Parshat Devarim- Who the Judge, You the Judge!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Devarim, Hashem tells Moshe, to gather Bnei Yisroel and review all the Mitzvot with them. The speech lasts 5 weeks, the entire Sefer Devarim which is why Sefer Devarim is called Mishne Torah. One of the things he talks about in this Parsha is finding a new judge. Moshe has been the only judge up until now for 3 million people, so he begins a search for a new judge only Tzadikim may apply. There are a bunch of rules in order to be a judge for Bnei Yisroel, and that person must abide by all of them. I chose to make gavel cupcakes to represent the picking of the new judge. May Hashem judge us all favorably and send us some peace soon!

Good Shabbos

Parshat Masei- Blueprints

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Masei, it is time for Bnei Yisroel to enter Eretz Yisroel. But first the seven Caananite nations need to be wiped out. There is no question as to why they have to be wiped out. Bnei Yisroel can not live in Eretz Yisroel together with them. So Hashems make a blueprint of the borders for the boundries of Israel so Bnei Yisroel will know where to apply the Mitzvot of Eretz Yisroel. I chose to make blueprint cupcakes to represent what Hashem showed Bnei Yisroel.

The cupcakes are also blue and white for Israel.

May we see peace very soon.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Matot- Tovel a Cupcake

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Matot we learn the Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim. Bnei Yisroel just got back from war with the Midyan, and they have brought back all of their belongings. Clothes, jewelry, pots and pans etc. Because the pots and pans and utensils have been used for non kosher food, in order for Bnei Yisroel to use it they need to Kasher those things to make them pure. The process is simple, they have to dip the utensil into the Mikvah and say a Bracha. I chose to make toveling cupcakes to represent the Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim.

Hashem should keep everyone in Israel safe.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Pinchas- Eliyahi Hanavi (Parshat Balak/July 4th)

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Pinchas, Pinchas is rewarded for single handedly saving Bnei Yisroel from a plague (he killed Zimri who was a nasi and a leader of his shevet but he sinned) that would have wiped out Bnei Yisroel. Hashem rewards him with a very long life.400 years later in Shoftim Pinchas is still alive and Pinchas never dies, he just changes his name to Eliyahu Hanavi and he will be the redeemer of Bnei Yisroel when Mashiach comes and he will blow the shofar that will let us all know Mashiach is here. I chose to make shofar cupcakes to speed the coming of Mashiach.

May this shabbos be calm and safe in Israel and may the coming of Mashiach come quick.

Good Shabbos

Last weeks Parsha was Parshat Balak. We learned about Balak and Bilaam. Hashem sent a talking donkey to stop Bilaam from curing Bnei Yisroel. I chose to make donkey cupcakes in the colors of the American flag for July 4th!

Parshat Chukat- Holy Cow!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Chukat, we learn about the Parah Adumah (red cow). After the rebellion of Korah in last weeks Parsha, Hashem rewards the winners (Shevet Levi) with a present. However only pure Kohanim can partake in this gift. What if a Kohein or any person touches a dead person and becomes tamay, how does one become pure again? Enter the Parah Adumah. Hashem says that any tamay person can not enter the house of the Shechinah for seven days. On the third and seventh day a Kohain has to sprinkle the tamay with ashes from a Parah Adumah.Why a Parah Adumah? That is Hashems secret. A mitzvah that has no explanation is called a Chok. These mitzvot may not make sense to us but have a great meaning to Hashem. We keep these Mitzvot purely for our love for Hashem.

I chose to make Parah Adumah cupcakes to remind us how we always blindly trust Hashem and he always knows what is best for us.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Korach- Flower Power

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Korach it begins with the story of Korach. Korah is Moshes first cousin, it is his job to carry the Aron. He isnt happy with his position  so her starts a rebellion. Hashem is not happy with this so he burns him with the rest of his rebellion in a fire. Meanwhile Bnei Yisroel is not convinced that only Kohanim and Levyim can serve in the Mishkan, Hashem wants to prove that only Shevet Levi can serve. He commands Moshe to take 12 dry wooden sticks and engrave the names of the 12 nesiyim on them. on Levi's stick he engraves Aharon's name on it. Moshe places them in the Kodesh Hakodoshim overnight. In the morning all the sticks remain dry except for Levi's which has blossomed with flowers and almonds and the 4 letter name of Hashem has also been engraved on it. Moshe brings the sticks to the nesiyim and they bring it to their Shevatim and Bnei Yisroel is now convinced that Shevet Levi is the one and only Shevet to serve in the Mishkan.

