A Torah Returns

Torah is a tree of life. These are the words we say lovingly, each time the Torah is raised after being read in the synagogue. The Torah is at the heart of Judaism, guiding us each day, precious, respected and revered.  The Torah indeed adds life and vitality to our days.

This Shabbos I watched the term "tree of life" take on a new meaning. Our Chabad House is fortunate to own a few Torahs. Amongst the Torahs living in the Aron Kodesh, one of our Torahs required repairs and refurbishing.  A family who is near and dear to us stepped up to the plate to return this Torah to its full glory in the memory of three beloved parents and in honor of a very special father.

The Torah was carefully delivered to Brooklyn where the Sofer (scribe) could lovingly restore the Torah, so it could return to being read from. What an incredible honor for the Torah! While the Sofer worked diligently in Brooklyn, the team here in Norfolk got to work planning schedules, menus and decor for the eventual welcoming back of the Torah.

This past Shabbos we welcomed this Torah back to its home, back to the Aron Kodesh at Chabad of Tidewater, and thats when the tears started.  When a Torah is returned to use, the other Torahs in the ark all come out to "greet" the new or returning Torah. My eyes filled with tears of joy as I watched the Torahs greet their "friend". The Torahs were lovingly walked out to greet the returning Torah, welcoming it back into the Shul. The entire congregation burst into songs of joy, dancing around and around, up and down, as the Torah passed one person after another, being gently kissed by each person on the way. The Torah is indeed a tree of life.

If this wasn't enough emotion for one day, I then caught a glimpse of my friend Susan, her sister, her daughters and her grandchildren, reaching out to touch this beautiful Torah. With the recent passing of Susan's mother, the emotions were practically tangible, as everyone reached out to touch her mother's Torah. As I watched, I felt like I watched a tiny bit of sorrow transform to joy in the knowledge that this family's loved ones would live on in our shul.  It was clear that a soul of a person can indeed be felt through the rededication of a Torah. I truly felt like I was watching the entire family reaching out and holding on to the most important people in their lives, knowing that now they have a vital part in the continuation of the Jewish people. The Torah is indeed a tree of life - and I am truly honored to have been able to join in the celebration and bear witness to the continuation of the Torah amongst the Jewish people.

A Jewish celebration isn't complete without food - and the kiddush following services was most certainly grand. Here is a recipe from the beautiful lunch we all shared together. Brownie recipe borrowed from my cousin Esty:)

Brownies 

Note: This recipe is for a 9 x 9 pan. I usually triple the recipe and use 2 9x13 pans. 

1/2 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla 
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour 
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together. Spray tray, pour in batter. Bake until toothpick comes out clean - about 20 minutes.  Enjoy! 

The Day We Missed The Finish Line

 Last February, my husband and I woke up at 4:00 am in Jerusalem and drove with my brother Levi to his race in Tel Aviv, with plans to watch him cross the finish line. However, that was not to be, and after a string of comedic events, we found ourselves far away from the finish line, and needing to take a taxi back to the car. During our ride, the driver asked us what we do in America, the driver was thrilled to hear that we run a Chabad House and shared just how much he loves to visit Chabad Houses when he travels abroad. Our driver also told us that he puts on Tefillin whenever he sees the Chabad yeshiva boys at their Tefillin booth. Levi shared that being unsure what time we would return to Jerusalem, he had brought his own Tefillin along, and asked if would he like to put on Tefillin when we arrive at the car? The driver’s eyes lit up at the opportunity. He put on Tefillin, I took photos of the newly minted friends, and was truly amazed at where our changes in plans had led us.

While I truly wished to have seen my brother cross the finish line, it was clear to me and Levi, that G-d had orchestrated our day, just so this taxi driver could put on Tefillin that Friday. This story energized us and gave us a great tale to tell upon our return home. The real question is why? Why were we so thrilled to have helped someone do a Mitzvah, instead of being aggravated at our plans having been derailed? Why? Bcause every single Mitzvah is of utmost importance.

