Every year I spend the summer looking up recipe ideas for the fall feasts. What an opportunity to be Blessed with so many food options. No matter what I choose to make for each meal, I can guarantee three things:
It was made with lots of prayer and research.
It was made to honor HaShem.
It was made to honor those who partake in it.
I was recently told one gets a double Blessing for making the meals. I thought it was a sweet thing to say, and went on with a different conversation. Here in the quiet of the night, as I sit and try to create a menu for Rosh Hashanah, her words come to mind. I’m not only spending my time alone in the quiet, I’m here with HaShem. I’m looking for meals that are pleasing enough to honor HaShem. There are many traditional meals out there, but in my home, there is nothings really traditional about our meals, or feasts. As our children grow, so do we. I spend the year learning what is pleasing for my family. Children grow and change so much during the year that what food they liked last year, may be the food they dislike this year. I can have a beautiful table full of beautiful food and no one enjoys it. Have I Blessed HaShem, or my table guests? I don’t believe so. Of course, this is my opinion and I understand if people don’t agree. However, my family was a gift from HaShem, our guests were brought to us by HaShem. If they are unhappy, how does HaShem feel? I am given a very important job. I don’t need to spend so much money on any given meal, I need to spend lots of prayer time with every given meal. Our job as a meal preparer, is very important. It’s a great opportunity to express
yourself, an opportunity to try new recipes, an opportunity to spend time with HaShem.
I’m a firm believer that every meal good or bad has meaning behind it. What do I mean, you ask? Well...when I make Challah, for example. When my attitude is in a joyous place and I feel peace in my heart and prayer on my lips, my challah, no matter how I choose to make it, turns out perfect. However, when I'm having a rough day and feel, dare I say, inconvenienced, my challah is as bad as my attitude. Considering how long a Sabbath is and how many times we partake in the Challah, you would understand that my challah is a reminder of my attitude while making it. It can sometimes be (quite literally) hard to swallow. I feel like this goes the same for Rosh Hashanah (or any appointed time). Where’s my heart? Am I in a place where I feel inconvenienced to research and prepare a beautiful meal? Or am I in a place where my heart is pleasing to not only HaShem but also my family and guests? I mean a year is a long time to eat on bitterness. I understand the meal is only part of any given feast, but...even during a fast, the meal serves a big part. As you prepare for one of the most important meals of the year, remember: Check your heart, connect with HaShem, check your recipes and enjoy!
Ketivah v’chatima tovah
(A good inscription and sealing in the Book of Life)
Rivkah
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