I chose to make cupcakes with Aharon's stick with the flowers blossoming to show the true power of Hashem.

Good Shabbos

PS. Here is an adorable picture of my niece who I get to spend Shabbos with!!

Parshat Shelach- I Spy

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Shelach, Hashem was preparing Bnei Yisroel to enter into Eretz Yisroel. Bnei Yisroel didn't trust to go in right away so they asked Moshe to send in Miraglim to check out the land. Hashem was not happy with this but allowed them to go. They went into spy on the land and did not come back with a wonderful report that Moshe hoped for. They spoke loshen hara about the land and Bnei Yisroel was sent back into the dessert for 40 years. I chose to make Miraglim cupcakes with a magnifying glass to represent the Miraglim that went into spy the land. Its a reminder for us to not speak  loshon hara, and to watch what we say.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Naso- Don't Drink the Wine!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Naso it talks about a Nazir. A Nazir has to stay away from wine, vinegar, grape juice and grape products. Also a Nazir is not allowed to cut his hair. Why is a Nazir not allowed to eat grape products or cut his hair? The Nazir is supposed to look past his physical appearance and desires, so he can keep away from sin. He has to concentrate on Teshuvah and Torah thoughts. A person who takes it upon himself to become a Nazir is as Kadosh as a Kohen Gadol. If one becomes a Nazir and doesn't set a time frame its set at thirty days. If a Nazir accidentally becomes tamay during that time, the Nazir waits seven days, offers korbanot on the eighth day, and then starts the count all over again. After that period he cuts off all his hair and offers Korbanot to Hashem, his hair is burned with the Korbanot. There was a room in the Beit Hamikdash called "Lishkat Hanezirim" the room for the Nazir's. Once the Nazir finished his time he went to the room to get his hair cut off, which then was a painful experience. He would remember this for a long time.

I chose to make cupcakes with a no wine sign to represent the wine the Nazir was not allowed to drink.

Good Shabbos

Lauren

Parshat Bamidbar- Wave Your Flag

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Bamidbar, Bnei Yisroel enters a new stage of their relationship with Hashem. They have been forgiven for the Eigel Hazahav incident and the Mishkan is complete. Then they begin counting Bnei Yisroel, each male from the ages of 20-60 has to give a half a shekel. Then they are divided into three camps, The Camp of the Shechina, The camp of the Leviyim, and the camp of Machane Yisroel. At Har Sinai Bnei Yisroel watched as 22,000  chariots of Malachim accompanied the Shechina descending from the mountain. These Malachim were divided into 4 divisions and each division had a flag. Watching this heavenly army, Bnei Yisorel wished they could be the army of Hashem surrounded by the Shechina, so Hashem granted them their wish. Moshe told Bnei Yisroel that they now would be divided under four banners: The Yehuda division, which also includes Yissachar and Zevulun; the Ephraim division, which also includes Menashe and Binyamin; the Reuven division, which also includes Shimon and Gad; and the Dan division, which also includes Asher and Naftali. Each flag would have a mascot and words embroidered on it.

I chose to make flag cupcakes to represent the flags of the four divisions.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Bechukotai- Let The Rain Fall Down

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Bechukotai, Hashem wants Bnei Yisroel to dedicate their hearts and minds to learning Torah and doing Mitzvot. Hashem promise them 5 Brachot one being RAIN. Hashem promises to give rain to Eretz Yisroel at the right time. Ran isn't as simple as we think, when we daven we want to ask for just the right amount because too little or too much can devastate the land. Hashem promises that the rain will freshen the water supply and keep Bnei Yisroel, their children and the animals healthy. I chose to make rain drop cupcakes to represent the rain Hashem promised to Bnei Yisroel to keep them healthy.

Enjoy this RAINY shabbos!

Good Shabbos

Parshat Behar- Shmita- Dontcha Wanna Eata!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Behar, it talks about Shmita. Beginning on Rosh Hashana of the seventh year, the Shmita year begins. What is Shmita you ask? For the entire your farmers do not plant, sow, plow or work the field. The only work he can do is water it to keep things alive. The fruit that grows during the Shmita year cannot be sold, therefore it is free for everyone. The owner of the farm has to leave his gates unlocked so people can come in and take. The fruit is also considered holy, so you cant just throw it on the peels and core on the ground, you have to let them return to the soil naturally. As for vegetables its a different story, basically you cant eat them because they don't usually grow on their own. At the end of the Shmita year all loans are forgiven This Mitzvah applies to produce from Israel.

