Our First Shabbat in Israel
Shabbat Shalom!/!שבת שלום
Shabbat is a time for relaxation and rest! Shabbat lasts from sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. On Friday we had a relaxing day full of reading, studying עברית/ivrit (Hebrew), baking challah (my favorite), and having wonderful conversations over tea/coffee outside on the patio! In the early evening my flatmates and I cleaned the apartment and set our Shabbat table in preparation for our first Shabbat meal together. We created our dinner menu and got to work - freshly baked challah by yours truly, home made schnitzel, salad, and rice. Everyone pitched in to make dinner together, and while the last items were finishing their bake, we changed into Shabbat attire, something a little fancier, which felt like getting ready for a gala after wearing our usual cozy clothes while in בידוד/bidud (quarantine). We watched the golden sun set over the beautiful horizon of Tel Aviv and it filled our apartment with warmth. The ladies and I lit Shabbat candles, we recited blessings and feasted on our delicious creations.
During dinner I led everyone in my personal Shabbat tradition - reflecting on the week that we were closing and looking forward to the week ahead. The idea is to get into the Shabbat mindset of reflection and refreshing our systems by sharing something that we would like to leave in the week behind; whether that may be a frustrating situation, an argument, uneasy news, or slight annoyances that one may have encountered during the week, then sharing something that one is looking forward to in the week ahead; a goal, exciting news, new opportunities, or something positive happening in the near future. I began practicing this as my Shabbat tradition about a year ago to get in the habit of letting go of the negative and looking forward to the positive. It's something that I share with anyone who I am fortunate enough to spend Shabbat with, and it has allowed me to lend a listening ear and share in excitement with others, which makes me (and usually everyone else at the table) feel good!
This week I shared that I am letting go of the preconceived notion that Judaism has to fit into a box, or that there is a "right" way to be Jewish. One of the most wonderful parts of Judaism is that it is full of hope and exploration, it encourages asking questions and deep discussions about the meanings of life and all it encompasses. I also shared that I am looking forward to the second week of our בידוד/bidud (quarantine) because we all begin אולפן/ulpan (Hebrew classes) on Sunday (the beginning of the week in Israel, which is a new adjustment) and I am very excited to learn more along side my flatmates!
After cleaning up from dinner, we spent the rest of the evening playing card games and having more great discussion about a myriad of topics. It amazes me that these people were strangers to me just five days ago. I feel like I have gotten to know all of them so well already, and I'm looking forward to strengthening our friendships more in the week to come! (Which was the second part of what I shared at the table tonight!)
For those who are wondering how I make my delicious challah (yes, I have earned bragging rights) I have created and attached a video of my baking process to this post, however, I must give credit where it's due and share that the amazing recipe I use was created by my lovely boyfriend, Daniel! He was sweet enough to share the recipe with me last year (I know, what an NJB - nice Jewish boy) and I have been using it ever since! If you'd like the recipe, comment on this post!
On Saturday we spent the morning and afternoon on the patio doing yoga, reading, writing, and practicing עברית/ivrit (Hebrew)! I took a refreshing midday nap (After all, Shabbat is the time for rest) then spent the evening talking over dinner and playing Catan with my roommates.
Shabbat shalom everyone, may the week ahead bring happiness and success to us all!
I am overwhelmed with joy to see that I have so many friends, family members, and mentors following me on this journey! Thank you all for subscribing to my blog, I'm thrilled to share my adventures with you. For anyone interested in participating in my Shabbat tradition this week, I would love to hear from you! Comment on this post or send me a message via the Contact page. Talk to you soon!
XO, Jules
Music: SIX13 - That Shabbos Feeling!
One of the corniest and best Shabbat songs I could find, for your viewing pleasure. (You're welcome)
