Hamentaschen for Purim

Time to celebrate Purim!  To learn the background of this Jewish holiday, read my post here.

This year, I decided to try my hand at making Hamentaschen.  These are cookies shaped like Hamen's three-cornered hat.

 One of the ladies in our synagogue gave me a great tip:  to use pre-made pie crust.  I love it!  I'd wanted to make cookies that weren't too sweet and this dough is perfect. 

All I had to do was lay the crust out on the counter and cut the circles out.  The dough is so easy to work with, I didn't even have to put flour on the counter.  Could not find my biscuit cutter, so a small cup did the trick.  (note - I now recommend using a larger circle.  A can the size of the pie filling in the picture below works well. The larger circle makes a better cookie)

Next, I put a small amount of filling in the middle of the circle.  I used pre-made fillings:  poppy seed, cherry, and sugar-free apple.

Next, I turned over a flap, to form the hat.

Next, is the tricky part.  Using my thumbs, I folded up the two other flaps, 

then pinched the corners to form the hat. 

Now, here are the cookies ready to go in the oven.  

I baked these at 350 for 20 minutes.  They turned out well, my husband said.  He's my official taste-tester, since I don't eat sugar.  I did taste the apple ones, and they were very good.  (Click HERE to see how much better they turned out when I used bigger circles.)

I didn't take a picture of the finished product and now it is too late.  I will be making another batch for our Purim party and will post some pics of them along with pics of the children in their costumes and playing the games. 

Happy Purim to you all and I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Shabbat Shalom

G-d & me in nature = a sweet shabbat

Sweet Sabbath to you.

 Do you know the shalom (peace) of Shabbat?

Shabbat/Sabbath...they are the same.  The day G-d said to set aside for Him. 

It is a day for worship and praising G-d, yes, but also for relaxation and re-rejuvenation.  In our busy world today, rest is needed more than ever.  A time to stop, be still, and know that He is G-d.

candle-lighting on Shabbat

My Sabbath begins on Friday evening at our synagogue with a time of praise and worship with music, liturgy, and prayer.  This is followed by Torah study led by my husband, Rabbi Jem.  We finish the evening with oneg (food & fellowship).  Would it surprise you to know that we often stay at the service from 5 pm till 10:30 or 11 pm?  We enjoy our mizpokah (family) and linger long to talk and share.

The beauty of G-d's creation

After a night of sweet sleep, I rise for more time with my Father.  I love to sit on my porch all day (often in my pajamas), drinking hot tea while I enjoy my favorite pass-times:  reading the Word, journalling, drawing and painting, writing poetry, and watching the wild-life in my backyard.

a blackbird and a woodpecker sharing a meal

Our flowers, pond and waterfall, bird-feeders and baths attract a wide variety of birds, squirrels and butterflies.  Father speaks to me as I consider them.  I listen to the lessons He teaches as I watch their antics and habits.  Peace fills me as I unwind from the duties of my week.

My cares and the pull of the world melt away as I find joy sitting at my Father's feet for a whole day.  My heart says "All  IS Well" and Shabbat shalom is sweet.

If you would like to share about your Sabbath, I would enjoy reading it.





I am linking up with Spiritual Sundays
and Brag On God Friday and Gratituesday

The Miracle of the Toys

I am pondering...the miracle of the toys.

Ma'gen Da'vid Synagogue had purchased Christmas toys this week for a family with three children.   Their mom and dad recently lost their jobs and couldn't afford much this Christmas.

Friday night at the Shabbat service a stranger came in and asked if there were any children we knew of who needed toys for Christmas.  Rabbi Jem said, "We sure do!"

The man was the manager of Walgreens. They had collected toys for children and deliveries had already been made, when someone dropped off another big bag of toys. He drove by our building, saw the cars, and just decided to ask if we knew of a need. 

What a blessing the children received.  It reminded me of the miracle of the holy oil for the first Hanukkah menorah, and also of the miracle of the loaves and fishes blessed by Yeshua.  G-d multiplied what we had, and those little children received huge bags full of toys on Christmas morning.

I am continually amazed by The Father's ability to do above what we can ask or think, and of His miracle-working power at work today.

Blessings to you all, dear readers, and I pray you have joy this Christmas.  

 

I'm linking up with Charlotte's Spiritual Sundays