These are the journeys of Bnei-Yisrael when they came out of Egypt by their divisions under the hand of Moses and Aaron. Moses recorded the stages of their journeys at ADONAI`s command. These then are their journeys by stages. ---Numbers 33:1, Parsha Masei, Journeys
This week the meeting with the butterfly stayed with me and as I was getting ready for Shabbat I knew that this weeks challah would be a Butterfly Challah!
The shapes just came naturally, as I rolled the dough and divided it into three. The body became a braided shape and the antennae really just formed themselves. Then I rolled out a few strands to shape the wings.
I made some plum filling to go inside to honor my meeting with the butterfly and having left her in the ume (plum) tree, from where she would fly to her next place.
The makings of a Butterfly Challah
I rolled the plum paste, well actually prune, into another strand and the next thing that happened was I realized I could make 6 little rounds in each wing to make a pattern. These would represent the 12 tribes as this weeks Parsha is Matot and Masei, double portion, Tribes and Journeys!! And be reminiscent of the black ink like patterns and dots on her precious wings. Then another thin line around the middle also remniscient of a journey, and see how it also made a kind of heart!
Connecting with the Parsha
Masei, the second portion, means Journey. It also seemed to speak to my spirit this week with the butterfly. And it connected the dots to think about the journey of the children of Israel as we are finishing the book of Numbers, as well as my journey from point to point, and all our journeys and transformation.
I was happy with how the butterfly challah came out, and somehow it seems to also go with the double portion readings of Masei and Matot. As if she was a tribes and journey butterfly, coming to meet me at just this time. As I have challah that I make for different Shabbat, I can see this becoming one on the challah cycle. A butterfly challah for parsha Masei and Matot.
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| Shabbat Shalom! |
As we finish the book of Numbers and get ready to start the book of Deuteronomy, we say these words, words to say at the end of each book of the Torah. This year I say them and dedicate to my sweet butterfly friend.
Chazak, chazak,v`nitchazek!
Be strong, be strong, and be strengthened!!
♡
A beautiful post and homage to your butterfly friend. I'm simply amazed at your butterfly challah. You are a master challah maker and a creative genious. Shabat Shallom.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyful. ♡ To God be the glory!
DeleteAmazing butterfly challah! You don't leave out anything. You think of the butterfly, the tribes, the journeys, and you've incorporated in that challah almost every possible detail linked to the above topics.
ReplyDeleteYou should get the title of Master Chef of the Challah.
Thank you Duta. I am glad to hear you appreciate all the details! Thank you for your vote of confidence in my challah making. Encouraged by you all, many blessings!
DeleteJust yesterday I rescued one from the pool. It took a minute for her wings to dry off, but when they did, she flew away triumphantly. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that Sandi:) Amazing how butterflies are so delicate and can also be so resilient. Wow, is that your pool? Must be nice!! But I hope that the butterflies will know not to go in. Blessings!♡
DeleteNo, it is not ours. We joined one in a nearby neighborhood.
DeleteNice !!
Delete♡
"Be strong, be strong, and be strengthened!!"
DeleteAmen.
:)
This butterfly Challah looks so good, Shayndel. And the plum filling really makes it. I wish I had a piece to go with my tea tonight. Be strong, be strong, and be strengthened.....I love that saying.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you Sheri!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you and have a great day!!♡