Daily Inspiration
This is Challah
A word from the desk of Devorie Kreiman, LA, USA
website: https://devoriekreiman.com
I’ve heard it already.
The inspirational talk. Forwarded. Many times. A new song, a wondrous gematria, an eye-opening shiur… I’ve heard it already. How we must see beyond the ravages of this world and trust in the Bigger plan. What if I’m too wobbly to make the leap into faith and light? What if my sense of hopelessness persists?
What if I try and it isn’t good enough?
I’ve said it already.
The tefilla. The plea. I was taught the power of the words of Tehillim, how they shatter all barriers to ascend from chamber to chamber, right up to the Throne… Why is it so hard for me to lean into the certainty that if I say these words on this day, it will make a difference? A real difference in the here and now. Ahh… because it’s my belief that has to become more real. I open my Tehillim. Words of praise and yearning carried up on sighs and tears, swirling like smoke. Higher. Higher. Dissolving the decrees of steel.
How many words will be enough?
I’ve done it already.
Prepared the warm meals. Offered smiles. And money. Sometimes I’ve poured from a vessel that felt empty, and worried, even as I was giving that I was tarnishing the good deed by my hesitation. Or worse, by my resentment. Why can’t I give freely and with joy?
What if the best I have to give is not enough?
My challah bowl is dented. On one of those difficult days, it fell. Uh… Truth… It fell after I deliberately loosed my grip, knowing it would hit the floor hard. I braced for the angry smash. For the release. Afterwards, I picked up my damaged bowl and discovered that I could still use it. On the saddest day of the year, Hashem’s rage was poured onto wood and stone. Instead of onto His people. Long ago. Also now. Fires consumed our crown jewels. But… and this I wrestle with on so many of the long nights… even as the wood and stone were destroyed and the mocking laugh of our enemies was heard, were there not also the tortured screams of agony? Real people.
Enough!
I see the faces of the soldiers and read the names released by the IDF after the families have been informed that they aren’t coming home, I touch the young faces on the screen of my phone. I do the same when I pass the posters of the hostages, brush my fingers gently over the cheeks of Baby Kfir and his brother and his father and his mother and the many snatched so cruelly, I read each name out loud, son or daughter of… Not wood and stone.
“Cry out.” The Rebbe encouraged us. “Cry out Ad mosai and mean it.”
I’m no angel. I pound the dough in my banged-up bowl. Why can’t I stay focused on what matters? Why can’t I learn more? Daven more? Give more? My hands are tired. I keep going. Angels don’t make challah.
Centuries of women have worked their hands in their challah bowls, kneaded, tried… We separate the dough and set it aside. Such a small piece? How can it matter? It’s a reminder that the glory of wood and stone will be rebuilt. Better and stronger. This piece, which now is turned to ash, will be the gift of challah, eaten by holy people.
Today’s handful of dough joins the handfuls of dough offered up throughout the generations. Today’s efforts, today’s tefillos, today's choices—they will endure.
Mine. Yours.
Together, it is enough.
I hold up my piece of dough.
This.
This is challah.
You’re Not Alone
A word from the desk of Rivkah Leiba Groner, Melbourne Australia
Being pulled from all sides. How can I be there for everyone who needs me? My children near and far, grandchildren BH near and far. Shidduchim for my daughters, shidduchim for my sons. And of course our shlichus. I could be busy all day every day just on that! How can I be there for everyone and everything that needs my attention? My answer is by telling myself I am not alone.
Recently I wrote to the Rebbe asking for help! I was juggling a lot and didn’t know how I was going to manage! The letter I opened up to in Igros Kodesh (volume 3, pp. 30 – 31) was about the power of learning Chapter 41 in Tanya.
Hashem is not a King far away in His palace; He’s with us every step of the way.
Hashem, Who is the G-d of the higher and lower worlds, of everything everywhere, still focuses on the Jewish people and on every single Jew individually. We are never alone.
Hashem created the world for each individual Jew. Hashem wants my mitzvah and yours. Hashem wants each person’s efforts and each one’s connection. Hashem wants our service.
וְהִנֵה ה' נִצָב עָלָיו וּמְלֹא כָל הָאָרֶץ כּבוֹדוֹ וּמַבִּיט עָלָיו וּבוֹחֵן כְּלָיוֹת וָלֵב אִם עוֹבְדוֹ כָּרָאוּי
"G‑d stands over him, and the whole earth is full of His glory, and He searches his mind and heart (to see) if he is serving Him as is fitting." (Tanya, Chapter 41)
Hashem is standing over each individual Jew.
