Chaunkkah Banner

Chaunkkah Banner

 This week I hosted a few of the teen girls from my congregation for a Chanukkah decoration making party. At first none of us felt too "inspired" or creative but everyone managed to leave with some pretty nifty things in the end. 

Some of us attempted 3-d paper dreidels but soon discovered how time consuming they are and moved on to other things :). After I had finished 4 of them(displayed in 1st and last photos on the Chanukkah Up-cycle post) myself I started the banner pictured above. I didn't get it finished(due to the time invested in paper deideling) but got it finished up and hung during the next couple days. 

I scored some alphabet stencils at the dollar store a couple weeks ago which came in handy with this(I don't like doing letters free hand). We also still had my Aunt's "Cuttlebug" paper embosser on loan which was a total bonus! So after cutting out my card stock stars and dreidels I ran them through that to give them a little texture. 

Once the paper is textured like this a little silver and blue paint carefully rubbed on the edges via make-up sponge gives a great antiquey look.

I mounted each shape on silver glittery paper with hot glue and punched an eyelet through the top to make the hole. Added a small bit of ribbon to each letter and then threaded it on to a short length of silver tulle.

 

Chanukkah Up-cycle

This past week I tackled my stemware Chanukkiah and I have to say I am more than  pleased with the outcome. This is really inexpensive to make because all thrift stores have an overwhelming amount of mismatching stemware for cheap!

To do this you need:

9 pieces of steamware

enamel/glass paint

make-up sponges

electricians tape

Use the electric tape to tape off stripes or other designs on your glasses. 

I started out measuring from the rim down to make sure I had the stripe straight but eventually found it easier [and just as effective] to pull the tape taunt and just "eye ball it" as I turned the glass. 

My paint was on the relatively thick side as well so I found it worked well to prime my sponge first by getting it wet and squeeze it out before dipping in the paint. This opened the pores of the sponge and helped thin the paint. 

Sponge over the area you want to paint until you're happy with the results and carefully peel back the tape.

Cut out shapes from a strip of tape and paint over them for this effect.

A word about glass paint...

Some paint requires baking for a period of time in a 350 degree oven...mine says bake or let dry 21 days. For this project I am opting for the air dry because I have no idea of the quality of the glass in question and whether it would be able to take the heat or not.I am planning on finishing all the glasses with my Krylon Crystal Clear acrylic sealer to further protect the paint finish, since no one is going to be drinking out of any of them that won't be a problem.

**I know in the finished photo I have the tea lights in the bottom of the glass but when it comes time to actually light them I plan on using some kind of filler(Epson salts, pebbles etc.) so they are not so far down inside the glass. This will prevent the unsightly black flame rings and keep the glass from getting to hot.

Thanks to www.creativejewishmom.com for giving me this idea http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2010/03/fit-for-royalty-paint-stunning-wine-glasses-for-pesach.html

Today...

Today was my sister and brother's birthday. 

Today I cleaned for a woman who's husband suffered a stroke a month ago. 

Today I hung more posters with my dog's picture on them. 

Today I witnessed the strength of a family, who by G-d's grace, is able to count their blessings mere days after the loss of their 18 year old daughter and sister. 

Today I laughed...

Today I cried....

Today I received a tremendous blessing. 

Today I fought worry

Today I found solace in the smiles and giggles of my sweet nephew. 

Today I was inspired by the legacy and wisdom left behind by a young woman who I did not have the opportunity to meet...at least not yet

Today reminded me of my blessings

Today stretched me both directions...leaving marks for tomorrow

"...in my younger days I pictured my life going along like scenes of a play. When things didn't go the way I planned I felt like a failure. As I trusted in God, knowing HE has known my path all along, I am excited about my future. Whatever comes my way, As I follow the Lord, I know that HE will give me more than I could've ever known." - Julia Weverink

Tears for a Stranger

Today the sun shone...but it had no effect on my mood...how could it? If it had been my sister I had lost would I be rejoicing over the reappearance of sunshine and the fleeting of rain clouds? Would that be enough to dull the pain in my heart?...Hardly...on the contrary in fact, it would be difficult not to curse the outside world for it's trite display of cheerfulness when one's heart was breaking.

