traditions

This family in Syria has kept the centuries-old tradition of Sufi whirling dervishes alive

Sacred Nation

The Al-Kharrat family in Syria has kept the tradition of Sema, or the dance of the whirling dervishes, alive for decades. Under the Assad regime, they faced restrictions on permits and traveling abroad to participate in international events. Now, with a new government in place, they hope to expand their programs and to teach the dance to younger Syrians.

A graphic novel cookbook telling the stories behind some uniquely named Chinese dishes

Food

Kolkata’s Jewish population is dwindling

Sacred Spaces
Smoke in front of a man, with remnants of firecrackers on the ground

Why a medical interpreter was surprised to see Vietnamese immigrant patients at California hospitals around Lunar New Year

Culture
Hazel Bethel is a Manischewitz wine devotee. She's originally from Trinidad and was introduced to the wine by friends who worked in Jewish homes in New York.

Is that Manischewitz? The Kosher wine is a hit in some Caribbean communities.

Food
A bundle of leaf-wrapped rice dumplings

The savory treat of the Dragon Boat Festival and the aunties who make them

Culture

It’s not a coincidence that bah tsang is sometimes translated as “Taiwanese tamales” — they circulate among Taiwanese Americans in much the same way as tamales are sold in Latino communities.