I chose to make apple cupcakes to represent the fruit during Shmita!

Good Shabbos!

Parshat Emor- Good Yom Tov!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Emor, it continues to discuss the holy nation Bnei Yisroel. What Kohanim can and cant do. And then it goes into talking about all the Yom Tovs, Pesach, Shavuos, Succos, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. I chose to make Yom Tov cupcakes to represent all the Yomim Tovim.

I chose to use pink and purple colors in honor of my new niece Ayelet!

Have a Good Shabbos

Lauren

Parshat Kedoshim- Holy Parsha

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Kedoshim, Hashem commands Bnei Yisroel to be Holy. How exactly does he do this? Hashem begins laying out a plan in the Torah of how the Jews should live, he tells them about the Mitzvot. If you follow the Mitzvot then you are Holy. Hashem teaches us 29 Mitzvot in this weeks Parsha, One of the Mitzvot is #17 the Mitzvah of Ve Ahavta Lereicha Kamocha- Love your fellow Jew as yourself. We must all get along, and when we get along Hashem is closer to us. The Beit Hamikdash was destroyed because the Jews couldnt get along, this show us how much it means to Hashem for us to all get along. I chose to make cupcakes that represent this topic. On the top of the cupcake you can see 2 people holding hands:

 and on the bottom of the cupcake I placed a heart, to remind us to love each and every Jew:

Because of my recent trip to the Ukraine please take a minute to daven for the Jewish people there. That is the best form of achdus!

Good Shabbos

Parshat Acharei Mot- No Food For You!

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Acharei Mot, it is the 1st of Nissan and we left off with Aarons two sons dying, Nadav and Avihu. Hashem tells Moshe not to make the same mistake they made, no one can enter the Kodesh Hakodoshim without permission. And only the Kohen Gadol can enter it on Yom Kippur and only to perform the special Yom Kippur Avodah. With this introduction, we begin to learn about Yom Kippur. We learn about what the Kohen Gadol should wear, We learn about the slaughtering of tow goats for a wake up call for Bnei Yisroel to do Teshuvah, we learn about the four times the Kohen Gadol enters the Kodesh Hakodoshim on Yom Kippur. Since we do not have a Beis Hamikdash now we recite the Avodah and Mussaf on Yom Kippur. There are a few new laws we learn about that are forbidden on Yom Kippur.

I chose to not make cupcakes this week, 1. being that Pesach is coming up and 2. to represent the food we do not eat on Yom Kippur.

Have a good Shabbos and Chag Kasher V'Sameach!

Parshat Metzorah- Our House

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Metzorah, we continue to talk about tzarat. Most often the tzarat is caused by loshon hara. The Parsha speaks about the tzarat that was found in a home. If a house in Eretz Yisroel had a red or a green spot, they had to call the Kohain. The Kohain first orders the owner of the house to clean out his entire house before he has to look at it, otherwise everything would become tamay. This is part of the punishment for the owner because now everyone will see what they had hidden in their house. If the owner is smart he will realize this is his chance to do Teshuva and if he chooses to do so Hashem could make the tzarat lighter before the Kohain comes to check. If the spots are still there, the Kohain will come and check. He will lock up the house for seven days. If after seven days the spots are gone or are lighter the Kohain will declare the house pure. If the spots are bigger, the Kohain orders the owner to chop off the bricks with the tzarat and put in new bricks. Then the house will be closed off for another week. If the tzarat returns again, the Kohain declares the house to be demolished. If the Tzarat is gone the house goes through the same purifying ritual as a person.

I chose to make cupcakes with a house and a stop sign on it to remind us how bad the punishment was but there was a chance to turn it around. The word for tzarat on the house is nego, which means affliction, if you rearrange the letters you get the word oneg which means pleasure, this is because any affliction in our lives can become a great source of pleasure. Everything Hashem does for us is in our best interest, sometimes its more clear and other times its not as clear. May Hashem give us what we need and may everything be clear for us!

Good Shabbos

Parshat Tazria- Snip Snip

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Tazria, the parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Brit Milah. On the 8th day after a boy is born he is circumcised. The bris represents the contract between Hashem and Avraham that was mentioned in Sefer Breishit. Every Jewish male is circumcised from the time of Avraham. And now the mitzvah is repeated. I chose to make red frosted cupcakes with scissors, to represent the Bris that every Jewish boy has. The red frosting represents the red wine (or the blood ;)

Good Shabbos

Parshat Shemini- Parshat Parah- What Makes a Kosher Fish

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Shemini begins with Nadav and Avihu, they decide that they want to be closer to Hashem so they want to bring an incense offering, but they go about it the wrong way and Hashem is not happy and shoots them down with a heavenly fire. The nest part of the Parsha is about Kashrus. Hashem commands Bnei Yisroel to be holy people. To do that they have to only eat kosher animals, birds, and fish. Hashem shows Moshe all the animals that ever existed so he can teach Bnei Yisroel what is kosher. I chose to make fish with scales cupcakes to represent the kosher fish Bnei Yisroel can eat. A fish with fins and scales is a kosher fish.

