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The sources and reasons behind Shlissel Challah

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The custom some women (or men) have of baking the house key into the challah on the Shabbat following Pesach (also known as a shlissel [=key] challah) is explained with the following reasons: Based on “Pitchi Li Achoti, Ra’ayati…” (“Open up, my darling…” — Shir HaShirim 5:2), on which the Midrash states “Pitchu li petach ke-chudo shel machat…,” (cf. Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5, s.v. “Kol Dodi Dofek“) = something like “Open your hearts (in teshuvah) like the eye of the needle, and I (God) will open the rest like [a very large opening]. According to Kabbalah on Pesach the gates to heaven were open, and following Pesach the lower gates are shut, and it’s up to us to open them again, therefore on the first Shabbat we put the key on the challah to show that through the mitzvah of Shabbat we are opening the locks [original source?]. In the desert the Jewish people ate from the manna until after Pesach upon entering the land (with the bringing of the Omer, see: Josh. 5:11), at which poin...
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Alternative Shabbat Menu Ideas:

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Are you looking to spice up your Shabbat Menu, but still stay on budget and  Organized  Here are some ideas to get you thinking: Alternative Fish Ideas Gafilta Fish balls in red sauce Fried Fish and Chips Fish Sticks with dipping sauce Alternative Soup Idea : Soup in the Crock Pot  Pumpkin/ Pea/ Cauliflower/ Potato  Add some pine nuts for garnish Yemenite meat soup with grilled garlic pita  Chicken/ Chulent Alternatives Shake and Bake Chicken Deli Roll Meat stuffed Chicken Breast Meat Loaf Meat and Potato roll, Meat sandwiches with deli and meat in french bread with a pretty tooth pick on top ShishKabob Sticks Sides Mini Pies or Quiche of your choice ( onion, potato, broccoli,) Grilled Vegetables Dessert Sorbet Nuts Pitzuchim (seeds)
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Goals are like Magnets

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I can not stress the importance of setting Goals as a way to attract and achieve everything you have ever dreamed of accomplishing in your life.   As a Belief Strategist, I teach my clients that Goals are like magnets.  When you set Goals and commit yourself to keeping them your entire life suddenly becomes productive.  I highly recommend  to be able to make Shabbat early and be able to have those 10 minutes to Daven and receive all your hearts desires, you make "Shabbat"one of your primary goals that you are working towards all week long.  I guarantee your entire week will be more productive when you have a detailed realistic list of what you can do every day to arrive at Shabbat calm, on time and ready to light early. Your entire life will be transformed and you will gain the confidence to go after any dream you felt was too high to reach.
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Complete Weekly Cleaning Guide with early Shabbat tips and Motivation (updated)

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  Follow this guide for a smooth non pressuring cleaning schedule for the entire week that will have you relaxed by the time Shabbat comes. Daily :       Make beds       Laundry Wash Dry Fold (except Friday)       Prep for Lunch & Dinner       Wipe up        Nightly:         Wash Dishes wipe down counters         Wash out sink  Sweep & Wash floors         Wipe and wash down bathrooms         Wash bathroom sinks         Change Towels Sunday : Put away Shabbat Dishes Clean and organize porch or yard Bills Write weekly menu Shopping list    Laundry* Wash Shabbat clothing (Preventing last minute Friday emergency's)...
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Your Time Management

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Have you ever caught yourself saying "There are just not enough hours in the day.  I just can't seem to get everything I need to done"   Well I challenge you to find more hours to tag on to your day, and my belief is you wont find any.  So how is it "successful" people seem to get it "all done" in the same amount of hours that you and I have.  No, they have not found the magic clock that gives them more hours they just know how to use them.  You have exactly enough hours you need to get every single goal you set for yourself done.  The question is do you know how to use your time efficiently and effectively  to get them done.  
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Sabotage

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If life is stressing you out than it means you are chasing it, instead of it trying to keep up with you.   Until you experience the incredible sensations of being in control of your life, stress, anxiety, depression, disappointment will probably be  the way you describe your current state of mind.  Do you ever hear yourself saying "I really wanted to..... but I just had not time" and then guilt and disappointment in yourself pounds your head and your emotions. The reason you are probably not even trying to take on Shabbat early or do anything you "really want or know you should do" is the feeling that if you try and you fail it will just be another disappointment you can'd add to the endless lists of failures you describe as your life.  There is a better way.  I am obsessed with productivity, it is my "Drug".  The only way I know I am productive is when I have my schedule, todo's, and obligations planned out and in order.  Little progress will ma...
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Laundry is an Every Day thing

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With a large family I know that laundry is endless and if I miss one day I feel like I am endlestly backed up.  Laundry is not something that gets done.  Laundry is ALWAYS getting done.  Every day there should be at least one or two loads going in having the smallest loads on Thursday, and only an emergency load on Friday. It is important that the laundry needed for Sunday should be done on Thursday such as uniforms or kids going back to Yeshiva.  Sunday should be the heaviest days since you have towels, Shabbat clothing, including Friday clothing to contend with.  Make sure you have enough baskets to separate your loads. Dark: This basket should be the most accessible since it will be filled the most.  All dark clothing should be tossed in here. Whites; White shirts, socks, undershirts and the like should go in here.  I use a non bleach soap with a white soap enhancer on 60 degrees and my whites come our sparkling.  The more you stuff the d...
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