Tag

JewishHolidays

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

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
Chanukah

Hanukkah Doughnuts Sufganiyot Recipe – Jelly Doughnuts

Chanukah
Hanukkah Doughnuts Sufganiyot

Are looking for the best Hanukkah doughnuts (sufganiyot) recipe? Then look no further! Suganiyot (singular: suganiyah) are round jelly doughnuts eaten around the world during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

How Will You Fill Your Hanukkah Doughnuts?

Don’t stop at jelly! Nowadays, you can find suganiyot filled with every type of flavor you can imagine. Some favorites are chocolate cream, vanilla custard, fruit jam and nutella. But, why stop there! I’ve made cappuccino cream and sweet tehini mousse. And, sufganiyot are delicious topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar.

These little pillows of goodness are the perfect treat. They are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Imagine seeing a beautiful platter of Hanukkah doughnuts adorning the table with other holiday delicacies or receiving them in a Hanukkah gift package!

🤍 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!

For more on the Mystical Insights of Hanukkah, catch my class on PulveREDU, this coming Sunday, December 13 at 1:00pm EST, 7:00pm CET, 8:00pm IST.  You can register here.

Why Do We Eat Sufganiyot for Hanukkah?

We eat sufganiyot cooked in oil to recount the miracle of the oil of the menorah in the ancient temple in Jerusalem more than 2,200 years ago. The Syrian-Greek Army (the Seleucids) caused great havoc when they took over the Temple in Jerusalem. They erected statues for idol worship and destroyed the cruses of oil needed to light the menorah each day.

Miracles Abound!

Firstly, the small band of Jews, led by the Maccabees, defeated the large and mighty Greek army. Then a great miracle occurred when one cruse of pure oil was found. But, it was just enough oil to last for one day. The greater miracle was that the oil lasted 8 days, which was the exact amount of time necessary to travel and acquire more pure oil. To read more about Hanukkah and celebrating it during this challenging year, click here.

And now, get ready for the best Hanukkah Doughnuts Sufganiyot Recipe! Pin It now, so you can make it later!

Hanukkah Doughnuts Sufganiyot Recipe Pin
Hanukkah Doughnuts Sufganiyot
Print Pin

Sufganiyot for Hanukkah (Jelly Doughnuts)

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 20 doughnuts
Calories 93

Ingredients

  • active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 ounce or 7 grams)
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup milk at room temperature (you can use soy milk)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • zest of one lemon
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine at room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups flour

Instructions 

Preparing the Dough

  • This dough can be mixed by hand or by electric mixer.
  • Put the yeast and warm water in a mixing bowl, with a sprinkling of the measured out sugar to activate the yeast. When it starts to bubble a bit, then you know the yeast is working.
  • Add the rest of the sugar and the milk, and whisk.
  • Add the egg, egg yolk, pinch of salt, lemon zest, teaspoon of vanilla and continue whisking.
  • Change the whisk attachment to the dough hook.
  • Add the butter or margarine in pieces.
  • Add the flour in three parts to ensure everything gets mixed well.
  • Mix for several minutes.
  • If needed, add a 1/2 teaspoon of milk at a time to gather up any dry flour at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Cover the dough with a clean damp dish towel and let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes in a warm place. (When I have the time, I let it rise an hour, until the dough has doubled in size).

Making the Doughnuts

  • When the dough is ready, prepare your workspace with a dusting of flour. Add a dusting of flour to the top of the dough as well. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough about a 1/2 inch thick.
  • Cut circles with a cookie cutter between 2 1/2 – 3 inches round. (My cutter is actually 2 3/4 inches).
  • Press the cookie cutter straight down into the dough and twist right before you remove it from the dough.
  • Place doughnut circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Cover the doughnuts with plastic wrap and let them rise for at least 15 minutes in a warm place.
  • Fill a large pot, like a pasta pot, with 2 inches (approximately 4 cups) of vegetable oil. (During Hanukkah, I actually use half vegetable oil and half extra virgin olive oil, but all vegetable oil is fine).
  • Heat oil on medium high and then turn down to low.
  • Place three sufganiyot at a time in the oil and cook the first side for 2 minutes. (Tip: They seem to expand better by putting the side that was face down while they were rising, face up in the pot of oil).
  • Flip them over with a slotted spoon and cook for another minute.
  • Cooking time will vary based on the size of your pot and your stove, so do a test run with the first batch. Sometimes, the doughnuts will cook as fast as one minute per side.
  • Remove the sufganiyot with the slotted spoon onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
  • When cooled, filled them to your heart's desire and sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Calories: 93kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Jewish
Keyword: Chanukah, Chanukah donuts, dessert, dessert and treats, Hanukkah, Hanukkah doughnuts, kosher, sufganiyah, suganiyot

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you ever seen a 1000 pound menorah go up by hand?!

What’s your favorite sufganiyot filling? What other recipes would you like me to post on the blog? Scroll down and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

View Post
By
Pin It