In our world there is dark and light, good and evil. The Rebbe teaches us that it is up to us to overcome the evil, the darkness, by pushing it out of the way with good, with light. In my Torah and Tea Tanya class last night, we discussed the importance of goodness overflowing, to the point where it takes up space from evil, and causes it to move out of the way. Following the recent tragedy in Pittsburgh, we remind ourselves that it is up to us to push evil, darkness and hatred out of the way. This is done by increasing in acts of goodness and kindness, by increasing in the Mitzvot we do, and the Mitzvot we help others do, by sharing a message of love and light. Together we  CAN and WILL eradicate darkness,evil and hate and bring about the revelation of Moshiach!

Here is the recipe from this week's Torah and Tea class. This recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, "Real Life Kosher Cooking" by Miriam Pascal.

(If you've never been to Torah and Tea...women from across Hampton Roads are invited to join this weekly, fun and tasty Torah study class - email rashibrashi@me.com for more info)

Oatmeal Cranberry Biscotti with Chocolate Drizzle

3/4 cup oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 brown sugar (I used light brown sugar this time)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3 eggs

1 1/2 old fashioned oats

1 3/4 cups flour

1 1/4 cups Craisins

Hershey Perfectly Chocolate Icing (adapted)

1/2 cup oil

2/3 cup Hershey's cocoa powder

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pre-heat oven to 350. Mix first 7 ingredients together - mix well. Slowly add flour and oats. Mix well. Add craisins and mix on low. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper, shape dough into 2 logs on baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes and then slice both logs. Turn the slices on their side, bake for 12 minutes. Flip to other side and bake for 12 more minutes. To make icing - mix all ingredients very well. Once cool, drizzle biscotti with chocolate icing.

Israel! The Land That I Love!

My day started with a Yom HaZikaron ceremony with my students at the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. Tears rolled down my face as the fifth graders read the English translation of a song narrating the battle at "Givat HaTachmoshet" - "Ammunition Hill" in Jerusalem. So many young lives lost in the battles to protect our beautiful, holy,  land.

I have been to Givat HaTachmoshet twice.  The first time was the summer after 10th grade when I was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks touring Israel. The second time was just 7 weeks ago on my recent trip to Israel. Levi and I headed to Israel with excitement - with no firm plans in place.

Our second day turned out to be exhilarating from beginning to end. We had the honor to join my brother Levi in greeting his close friend Mendy as he and his unit finished their 26 mile, overnight, march to Ammunition Hill. I'm not sure I can even describe the moment - but I will try. Suddenly,  coming up from the valley we saw soldiers and more soldiers. Some carrying flags, some with painted faces. All their faces glistening with hard earned sweat on the beautiful, brisk Jerusalem day. There were songs, there was chanting. While just a visitor, I was immediately sucked into the emotion of it all. People were on the sides of the roads clapping and cheering. Suddenly people in their cars starting honking a celebratory tune. One person even proclaimed from a speaker in his car "ein kamocha ba'olam" - there is no one like you (the IDF) in the world. Eventually my brother found his friend and they embraced. What a moment. We marched up the hill a bit more with the unit and eventually went back to our car to finish the drive to Givat HaTachmoshet. Once at Ammunition Hill we clapped and cheered some more as the soldiers' march finally came to an end. We stayed for a bit as the soldiers spent time with their families.

We bid farewell to Levi's friend Mendy and headed back to my brother's neighborhood to grab a bite for lunch (more on that later!) and then it was time to go back to Ammunition Hill for Mendy's "beret ceremony". Music was blasting when we arrived. Song after song about brave soldiers, prayers and more - all upbeat and setting a festive mood. It was absolutely fascinating to watch the ceremony. Looking into these young soldiers' faces. Listening as their commanders charged them with their incredible task. Knowing that in the next few days, after a short break with their families, they would all be returning to duty. Watching as each paratrooper traded in their green beret for their red beret left me teary eyed. I was in absolute awe knowing that these brave individuals were ready to put their lives on the line, ready to give everything they have, ready to protect our land and our people. We showed up as friends of a friend - but left feeling like family to each and every person in attendance.

