Spring Feast Printable Roundup

My first Passover was more than ten years ago. It was new to us and we had no idea what it was supposed to look like. I remember scouring the internet for something, anything to get a better idea of how to celebrate and finding almost nothing of help. You could hardly find anything online about Passover, let alone the Feasts of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits. Today it is so exciting to see other bloggers sharing their creativity to help us celebrate YHWH's feasts! Today I am sharing with you a few free resources that will help you celebrate the Spring Feasts this year, whether or not you are new to it.

1. Passover Printable - Land of Honey
- I shared this last year, but it's still a great way to decorate!

2. Passover Busy Book for Kids - Torah Sisters
- With puzzles, coloring pages, and mazes this will keep kids occupied at the Seder table or use it for fun throughout the week of Unleavened Bread.

3. Why Is It Place Cards - Almost Makes Perfect
-A quick way to make your Seder table a little more sophisticated and have the Ma Nishtana at the ready.

4. Ten Plagues Finger Puppets - Tori Avey
-Tori thoughtfully made two versions, one is in color ready to print, and the other is black and white to color yourself.

5. Happy Passover Cards - The Climbing Tree
-Since Passover things aren't easy to find, this is just what we need to spread the joy of the Spring Feasts and say, "Chag Sameach!"

6. Find the Afikoman Game - Joyfully Jewish
-This sounds so fun! Go on a treasure hunt and work on your Hebrew. Print off a set in a different color for each child participating.

7. Seder Plate Labels - Chai and Home
-An elegant addition to your Seder Plate that will teach a little Hebrew.

8. Four Cups of Wine Printable - Hebraic Roots Network
-A fun decoration to remind us of the Seder meal.

9. Unleavened Matzah Verse - Land of Honey
-Keep this up for the duration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

10. Count the Omer Calendar - Kosher on a Budget
-A simple way to count the days until Shavuot.

11. He is Risen Printable - Kraft and Mint
-Use this to celebrate First Fruits!

12. Passover Matching Cards - The Climbing Tree
-Two activities in one. Decorate the cards, then play memory games.

I would recommend printing on a thicker cardstock type of paper. It's sturdy and gives it a better look I think. Of course you can also opt to have these professionally printed if that works better for you. If you know of any other great printables for the Spring Feasts please share with us below!

DIY Count the Omer Flair Calendar

After Passover we are instructed to count fifty days to get to Shavuot.

And you shall count from the next day after the Shabbat, from the day that you brought the omer of wave offering; seven full weeks: until the next day after the last week shall you number fifty days, and you shall offer a new grain offering to YHWH. -Vayikra 23:25-26

Notice the use of the word 'you.' You shall count. Not let someone else count or just check the calendar to see when Shavuot falls. Count it out yourself.

Scripture does not specify exactly how to do this. In the past I have done a simple crossing off in my planner and I have also used Kosher on a Budget's printable calendar. You don't have to use a written count, paperchain, etc. The important thing is that you do it. This year I made a counting calendar to make it a little more fun. I also thought it would be a good use for some of the flair I have, uh, accumulated over the years. I've worked at summer camps and in the music industry; I have a decent collection of buttons, okay? Time to put them to work.

You will need:
-canvas, mine was 20" by 16"
-paint in your colors of choice
-letters to trace
-2 inch cut out circles (if you use a different canvas size, adjust accordingly)
-number stickers
-pushpins
-flair

Step 1: Paint your canvas the color of your choice and let dry.
Step 2: Once that's ready to go trace your letters on the top to say 'Count the Omer' or Sefirat Ha'Omer.
Step 3: Paint in your letters. If you mess up, no big deal you can always, paint back over it with your background color if needed.

Step 4: Put your number stickers on your cut out circles. This is one of those simple but tedious tasks where it's nice to talk to a friend or listen to a teaching. You could also write the numbers on with markers if you'd rather.

Step 5: Space your circles evenly on the canvas and use push pins or straight pins to hold them in place.
Step 6: Add a piece of flair underneath each and you're done!

What to use for flair?
-buttons
-stickers
-clay matzah
-beads or charms from jewelry (a menorah or a Shema piece would be perfect!)
-small patches
-handwritten Scriptures

Each day remove one of the number circles (they need a better name), to display more and more flair as we get closer to Shavuot! I'm excited to use this calendar this year! How will you count the omer?