May we all benefit from the wonderful kosher food Hashem has provided us with.

Thank you to my apprentice Ilana for helping me decorate my cupcakes this week

Good Shabbos

Parshat Tzav/ Parshat Zachor and.. Purim!

In this weeks Parshat, Parshat Tzav every morning in the Mishkan the Kohain starts with the Korban Olah, and each morning there is a lottery for who can perform the first mitzvah, the winner performs the terumat hadashen (taking a portion of the ashes). For this reason I decided to make lotto cupcakes to represent the mad rush of Jews running to be the first person of the day to perform the mitzvah (that's why Hashem recommend a lottery system.. look closely it says LOTTO).

This week we will also read Parshat Zachor- to remember Amalek. What is the connection between Amalek and Purim? Haman who was the bad guy in the Purim story was a descendant of Agag, who was the king of Amalek in the time of King Shaul. That is why we read Parshat Zachor before Purim so we can erase the memory of Amalek  ("Remember- do not forget"), and being that Purim comes right after, the word VeNahafoch Hu represents the day. Therefore I made chocolate and peanut butter cupcakes for the VeNahafoch Hu concept, and for the hidden chocolate and peanut butter chips on the inside - Hester like Esther, hidden miracles!

May we all have a Purim filled with happiness and simcha and may we be able to see all the hidden miracles  and run to do many mitzvot!

Also a special shout out to my mom, today is her birthday!!

Good Shabbos and Freilichin Purim!

Parshat Vayikra- Fly on the Wings of a Dove

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Vakyikra we are introduced to 5 types of Korbanot. Olah, Korban Mincha, Korban Shlamim, Korban Chatat, Korban Asham. There are 3 types of  unblemished, kosher and domestic animals and 2 types of birds that can be used for Korbanot. Ox, sheep, goat, mature turtle doves, and young doves.

I chose to make turtle dove cupcakes this week to represent one of the kosher bird to give as a korban to remind us of the greatness of our Avot. May we all follow in the footsteps of our avot and emahot.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Pikudei- The Sky's the Limit

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Pikudei Bnei Yisroel finished the building of the Mishkan. So its now time for the Shechina to move to the Kodesh Hakodoshim. Big clouds come down from the sky and surround the Mishkan from all sides. Inside the Mishkan a thick cloud settles in. This is the cloud where the Shechina will rest.

I chose to make cloud cupcakes to represent the cloud that the Shechina rested in. May we always feel the presence of Hashem surrounding us.

Good Shabbos

Parshat Vayakel- See the Pretty Candles Flickering

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Vayakel, Hashem forgives Bnei Yisroel for the chayet haeigel, and he has decided that he will permanently dwell among his people. But a special home for the Shechina must be built. That is the Mishkan. In order to build the Mishkan, Bnei Yisroel has to perform 39 different types of work. These 39 types of work are forbidden to do on Shabbos. In 8th grade I was taught a song to remember all 39 Melachot by a very special teacher Morah Shoshana Hayman A'H, she was a victim in the Sbarro's bombing in 2001. Thanks to her wonderful teaching skills I will never forget that song.

I chose to make this weeks cupcakes Shabbos candles, so we can remember the sanctity of Shabbos and to remember my wonderful Morah. May we all have a special, meaningful Shabbos

Good Shabbos

Parshat Ki Tisa- Golden Cupcakes

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Ki Tisa it begins with Hashem teaching Moshe how to count the Jews. After Matan Torah, Moshe told Bnei Yisroel that he would be back after 40 days. When that time comes and passes Bnei Yisroel starts to freak out. What if he's dead, there is no food up there on and on and Bnei Yisroel needs a leader. After experiencing the awesome presence of hashem, they need a physical object to be the go between, between Hashem and them. That used to be Moshe, now it will be the Golden Calf. The Eirav Rav pressured Aaron to do something to get the calf made, and they intended to worship the calf, Bnei Yisroel did not have that same intention. so Aaron (who was trying to stall) told Bnei Yisroel to go home and ask their wives for their gold jewelry. Just as Aaron predicted the wives refuse to give their gold. So the men give their own earrings, only the entire Shevet Levi did not give in their gold. They continued to make the calf and the Eirav Rav start making a celebration. Hashem sees whats going no and wants to destroy Bnei Yisroel for idol worship but Moshe begs Hashem for forgiveness of his people. He finally comes down and is greeted by Yehoshua who doesnt know whats going on in the camp because he has been waiting for Moshe. They both go to the camp, Moshe is carrying the Luchot. They see the Eirav Rav and a group of Jews dancing around the golden calf. Moshe throws down the Luchot and yells at the Jews. The next day he burns the calf.

