How Working With Your Hands Weaves Jewish Life Into Everyday

Last updated on: May 29, 2025 at 8:23 pm by Kelley Rouland M.A.

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How Working With Your Hands Weaves Jewish Life Into Everyday 2025-05-29T20:23:37-06:00 Kelley Rouland M.A.

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In Jewish tradition, working with our hands brings us closer to God/Photo by Jill Wllington on Pexels

May the memories of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim forever be a blessing.

Embracing the Old Ways

One thing that I remember about both of my Grandmothers is that they loved to work with their hands. They cooked and baked from scratch and grew gardens. I have such sweet memories of colorful, fresh vegetables piled on their kitchen tables, yummy made-from-scratch dinners, and delicious homemade baked goods. These memories not only evoke a sense of nostalgia for the way life used to be, but also a deep connection to the traditions of our ancestors —a more connected time, a time when a simple, salt-of-the-earth lifestyle was the norm.

This simple lifestyle, once thought to be a thing of the past, is making a comeback. Social media is now brimming with content creators sharing tips on homesteading, gardening, and homemade cooking, while community gardens and locally sourced foods have become more commonplace. It’s an excellent and much-needed change, but for many of us, it’s more than just a healthier life choice; it’s a part of our spiritual life.

Creating For the Benefit of Others

“May the Favor of the Lord, our God, be upon us; Let the work of

our hands be established.” ~Psalms 90:17

In Jewish life, working with one’s hands is deeply rooted in tradition, especially when that work enhances the lives of others. The more we grow our food and cook from scratch, the more we nourish our family, friends, and community with the labor of our hands. Gifts like freshly picked flowers from the garden or homemade baked bread are perfect ways to show kindness to others.

I often pick vegetables and herbs from my garden when preparing a meal, and I have such pride in that. I’ve taken food that I’ve grown and created something nourishing for my family. Meanwhile, the work that I put into making that meal is also a way that I honor God. It is a fabulous feeling.

Connecting With God Through Craftsmanship

When we work with our hands, we are forming a deep connection with our creator. I am reminded of this whenever I make Challah for Shabbat. This entire process is a spiritual practice. Each ingredient added, is a chance to become more spiritually connected to the Divine. Kneading the dough is not just a physical act, but a prayerful, meditative, and sacred practice celebrating our creator.

Yet, baking Challah isn’t the only time we can connect with God while creating. The same level of spirituality applies to whatever we make, whether it’s cooking for our families, preparing a homemade gift, or feeding the hungry. These acts are integral to Jewish tradition, transforming the mundane into something sacred and holy.

Showing Our Jewish Pride Through the Work of Our Hands

Craftsmanship has been integral to Jewish life since its earliest days. Jews have always taken great pride in the artistry and skill of creating something by hand. Whether it’s a mezuzah handcrafted in Israel or an intricately woven loaf of Challah bread baked at home, great pride and spiritual fervor go into its creation.

These days, creating delicious Shabbat dinners from scratch has been a central part of my life. I feel immense pride in the work that goes into preparing each meal, and I love immersing myself in traditional Jewish recipes. It is a way of expressing my Jewish pride, nourishing my family, and connecting with God.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog! Shalom, friend!

Are you interested in learning more about my Jewish Journey? Follow the link below.