Tag

Jewish

Browsing
Holidays

Unveiling Light and Secrets: A Journey of Illumination for the Jewish New Year

Holidays
Illuminating the Jewish New Year in Venice, Italy

Let’s embark on a Journey of Illumination for the Jewish New Year. As the Jewish New Year approaches, we are reminded of the beauty of new beginnings. It’s a chance to reflect on our past year and the opportunity to set intentions for the year ahead. In this time of reflection and renewal, we can draw inspiration from the teachings of a remarkable spiritual leader: Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. He was the founder of the Chassidic Movement, (1698-1760).

Each day, I read from an anthology of Chassidic pearls of wisdom and customs, called HaYom Yom. One entry says: ”The Baal Shem Tov was very fond of light, and said, ‘Or (‘light’) is the numerical equivalent of raz (‘secret’). Whoever knows the ‘secret’ contained in every thing can bring illumination.” These profound words encapsulate a timeless wisdom that holds relevance in our lives even today.

Many of you ask which products I use and recommend. This post contains some of my affiliate links for “making every day the best day” while cooking, entertaining and living life.  If you buy something through one of these links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

The Profound Equation of Or (Light) and Raz (Secret):

At first glance, the equation of “or” (light) and “raz” (secret) might seem like an enigmatic riddle. But, if you delve a little deeper, you’ll uncover a profound truth. Just as light has the power to reveal the hidden beauty of our surroundings, so does understanding the secrets embedded within the fabric of our lives.

The Baal Shem Tov’s insight reminds us that the world (and our lives) are brimming with hidden treasures and mysteries. Each experience, each person we encounter, and each challenge we face, contains a secret waiting to be unveiled. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and a willingness to dive into the depths of understanding, we become seekers of the “raz” that leads to profound “or.”

Choosing the Path of Illumination for a New Beginning

As we stand at the threshold of the Jewish New Year, we have the opportunity to embark on a journey of illumination. Much like the sun rising over the horizon, revealing the beauty of the world around us, we can choose to seek the light within ourselves and the world.

Imagine a life where every experience is an opportunity for growth, every interaction a chance to learn, and every challenge a gateway to deeper understanding. By recognizing the potential for illumination in every moment, we shift our perspective from passive observers to active participants in our own lives.

A new day with clouds and illumination by the sun. Text overlay with a thought for the Jewish New Year from the Rebbetzin Unplugged: "Your dreams are your reality waiting to happen."

Embracing Timeless Wisdom:
Illumination for the Jewish New Year

The Baal Shem Tov offers us timeless guidance as we step into the Jewish New Year:

  • Seek the Hidden Gems: Just as we light holiday candles during this season, let us also light the candle of curiosity within ourselves. Approach each day with the intention of uncovering the hidden gems and secrets that lie beneath the surface.
  • Illuminate Through Understanding: Understanding is the key that turns the lock of illumination. By seeking to understand the secrets within every experience, we are granted the power to bring light to even the darkest corners of our lives.
  • Share the Brilliance: The light we discover within ourselves is not meant to be kept hidden. Just as the glow of a candle can light up a room, the insights we gain from embracing and sharing our God-given talents can light up the lives of those around us.

You May Also Enjoy…..

Embrace the Equation, Embrace Light

As we approach the Jewish New Year, let us embrace the equation of “or” and “raz,” the interplay of light and secret. May we each embark on a journey of illumination for the Jewish New Year, understanding that by seeking the secrets within, we can bring forth a radiant light that guides us through the upcoming year.

May this year be one of growth, enlightenment and a deeper connection to the mysteries that surround us. 🕊️✨

Shanah Tovah! 🍎🍯

In what ways will you incorporate the concept of ‘illumination’ into your daily life moving forward?

What secrets have you uncovered in your own journey of growth and understanding? Join the conversation and inspire others with your thoughts and revelations.

