Spiritual Kneading

By Dahlia Abraham-Klein

Book Description

In Spiritual Kneading, Dahlia Abraham-Klein weaves together the sacred art of challah baking with the rhythms of Jewish spiritual life, creating a unique pathway for women's spiritual development. This thoughtful collection connects the monthly observance of Rosh Chodesh with the meditative practice of bread making, offering readers both nourishment for the body and sustenance for the soul.

Each of the twelve Jewish months receives dedicated attention through carefully selected Torah passages that illuminate the spiritual themes of that particular time. Abraham-Klein pairs these ancient teachings with specially crafted challah recipes that embody the essence of each month's spiritual focus, transforming the kitchen into a space of contemplation and growth.

The book provides valuable historical context about Rosh Chodesh and its significance as a traditionally feminine observance, helping readers understand the deeper connections between women's spirituality and cyclical time. Through the rhythmic act of kneading dough, practitioners can engage with Torah wisdom in a tactile, embodied way that honors both tradition and personal spiritual exploration.

This approach makes sacred texts accessible through the familiar ritual of baking, allowing readers to discover how everyday activities can become vehicles for spiritual insight. Abraham-Klein demonstrates how the simple act of preparing challah can serve as a form of moving meditation, connecting contemporary women with generations of Jewish practice while fostering individual spiritual development.