Within a matter of minutes her life was gone. A life that was given little hope to win the battle that lay claim to her future but somehow managed to remain vibrate and joyful in spite of her struggle.......a life, however, that we are unsure if we'll meet again....Perhaps this is why the loss hangs so heavy on us? The reality of a life without an eternal Savior, the thought of a spark of light extinguished forever. We don't know, we are not positive, yes we are afraid of speaking the unspeakable.

The tears run hot, tears shed for a life but perhaps also a soul....because we just don't know, cause "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink"....I just pray her thirst was quenched before she was taken away.

The L-rd heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds

I come dwelling in sukkot...

 So for whatever reason I always miss doing my holiday spiel on Sukkot! I guess because it is always such a busy holiday :)

This year was the first in many years we have actually been able to start sukkah construction the day after Yom Kippur! And if that wasn't good enough we had our frame still standing from last year...although that didn't keep us from being creative this year and adding a few modifications. It all started with using greenhouse poly instead of tarps on the walls and ended with framing in doors on either end of the sukkah (hey yo! My idea!! mmhmm) :) It never ceases to surprise how one can hang on to any remnant of perfectionism whilst using *free* materials......but on the bright side, there is never a question as to which is the crown side of the lumber :P.

No matter how elaborate the sukkah though, it still pails in comparison to the shelter and comfort of a house, which reminded me of the passage in Philippians 2 where, speaking of our Saviour, it says:

" He made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." -Philippians 2: 7,8

HaShem came and dwelt with us in the wilderness, covering us with his clouds of glory, He humbled himself to abide in an earthly sukkah(temporary dwelling) all for the sake of His people which he loves (John 3:16)...it's mind bending, it is incomprehensible, it's amazing and it always will be.

There is so much more packed into the feast but time does not allow me to dive into it so with that quick thought I will say Chag Sukkot sameach!
See you round the sukkah.

Yom Kippur

COMING UP....

Rosh Hashanah is now behind us...and what a lovely time it was! A time of remembering and reflecting... recognizing G-d as our Creator, King and Savior! Now as we are entering the 10 days of awe(10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), we are looking ahead to Yom Kippur(The Day of Atonement)

"Now on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be for you a time of holy convocation, and you shall afflict yourselves and present a food offering to the L-RD.
And you shall not do any work on that very day, for it is a Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the L-RD your God.  

For whoever is not afflicted on that very day shall be cut off from his people. 

And whoever does any work on that very day, that person I will destroy from among his people.  

You shall not do any work. It is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. 

It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict yourselves. On the ninth day of the month beginning at evening, from evening to evening shall you keep your Sabbath."  Vayikra/Leviticus 2:27-32

I struggle to put Yom Kippur into words, partly because it is such a deep and holy day, and partly I think because it is so misunderstood.

Misunderstood I think because we have lost a sincere fear of HaShem and so just thinking of standing before Him in total brokenness, calling upon His Name (character and promise = merciful, long-suffering, slow to anger etc.) and pleading with Him to remember no more our transgressions and to forgive our iniquities, seems like a terrible thing to our white washed, feel good, "G-d is my buddy" mindset.

Well G-d isn't our "buddy", He is a holy and awesome Elohim. He has absolutely no reason to extend mercy or forgiveness to us. However He, in His abundant mercy, promises that if we humble ourselves and "shuv", turn, to Him and confess our iniquities He will be faithful and just to forgive us.

Yom Kippur is often called the "holiest day of the year" and how true as the restoration of our relationship with HaShem is the most holy thing we could ever desire!

May we all seek to have this Yom Kippur be a day to be cleansed anew, purged and restored to be vessels set apart for holy use...not only individually but corporately....Knowing that while we may come before the King broken and remorseful for our errors and rebellion He is no less Just in His mercy...aka something has to give for us to have life...the One who demands payment became the payment Himself....fully Just, fully Merciful. It's truly only by His grace that we even have the opportunity to come before him in repentance.

