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In Judaism, learning and doing are deeply interconnected. The tradition emphasizes that study should lead to meaningful action, making "learning" a dynamic process that involves both intellectual exploration and practical application. This is why I jump at every learning opportunity and accept every invitation from our rabbi and rebbetzin. In this episode, I share my family's experience of Moshiach Seudah - a celebration to conclude Passover, which took place at our rabbi's home. And then I introduce the counting of the Omer tradition, which occurs between Passover and Shavuot, and is one of the most meaningful and inspiring commandments I have learned about.

Mentions:

Websites about counting the Omer:

https://aarecon.org/counting-the-omer-during-quarantine/

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/276672/jewish/Daily-Spiritual-Guide.htm

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My husband and I were invited to a Passover Seder at our rabbi's house. In this episode, together we share our first experience of a real seder, which turned out to be not only meaningful and memorable, but also lots of fun!

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I recently read in Tanya that prayers and blessings in Judaism must be audible. The explanation for this requirement was so intriguing to me that it led me to further research. This episode is full of Kabbalistic mysticism, Jewish tradition and inspiration. I hope it inspires you to explore the power of prayer!

Mentions:

The Daily Study App

Shtisel - TV series

Kabbalah - a Jewish mystical tradition that involves esoteric teachings and practices

Alter Rebbe - Shneur Zalman of Liadi, commonly known as the Alter Rebbe or Baal Hatanya, was a rabbi and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism. 1745-1812

Israel ben Eliezer (c. 1700 –1760), known as the Baal Shem Tov was a Jewish mystic and healer who is regarded as the founder of Hasidic Judaism.

Quote by Jonathan Sacks

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With Passover around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about the concept of personal Egypt: our own limiting beliefs and that which controls us. While during Passover the Haggadah instructs us to regard ourselves as having personally lived through the events of the Exodus, the Seder also allows for self-reflection and discussion of how we can break free of these metaphorical chains, leaving the restraining past in the past and taking the first steps to personal freedom - one that promises self-transcendence and lifts us out of our natural limitations.

Mentions:

Poem "Seder-Night" by Israel Zangwill

Book "How to Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay

Book "On the Origin of the Species" by Charles Darwin

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What is Mikvah? Why is it an important commandment in Judaism? In this episode, I share with you my first experience with Mikvah and explain the symbolism behind this ancient ritual.

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Poem by Cynthia Wallace

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What does it mean to trust G-d? How do we learn to trust G-d? I answer these questions by providing examples from the Torah, from Jewish theology and from my own experiences.

Mentions:

House of David - series on Netflix

Nachum Ish Gamzu - Jewish sage

Quote by Alan Watts

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Did you know that names have the power to shape a person's destiny? Names are said to be keys to the soul. As you will learn from this episode, names can even be self-fulfilling prophecies. So choose your children's names wisely! And see what you can find out about yourself and your family history through your own name.

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In this yummy episode, I recount my experience at chef Chanie Apfelbaum's kosher cooking demonstration. I share the knowledge I acquired regarding cooking kosher meals and I sprinkle some useful information about food blessings and the story of Purim. Below you will find three complete recipes that I mention in the episode, as well as names of Apfelbaum's cookbooks and ways to find this chef on social media.

Chef Chanie Apfelbaum's cookbooks:

Millennial Kosher

Totally Kosher

website: https://busyinbrooklyn.com

Instagram: @busyinbrooklyn

For my photos from the demonstration, visit my Instagram and TikTok @lovetohealpodcast

Recipes:

Jeweled Hummus:

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic

¼ cup + 1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp cumin

1 cup tahini paste

½ cup ice water

2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Toppings:

3 Tbsp each: raw pistachios & slivered almonds

1 large carrot, julienned

1 Tbsp grapeseed oil

2 Tbsp grapeseed oil

2 Tbsp sugar

Juice of 1 orange

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

¼ tsp each cardamom, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon

½ tsp salt

3 Tbsp pomegranate seeds

Rose petals, zaatar, olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Hummus: Blend garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, tahini, and saffron water in a food processor until smooth. While running, add ice water. Blend chickpeas until creamy. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
2. Toppings: Saute carrots in grapeseed oil for 5 minutes, then add sugar and orange juice, cooking until glazed. Caramelize onions in olive oil for 20 minutes, then stir in spices and salt.
3. Assemble: Spread hummus in a shallow dish, creating a well in the center. Top with onions, carrots, nuts, and pomegranate seeds. Garnish as desired.

Arayes Board:

Ingredients:

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic

½ cup parsley

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 tsp each: cumin, allspice, salt

½ tsp pepper

6 pitas

Grapeseed oil

Instructions:

Blend onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor. Mix with meat and spices. Fill each pita half with ⅓ cup of meat mixture, flattening evenly. Grill cut side down for 5 minutes, then 5 minutes per side. Finish in 400 degrees F oven if needed, until meat reaches 160 degrees F.

Serve with hummus, tahini, Israeli pickles, Israeli salad, red cabbage slaw, sumac onions, harissa, and amba

Marbled Halva Mousse

Ingredients:

8 oz whipped topping, thawed

½ cup tahini

3 Tbsp silan or honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

Sea salt, to taste

¼ cup chocolate chips

Shredded halva, pistachios, raspberries (option for topping)

Instructions:

Whip topping until stiff peaks form

Gently fold in tahini, silan, vanilla, and salt

Melt chocolate chips and fold into half of the mousse

Pipe vanilla and chocolate mousse into cups, either side by side in one bag for a marbled effect or layered separately

Top with halva, pistachios and raspberries