PS - Sources for flair include Walk in Love, they have so many beautiful things, and Petite Paperie, who makes the lovely menorah stickers. Some are handmade, including the clay matzah, and others were acquired long ago.

Einkorn Matzah Bread for Passover

This is an easy recipe to make your own unleavened bread as an alternative to store-bought matzah for Passover. It is made with einkorn flour but can be adapted to use all-purpose or whole wheat flour.

"Seven days you shall eat matzah, for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste. Eat so you may remember this all your life."
-Deuteronomy 16:3


Though we usually see it in a box as a large cracker, matzah is bread that has been made without leavening, yeast, or fermentation. It is the flat bread the Hebrews ate when they came out of Egypt. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread we are to eat it each day as a reminder that YHWH so quickly changed the circumstances of the Israelites they didn't have time for their bread to rise before baking.

I am so glad I decided to bake my own matzah! This is a food that you can eat and enjoy, not choke down like the boxed version. It is soft and chewy, an unleavened cousin to India's naan bread. It wouldn't be out of place next to a bowl of soup or curry. Since it is soft you can use this as sandwich bread, without it being attack of the crumbs. Eat it with hummus or dip it into your eggs at breakfast. Also, it's much more nutritious than the boxed version. Einkorn is an ancient form of wheat that has never been hybridized, and much more similar to what the Israelites were eating than modern red wheat. In my opinion, einkorn products are much more filling and don't cause that crave/crash cycle that carbohydrates are infamous for. I hope you will give it a try!

Why should you try this recipe?

1. It's delicious. Can we be candid and admit boxed matzah is not very good? Homemade matzah will have you looking forward to Unleavened Bread week instead of dreading it.
2. For the Biblical experience. I think there is a lot of value in doing Bible things in Bible ways. While we are not commanded to bake our own matzah, it can give us a glimpse into Scripture from the practical vantage point of food. 
3. It's healthier. Einkorn contains more protein and less starch than typical commercial wheat. It is also a good source of minerals and vitamin B. Even if you don't use my recipe, making matzah yourself gives you control over the ingredients. Those can be organic, whole grain, allergy friendly, etc.

Did I mention there are lots of options for this bread? I tried baking it three different ways to compare the differences. I baked it on a cast iron pan in the oven, used the cast iron pan on the stove, and baked it on a regular baking sheet. All three were delicious but my favorite was cast iron baked. It stayed softest that way. If you'd prefer crisper matzah the baking sheet is the best bet. The stove top method gets the strongest flavor (and is easiest to burn). If you wanted to change it up, you could mix in black pepper, green onions, smoked paprika, or any herb or spice of your preference into the dough and go from there. 

Be sure to make this when you have time to do it all at once. Letting the dough sit would make it innapropriate for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 

Einkorn Matzah Recipe
2 cups hot water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
5 cups einkorn flour (I use this kind), plus more if needed

Preheat your oven to 450°. If using cast iron, put your pan in the oven now so it can get hot.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, olive oil, honey, and salt. Then slowly mix in the flour until you have a dough that is soft but not sticky. Sprinkle your counter with a little extra flour then knead for five minutes.
Divide your dough into approximately 3 ounce portions (in between a golf and tennis ball in size). You should get 12-14 pieces.
Roll each piece out into a flat circle, around six inches across, and 1/8th inch thick.
Use a fork to perforate the dough. 
If using cast iron in the oven - Carefully place into your preheated pan and put it back in the oven for 2 minutes. You want the matzah to just start looking brown in spots. Flip the piece over and bake an additional 2 minutes, until golden brown to your desired liking.
If using a regular baking sheet - Line your pan with parchment then bake your matzah 4 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional  4 minutes, until it's as golden brown as you like.
If using cast iron on the stove - Put your pan on medium heat and give it time to warm up. Five minutes was plenty for me. Place a piece of matzah in the skillet and cook for one minute, it will start to look very dark in places. Flip and cook the other side for one minute.
Cool on a wire rack.
Repeat as needed. You will end up with 12 - 14 matzahs.

These are best fresh but they will store in an airtight container for several days and stay soft.

