The rhythmic kneading of dough after it's risen for the second time..
the plaiting and twisting of golden strands into whatever shape I desire..
the satisfying aroma of freshly baked challah straight from the oven..
the preparation of the table and anticipation of the blessings..
the familiar warmth of Friday evening candles and "Shabbat Shalom!" greetings as we enter into rest and remember him who said ..
"the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." (Mt 12:8)
A mother whispers prayers for her husband and children
a father protectively prays for his wife and children
the blessings are spoken over loved ones and family
and once again the weekly cycle of time and memory brings it's peace and blessing to the home.
Why do we do this?
Because my husband and I like to keep this connection with our Jewish ancestry.
We do it to remember our Father-God and Creator, Who has blessed our days with His precious grace and holy Presence.
We do it to remember our Father-God and Creator, Who has blessed our days with His precious grace and holy Presence.
And as commited Christians and followers of His Son, our Messiah Jesus Christ, we look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb, when we shall sit at table with our great Saviour and Redeemer and Prince of Peace - when we shall all enter into the Eternal Shabbat and Rest that He promises to all who put their trust in Him!
And that my friends, is something that we long for and so we rehearse in simple joy while we wait for that awesome day to come!
And that my friends, is something that we long for and so we rehearse in simple joy while we wait for that awesome day to come!
Do you have any family traditions that you cherish and want to pass on to your children..and even your childrens' children?
I'd like to hear about them :-)
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Have you got some joy today?
Do you want to say thanks and give God the glory for it?
If you'd like to share about something that made your heart smile
link up your Simple Joys post here and we'll rejoice together!
God bless you... Trish
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Wow Dearest Trish,
ReplyDeleteThis whole post touched and moved me to the core! Oh the
Coming of our Glorious Lord!!
Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve were the most God lifting Holidays when I was growing up. I am from a teeny tiny Family just A Grandma, Mom, Dad and Brother! So our celebrations were a bit quiet ;-)
Many Blessings and Love, Linnie
Oh how beautiful. My mouth started to water when I saw the pictures! :o) As children my mother used to always make soup and homemade crackers for Friday night and the beginning of Sabbath. :o) It was nice. I haven't really done any traditions with my kids. Have been thinking about starting though.
ReplyDeleteYour Challah looks amazing, I would love some lessons please..
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed to know you, to know of your wonderful ways of rejoicing and remembering and partaking in these celebrations. The same celebrations that our saviour partook in.
Bless you my dear sister friend..
I am sure you will have a giggle at my posting.
Nell
I have not stopped by your blog for awhile and realized I missed a lot!
ReplyDeleteYour new banner is lovely and the delicate framing is dearing!
Thank you for sharing the photos and for the reminder that traditions are very important!
Ex-Pats, hubby (ex-RAF) and I (Flanders poppy) have remained faithful to traditions of both sides and blended it with this country's.
It makes it for a very rich history!
Blessings to you and yours and a big hello from the Pacific Northwest!
Lovely---thank you for sharing this special tradition with us! One thing that our family does is, after we are finished decorating our tree, we leave only the tree lights on and sit together with hot chocolate stirred with candy canes and sing carols together. My parents did this with us and I've carried it on. It's such a cozy and wonderful family time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reason to celebrate something so special!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy making challah bread :)
I've never had challah bread before. It looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteoops your linky is closed. I wanted to link up. I'll try link up early next time.
ReplyDeleteThat Challah looks so good! It reminds me of when my mother used to make it sometimes, and it always tasted yummy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful loaf of bread. I am determined to try making Challah bread before 2012. I better hurry!
ReplyDelete