The answer to one of my questions, from Jewish Treats:
The ha’mo’tzee blessing is recited before one eats bread. Since bread is considered the staple of the meal, no other blessings need be recited since the ha’mo’tzee blessing covers all the other foods that are eaten at that meal.
Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o'lam ha’mo’tzee lechem min ha’aretz.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
Awesome.
Also learned a song for Modah Ani, and got the basic order of shabbos down, during my Partners in Torah study session today.
It didn’t work out to invite the family for Chanukkah this year, due to a schedule conflict, but in keeping with my resolution to make the holidays amazing, we are having a bunch of friends over for an early holiday meal, latkes and other goodies, and having a Jewish film fest that first afternoon. It should be a lot of fun, I’m really excited.