Up your homemade matzah with these tips:
-Warm it up! You can make your pieces of unleavened bread small enough to go in the toaster if you want, otherwise try toasting it in a skillet or the oven. Warm bread is always great, and it makes a big difference with older bread.
-Make it crunchy! Craving crackers or pita chips? Cut your matzah into small pieces, and then toss into the oven for a few minutes until you have crunchy matzah that's great for hummus or other dips.
-Make it salty! Using the same method as above, cut your matzah into pieces. Then toss with a tablespoon or so of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. You can also play around with different seasoning combinations...taco seasoning, cinnamon and sugar, smoked paprika, or ranch seasoning all sound promising. Then bake for a few minutes until crisp to your liking.

What do you eat with your homemade einkorn matzah bread?
-Any toppings you would normally put on toast or bagels.
-As a side with any soup.
-Curry or other Indian food where you would normally have naan.
-Serve the crispy version with dip, cheese, or hummus as you would pita chips or crackers.
-Make wraps with cheese, veggies, lunchmeat, hardboiled eggs, etc.
-Use it as base for pizza or flatbreads!

Here are recipes to use your homemade matzah in.

Hebrew Holiday Calendar Dates + Printable

The definition of Hebrew is 'one who has crossed over to the other side.' I think that's pretty fitting for the Feast days of YHWH. They're not exactly mainstream. They're about as opposite as possible from that. You don't celebrate the Feasts by accident. It takes deliberate intent and action to leave behind the celebrations of our culture. To cross over. Which is why I've made this printable. Take it and pencil it in on your calendar now, put in for vacation time now. You won't be sorry. It really is a privilege and joy to celebrate YHWH's festivals.

These are the traditional dates for the Feasts this year, used by most Messianic and Jewish groups. There is a lot of debate over how this mashes up with the Gregorian calendar so I can't say for certain that these dates are absolutely correct. The second set is inspired by teachings out of Torah to the Tribes. Study for yourself and prayerfully consider when to celebrate the Festivals of YHWH, and then do what you need to be able to celebrate by taking off work, rearranging vacation plans, etc. I don't know if either set is flawless, but we can be joyful that we are taking steps to honor the Word and keep the commanded Feast days.

So how does this work?

For the first set of dates, days start at sundown. Meaning Sukkot starts the evening of October 16 and ends at sundown on October 24.

You will also want to keep in mind that work is not permitted on certain days during the Festivals, similar to a special Shabbat. We should honor YHWH by planning ahead to be free from our professional and home duties on those days.

Passover No Work Days:
April 22 - April 24
April 29 - 30
Work is permitted only April 25 - 28.

Shavuot No Work Days:
June 11 - June 12

Yom Teruah No Work Days:
October 2 - October 3

Yom Kippur No Work Days:
October 11 - October 12

Sukkot No Work Days:
October 16 - October 17
October 23 - October 24

(Again, starting the evening of the first date, and ending the evening of the second date.)

The Torah to the Tribes dates in the second set are morning to morning, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which Scripture says is evening to evening.

Click below to download!

Printable calendar in white
Printable calendar in orange
Torah to the Tribes in white
Torah to the Tribes in orange

These are completely free for your personal use.

Restoring the Paths to Live In

Isaiah 58:12 RSTNE - And they that shall be from among you shall build the old ruined places, you shall restore the foundations of many generations;  and you shall be called, Gadar-Peretz, the restorer of paths to live in.

Restorer of the Breach. The dictionary defines 'breach' like this: 

1 : infraction or violation of a law, obligation, tie, or standard

2 a : a broken, ruptured, or torn condition or area

   b : a gap (as in a wall) made by battering

So from the definition we can see the breach Isaiah is talking about here. It's a gap between us and the "paths to live in," and it was made that way by violating YHWH's instructions. It is a break in the foundation of our faith.

The Hebrew for restorer or repairer drives this point even further. The word is shuv, which is the root word of repentance, and it literally means to "turn back to YHWH." Restoration can only happen when we repent of our own ways and get back on YHWH's path.

The imagery of paths is very prevalent in Scripture; it is not limited to simply your life, but rather the way YHWH desires all of us to live. Walking on YHWH's path means doing things his way, both trusting in Yahusha and keeping the Torah instructions. Early believers in Yahusha described themselves as followers of The Way. Same idea here.