Hashem’s glory fills the entire world.
Hashem is searching a person’s insides, their innermost thoughts, to see if they’re serving Hashem properly.
Hashem holds the key to shidduchim. I have to do my part, call one more shadchan, look into one more idea, daven at the Ohel, say Tehillim, but ultimately it’s Hashem Who has the answer.
If we stop and think deeply about this we would realize that we are never alone because Hashem is always with us.
And that is how I try to live my life.
WholeHearted
A word from the desk of Mrs. Chana Scop, Mill Valley, California
Dedicated to the powerful heart of every Jewish woman, who continues to climb her mountain despite the challenges she faces.
You are here.
Just as you are.
Your vulnerability is beautiful.
Your passion, love, and resilience.
Still intact.
You embrace the frequency of life, as you climb your mountain with G-d.
Within the exhaustion, you still ascend.
Clinging tight to every crevice that makes space for you.
The textured stone, close to your breath.
You balance on the edge of meaningful experience.
You find footing in authenticity.
To keep moving.
To stay still.
Is the majestic choreography of the healing heart.
You welcome your younger self, into herself.
You are held, you are safe.
Your strength is powerful, despite how often you plummet into the crumbled stone beneath you.
You lie there silent, breathing the dust that suffocates you.
The beat of your heart is your only sign of life, as you remain wounded.
Yet you nourish yourself by extending your heart to G-d.
Your reach is weak, every muscle aches, yet you find comfort.
And within the depth of your pain, He caresses every tender scar.
With a prayer on your lips, you face heavenward, with whispers of gratitude to your Creator.
For in that very moment.
There is nothing more whole than your broken heart.
And with His embrace, you will forever hold yours.
Inner Connections
A word from the desk of Rochel Brown, Rehovot, Israel
All the passengers in the train car that evening of my routine commute on the New York subway silently held their breath, while receding more and more into the backs of their seats. The man's tall, menacing frame filled the entire space of the doorway to the train car. All of us made a point of minding our own business, praying inwardly that he would not unsheathe a knife or remove a pistol from his pocket. He surveyed us all, and moved forward. Within a few seconds he had exited through the next door and we slowly released our breath in relief. No one spoke at all. It was simply not the done thing. The next morning, I had to commute back to my job in Manhattan. As I stood waiting for the train, I noticed sinister graffiti on the subway station walls. It was just not a friendly environment.
At work that day I went to the tiny office dining room to pray Minchah, the afternoon service. Those recent subway experiences flashed through my mind, and I thought: “what am I doing here in New York”? I was a sheltered child of Holocaust survivors, having grown up in sunny and spacious Australia, where green trams traveled above ground, and I had never seen crime that wasn't on T.V. All of a sudden I realized that if G-d wasn't going to help me, no match-maker could either. I knocked my head against the wall in a wordless cry that came from the depths of my heart. Two weeks later I met my husband. I believe that the moment I knocked my head against the wall was something G-d was waiting for…my realization that it is G-d who is in charge.
The morning blessings (as well as many of the other blessings in Jewish life), begin with the words "Blessed are You, our L-rd, King of the universe...”. The word for world in Hebrew is 'Olam' 'עולם'. It shares the same root as 'Helem', which means hiddenness. In that sense, G-d is the King of hiddenness, and it implies that there is much more going on behind the scenes than we can comprehend in the world we see in front of us. In truth, we do not, as yet, have answers to many, many questions. Difficult questions. Still…we believe – מאמינים בני מאמינים – Believers, the children of Believers. We believe and trust that G-d wants us to continue to undertake our individual efforts to draw closer to Him, each person from within the framework of their unique challenges and unique blessings. And ultimately, it is our efforts to connect with Hashem that trigger His compassionate response to our needs.
Dispelling the Darkness
A word from the desk of Dini Druk, Richardson, Texas
Greetings from the American college campus of 2024, where anti-Jewish demonstrations have sadly become a common occurrence, and heightened security during Shabbos dinners is now the norm. For many of us, these experiences seem more like tales from history books rather than lived realities. This year, daily life and routine academic pursuits on our campus are marked by shadows and uncertainty.
