Savoring Tradition: An Evening of Shabbat Splendor

Experiencing a traditional Shabbat dinner, I was recently honored to join His Excellency Ilan Fluss, the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, and his wife Gila, a wonderful host and cook, for an authentic Shabbat meal. Shabbat, also known as the Jewish Day of Rest, spans from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, commemorating the creation’s narrative rest day.

During Shabbat, all preparations must conclude before Friday’s sunset to honor the prohibition against creating anew. Gila Fluss meticulously prepared the Ashkenazi Shabbat or Yom Tov meal beforehand, ensuring the observance of this rest period, with dishes kept warm on heated plates until served.

The dinner commenced with a traditional handwashing, followed by the sung prayer Shalom Aleichem, inviting peace and blessings into the home through angelic presence. This was succeeded by the Eishet Chayil hymn, celebrating the virtues of the Jewish woman, aligning beautifully with the values of National Women’s Month.

The meal featured a delightful beetroot kubbeh soup, leading into Gila’s renowned hummus, accompanied by tahini imported from Israel, and a refreshing tabbouleh. The main courses included succulent kebabs, Hungarian goulash, and a unique blend of prunes, apricots, onions, chestnuts, cinnamon, and Moroccan spices. The feast concluded with baklava and dates from Israel, paired with traditional Israeli wine, signifying the meticulous observance of Jewish dietary laws.

This Shabbat dinner not only showcased culinary excellence but also embodied the cultural and religious significance of this weekly observance, reinforcing the unity and respect across diverse faiths and traditions. It was a night that vividly brought to life the essence of communal harmony and interfaith understanding.