The Shabbat Table: Weekly Notes from ChayaLeah

#3

This has been another difficult week for the Jewish community and the State of Israel. I’m truly looking forward to a return to more typical levels of antisemitism—not this constant, daily barrage that makes me want to grab my kids and run.

But let’s focus on some good news... today marks Rosh Chodesh Adar, the first day of the month of Adar. Adar is a month associated with joy and celebration, and in just two weeks, we’ll be observing the holiday of Purim, which brings even more happiness and festivity. In fact, in Chabad yeshivas (schools) around the world, students will be celebrating with music and dancing every night throughout the month of Adar.

Look out for an upcoming episode of edJEWcation on the holiday of Purim. It’s truly one of the greatest stories ever told.

Here’s my Dad dressed up as… Elvis?? We are still trying to figure out what his Purim costume was exactly.

In the meantime, you can read about Adar and Purim here.

What is Purim??

THIS WEEK’S PARSHA

In this week’s Parsha, we learn about the construction of the Tabernacle, or as we call it in Hebrew, the “Mishkan.” I still remember the first time I heard the word “Tabernacle” and thought, “Hmm, that doesn’t sound very Jewish.” I mean, it’s just a gut feeling— to this day, every time I hear “Tabernacle,” I have that same thought.

One of my favorite teachings from this week’s Parsha comes from the interpretation of Exodus 25:8: "וְעָ֥שׂוּ לִ֖י מִקְדָּ֑שׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י בְּתוֹכָֽם׃" – “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

The Rebbe teaches that every home can be a sanctuary for G-d. When we fill our homes with holiness and spirituality, we’re essentially saying, “Hey, G-d, you’re welcome here!” I can tell you, when my Shabbos candles are lit, the challah’s on the table, the chicken soup is boiling, and we’re singing Shabbos songs, I can almost hear G-d say, “Ah, now this is my kind of place!”

More on the Parsha

There was so much pain and heartache over the Bibas Family this week and I want to share my favorite post of the week:

It was profoundly difficult to watch Yarden Bibas bury his wife and sons this week. The weight of the emotions I was grappling with felt almost unbearable, and I found myself instinctively turning to prayer and Torah study for comfort. At times, the relentless cycle of doomscrolling—something I am guilty of—can become overwhelming. In those moments, reaching for a prayer book or immersing myself in Torah brings a sense of peace and clarity that helps me navigate the turbulence of my feelings.

Here is a beautiful video of a baby boy being named "Ariel Kfir" in honor of the Bibas brothers during his Brit in Miami, Florida. This powerful moment is a testament to the resilience and continuity of the Jewish people.

This week marks 15 years since the passing of my beloved grandmother, Raizel (Bubby Roujza) Perelmuter. She was an extraordinary woman who triumphed over unimaginable hardships to raise a strong, loving Jewish family. A proud Zionist and a proud Jew, her unwavering faith and strength shaped all who knew her. Bubby Roujza was so funny and she loved to laugh. We spent countless hours together playing dominoes and Rummikub, cherishing every moment. She loved us deeply, and I miss her more than words can express.

Can you tell that we liked each other?

Finally, here’s the menu for tonight’s Shabbat dinner:

Challah, zucchini soup, eggplant dip, hummus, BBQ chicken, couscous with onions and mushrooms, noodle kugel, nish nosh salad, roasted broccoli, roasted carrots, and brownies.

Shabbat Shalom, friends! Wishing you all a peaceful, joyful, safe, and productive week ahead!