Shabbat Archives - rebbetzin unplugged

Parenting is a journey filled with both challenges and profound joys. In a Jewish household, this journey is deeply enriched by the values, traditions and teachings of Judaism. These principles not only guide parents in raising well-rounded and resilient children but also ensure the continuation of a rich cultural and religious heritage. Here are some practical parenting tips for a Jewish household that align with Jewish teachings and can help nurture your children’s growth and happiness.

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 those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

1. Embrace Shabbat as Family Time

Shabbat, the weekly day of rest, is a cornerstone of Jewish life. Use this time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with your family. Engage in meaningful conversations, share meals and participate in prayer together. The tranquility of Shabbat provides an opportunity to model the importance of rest, reflection and family bonds.

Tip: Create a special Shabbat box with games, books and activities that your children can look forward to each week. This makes the day even more special and anticipated.

2. Teach Through Stories

Jewish tradition is rich with historical accounts that carry deep moral and ethical lessons. Use these stories from the Torah and other Jewish texts to teach your children about values such as kindness, justice and humility. Storytelling is a powerful tool to convey complex ideas in a relatable and memorable way.

Tip: Incorporate a weekly story time where you read and discuss a Jewish story. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your children to think critically and relate the lessons to their own lives.

3. Celebrate Jewish Holidays

Jewish holidays are not only times for celebration but also for learning and growth. It is taught that a Jewish holiday is more than just an anniversary in remembrance of something in Jewish history. Each year, the source of strength and spirituality that occured on the original holiday comes down and permeates the day. Every holiday has its unique themes and traditions that can teach your children about different aspects of Jewish life and values. Engage your children in the preparations and explain the significance of each holiday.

Tip: Create fun and educational activities related to each holiday, such as crafts for Sukkot, baking hamantaschen for Purim or making charoset for Passover. These hands-on experiences make the holidays more engaging and meaningful for children.

4. Foster a Love for Learning

Judaism places a high value on education and lifelong learning. Encourage your children to be curious and ask questions. Support their academic pursuits and also introduce them to Jewish learning, whether through a Jewish day school, Hebrew school or family study sessions.

Tip: Designate a specific time each week for family study. This can be a time to explore Jewish texts, learn Hebrew or discuss ethical dilemmas from a Jewish perspective. Showing your enthusiasm for learning will inspire your children to value it as well.

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5. Practice Gratitude and Charity

Gratitude and charity (tzedakah) are fundamental Jewish values. Teach your children to appreciate what they have and to be mindful of the needs of others. Involve them in charitable activities, such as donating toys or volunteering at a local shelter. Every child should have their very own tzedakah box in their bedroom. Additionally, the Lubavitcher Rebbe said that every home should have a tzedakah box in the kitchen, affixed to the wall. The kitchen is the communal room of the home and nailing a charity box to the wall changes the status of the home to being a home of charity. In Judaism, it is taught that “Action is the main thing” (Hebrew transliteration: ha’maase hu ha’ikar). Better to give a small coin daily than give a larger amount one a month. Each action of giving tzedakah is a mitzvah!

Tip: Create a family tzedakah box and encourage your children to contribute regularly. Discuss as a family where to donate the collected money, and let your children see the impact of their contributions.

6. Lead by Example

Children learn a great deal by observing their parents. Strive to embody the values and behaviors you wish to instill in your children. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, daily prayers or how you treat others, your actions will leave a lasting impression on your children.

Tip: Share stories of your own experiences and how Jewish values guided your actions. This transparency helps children understand the practical applications of what they are learning.

7. Create a Jewish Home Environment

Fill your home with Jewish symbols, books and music. This creates a tangible connection to their heritage and reinforces their Jewish identity. Celebrate the beauty of Jewish culture through art, food and traditions.

Tip: Involve your children in decorating the house for holidays, setting up a home library with Jewish books and listening to Jewish music together. These small acts contribute to a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Creating a Loving and Spiritually Rich Environment

Raising children in a Jewish household is a unique and rewarding experience. By incorporating these parenting tips, you can nurture your children’s development, instill strong values and create lasting memories rooted in Jewish tradition. Remember, the goal is to foster a loving, joyful and spiritually rich environment where your children can thrive.

I hope you’ve found these parenting tips for a Jewish household helpful. For more tips and insights on Jewish life, enjoy other articles on Rebbetzin Unplugged.

#JewishParenting #Shabbat #JewishHolidays #TorahStories #JewishLearning #Tzedakah #JewishHome #ParentingTips #FamilyTime #JewishValues

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Appetizers

3 Ingredient Olive Dip – Easy Olive Appetizer

Appetizers

Just wait until you try this 3-ingredient olive dip. Isn’t it amazing how sometimes it’s the easiest things to do, that are the most impressionable. I have found this all across the board: in business, guest service, family fun and even (and maybe especially) in cooking. After decades running GAM GAM Kosher Restaurant, we’ve hosted hundreds of thousands of guests. Some of the easiest dishes have become the favorites that people can’t seem to get enough of. This easy olive appetizer is one such recipe.