Yet, against this unsettling backdrop, there shines through a remarkable resilience. Consider Lisa, who, after years of keeping her distance from Jewish life on campus, now joins Shabbos dinners regularly. Meet David, who chose to spend his summer in Israel to deepen his understanding of his Jewish heritage after facing antisemitic slurs in school. Encounter Sarah, and others like her, who now take a few minutes each Friday to light Shabbos candles, contemplating their spiritual journeys and connection to Hashem. These are all rays of light born out of the darkness of today’s campus reality.
The Jewish people have endured countless trials throughout history, surpassing those of any other community. Yet, our identity has never been defined by adversity. We have consistently sought out positivity and both reaffirmed and built upon our legacy and faith expressed in every generation. Ours is a nation that radiates hope even in the darkest times, believing that our light shines brightest when faced with darkness and challenge.
As we pray for brighter days ahead, we hold steadfast to the belief that even in darkness, we can find strength to move forward and illuminate our surroundings with positivity and joy.
Caterpillars to Butterflies: The Transformative Power of Destruction and Growth
A word from the desk of Shayna Krybus, Toronto, Canada
From destruction and pain, we grow, we flourish.
We're in the middle of the 3 weeks, the saddest time in our annual calendar cycle. We mourn, we limit, we yearn. Yet, after we descend to the lowest of lows, culminating on the 9th of Av, we are presented with an opportunity to rise up. We learn that every Yeridah (descent) is for the sake of an Aliyah (ascent), and we crown these 3 weeks with the most joyous day of the year, The 15th of Av. The 15th of Av, we are taught in Taanit 26b, is one of the holiest and happiest days in our calendar. On this day, we are reborn. We rejoice. Our potential, our hope, renewed. We are transformed.
Everything Hashem does is good, even when we don’t see it. We must use this time to grow in our emunah, believing in Hashgocha Protis (Divine Providence), and knowing that in the midst of a soupy mess, we will grow into something new, more beautiful and more capable than we were before.
We will fly.
Growing Through the Storm
A word from the desk of Sorella Abrahams, Sydney, Australia
As I walked, the rain began to fall, gradually turning into a heavy downpour. I pondered the significance of rain and its dual nature. While it can be an inconvenience, it is also essential for our survival. Rain nourishes crops, provides drinking water, and supports our daily activities. It symbolizes the promise of a better tomorrow, abundant with fresh produce and sustenance for all. Despite being resented as a nuisance by some, rain is an essential element of future blessings.
Contemplating life's challenges and waiting periods, I realized that many endure hardships while anticipating positive outcomes. Whether it's waiting for pregnancy, marriage, health, or financial stability, we yearn for better times. I concluded that these challenges may be necessary for the blessings that lie ahead. The wisdom, strength, and empathy we gain from our present struggles shape our future blessings. Although often presenting as difficult, these challenges are like the water needed to yield the life-sustaining crops of tomorrow.
Reflecting on my own journey, I cannot deny the impact of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sadly, both my beloved mother and mother-in-law battled illness, dying much too young at the ages of 62 and 73 respectively. Yet, despite the pain they triggered, these experiences have positively transformed me. In a very real sense, I draw upon these lessons – the ‘rain’ of my lived experiences – when comforting patients and their families in hospital rooms, offering support and easing their burdens. And that in turn, brings meaning to my life.
We would never willingly choose these challenges. We prefer to receive abundant blessings without pain or discomfort. Yet, I acknowledge that these difficulties have made me a better person. They have deepened my empathy, understanding, and connection with others on similar journeys within the hospital system. As a chaplain, Shlucha, and CEO of Abrahams Tent, an organization that supports those in hospitals, I have been able to make a difference due to my own painful experiences.
G-d's love for us is unconditional, like that of a caring parent. He holds us during times of pain, and the greatest gift is if we can use these challenges to grow and make the world a better place. I bless everyone to swiftly receive the blessings they yearn for, without the need to wait or suffer discomfort. May these blessings be abundant and unconditional.
The Shadchan Think Tank
A word from the desk of Chana Perman, Toronto, Canada
A shadchan think tank
at an upscale hotel
How to Solve the Shidduch Crisis
Got any ideas? Do tell!
Said one
“The girls must do this
and boys should do that.
I've had much success
pulling names from a hat.”
