b'Breaking BreadBuilding Bonds Over ShabbatW hen Stephanie Aaronson, 30,build personal relationships, celebrate moved to Baltimore a year agomilestones and resolve conflicts. in the midst of a pandemic OneTable, a national nonprofit that to start her new job with Americans forprovides a way for young adults to find and Ben-Gurion University, she knew it wouldcreate meaningful Shabbat experiences, be challenging to make new friends.recently partnered with The Associateds Having been active and involved in theIMPACT, its young adult division, and Jewish communities in Pittsburgh andPearlstone to bring opportunities of Seattle, where she most recently lived,connection, exploration and learningAaronson has always managed to carve outto Baltimore. time on Fridays and Saturdays for familyNot everyone does Shabbat the sameand friends.way so it was really nice to have the I sometimes miss the formality prompts and resources that Pearlstone of Shabbat and especially the idea ofprovided along with our delicious farm-connecting with community members, ofto-table meal. I think something amazing course in a safe way in this time of COVID,happens when we eat together and share says Aaronson. So, when I was askedthe same food, Aaronson explains. by The Associated: Jewish Federation ofStern Christian, lead educator atChickenBaltimore to participate in a new ShabbatPearlstone, helped create the guide Casablanca initiative, it was such an easy yes. I lovethat comes with the Shabbat meals thatCourtesy of Pearlstone Kitchen having a reason to host people for ShabbatPearlstone prepares.and being able to unplug from the week.Our resources allow people to engage4-6 chicken thighs For Aaronson, this was also a great, as much or as little as they want to during tsp cumin easy way to meet and socialize with otherdinner, shares Christian. On Shabbat, we tsp cinnamon local millennials.hope to encourage people to have a multi- 1/3 cup honey It was a really easy buzz of conversationsensory experience that begins with the1 Tbsp sesame seeds and something that I have truly missed thesesmells from cooking and setting the tableto garnish past years, she says of a recent Shabbatand includes the sense of touch when wePreheat oven to 350F. dinner she attended in Baltimore City. It wasconnect with the ritual of washing hands.1.2. Blend spices and honey and so fun to get to know each other and laugh.Christian, who grew up Jewishly engaged coat chicken. (Can marinate Just laughing with people, especially duringin New Jersey, believes that gathering withovernight) these times, was much needed.strangers over a meal or on Shabbat, is3. Bake for 30-40 minutes. BasteSocial interactions over food arent really central to the practice of Judaism. Whileduring cooking. a new concept. For centuries, food hasattending St. Marys College of Maryland,4. Serve over rice. brought people and cultures together.he recalls co-hosting Shabbat dinners with5. Garnish with sesame seeds. Traditionally, its a way to meet people,a friend and sharing the tradition with both 10 SHALOM BALTIMORE'