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!

Olive Dip is Perfect for Shabbat or Weekdays

Those who have been around our Shabbat table know that I love salads and always make many of them. Guests come from all over the world and I want to make sure there is something to suit everyone’s taste. I’m careful to switch it up a bit. I make some different salads for Shabbat lunch, that weren’t served during Friday night dinner. Some standards, like humus, are served for both meals due to popular request. And they are amongst the most simple to prepare. You can check out my humus recipe here. Another uncomplicated salad is coleslaw. It’s a real crowd pleaser.

But there is one salad that is amongst the absolute easiest in my recipe box: 3 Ingredient Olive Dip. There is something about olive dip that is so elegant. Perhaps it’s the knowledge of how very special olives are. Did you know that olives are one of the seven foods that the Land of Israel is blessed with? We even say a longer blessing than usual after we eat them.

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The Olive Through The Ages

Olive oil has always been important in the world at large and the Jewish world in particular. Noah sent the dove to see if the flood waters had receeded. It came back with the leaf of an olive tree in its mouth. The Kohen Gadol (high priest) was annointed with olive oil in the days of the Temple (Beit HaMikdash) in Jerusalem. The Beit HaMikdash was where the Western Wall, the remaining outer border wall, still stands today. The menorah in the Beit HaMikdash was lit daily with olive oil. Many have the custom to light the Hanukkah menorah each year with olive oil as well.

It’s by Divine Providence that the weekly Torah portion at the time of publication of this article is Tetzaveh. It begins with the commandment to take the purest olive oil found in the first drop when the olive is crushed. We are taught that we need to live with the times. In other words, to see how everything in the Torah portion holds a relevant lesson to our daily lives. Just like the olive, when we are under pressure, our finest attributes come out as well.

Olives, Health and Nutrition in the Torah

The Talmud is the Oral Law of the Torah. It was originally taught to Moses on Mount Sinai. Then, it continued to be taught orally in a continuous chain from teacher to student for centuries. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, born after the destruction of the Second Temple, foresaw that the Jews would be scattered throughout the world. He feared they would forget the Oral Law. So, he compiled the Mishnah (law details), and later, Ravina and Rabbi Ashi compiled the Gemara (law discussions). Together it is called the Talmud.

In the Talmud, whose details cover every aspect of life, it’s mentioned that olive oil is beneficial for our health. It specifically details that olive oil supports and sharpens memory. Nearly 1,900 years after the Talmud was compiled, the advantages of olive oil have been recognized by the medical world. Now, it’s commonplace to read about the proven benefits of olive oil and how it is helpful for our well-being.

Give It That Extra (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, That Is)

It is indeed worthwhile to incorporate olive oil into our meals. In particular, extra virgin olive oil is even healthier because of the way it is produced. The process is done without heat or chemicals involved. Science now recognizes the good fats from the unhealthy ones. It’s been proven that even cooking with extra virgin olive oil is beneficial. The antioxidants don’t break down under the heat and are instead absorbed by the food.

Olives have many varieties and have a unique taste. That being said, let’s jump right into this recipe. The olive lovers amongst your family and guests are sure to delight in it. Those who may have never tasted an olive or imagined that they would enjoy it, are in for a treat!

Watch: 3 Ingredient Olive Dip

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3 Ingredient Olive Dip – Easy Olive Appetizer

4.70 from 10 votes

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 142

Ingredients

1 can Green Pitted Olives (plain, not spicy)
1 clove Fresh Garlic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (to your taste)

Instructions

Drain the liquid from the olives and place them in a bowl or in the food processor.
Add fresh garlic to taste. I use one clove per can of olives.
Pour on some extra virgin olive oil.
Blend with an immersion blender or in the food processor. Think pesto with olives!

Calories: 142kcal

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Kosher, Mediterranean

Keyword: appetizer, ChoppedOliveDip, dips, easy, kosher recipes, NondairyOliveDipRecipe, OliveDipWithoutMayo, olives, vegan

Nutrition

What is your favorite dip or appetizer? I can’t wait to read your comments below!

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Desserts

Irresistable Fig Cake

Desserts

Have you ever tasted fruit so delicious that it made you stop and think about how blessed we are to have such goodness? Once in the city of Siena, in central Italy’s Tuscan region, I had such an experience. And that’s how this irresistable fig cake recipe eventually came about!

It’s Fig Season!

It was with some fresh figs at peak season. It was actually the first time I had fresh figs, so now my standard is very high. As I stood in what is regarded as one of the most beautiful public squares in Europe, Piazza del Campo, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness to G-d for such a pure and natural treasure. I’ve captured that beautiful memory of that exquisite taste in this new fig cake recipe!

This fig cake recipe isn’t just about enjoying a delicious treat; it’s about infusing our lives with the sweetness and blessings that fresh figs symbolize. As we approach the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, a time when we seek to fill our year with sweetness, this fig cake serves as a perfect culinary addition to the festive table.