Remarked a second
with confident authority
“Having a strong resume
is absolutely key.”
“Airbrushed pics?
That is how life goes.
Nothing's as it seems
Everybody knows!”
Boomed a third
“Kids don't exactly have vision.
Let parents be the ones making these decisions.
Let's go back to the olden days
when elders were entitled to have their say.”
A commotion
A shouting match
Opinions stated with force
Each one knowing best
being in the business for decades, of course.
A wise old man - quiet, not vain
closed his eyes, leaned on his cane
A single tear rolled down his cheek
and slowly he began to speak.
“Cast aside your notions,
your sales pitch, your schemes.
Two halves of one neshama,
can we fathom what this means?”
“See with enlightened eyes
the z'chus assigned to you.
A shidduch is krias yam suf.
For this z'chus - what wouldn't we do?”
“Look at each person
as a beloved part of Hashem.
This is not about you.
It's only about helping THEM.”
“Listen with both ears.
address their doubts and fears.
Offer encouragement and hope
even (especially!) when the answer is 'nope.’ "
“Pray for those in your sphere.
Treat each human with care.
Remember you are dealing with lives.
It's a merit to match husbands and wives.”
The room was silent
then sounds of applause
The think tank disbanded
charged with a cause.
The mood, contagious
became all the rage
Mazal tov, mazal tov
Another couple engaged!
“But I'm not even a shadchan,” you say
“This poem isn’t for me.”
Regardless, its lessons
evoke clarity
Ponder the age-old lessons
shared by Wise Old Man
For shidduchim and all else
Let's do all we can
Yogati umatzasi taamin
Wishing us every brocha
May we celebrate many simchas
And in shidduchim, merit great hatzlacha!
This is Challah
A word from the desk of Devorie Kreiman , California, USA DevorieKreiman.com
She asks, “Why?
Why wasn’t I safe?
Why should I even bother
To take another step?”
In answer
to what I have no answer for,
I pull out what I can offer:
flour and water.
Basics. No matter that she’s grown. She still needs to be my little girl, coming here to
get what she needs.
rich oil and eggs.
Whatever can make this day, this moment, go down more smoothly.
I sprinkle in the promise of sweetness.
There always has to be something sweet to fall back on.
While we’re waiting for the rest…
salt it with my tears.
But not too many. Because that’s not the answer either.
yeast.
We rise. Sometimes screaming “No” as we do. Always. We rise.
It’s a mess.
First powdery.
Then gooey.
Hard work.
I want to turn my back on it. On all of it.
Because,
How will this make it okay?
What’s in front of me, right now, is unformed.
I tug and pull at the dough. And my hands ache.
Why?
Why can’t we set everything up neatly for our children. “Go this way. Stay in the lines. You’ll be fine.” The way we used to run a pen through a maze— so they’d get from beginning to end without getting stuck or lost.
That would be good.
Really, it’s already good.
Only we can’t always tell.
Why?
I pound the thick dough. It yields. Springs back at me with new life.
And I ask.
I ask for her to be too busy and too happy
To look back at this time when she cried out “Why?”
I separate the portion that reminds me that only what I give stays mine. I hold the piece high like a trophy.
We’ll go on. We’ll create. We’ll nurture. And we’ll ask and ask…
“This is challah.”
Faith, Unity and Endurance
A HAKHEL CBI word from the desk of Chaya Hitin, Rehovot, Israel
Life in Israel has taught me moment by moment, headline after headline, that every second is a gift, impossible to take for granted. The pace of our lives here shifts in a perpetual kaleidoscope of crises and grief filled events.
There is no normal. The ground shakes with looming, centuries-old earthquakes of man-made, G-d sent devastations and conflicts. Living is a fight, employment is a struggle, religion is often a source of conflict, enemies endlessly plot, and humans diverge.
And yet, and yet, and yet…
When we invert our perception of the status quo; the painful, terror-filled daily murder of our young and innocent, the wars and strikes and vicious media… when we flip our fear, we discern faith in every fiber of our being.
Our collective body. The sticky web of our global soul. Strength, resilience, graciousness, gratitude…and, Hashem.
And I commit today, as I do every day, to surrender my attempt to control and believe Hashem is the Master of the whole universe, in all its details, big and small, bitter or sweet. The toddler weeping on her father’s fresh grave, the elderly woman crushed on the way to her bomb shelter, the rage that things are wrong and unjust.