Tears welled up in my eyes as my heart filled with a certain kind of pride that I can't even explain. 

A pride in my people. Knowing that we are still here, strong as ever. Proud to say Am Yisrael Chai!

A special thanks to my brother Levi, and my sister in law Aidel, for shlepping us along to experience an experience unlike any other. May it be the will of Hashem that Mendy, his comrades, and the entire IDF be blessed by Hashem with safety and security - as they keep our precious land secure and safe for all. 

Now back to lunch. I decided that day that I must experience a "hummusiya" - essentially a hummus restaurant. Levi (my brother) knew just the place! We found ourselves at a tiny little eatery and ordered the house hummus and the mushroom hummus. It was love at first bite! While I have yet to figure out the magical flavors in the house hummus, I was able to do some sort of recreating of the mushroom-onion hummus once we got back home. Each time I eat it, I am transported right back to our incredible journey!

 

Mushroom -Onion Hummus

Chickpeas ( I cheat and use canned)

Olive oil

Garlic powder

Lemon juice

Sesame oil (instead of techina) 

Cumin

Salt

Mushrooms 

Onions

Hawaijj spice if you have 

In a food processor, grind up the chickpeas. Slowly add the rest of the ingredients and blend to the desired consistency. You can add water if needed. Unfortunately I don't have any real measurements for the hummus - but I play around with it each time, tasting it and adding more lemon and garlic as needed.

Slice mushrooms and onions and sautee in olive oil. Sprinkle with some salt and a pinch of hawaijj for added mediterranean flavor. Warm hummus and mushroom onion mixture before serving. When ready to serve, place hummus in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and then top with the mushroom onion mixture. Delicious!! 

Churros Waffles

As is tradition, my family, and members of the community, gathered at the Chabad House about two hours before Pesach ended to take part in the "Moshiach Seudah". Each year we drink four more cups of wine (really!!), eat our last bits of Matzah, enjoy some more food, sing moving Chassidic tunes and share words of inspiration - just as Pesach is getting ready to end. I sat there enjoying the time with my family and then suddenly Pesach came to an end. The room came turned to hustle and bustle as everyone gathered their children, their strollers, their jackets and more. As everyone turned to leave I got a bit sad as a I realized that the next day my family would all be returning to their respective homes. As I started to say goodbye to one of my sisters in law, I suddenly blurted out, "I have an idea! How about I make chametz breakfast for everyone tomorrow morning?" She loved the idea, as did everyone else standing around.

I went home thrilled with my plan to host everyone in the morning before they would leave to their respective homes. I did a quick calculation and realized I had invited 30 people to come join me for breakfast :) I set into motion, making a menu and running to the grocery store to stock up for the clan! The next morning I got up bright and early and worked on scrambled eggs, shakshuka, salad, and toast and best of all churros waffles topped with whip cream and strawberries! 

I used 3 giant frying pans and 2 large electric skillets, more than 75 eggs, and lots and lots of other kitchen tools to make the magic happen - but it was worth it. The REAL magic was in the hosting. Observing everyone eating and enjoying each other's company before heading out was truly magical. I also was overcome with an incredible feeling of gratitude for the many blessings Hashem has bestowed upon my family. As I looked at the long row of chairs and tables filling my dining room and living room, marveled at the ability to easily pull off a meal for a crowd and at the amount of food I was able to share with my family I felt an extra measure of thanks to G-d. 

As the gathering ended we wished each other farewell and voiced our hopes to be able to gather once again for happy occasions in the near future! 

Now for the recipe....I made Churros Waffles from the Real Life Kosher Cooking cookbook by Miriam Pascal. This cookbook has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. These waffles were incredible and everyone really loved them! 

