Jewchella with The Shabbat Project

Shabbat is one of my favorite Jewish traditions. It’s up there with my beloved Passover Seder (there is often a waiting list), dressing up for Purim, and bagel Sundays! A chance to slow down, renew, enjoy good food with friends and family, and appreciate how lucky we are. Honestly I don’t do it every week, or even every other week, but every time I host, I wonder why I don’t more often. It’s always a special time. Cooking for people and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. I feel like I’m channeling my Bubbe! And then I get to the clean-up part and wish she wasn’t all the way in Connecticut so she could come over and help! 😉

Please note that the photos of Shabbat traditions were taken prior to sunset for the purpose of showing how it’s done, while still respecting the rules of Shabbat.

For this Shabbat, I partnered with the The Shabbat Project to share their goal for Jews around the world to come together to experience one complete Shabbat together. This year it’s happening on October 26-27, 2018, and this is what it’s all about:

“The idea is simple: Jews from all walks of life, from across the spectrum of religious affiliation, young and old, from all corners of the world – come together to experience the magic of one full Shabbat kept together. It’s our opportunity to renew family and community life, restore Jewish identity, and unite Jews across the globe. It’s about creating a new Jewish future together.”

Don’t you love that? I feel like it a way, that’s my goal with this blog. For you to connect to Judaism in your own way, through food. Everyone is welcome here! Even vegans. JK.

I loved the idea of sharing about The Shabbat Project by hosting my own Shabbat. But what theme? (You know there had to be a theme.) Since The Shabbat Project is a global effort, we thought it would be cool to highlight a very California Shabbat. Jewchella was born! I hope our Shabbat gives you a little inspiration to get creative next Friday night!

Kate Spade Shabbat Candlesticks available here.

Kate Spade Kiddush Cup here.

Note the cute gold name champagne glasses I made- our guests got to take them home with them! Who doesn’t love a party favor?

I created dishes inspired by California and festival cuisine (cue all the avocados and rainbow foods) and made adorable menus for the occasion. I want to have these at every dinner now! Not just parties, literally every dinner. Here is what we had.

Beet Hummus + Rainbow Crudite
Everything Bagel Jewshi Bites
Matcha Sprinkle Challah
Rainbow Salad with Crispy Za’atar Chickpeas and Green Goddess Dressing
Harissa Chicken Tacos with Elotes
Sweet and Spicy Bamba Brussels
Avocado Tahini Chocolate Mousse with Cardamom Whipped Cream

Drooling yet? We started things off with appetizers, cocktails and a flowery photo wall screaming for a photo op! (Not literally, that would be weird.)

My boyfriend was on cocktail duty (his mixology skills are on point) and he used a bit of hibiscus syrup in the drinks that turns from blue to pink when you add acid like lemon! Groovy.

L’chaim!

Beet Hummus!

We also had Natural Rainbow Challah, and lots of cheese with schug, fig jam, dates and candied oranges.

Nosh and Schmear Forks available here!

Rainbow crudite > not rainbow crudite.

After a few cocktails, our photos just got better and better!

And then came the Jewshi! Salmon hand rolls with spicy mayo and everything bagel spice. Hence the Jewshi name.

Finally it was time for dinner! And challah. Matcha Sprinkle Challah to be exact.

Neon Acrylic Challah Board available here.

Isn’t she a beauty!

We lit the candles, and recited the prayers over wine and challah.

Plus a little rosé all day.

Challaahhh!

Pure carb joy.

Dinner is served!

Don’t forget dessert.

The big question, did we do Shabbat on Saturday too. Well, after all that cooking, I was exhausted! So it wasn’t too hard to mostly relax and unplug. Baby steps!