On a micro-level, my uphill battle to maintain balance, thrive, succeed and remain devout – even when it feels so out of reach, skimming the tips of my sanity. All of this is Him.
We are crushed to nothing, to disperse more light. Forced out of complacency, Israel and its holy people radiate in these moments. The mass prayers, the food drives, the infinite charity. Blinded by the radiance of unconditional love, kindness and redemption, we endure the endless rebirth of spring… petals wilting, dying for the sweet, new luscious fruit to come.
In this I need to trust.
Kindling Connections
A word from the desk of Yaffie Begun, S. Paulo, Brazil
Years ago, I received a phone call from a woman who was undergoing chemotherapy and needed a wig. Carla was only able to come in on Friday afternoon, a time when I typically do not take appointments due to its proximity to Shabbos. However, given her circumstances and the desperate tone of her request, I agreed to make an exception and meet on Erev Shabbos.
When she arrived, she introduced herself as Carla Goldman Coelho. I inquired if she was Jewish? She replied in the negative, clarifying that she had married a gentile. I explained that if her mother was Jewish she was Jewish too, as were her two sons! Despite my explanation, Carla didn’t seem convinced, but in any event was inconsolably preoccupied with the imminent loss of her hair. I recommended a hair salon not far from me where she could cut and style the wig (as I only sell wigs but do not service them).
With a supportive smile, I asked Carla if she might want to bentch licht, as this could be a source of many brachot, and perhaps help her emotionally as she navigated through this difficult time. Carla thanked me but declined, and left with her new purchase in hand.
Not long after Carla left, my sister-in-law called and asked if I could quickly hop over to the very salon I had recommended to Carla, as she wanted my opinion on the style of her own new wig. As it was Erev Shabbos, I quickly made my way to the salon to offer my thoughts. Entering the salon, to my surprise I immediately saw Carla sitting there waiting to be seen. I never imagined she would make her way to the salon directly after leaving my house, assuming she would arrange for the styling the following week.
When she saw me enter, tears filled her eyes and Carla began to weep. Between sobs, she explained that as she left my home, the vivid image of her grandmother bentching licht came to mind. And, although she wanted to capture that same feeling, she was too ashamed to return and ask for the blessing and instructions on how to light the Shabbos candles. However, when I walked into the salon she realized it was a sign from Above. I wrote down the blessing and explained to her how to light Shabbos candles.
Putting her wig aside, Carla re-scheduled an appointment for the following week, as it was clear to her that the imperative of the moment was for her to return home and kindle the Shabbos licht at the appointed hour. Motzei Shabbos I received a voice note from Carla, happily sharing that she had indeed lit candles with her two sons by her side, and very much felt the presence of both her grandmother and mother!
Never underestimate the power in you! Wherever you are and whatever you do, you can kindle the flame and spread light!
The Power of Challah
A word from the desk of Esther Vilenkin, New York, USA
One Friday afternoon, we gathered for our weekly Challah bake. My husband had just presented an overview about the significance of Challah when a woman raised her hand and shared a Challah miracle story.
She introduced herself as the programming and recreation director of an elder care center. At this facility, one floor housed many people from Eastern Europe and she tried hard to find activities that would interest them. This group was her most challenging as they always seemed to remain disengaged and uninterested, staring blankly into space, motionless. She researched music, art, dance, etc. but it was very difficult to find things they cared for. One day she decided to make Challah with them.
She arranged the ingredients beside a large bowl and pitcher of water and announced her intention. Before long, to her delight and amazement, the group became animated, arguing and recalling how they made Challah when they were younger. She watched this miracle unfold. They were full of life and passion - connecting with each other and remembering their youth.
Through baking Challah we impart to our children a divine consciousness, an awareness of HaShem and how He is with us in everything we do. We convey meaning and purpose through connecting the mundane to divine service. When we separate Challah, we recite a blessing acknowledging that all we have is a gift from HaShem.
This is underscored by the verse (Numbers 15:20) where the mitzva of separating Challah is mentioned. Dough is described as “The first of your kneading bowl”. In Hebrew, the word for kneading bowl is “Arisa” which can also mean cradle. This highlights the importance of bringing the awareness and higher consciousness of HaShem’s – presence even to a child from the stage of the cradle, or infancy.