I chose to make golden cupcakes as a reminder for us who is the creator and controls everything and not to let this happen again.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Tetzaveh- The Choshen Mishpat

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Tetzaveh, we take a look at the Kohanim. There are many important things that are talked about in the Parsha, but I chose to focus on the Choshen Mishpat- It is the holiest of all the Bigdei Kehunah. It is a square piece of material that has been folded over to make a pocket. In this pocket Moshe will place the Urim Vetumim. Then 12 precious stones are placed on top of this square that reperesent the 12 Shevtaim.  The chocolate M & M like candies on top of the cupcake represent the 12 Shevatim.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshat Terumah- Golden Menorah

In this weeks Parsha, Parshat Terumah we learn about the building of the Mishkan. Hashem asks Bnei Yisroel to come together and contribute different materials for the Mishkan, its incredible to see the achdus that Bnei Yisroel has while contributing these materials. On the outer chamber of the Mishkan stood the Menorah. I chose to make Menorah cupcakes this week because it had such intrinsic detail that went into making the 7 branch menorah. There were 3 types of decorations added to the branches, a gavia (a cup), a kaftor (a knob), and a perech (flower). One cupcake is a regular seven branch menorah and the other one I put some flowers. Just like Bnei Yisroel came together as one to contribute things to the Mishkan, the menorah was made out of one solid piece of gold.

May we all be able to have Achdus with each other and be able to appreciate the little intrinsic details of our everyday lives.

Good Shabbos and Chodesh Tov- Happy Adar!!

Parshat Mishpatim- These are the Laws!

It's been a while since I've posted, between being in the Ukraine and being sick I had to go on hiatus. But Parsha cupcakes are back! This weeks Parsha is Parshat Mishpatim. The Parsha opens with Bnei Yisroel still fascinated by the Aseret Hadibrot. Hashem teaches Moshe new laws, and these set of laws are meant to help Bnei Yisroel get along with one another and love each other. Moshe doesn't just simply teach the laws straight to Bnei Yisroel, he first teaches them to Aharon, then he teaches them to Aharons sons Elazar and Itamar while Aharon listens, next to the 70 zekainim as Aharon and his sons listens. Then finally Bnei Yisroel is assembeled and they are taught the mitzvot 4 times. First by Moshe, then by Aharon, then by Elazar and Itamar, and then by the 70 zekainim. After that its up to the zekainim to deal with the disputes that come up.

What are these laws you ask, The first set is in regard to the treatment of your Jewish servant,  Murder- the 4 types of death penalties- Skila, Sraifa, Hereg, and Chenek (stoning, burning, decaptulation, and strangulation), damaged persons, if a Jew damages another Jew, animal damages, stealing, care taking soemones property, kindness- Hashem wants us to be nice to 3 kinds of people, ger, an orphan, and a widow, The Beit Din has to have 3 judges, you cant mix milk and meat together, fruits and veggies from the vine have to be put aside for Hashem, if an animal is found torn apart in the field its treif, Shmita, Shabbat you cant do any work, Shalos Regalim.

Its a lot to take in for one Parsha. I decided to make law cupcakes with the scale to represent all the laws in this weeks Parsha.

May we all be able to do the best we can in following the laws and serving Hashem.

Good Shabbos!

Parshat BO- Last 3 Makot

Shalom from the Holy Land!
In this weeks Parsha, Parshat BO we learn about the last 3 Makot. Arbe- (locusts), Choshech (darkness), and Makat Bachorot (death of the firstborn). After all of these plagues Pharoah finally lets his people go!
Just like Pharoah finally let Bnei Yisorel go we all should be able to be free from our galus.

Shabbat Shalom

Arbe- Locusts

Choshech- Darkness (the yellow is the light that the Jews had)

Makat Bechorot- Death of the firstborn (Door post with blood around it)

Last 3 Makot

All 10 Makot