May the Holy One speedily bring us all to true repentance and hasten the return of Mashiach, speedily and in our days!

May you have an easy fast!

The Fast of all Fasts - what it looks like

Yom Kippur is what is called a "hard" fast. Unlike the "easy" fasts, of the 10th of Tevet and others, it is a full 24hrs(sundown to sundown) instead of only 12(sun up to sun down). Neither food or water is consumed, bathing for pleasure is avoided, and wearing leather products*. The book of Jonah is traditionally read, and much of the day is spent in prayer.

It is customary to wear white on Yom Kippur to remind us that though our sins be as scarlet we shall be made white as snow:

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the L-rd: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

The fast is broken at sundown and traditionally the shofar is blown to signify the end of the fast, after the shofar is blown the entire mood of the day switches from solemnity to joy! In complete faith that G-d has heard our cry, seen our tears, and will be faithful and just to His promise to hear the cry of those that call upon Him:

The L-RD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The L-RD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145: 17-19

Fast Exceptions

Life always trumps everything so those who's health would be threatened by going without food or water(and by health I don't mean "comfort" I mean it would be unsafe to do so) are always exempt from the obligation to fast. Others who wouldn't be obligated(in fact not permitted!) to the full fast are: pregnant women who are very near their delivery date(or just given birth) and children under nine years.

Older children and women from the third to seventh day after childbirth and nursing mothers are permitted to fast but may break it at any time if they feel they need to. If one has a question whether doing a hard fast could be detrimental to their health(if you have an chronic illness, nursing etc) it is recommended they consult with their physician prior to the fast. 

For those unable to due a full fast for any of the above reasons, many choose to do a veggie fast or cracker fast...basically do what you can do...just because you can't go without food and water for 24hrs doesn't mean you have to have a extravagant three meals plus snacks on the day. Your doctor should be able to give you some advice on this too.

*Leather is considered to be a material of comfort or affluence, on a day where we are called to humble/afflict our souls it hardly seems like the appropriate material. In like manner one doesn't bath for pleasure for the same reason, we are humbling ourselves and so engaging in a self satisfying hot bath might make you loose your focus.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is also know as the Feast of Trumpets or Yom Teruah(Day of Blowing). It falls on the 1st day of the month of Tisrei and begins the calender year(this year we begin the year 5774 - May it come to us for peace and blessing!). The name "Rosh Hashanah" means "Head of the Year", "rosh"="head", "ha"="the" "shanah"="year". 

The Shofar - made from a hollowed out ram's horn

This is just one of the several "new years" on the Hebrew calender, others include the new year for trees (Shevat 15 used to count the years of fruit trees in order to fulfill the Torah instructions of the tithes), the "spiritual" or religious new year (Nisan 1)...I know it kinda sounds confusing at first but just think, on the secular calender January 1st begins the "new civil year", or the "calender year" with January as the first month. However you also have a birthday - your personal "new year", oh and don't forget your anniversary another "new year" of sorts....and then of course there are those fiscal new years too! Does it make more sense now?

Themes of the Day

Creation
One of the many events that took place on the day includes the creation of man so it is no surprise that is a day to recognize G-d's creator role and acknowledge Him as our sustainer and author of life.

Repentance - G-d's Kingship
It is a day of repentance and time to re-crown HaShem as King over us, singly and corporately. It is said by many a great sage that the books are opened on this day and all men are judged. How appropriate to call this the "head of the year" as it surely is the pinnacle, will you choose life or will you choose death?

  "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

 ~ Rev 20:11

Is your name in the book? Have you placed your faith in the salvation provided by HaShem through the work of Yeshua HaMashiach? If not I hope and pray that you may be inscribed this year!