In the elder care facility, the residents making Challah displayed their love for Judaism and the investment of devoted parents who instilled in their children the enthusiasm and excitement of making Challah. It was an indelible part of their identity, and remained with them for decades. This had the power to bring them together, to share their commonality and sense of togetherness, cherishing their heritage.
The Key to Fulfillment
A word from the desk of Simcha Youngworth, Johannesburg, South Africa
When one of my daughters was in Grade 6, she asked to read a book that her father and I felt was inappropriate. When I questioned her as to why she wanted to read that particular book, she explained that the girls in her class were discussing it at every recess. She felt left out, unable to participate in the conversation. I understood her dilemma. The book was her key to popularity.
I reminded her that, like everything else in our lives, the blessing of popularity is also bestowed from G-d. She agreed to hold off reading the book, to rather do what was ‘popular’ in the Heavenly realms. After a few weeks, when some of the girls tried to discuss the book, others suggested that it was insensitive to do so – given that not all of the girls were reading the book. End of problem.
In Pirkei Avos, Rabban Gamliel counsels, ”Seek to fulfil His will as if it were your own, in order that He will fulfil your will as if it were His own”. Believing that success comes from compromising our G-d-given values stands in stark contrast to the teaching that all blessings come from Above. The ways of the Torah sometimes appear counter-intuitive. The world says, “be sexy” if you want to attract a marriage partner; whereas the Torah says, “be holy”. If you are looking to attract a ‘soul-mate’, you should give your soul the opportunity to shine. The ways of modesty and holiness, although contrary to the secular practices of the world, are the keys to transforming ourselves into a flawless receptacle to receive G-d’s blessings.
But what if you have already embraced these practices, yet the blessing of marriage still proves elusive? That is a time to hold fast to and express confidence in representing a wholesome vessel and that G-d’s salvation comes in the blink of eye!
The Gift of the Present
A word from the desk of Fradel Laine, Panama City, Panama
How often do we find ourselves doing one thing, while our minds drift to something else that has already happened or a thought about something that we would like to happen?
On Yud Shvat 5730, the Rebbe related the following personal anecdote: Late one night, the Rebbe entered the Frierdike Rebbe’s study in Leningrad. The Frierdike Rebbe had just finished taking Yechidus and would be leaving in an hour-and-a half to catch a train for an important meeting in Moscow.
The trip was fraught with danger, yet he calmly sat organizing papers as if nothing else was happening. Observing this, the Rebbe could not contain his surprise and asked his father-in-law, “I know that Chabad Chassidus is based on the principle that ‘the mind rules the heart’, but to such an extent?” The Rebbe Rayaatz replied, "we cannot make our days longer, nor can we add additional hours to our nights. But we can maximize how we use our time, by regarding each segment of time as a world of its own. When we devote a portion of time, whether it is an hour, a day or a minute, to a certain task, we should be totally invested in what we are doing as if nothing else exists in the world."
Around the world, as we prepare for the uniquely unifying Challah Bake International event, let us mentally, emotionally and spiritually focus all of our kavanos – concentration and intentions – to bring down brochos for yeshuos, refuos and shidduchim for our beloved children.
While we await the fulfillment of these brochos – as they surely will be – let us fully invest ourselves in the gift of the present.
Finding The One
A word from the desk of Chana Perman, Toronto, Canada
He's a mover and shaker
At the top of his game
Can you find out if she's ready
but don't mention my name
What's the matter with a yellow tee?
Yes, I realize it's not done in your family
She's sweet, refined
Though I don't know her at all
My sister-in-law worked with her
So that's who you can call
She happens to have a brilliant mind
Yet actually doesn't want to marry Einstein
I believe I've seen him wearing pink socks
Don't you appreciate out of the box?
He's too quiet
She's too loud
He stands out - in a good way -
From the regular crowd
She plans to live near her parents
Nothing wrong with that
He wears a kasket - no Borsalino hat
He said he enjoyed the second date
She thinks he's amazing and really great
He needs time to think
She wasn't quite sure
Tell me, tell me
Did you hear any more?
She says he's the one
He is over the moon
Stay tuned for good news
Happening soon!
Dear G-d you can hear
Your children discussing
Potential matches
With all that fussing
May You grant us wisdom and clarity
The ability to discern and properly see
May the journey be with joy
May the path be clear
Free of sadness, worry, despair
May the thorns be few
May the roses be many
We pray for simchas
May there be plenty
Let the heartfelt tefilos offered
at hafrashas Challah
Lead to many chasanim and kallahs
Mazal tov, mazal tov
(I wish in advance)
Very soon to the chupah may you happily dance!