Fig Cake for Rosh Hashanah

Figs, with their natural sweetness and rich texture, have long been associated with abundance and prosperity, making them an ideal ingredient for a Rosh Hashanah dessert. This cake, with its deep flavors and moist crumb, is not only a celebration of the fig’s goodness but also a nod to the rich traditions of the Jewish New Year. Imagine serving this cake after a festive meal, its warmth and sweetness resonating with the themes of the holiday: renewal, gratitude and the hope for a sweet year ahead.

But the beauty of this fig cake recipe doesn’t end with the High Holidays. It’s also a delightful addition to your Shabbat table, where sharing homemade desserts is a beloved tradition. Whether enjoyed as part of a leisurely Shabbat meal or as a comforting treat on a quiet afternoon, this cake brings a touch of Italy to your home, reminding you of the simple yet profound pleasures of life.

So whether you’re looking to enhance your Rosh Hashanah celebrations, elevate your Shabbat dessert offerings or simply indulge in a slice of something special anytime, this fig cake recipe is a wonderful choice. The figs, a gift from G-d’s bounty, inspire us to appreciate the sweetness in our lives and share it with those we love.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe, and bring a taste of Italy to your table!

How do you incorporate figs or other seasonal fruits into your holiday or Shabbat meals? Share your favorite recipes or traditions in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Slice of Fig Cake by the Rebbetzin Unplugged

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Irresistable Fig Cake

No ratings yet

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings (9 inch round cake)

Calories 268

This fig cake is sure to become one of your seasonal family favorites!

Ingredients

Cake

3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
5 whole figs
1 cup flour
1/2 packet baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons or 5 grams)
pinch of salt

Instructions

In a mixer, beat eggs well with sugar and vegetable oil
Slice figs in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp with a spoon.
Add figs and mix well. (The edible skin is not used in this recipe).
Add flour, baking powder and salt and continue to mix for three minutes.
Line your baking pan of choice with baking paper to make for easy clean-up.
Pour into the pan, using a rubber spatula to get every delicious drop.
Bake at 350F / 170C for 40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If needed, continue to bake in increments of 5 – 10 minutes.

Notes

Bakes well in any shape cake or muffin pan.

Calories: 268kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cake, cupcakes, dessert, fig, muffins, Rosh Hashana, Shabbat

Nutrition

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Side Dish

The Best Potato Kugel Recipe Ever

Side Dish

Over the years, many of you have asked 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 those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

This delicious traditional potato kugel recipe will make everyone happy around the table.

It is often served on Shabbat as a dinner side dish or as a side for lunch the following day. This cozy, comfort food is an Ashkenazi Jewish recipe that will have everyone feeling at home.

I usually double this potato kugel recipe. This way, there is one for Shabbat and one for Friday afternoon so everyone can “Taste a little bit of Shabbat” before Shabbat actually begins.

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The Best Potato Kugel Ever

4.56 from 29 votes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

A classic family recipe!

Ingredients

6 potatoes
1 onion
3 beaten eggs
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vegetable oil to heat in pan (optional)

Instructions

Grate potatoes and onion with a food processor like the one in the notes or by hand
Squeeze out a little of the liquid
Place in a large mixing bowl
Add remaining ingredients, except for vegetable oil.
Mix well
Heat vegetable oil in an empty baking pan. This helps cook the bottom of the kugel. (I've found that in larger ovens, it helps with getting that yummy crispiness).
Carefully remove the pan and pour in the mixed kugel ingredients.
Gently smooth out the top of the kugel with a spatula or back of a tablespoon.
Bake at 350F / 175C for approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on your oven

Notes

Tip: If at some point during the cooking, you achieve the color you want, cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cook time. (I need to do this when I use my smaller oven because the kugel browns more quickly).

My family loves to dip the kugel in matbucha! I pulse fresh tomatoes for the matbucha with this food processor that I also use to grate the potatoes and onion for this potato kugel. It is large enough for all my recipes and small enough to put away in a cabinet when I need more counter space.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Jewish, Kosher

Keyword: kugel, potato, recipes, Shabbat, side dishes

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Appetizers

Everyone’s Favorite Hummus

Appetizers

I can’t count how many times people have told me that this is actually their favorite hummus!

If you’ve ever been to GAM GAM Kosher Restaurant, especially for Shabbat, you’ve likely eaten this hummus. In fact, after serving hundreds of thousands of Shabbat guests, this may be the most eaten (non-store bought) hummus around the world!

Quick and easy to prepare, enjoy hummus as an appetizer dip or side dish. Hummus is the perfect healthy snack when paired up with crudite of your favorite sliced or whole raw vegetables.

hummus with olive oil, paprika and za'atar

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Everyone’s Favorite Hummus

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Traditional Humus

Ingredients

2 cups chick peas
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tablespoon paprika
1/4 tablespoon cumin
salt to taste (can add pepper if desired)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup water

Instructions

Blend all the ingredients together. (Slowly add the 1/3 cup of water to get the desired consistency. You may not need to use it all).
Adjust seasonings to suit your taste.