YHWH is speaking of things in his Word that have long been ruined or forgotten about.

 Things like honoring Shabbat, the Festivals of YHWH, and eating according to Scripture have been mostly disregarded throughout the centuries but YHWH is equipping us to be Restorers of this Breach. The one path of YHWH, of trusting in Yahusha and honoring the Torah, will be restored. The national heritage of Israel will be restored and YHWH will bring both houses to the truth.

This passage tells us that no matter how long his Word has been misunderstood or disregarded, YHWH promises to restore it. YHWH desires the old, foundational places of our faith be restored so that we can walk in his way, on his path. He says some of Israel will be known as 'Restorers' of his way. When the path to live in is restored, more people will walk on it.

Ezekiel 36:36 - "I YHWH rebuild the ruined places."

What is Hallowed?

If you're not familiar with the truth of what happens on Halloween and its origins, check out this teaching from Torah to the Tribes. Human and animal sacrifice, rape, ritualistic abuse, kidnapping, murder, invoking evil spirits. That's what Halloween is.
Yes, you may say, but I'm not celebrating those things.

Sure, but is the occult's black sabbath something you want to associate yourself with? Paul wrote very plainly that he would not do something if it caused his brother to stumble or fall away from the faith (1 Corinthians 8:13). Does widespread Christian celebration and acceptance of Halloween dissuade people from following Yahusha?

Who does Halloween keep from entering the Kingdom of Heaven?

Those in the occult looking for truth. If our holy days aren't distinctly different, how can they know there is a better way?

Victims of ritual abuse. Those the occult has harmed are desperate for healing and the truth and love of YHWH. But if they see supposed Bible believers dressed as witches or churches decorated with haunted grave yards those symbols are enough to trigger panic and anxiety that will keep them far away from the truth.

Women and children who have suffered domestic violence.  Millions of people have been covered in real blood. They have felt terror that those covering themselves in fake blood can't imagine. Does dressing up as a murderer or victim of a violent crime bring life to these precious ones?

Those from other religions that can see no difference in their faith. Acting like the rest of the culture doesn't show anyone who YHWH is. This denies other faiths the opportunity to see truth.

Anyone who can see the hypocrisy of the Christian faith. While most of the church is in denial about it, the rest of the world can see the clear contradiction between the teachings of Scripture and participating in Halloween. This is not exactly a call to righteous living.

There are millions and millions of people who stumble over the fact that those claiming to serve the God of Light participate in such horrible darkness. When we are involved in Halloween we are saying that the day is truly honorable and worth being set apart. That word hallow? Yahusha used it when he prayed, "Hallowed be the name of YHWH." The definition of hallow is literally to "honor as holy." Do you believe that this day of wickedness should be honored as highly as the very name of YHWH? When we participate (in any way, no matter how small) in Halloween (Hallow[ed] e[v]en[ing]), that's exactly the message we send to all of these people.

What about providing safe alternatives to Halloween? 3 John 1:11 says not to imitate evil. Imitating the evil practices of Halloween is not okay if you dial it down to "family friendly." It's still going against what Scripture expressly says and imitating wickedness. The only safe alternative is keeping YHWH's feast days. If you want to celebrate the fall harvest, do it at Sukkot when it's permissible and honorable to YHWH.

Some verses to consider before participating in the black sabbath of the occult:

Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light, and celebrate pagan holidays in place of YHWH's moedim.

John 8:12 - I am the light of the world whoever follows me won't walk in the darkness of Halloween.

1 Corinthians 10:21 - You cannot drink the cup of YHWH and the cup of shedim. You cannot live a righteous life and participate in demonic holidays.

Ephesians 5:11 - Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, not even once a year. Instead expose it.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Abstain from every form of evil. Even if it's "just for fun."

Yaakov 1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion is to keep yourself unspotted from the world. All the time.

2 Corinthians 6:14 - What fellowship has righteousness with Torahlessness? What common ground is there for keepers of Torah and wickedness? None.

Yaakov 4:4 - Friendship with the world is enmity with YHWH. Even if you're just being friendly as a marketing campaign for Yahusha.

Matthew 22:37 - The first and greatest commandment is to love YHWH. Not to love the things this world does.