#JewishNewYear #RoshHashanah #TimeForRenewal #PathOfIllumination #BaalShemTov #Jewish #Judaism #JewishHolidays #GrowthMindset #PositiveVibes

View Post
By
Holidays

10 Memorable Passover Thoughts to Share at Your Seder Table

Holidays
Haggadah, four cups of wine and three matzahs for Passover (Pesach)

Are you looking for a nice Passover message to share at your seder table? Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew) begins in the evening Wednesday, April 5, 2023 and finishes in the evening Thursday, April 13. As you prepare for the upcoming Jewish holiday, here are 10 memorable Passover thoughts to think about and incorporate into your daily life, now and throughout the year:

1. Passover reminds us that freedom is worth fighting for, even when the odds are against us. #Freedom

2. Passover is a time for family, tradition, and gratitude. Do something during the holiday that brings you joy, love and a renewed appreciation for the blessings in your life. #Gratitude

3. Passover isn’t just about matzah and maror, but the meaningful moments with friends and family. Look around the table and appreciate the precious time you have together. #Tradition

4. Passover reminds us of the power of hope and faith in the face of adversity. We can find the strength to overcome our challenges and break away from the things that limit us. We can emerge stronger than ever. #Hope

5. Passover is a time to reflect on our past and look towards our future. Let the holiday inspire you to live with purpose, kindness and compassion. #Reflection

What memorable Passover thoughts will you share at your seder table?

6. As we gather around the seder table, let’s be grateful for the blessings of freedom, family, and community. #Unity

7. Passover celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over oppression and tyranny. Let us never forget the courage and resilience of those before us, and strive to carry on their legacy. #Resilience

8. Passover is a time to reconnect with our roots, our faith and our values. Let the holiday bring you closer to what matters most. #Faith

9. Passover reminds us of the power of perseverance and the triumph of faith over fear. #Strength

10. The Passover story teaches us that even in the darkest of times, we can find hope and redemption. We can all strive to be agents of change and bring light to the world. #PassoverThoughts

LIKE THIS BLOG POST? I’D LOVE FOR YOU TO FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST AND PIN IT FOR LATER!

I hope you enjoy these inspiring Passover insights to share at your seder table. And even better, may they add meaning that will uplift and inspire you throughout the entire year. From my family to you and yours, we wish you a kosher, freilichen Pesach, a kosher, fun Passover!

Which of these 10 memorable Passover thoughts is your favorite? What are some others you would add? I’d love to hear!

You May Also Like: 📥 Free Passover Downloads!

View Post
By
Holidays

It’s after Rosh Hashanah. Now What?

Holidays
Round sweet challah for Rosh Hashanah

What a special two day celebration of Rosh Hashanah it was! (The Jewish new year goes according to the lunar calendar). We had hundreds of guests from all over the world. 

Rosh Hashanah: Is it all just apples and honey

Usually, dinner hosts sit at the table with their guests. My husband and I were more like emcees, explaining all the symbolism and special traditions throughout the evening. 

In Hebrew, “rosh” means “head.” Just like the head holds everything that controls the entire body, Rosh Hashanah holds an amazing potential for everything that we do for the whole year.  With that in mind, I asked our holiday dinner guests, “Since we are at a new beginning, what is something that you would like to work on, to better yourself? What “hachlata tova” (good resolution) would you like to make?

How do you inspire others

I invited those who wanted to share aloud to do so. It’s known that if you want to challenge yourself with something new, share that endeavor with someone. Telling someone about it makes it real and holds you more accountable to get it done.

But more than that, I wanted whoever wished, to share to do it out loud, because I knew that even more than we each would be inspired by whatever we would take upon ourselves, it would encourage and inspire others as well.

Why is it important to challenge yourself

Some knew right away what they wanted to share. Others had to give it some thought. And there were those who did not initially want to share at all. But as more people spoke up, it did indeed inspire those more hesitant to speak up as well. We all want to do better and improve ourselves. That’s how we grow intellectually and emotionally.