BRINGING HEAVEN DOWN TO EARTH
A word from the desk of Nechama Caplan, Tzvas, Israel
We mix some flour and water, adding oil, eggs, yeast, honey and salt, let it rise and then recite a blessing, taking off a piece of dough, called challah. It's quite astounding that those seven simple ingredients mixed together and sprinkled with a blessing has the capacity to draw down the Infinite right into our dough-filled hand!
When we think about the nature of G-d and spirituality, we certainly don't connect that lofty concept to a lump of dough. Really, the very idea seems kind of mundane. Wouldn't it make more sense to meditate, disconnecting from our physical body in the quest to find spiritual completion? From our human perspective, perhaps. But the Torah, which serves as the Divine blueprint for Creation, approaches it very differently.
The most exalted light is to be found in the lowliest of place – when we reveal G-d there. And that's where the idea of a mitzvah comes into play. It represents the set of coordinates that G-d gave us to bring Heaven down to Earth. We don't need to go anywhere special – we aren’t obligated to float off into a meditative trance. We just follow the simple directions laid out for us in the Torah and hold the Infinite in our hands. This is what makes Judaism so unique. It's not the yearning for spirituality that takes us out of the physical realm, it's through the physical realm that we reach this higher state of connection with G-d.
So even though we are each just one person, maybe even struggling with feelings of low self-worth, we are much more powerful than we can even imagine. The Talmud teaches, "the whole world was created for me". But it is not intended as a declaration of arrogance. Rather, it refers to plugging into our personal G-d-given power to reveal the Infinite within the finite.
The mitzvah of taking challah is an opportunity to pause and appreciate how much we really matter, how much our actions matter. We may not see
G-dliness manifest in our blessing over the challah, but it shines a powerful ray of light, penetrating and healing our world.
Source:
Tanya: chapters 37 & 41
THE JUNGLE OF DATING
A word from the desk of Rivka Goldstein, Florida, USA
It takes unwavering faith and a firm conviction that G-d is in control to overcome the shidduchim crisis.
After graduate school, I found myself in a foreign land for no particular reason, except a nudging feeling that I was intended to relocate there. Two years later, at age 31, I met my husband the week after he finalized his divorce.
Incredibly, I'd landed in this place the exact day that my husband began his divorce procedure. It became clear to me why I hung in there, despite the constant angst. Boruch Hashem we began our ba’al teshuva journey together.
A similar situation occurred with a man I coach, who had for years struggled with shidduchim. He’d always had a strange hunch that he was to become a father at the chuppah, as he did at age 39, when he married a widow with a child.
Some things in life defy logic, we need simply to trust and surrender to G-d. It may be that you’re ready and all you’re doing is waiting for your bashert to catch up!
Today, twenty years later, it’s easy to see hashgacha pratis in my life, but it was near impossible back then. It turns out, G-d has a plan and has been in charge all along. So too for us all – there is a Divine plan…and our task is to have faith and stay the course until those plans come to fruition.
POWERS GREATER THAN BULLETS AND BOMBS
A word from the desk of Miriam Moskovitz, Kharkov, Ukraine
Friday, February 25th 2022, Kharkov Ukraine. Making challah in my kitchen on Chubara Street a day after war broke out seems surreal. The same recipe, the dough rising but the background sounds of bombs and artillery make the moment so much more poignant and the need to pray more urgent. It was to be an unforgettable Shabbat with our community and city under attack. The prayers in the synagogue as we blessed the upcoming month of Adar – a month of joy – the songs and dancing at the Shabbat meal… all just a few miles away from where tanks stood at the entrance to the city. Singing “Hinei Mah Tov Umanayim” (How pleasant to be together), we felt the power of our unity. My challot were finished quickly that week…but who knows when I would be baking them again in my kitchen on Chubara Street. The power of challah.
A week of intensive bombing and attacks had hit just a few doors from our home, our school and throughout our city. With no choice, we grabbed a few bags and suitcases and fled with our children and grandchildren in a van towards safety. As we left the city and saw the destruction and shelling, we started to say Tefilat Haderech the prayer for a safe journey and added in tears “Ve’tachazireinu Le’shalom” (May we return in peace). The power of prayer.