Churros Waffles 

2 cups flour 

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup water (cookbook calls for soymilk) 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 eggs

3/4 cup oil

Cinnamon-Sugar mixture

Whip and berries for topping

Mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Add water, vanilla, eggs and oil. Mix well. Prepare waffles per directions for your waffle iron. 

When ready, remove waffles and place on a tray. Spray waffles with cooking spray and then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Flip waffles over and repeat. I put my mountain of waffles in the oven on 175 to keep warm until it was time to serve them. Delicious! Enjoy! 

A Matzah Lesson

I wrote this to go with our Matzah deliveries...but loved the message and decided to share here as well!

In just a few hours we will sit with our family and friends drinking four cups of wine, retelling the miraculous story of our freedom from slavery, enjoying a delicious holiday meal and crunching on our flat and brittle Matzah. Eating Matzah is a main part of the Seder and teaches us an important life lesson at the same time!

Matzah is known as the “bread of faith”. When our nation was still enslaved in Egypt, G-d commanded them to eat Matzah to celebrate their freedom each year. The Jewish people needed to take a leap of faith and observe the eating of the Matzah - even before their freedom arrived. They needed to realize that their future - and freedom - was in the hands of G-d. They needed to relinquish control, let go and accept that Hashem had their best interests in mind.

Each Pesach when we eat our Matzah, we can reflect on our lives, our hopes, our aspirations and work to strengthen our faith in G-d. We can resolve to do our best but at the same time realize that the key to our success is in the hands of Hashem - and recognize the beauty in allowing G-d to help us reach our goals and rise to meet our challenges.

May it be the will of Hashem that we merit to eat our Matzah together with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the holy city of Jerusalem with the coming of Moshiach.

With wishes for a Chag Kasher V’Sameach!

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And now for a recipe :)

My favorite salad dressing is this avocado dressing. While we won't be serving it at the Seders, it will certainly make an appearance at a later point during Pesach. The regular version uses vinegar - which I have swapped out for lemon juice for Pesach. (Credit to my cousin Rashi Marcus for sharing this recipe with me. )

Avocado Dressing

1 avocado

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup sugar 

3 cloves garlic 

Enjoy!

The Lesson Of The Matzah

Pesach is almost here! After all the preparation it is finally time to celebrate our freedom!

I wrote this up to be delivered with some Matzah deliveries...and thought I would share!

In just a few hours we will sit with our family and friends drinking four cups of wine, retelling the miraculous story of our freedom from slavery, enjoying a delicious holiday meal and crunching on our flat and brittle Matzah. Eating Matzah is a main part of the Seder and teaches us an important life lesson at the same time!

Matzah is known as the “bread of faith”. When our nation was still enslaved in Egypt, G-d commanded them to eat Matzah to celebrate their freedom each year. The Jewish people needed to take a leap of faith and observe the eating of the Matzah - even before their freedom arrived. They needed to realize that their future - and freedom - was in the hands of G-d. They needed to relinquish control, let go and accept that Hashem had their best interests in mind.

Each Pesach when we eat our Matzah, we can reflect on our lives, our hopes, our aspirations and work to strengthen our faith in G-d. We can resolve to do our best but at the same time realize that the key to our success is in the hands of Hashem - and recognize the beauty in allowing G-d to help us reach our goals and rise to meet our challenges.

May it be the will of Hashem that we merit to eat our Matzah together with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the holy city of Jerusalem with the coming of Moshiach.

And now for a recipe...

My favorite salad dressing is this avocado dressing.  While we won't be making it for the Seders, it will make an appearance later on in the holiday! (Credit to my cousin Rashi Marcus who shared this recipe with me.)

Avocado Dressing (adapted for Pesach)

1 avocado

1.5 tsp salt

1/4cup lemon juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup sugar 

3 cloves garlic 

Blend together in a food processor. Cover tightly in the fridge to keep from turning brown. Enjoy!