If you roast a piece of challah on a chopstick over a shabbat candle is it still kosher?
I know the answer, don’t everyone rush to tell me “no, that would be cooking” all at once.
As I learn more and venture into Judaism with what seems to be very little guidance I’m going to make mistakes. So, the chopstick story…let me start with my first Shabbat dinner.
I tried going through Shabbat.com and there aren’t a lot of folks in my area who host. I had one lady say she would but she was moving and to contact her the following month. The following month rolled around and she hasn’t responded to my email letting her know I was still interested but if she needed more time just to let me know. Oh well.
So I tried it on my own. The problem is my family wanted to support me and participate. That in itself is great but it was a serious case of the blind leading the blind.
First, I didn’t have wine but I did have sake. Sort of wine but it isn’t fruit of the vine it is made from rice. I did make a nice challah though.
Second, no Shabbat candles. I did have some emergency tea lights which did the trick but for a verrrry short time.
Third, I checked out YouTube for the blessings. I still couldn’t remember them though. I ended up writing them on sticky notes. When I got around to blessing the kids you probably guessed it - I stuck the post it to the back of their heads. Not the most holy of times but it was a fine first little Shabbat dinner. At least I didn’t make pork chops.
All in all I’ve tried to make each Shabbat better and better but I don’t always succeed. I have candle sticks, kosher Shabbat candles, wine (not always kosher but I try with the local store), but I’ve managed to muck up the bread. I cannot seem to make bread every week. Does everyone do this? Is there some challah store I don’t know about?
My solution? Bagels. Yeah, I know it’s probably the most cringe worthy thing I’ve done yet. But I looked it up and as long as everyone can have a piece about the size of half an egg (we buy big bagels) it’s good. We bless bread, not challah specifically. Anyone filling me in on the weekly challah thing, it would he much appreciated.
Then we come to ‘that week’ the chopstick bread roasting over Shabbat candles. (Did I just hear every chabad door in America closing on me?) So it was a busy week and I didn’t have time to cook before Shabbat and hubby picked up some noodles from the local teriyaki place. Not fancy but at least the family was together, we were saying the blessings, discussing Torah and things would be good. Out comes the sad bagel of shame. Not only are my teens laughing their butts off at me but one proceeds to stick her piece on a chopstick and start roasting it over a candle. People, I can’t make this stuff up…
I welcome all well intentioned advice! Trust me, no more table bagel s'mores. I put the kibosh on that, but to be fair I’m the only one thinking of converting in my family. They are learning along with me but not necessarily keeping observance. What I love is it is bringing us together as a family. I’m pretty sure G-d is giving that part a thumbs up.
