Take this bread

Written by Sara Gross Samuelson, Pastor/Leader/Organizer-Storyline Community

In your household this week, consider what ever-widening circles are being drawn in to your table. As a physical practice to pair with that consideration, use the bread recipe below (or another one that meets your needs as a family) and bake as you talk.

​Remember, the people of God in Ancient Israel didn’t just speak the HaMotzi (prayer of thanks for the bread from the earth to their table) they lived it. Speaking the words drew awareness, awareness drew practice, and practice turned them towards God. Let the baking and the rising and the breaking and the sharing be a practice for your family that turns you towards the next widest circle in your neighborhood.

Ingredients
5-6 cups all-purpose flour
(you can substitute whole wheat flour for 1 or 2 cups).
2 tablespoons of dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups hot water (120-130 degrees F)
A cake pan/pyrex pie dish of hot water

Directions
Mix 3 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar and salt. Pour in the hot water and beat 100 strokes (or 3 minutes with a mixer). Stir in the remaining flour until the dough loses its stickiness. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead for 8 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a warm damp cloth. Let rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot (away from drafts). Punch down and divide the dough into two pieces. Shape into round loaves and place on a greased baking sheet. Cut an "X" one-half inch deep in each of the loaves with a wet sharp knife. Place baking sheet with loaves in the middle of a COLD oven. Place a pan of hot water on the lowest shelf. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and bake 40-50 minutes until golden brown.