Friday evening, Chisinau Moldova Joined by over one hundred refugees, we light Shabbat candles and pray for all those in Kharkov and all those attempting to escape. After Kiddush my husband starts to dance “Vesomachto Bechagecha” (And you should rejoice in your festivals). A bewildered journalist goes over to him to ask: “What festival are you celebrating here? Escaping from a war-zone to the unknown…what's to celebrate?” My husband replied with the story of a Rebbe’s son who wanted a candy and recited a bracha so that his father had no choice but to give him the candy so that his blessing would not be in vain. So too, my husband explained, we are celebrating and dancing so that G-d has to give us something to celebrate! The power of joy
Summer Kharkov, 2022 Five months into the war, Masha gave birth to a baby boy in Kharkov and contacted my husband to make sure that he would have his brit mila on the 8th day no matter what. And the near impossible happened. A mohel flew from Israel and traveled 20 hours by van to Kharkov and little Moshe had his brit mila on time – despite the daily bombing and attacks on the city. Masha had continued the chain from Avraham Avinu, and a new boy had joined the Kharkov Jewish Community and Am Yisrael. The power of the Jewish Woman
We have so much to be grateful for and so much to pray for as we take challah this week. Let’s take a moment to add a prayer for all those who have lost so much in this war and that this Shabbat we should all experience the final Redemption in Yerushalayim with Moshiach now!
BREAD!
A word from the desk of Mina Esther Gordon, Melbourne, Australia
Throughout many parts of the world, for thousands of years bread has been the “staff of life”, the foundation of each meal, filling and satisfying those who consumed it. The Torah, which instructs us how to bring heaven and earth together touches upon every aspect of life, including baking bread. We are commanded to set aside a small amount of dough for the Kohen, thereby acknowledging that although there are great differences between people (Kohen, Levi, Yisroel), all are equally obligated to serve Hashem with their unique abilities and circumstances. Contrary to the statement in the Declaration of Independence, all men are not created equal, although all are due equal rights. It is not a matter of snobbishness or favoritism, rather, a matter of diversity and uniqueness. Each person has a different task to fulfill, all for the same goal.
How then are separate individuals able to unite in doing their disparate tasks?
One gains insight into this challenge by returning to the process of making challah. Just as the separate bits of flour come together to make one unified dough when water is added, so too we individuals can bond together as one entity to serve Hashem when we add the Heavenly waters of Torah. Thus our sages declare that just as water sustains us physically, Torah sustains and nourishes us spiritually – allowing us to fulfil our destiny with a sense of purpose and unity.
Source
Based on the Kehos Chumash Bamidbar p.94-96
HAKAROS HATOV – ACKNOWLEDGING KINDNESS
A word from the desk of Rivky Chaikin, Johannesburg, South Africa
A few months ago we had the great zechus (privilege) to experience a family reunion, with our children meeting together from all parts of the world to spend a very special Shabbos together in Upstate New York. As I opened my eyes that Shabbos morning, the chorus “Hapa’am odeh es Hashem” (this time I will praise G-d) popped into my head and repeated itself throughout the day.
Leah, the less favoured of Yaakov’s wives, exclaimed these words on naming her third son, Yehuda. Though having Yehuda still did not turn her into the favorite spouse, she nonetheless expresses her deep gratitude to the Aibershter for the brochos she was granted.
Gratitude is a difficult and unnatural attribute. We tend to minimize the good that others do for us. The smaller their kindness the less indebted we feel. It is also instinctive to concentrate on what we do not have, rather than acknowledge the many brochos we are granted.
Hakoras Hatov (gratitude) is one of our most necessary avodos(service) to survive this golus (exile). This is why we are called Yehudim. We do not all stem from Shevet Yehuda but we all need to work on the midah of “Odeh es Hashem” (praising G-d) Thus we begin every day with the words “Modeh Ani” (I give thanks) to remind us of this imperative.
As we daven and beg Hashem to provide good shiduchim for our children, we must never forget to also thank Him for the many brochos that have already been bestowed upon us. Recognition and appreciation for those brochos will serve as a catalyst for being gifted new ones, not least the zechus to walk our children to the Chupah.
Source:
Bereishis rabba 98,
Medrash tehillim kapital 23.
Other meforshim included