Some of the many resolutions that were made at the Rosh Hashanah table were:

  • Take my physical therapy for my hip more seriously. 
  • Complain less.
  • Take better care of myself.
  • Learn how to speak another language.

We discussed how everyone can do anything for 5 minutes a day. So that would be our starting place. Start small and make it happen.

Did you make a resolution on Rosh Hashanah? It’s not too late. Tell me in the comments below what you choose. I’m rooting for you!

👉👉👉 Got leftover apples? Here’s the Apple Cinnamon Crumb cake they will love! : It’s after Rosh Hashanah. Now What?
View Post
By
Side Dish

Coney Island Potato Knish Recipe

Side Dish
Potato Knish side dish being placed in oven

My mother and I took a walk down memory lane to New York’s world famous Coney Island.

“They were absolutely delicious potato knishes. They really were.,” recalls my mother, while reminiscing about Surf Knishes, my parents’ knish factory on Coney Island’s Surf Avenue 50 years ago.

“Everything was fresh”, she continues, “no artificial ingredients, real potatoes and the secret spice recipe.”

Recalling the sights and sounds of one of New York’s most famous hot spots for food, entertainment and summer fun, she explained that one of Surf Knishes wholesale customers was the iconic restaurant Nathan’s Famous, then owned by the Handwerker Family.

Surf Knishes also had a take-away window to serve the passersby delighting in the sights of the Coney Island Boardwalk. I can imagine the locals and tourists working up an appetite while enjoying the famed Cyclone roller coaster, the performers and parades.

What better to satisfy their hunger than this traditional Ashkenazi Jewish pocket of deliciousness of mashed potatoes in a warm flaky pastry. My recipe may be different, but the passion remains the same as evidenced by my knishes being devoured like hotcakes off the griddle.

Freshen up your home or surprise someone with a beautiful gift from Venice!

Venice photos printed on metal

Products I Love

Many of you ask which products I use and recommend. This post contains some of my affiliate links for “making every day the best day” while cooking, entertaining and living life.  If you buy something through one of these links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

My husband bought me this KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Blender many years ago and I absolutely love it!  I use it on a daily basis to make smoothies, soups, sauces, nut butter and more.  It also comes with a whisk attachment that makes potato puree, scrambling eggs and beating egg whites into stiff peaks a piece of cake.

I’ve highlighted more products I love in the recipe instructions for these delicious potato knishes. Check them out!

Potato Knish side dish being placed in oven
Print Pin

Delicious Potato Knishes

4.38 from 8 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Dough Chill 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 264

Ingredients

Knish Dough

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup apple juice or water

Potato Filling

  • 3 large potatoes
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg for eggwash

Instructions 

  • Mix the dry ingredients
  • Add the vegetable oil and mix
  • Add 1/2 cup of apple juice or water and mix.
  • Add remaining liquid by the spoonful until dough is well-mixed
  • Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or until ready to use.
  • While dough is chilling, boil 3 large potatoes in salted water.
  • Dice and sautee’ half an onion until translucent.
  • Place sautéed onion in a large bowl. Add the boiled potatoes and mash with a fork and season the mixture with 2 tablespoons of evoo and salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Add the egg to the potato mixture and mix well.
  • Tip: I use an immersion blender to quickly puree the potato mixture, because my family prefers a smooth filling. Skip this step if you prefer otherwise.
  • Roll out the dough thinly into a rectangle.
  • Using a smooth edged knife, cut the dough in half vertically and then into quarter horizontally to make eight even-sized rectangles.
  • Add a dollop of potato mixture to the bottom half of a rectangle and fold and close the knish. Press the edges closed all around with your fingertips. (Like someone two-finger typing with their pointer fingers). Repeat with the remaining rectangles.
  • Brush each knish with beaten egg and bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for approximately 30 minutes.

Notes

Alternative:
Instead of potato, you can substitute tuna fish for the filling.
 
Calories: 264kcal
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Jewish
Keyword: ashkenaz, bread, grains, knish, potato, rice, side dishes

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 419mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg
View Post
By
Pin It