Orot hosted a Tu Bi’Shvat challah bake this past Wednesday evening, February 7. Women from around the community united to participate in this holy mitzvah. As they kneaded the dough at Ohr Natan in Rego Park, they were reminded of the distinctive holy attributes associated with each ingredient and what to pray for while adding them. The women took time praying for the wellbeing of the soldiers risking their lives every day for Israel, for the hostages to be freed, and for the coming of Mashiach.
Orot brought everyone together for this wonderful mitzvah with a delicious brachot party that included a variety of foods including sushi, cookies, dried and fresh fruits, candies, and more. Staff went table by table reciting each brachah and ensuring that attendees responded with a powerful amen! It was truly an amazing and uplifting experience that created togetherness shared with friends.
Orot had the privilege of inviting Rabbi Yitzchak Aminov to provide some insights on the meaning of the auspicious day. Rabbi Aminov mentioned the significance of the trees and how we are compared to them. He explained in detail that what we see on the outside - the darkness and gloom and depressing trees with broken branches - will transform into blooming bright trees full of life and potential. The rabbi reminded the women that am Yisrael is packed with similar qualities that will continue in the years ahead.
When the time came to take challah and perform the sacred mitzvah of the hafrashah, the women said the prayers as they lit candles and cried together in the dimmed environment. A song was played as a dedication to the chayalim in Eretz Yisrael, and in the hopes of bringing Mashiach, bimheirah b’yameinu Amen! Orot was thrilled to have hosted such a meaningful and spiritual event filled with women from Queens’ many Jewish communities.
For more info on any of Orot’s future events, contact 929-313-2177.