Navigating Difficult Times: Finding Hope in the Kitchen

In these trying times, with the ongoing conflict in Israel, many of us find ourselves grappling with a host of emotions and questions. We wonder how we can best support our community, how to strike a balance between feeling sadness and maintaining a positive outlook, and how to keep our spirits lifted in the face of adversity. The answer for many of us is the kitchen.

As I sit down to write this in my home in Israel, with the sounds of fighter jets and ambulances in the background, I'm reminded of Mr. Rogers, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Last week, when this tragedy unfolded, I wanted to help. I and so many others have found some solace in helping by cooking. Cooking for our soldiers, cooking for families who have lost loved ones and cooking for ourselves and our own families. The "helpers" can be found in our kitchens, and of course in our soldiers and emergency workers who are our greatest heroes.

The idea of creating new content and sending emails to our community with all this going on has been very challenging. How can I return to work and to recipe development and article planning and scheduling an editorial calendar at a time like this? Truthfully, I have been in a haze of numbness and sadness, and the first few days were very hard. Unfortunately, this is not the first time and will not be the last time we face difficult days as a nation, and our strongest defense against hopelessness and depression is to look to a brighter, more hopeful future.

However, I now think that sharing recipes and stories are messages of hope, like a virtual hug to all of you, a reminder to me and to you that we are not alone in our sorrow and confusion. The news is filled with reports of pain and suffering, making it easy to give in to despair. But life is a blend of light and dark, and our kitchen can be a haven for balance. A bowl of homemade soup or a fresh salad can nourish not only our bodies but also revive our spirits. Preparing and sharing meals with our family and friends, and even with strangers is a powerful act of love and unity. As we chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and bake bread, we can find some solace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods is a way to ensure that we remain strong, both physically and mentally. Choose nutrient-dense, colorful fruits and vegetables. Cook with grains and legumes, rich in fiber and essential nutrients. These choices are not just about sustenance; they're an act of self-love and strength, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to care for ourselves.

The kitchen offers us even more than physical nourishment; it's a space where we can perform countless good deeds. In Jewish tradition, the mitzvah of challah is a beautiful example.

Baking and sharing challah is a symbol of unity, reminding us of the importance of community and connection. In times of crisis, this simple act can bring comfort to those who need it most.

Cooking for friends in need is another way to turn our kitchen into a wellspring of kindness. A warm, homemade meal can provide comfort like almost nothing else. Whether it's for neighbors, friends, or those affected by the conflict in Israel, a meal prepared with love can be a powerful gesture of support.

We must not forget the power of blessings. As we recite blessings before and after our meals, we connect with a sense of gratitude and mindfulness. We acknowledge the abundance we have, in a world where so many are lacking, and the important role food plays in our lives. These blessings remind us that even in difficult times, there is much to be thankful for.

I will continue sharing recipes with you all as well as Jewish stories and insights related to food. Whether you like to just read about them or choose to bring the recipes into your kitchen, knowing that it means something to all of you will help me get through this difficult time.

Even though it seems so distant right now, may we all be fortunate to soon see the realization of the dream of the Prophet Isaiah: "They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."