May 1, 2020
Dear B’nai Shalom Community,
During this time of quarantine, I decided I would bake my own challah every Friday. I've baked challah on occasion in the past, but it was usually easier to just buy one at school. Each week I have tried a different recipe, and so far, I am not completely satisfied with any. It could be user error, for example, I think I used too much yeast in the challah I baked today. When it came out of the oven, it was gigantic and misshapen. My husband told me it looked more like a flounder than a challah (pictured below) but I am determined to get it right, so I’ll try another recipe next Friday.
Challah baking has become a nice distraction for me. It refocuses my attention and gives me something else to worry about other than the coronavirus. My bread baking inadequacies make me laugh, and for a perfectionist like me, that is saying a lot.
It’s hard not to think about all the things we’re missing during this time at home. This week was Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s birthday. The 8
th
graders should be in Israel celebrating, and we should have been watching the children sing and dance at the annual Zimriyah. Today would have been VIP day, a celebration of an important person in each child’s life.
Next week, is teacher appreciation week, another kind of VIP celebration. The B’nai Shalom teachers are our very own superheroes! Our teachers give 150% to their students, but over the past six weeks, they have worked harder than ever. They have not let the unknown or the uncertainty get in the way of their teaching and they never missed a beat as we transitioned from brick and mortar to remote learning.
Pirkei Avot, is a 2,000-year-old compendium of Jewish knowledge. One of its teachings says, “let your home be a meeting place for sages.” Now I know what you’re thinking. You never wanted your children’s teachers to come into your home via an electronic device on daily. The actual translation of this quote is, respect those who can teach you and seek ways to be close to them.
Next week gives us all the opportunity to give the teachers the respect and gratitude they deserve. Thank you in advance for taking the time to honor our teachers and if you would like one of my many challah recipes, please let me know.
Shabbat Shalom,
Susan Siegel
Head of School
B'nai Shalom Day School
336-897-0700
