names such as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. The players in the Chanukah story are Antiochus, Judah Maccabee, and Matta whatever. No one can spell it or pronounce it. On the plus side, we can tell our friends anything and they believe we are wonderfully versed in our history.  13. Many Christians believe in the virgin birth. Jews think, "Joseph, Bubela, snap out of it. Your woman is pregnant, you didn't sleep with her, and now you want o blame G-d. Here's the number of my shrink." 

14. In recent years, Christmas has become more and more commercialized. The same holds true for Chanukah, even though it is a minor holiday. It makes sense. How could we market a major holiday such as Yom Kippur? Forget about celebrating. Think observing. Come to synagogue, starve yourself for 27 hours, become one with your dehydrated soul, beat your chest, confess your sins, a guaranteed good time for you and your family. Tickets a mere $200 per person. 
Better stick with Chanukah! 

First, go down to Simpson's basement, buy a housecoat, and wear it all day, every day.  Then go out and buy a live chicken, carry it wrapped in a newspaper to the Shoichet who will ritually slaughter it before your very eyes.  When you get it home, flick your chicken and make sure you don't leave in any pinchus (feather ends). Next, go out and buy a four-foot-long carp with huge whiskers.  Fill your bathtub with water and let the fish swim in it for several days.  In the in the meantime, remove your Berber broadloom from the living room, polish the hardwood floors, cover them in newspaper, cover your couch in Saran wrap, and don't let anyone in your living room again. Now you're a real "BALABOOSE, which is a term of respect used for an efficient Jewish housewife, and the essence of your universe is in the kitchen.  So get out your Eddy matches, light the pilot light, get out the volgar holtz, hock the tzibbeles and knobble, and we're Jewish again. Before we start, however, there are some variations in ingredients because of the various types of Jewish taste (Pollack, Litvack and Gallicianer).  Just as we Jews have six seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer, fall, the slack season, and the busy season), we all focus on a main ingredient which unfortunately, and undeservedly, has disappeared from our diet.  I'm talking, of course, about SCHMALTZ. SCHMALTZ has for centuries been the prime ingredient in almost every Jewish dish, and I feel it's time to revive it to its rightful place in our homes. (I have plans to distribute it in a green glass Gucci bottle with a label clearly saying: low fat, no cholesterol, President's Choice, extra virgin SCHMALTZ.  It can't miss!) Let's start, of course, with the "forshpeiz."  Gehockteh leiber with SCHMALTZ is always good, but how about something more exotic for your dear ones, like boiled whitefish in yoyech which sets into a jelly form, or "gefilteh miltz" (stuffed spleen), in which the veins are removed, thank G-d, and it is fried in, you guessed it, SCHMALTZ, bread crumbs, eggs, onions, salt and pepper.  Love it!
How about stewed lingen (lung) - very chewy, or gehenen (brains) - very slimy.  Am I making your mouth water yet?  Then there are greebenes - pieces of chicken skin, deep fried in SCHMALTZ, onions and salt until crispy brown.  This makes a great appetizer for the next cardiologist's convention.
 Another favorite, and I'm sure your children will love it, is pe'tcha.  Simply chop us some cows' feet with your hockmesser, add some meat, onions, again, salt and pepper, cook for five hours and let it sit overnight.  You might want to it with oat bran and bananas for an interesting breakfast.
There's also a nice chicken fricassee using the heart, gorgle, pipick (a great delicacy, given to the favourite child, usually me), a fleegle or two, some ayelech (little eggs) and other various chicken innards, in a broth of SCHMALTZ, water, paprika, etc.. We also have knishes and the eternal question "Will that be liver, beef or potatoes or all three?"  Other time-tested favorites are kishkeh, and its poor cousin, helzel.  Kishkeh is the gut of the cow, bought by the foot at the butcher.  It is turned inside out, scalded and scraped.  One end is sewn up and a mixture of flour, SCHMALTZ, onions, eggs, salt, pepper, etc. is spooned into the open end and squished down until it is full, the other end is sewn and the whole thing is boiled.  Yummy!  My personal all-time favourite is watching my Zaida munch on boiled chicken feet.  Try that on the kinderlach tomorrow. For our next course we always had chicken soup with pieces of yellow-white, rubbery chicken skin floating in a greasy sea of lokshen, farfel, arbiss, lima beans, pietrishkeh, tzibbeles, mondlech, kneidlach, kasha, kliskelech and marech (marrow bones). The main course, as I recall, was either boiled chicken, flanken, kackletten (hockfleish), and sometimes rib steaks which were served either well done, burned or cremated.  Occasionally we had barbecued liver done to a burned and hardened perfection in our own coal furnace.  Since we couldn't have milk with our meat meals, beverages consisted of cheap pop (Kik, Dominion Dry, seltzer in the spritz bottles) or a glezel tay (tea) served in a yohrtzeit glass and sucked through a sugar cube held between the incisors.

Desserts were probably the only things not made with SCHMALTZ, so we never had any.  Well, now you know the secret of how I've grown up to be so tall,  sinewy, slim and trim, energetic, extremely clever and modest, and if you want your children to grow up to be like me, you're gohnsen meshuggah!
ZEI MIR GEZUNT.