Blow That Shofar!
The Torah says that it is to be "a day of blowing", a "memorial of blowing of trumpets". You positively cannot let this day go by without hearing the sound of the shofar! This is again, is a last and final call or cry to repentance, a "wake up the King is coming! The King is here!" kind of moment. And to those who have turned back to HaShem this is the coronation blast! The trumpet that sounds signifying our crowning G-d as our King of Glory!

"Who is this King of glory? The L-RD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." -Psalm 24:10

For me personally this memorial or remembrance represents the following things
#1 It serves as a reminder for me to turn my foot from following after the things of the world and turn back to the way of the L-rd. To search my ways, make peace with my brother and repent.

#2 It is a remembrance for HaShem. In scripture the phrase is used: "and G-d remembered"...the blowing of the shofar acts as a bringing us to G-d's remembrance(or attention). Reminding G-d that we have not forgotten His covenant and says in a way, as is so often said in the Psalms, G-d "don't forget us, we wait on You, we hope in Your covenant. Remember Your promises to Your people Israel"

#3 Lastly it reminds me of the trumpet that will blow at Mashiach's return. When He will be crowned as the rightful and righteous King of Israel! May it come soon and in our days!

  ~ Customs and Traditions ~

Apples and Honey - It is traditional to eat sliced apples dipped in honey. Why an apple you ask? Well apparently the pile of ashes that remained on the alter after a sacrifice was then carefully raked and shaped into a perfect semi-circle? And this was called the "tapuach" which means "apple" in Hebrew.  (http://www.templeinstitute.org/illustrated/tapuach_description.htm) Why would they call it that though? Well, an offering or a sacrifice for a truly repentant person was a means to draw close to HaShem. Naturally this "drawing near"/fellowship with G-d had a sweetening effect to the judgment, just like making peace with our fellow or rectifying a wrong brings sweetness back to the relationship. With Rosh Hashanah having such a theme of repentance it only seems fitting that we have something to remind us of drawing near to HaShem in that special way.

 A couple other things to think of when you dip your apple this year is how Israel is likened to the apple of G-d's eye in scripture, He gaurds us and protects us and will not cast us away! 

Honey is in everything at Rosh Hashanah; challah, cakes, and main dishes. Obviously it symbolizes our desire for a sweet year to come but it should also reminds us, wherever we are, of the promised land of Israel, G-d's promised heritage for His people. The land that Mashiach will return to and reign as King!

.....Oh and something I just thought of now...honey doesn't have an expiry date, that's right it never spoils!.....And neither do HaShem's promises! Now that's sweet!

Blessing for eating the apple and honey:

Ba-ruch a-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam bore pri ha-etz.

Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.

Ye-hi ratzon she-ti-cha-desh alei-nu shanah tovah u-m'tu-kah.

May it be Your will to renew for us a good and sweet year.

Switching Up the Challah
Challah is generally made sweeter(than normal!!) and shaped round (instead of braided) to resemble a crown. This reminds us that G-d is our King and we desire to crown Him as such. It is also to remind us that the feasts of the L-rd are a cycle a circle, meant to, with each consecutive year, bring us into a closer and deeper relationship with G-d.

Tashlich - On the first day of Rosh Hashanah the community gathers next to a stream or some other body of water for prayers and to take part in the tradition of tashlich, which literally means to "cast off".

"Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth the iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will again have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt show faithfulness to Jacob, mercy to Abraham, as Thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old."  Micah 7:18-20

In remembrance of these words during the Tashlich service everyone casts some *pebbles into the water to symbolize the casting off of the previous years sin (teshuva-repentance). And of course in remembrance that in Yeshua HaMashiach we are made a new creation, our eternal penalty was cast completely on Him, sin's curse taken away *forever* so that we may dwell with him in his kingdom.

*Some communities use bread crumbs, however to avoid giving others the impression that you could be feeding the fish many hold the opinion that pebbles are the better choice.

For more on Tashlich check out the links below
http://www.ou.org/chagim/roshhashannah/tashlich.html
http://www.torahresource.com/Parashpdfs/Tashlich.pdf
Click HERE for a copy of the Tashlich prayer