2 Corinthians 11:3 - I fear your minds may be corrupted away from the simplicity that is in Moshiach. I'm worried that you're doing things Yahusha wouldn't.

Deuteronomy 12:4 - You shall not worship YHWH in this manner. You can't celebrate something with origins in paganism and have it honor YHWH. He hates it.

1 Corinthians 10:9 - Neither let us test Messiah, as those who were destroyed. Do you want to find out the hard way Halloween celebration is not righteous?

1 Timothy 4:1 - In the latter times many will depart from the faith, giving heed to the teachings of shedim, believing it's okay to do things YHWH warns against.

Deuteronomy 18:10 There should not be found among you divination, enchantment or witchcraft. Whoever does these things is detestable to YHWH. Even if it's what everyone else is doing.

We have all participated in things that don't honor YHWH, but we can stop today! Do you believe that the power of Yahusha fully overcomes darkness or not? Because if it does our lives and holidays should demonstrate that.

What I'm Doing During Sukkot

I hope everyone's Sukkot is off to a great start! Ours started with a congregational gathering that was lovely, and building our sukkah (I'll share pictures later). Today's weather has been rain, which is a great reminder of how temporal a sukkah and indeed, our existence is since ours isn't waterproof! Hopefully it dries out soon.

Our culture's holidays are all one day and that's what most of us think of when we think of Scriptural based celebrations. A lot of building up to the big day and then a flurry of people, parties, rich food, and presents, and then back to work the next day. However, Sukkot is an eight day celebration and we're meant to enjoy all eight days of it! While only the first and eighth days are no-work days we should still celebrate the entire time and do things that reflect that this is a special and set apart time. Even if you are working this week take some time to enjoy this time that YHWH sanctioned as joyful.

So here's what I'm doing this Sukkot:

Spending time in the sukkah. Scripture does tell us to spend this time in a temporary dwelling. If you made a traditional sukkah or are using a camping tent or something in between, be sure you are dwelling there at least part of your day. Eating meals in the sukkah is a simple way to do something to distinguish this time from the rest of the year. It's also a great place for your Scripture study and prayer time.

Taking a trip to the farmers market. I believe in eating locally for all the normal reasons from supporting organic farmers to cutting down on fossil fuel usage, but the most significant reason to me is the understanding it gives about the word of YHWH. Scripture has deep agricultural roots from the Garden of Eden to the Olive Tree to the tree that bears fruit each month. We miss something when we don't realize that Sukkot is about celebrating the harvest. Appreciate the miracle of YHWH's provision by visiting a farm or seeing what's in season at the farmers market. Go to an orchard and pick apples or pears. Talk about how YHWH provides for our needs each season.

Praying for the Ingathering of Israel. The picture of Sukkot is celebrating the harvest of our gardens and farms. The harvest, of course, is when I go to my garden and select the good fruit and bring it to my home. YHWH promises to do the same and regather Israel (both the Northern Kingdom and the people of Judah) back to him. Prayer that His people would turn and teshuvah to him is extra special during the time of Sukkot.

Star gazing. Sukkahs are traditionally made with imperfect roofs of tree branches so the occupants can still see the stars. It is a reminder of YHWH's promise to Abraham, "Your descendants will be that many." Grab a star chart or a book on astronomy to learn more about the earthly heavens.

Listening to this song on repeat. Obviously. How do you not love Sukkos Style? I reeeeeallllly wish they would do the full song.

Giving what I can. Sukkot called for a huge offering of animal sacrifices, "beside your vows, your terumah offerings, burnt offerings, grain and drink offerings, and shalom offerings." (Number 29:12-40) Because of Yeshua we no longer need the sacrifice of animals, but I think the amount of giving YHWH expected of the ancient Israelites should tell us something. Consider giving extra to your congregation or learning of other ministries that you want to support.

Inviting friends over. This is a great chance to show others the joy of celebrating the Festivals of YHWH. Ask friends over for dinner or coffee and share what you're doing during this time. Invite your Bible study to gather in your sukkah.

Making dessert. This is a feast after all! I don't take the time to prepare fancy pastries very often but I am going to try a couple of new recipes this week. Sukkot is a joyful time and a good dessert will emphasize that and help make great memories to look back on.

What are you guys up to this week? Whatever it is, have a very happy Sukkot!