I recently read a fascinating article in the New Yorker about something I knew nothing about: care givers in hospices. As part of life, I have witnessed the loss of 2 close family members; my own father and my father in law. Both died in the hospital so I have never had the occasion to go or learn about hospice and the amazing people that work in them.

Simply, hospice is where people go to die. Whether a patient is suffering from an incurable illness or has suffered a stroke or accident that will lead to death in the next few months, it is often hospice where they go. Dying, is often a difficult and drawn out process and can be one or more of the following: boring, painful, scary, easy, ugly or more. Unlike the role of a nurse or Dr. where the job is to restore to health, the hospice worker is there to smooth the road to death and that road is often very bumpy. There are unresolved issues and anger that won’t allow the dying to let go and die. There is the looming birthday that keeps one hanging on. There is fear. There are difficult family members and unresolved family fighting. There are patients who are made happy only by certain music. The list goes on but these amazing caregivers act as stewards to the next life by doling out support however they see fit: acting as therapist, or as great listener, birthday party organizer, bedpan cleaner and so on. They seem to have an innate ability to understand what is needed for each patient while never forgetting the mission: to usher them with kindness and respect into the next phase.

I am in awe of these dedicated and hardworking caregivers and am so grateful to the author, Larissa Macfarquhar, for writing this piece. These caregivers seem to be almost a step or 2 above the rest of us with their ability to see the present and the future so easily. There are no gifts that could truly honor their almost G-dlike work but I think we should start with some essentials to keep their nourishment up and to show the immense gratitude for their dedicated and courageous work. Here are some gift ideas from Challah Connection for your favorite care giver, whether they are caring for someone in hospice, at home or for your favorite childcare provider. We always feel happier when we acknowledge others and show them gratitude.

-Jane Moritz, Chief Maven Officer, Challah Connection

Believe it or not, Father’s Day is right around the corner. Challah Connection knows it’s hard finding that perfect, one of a kind gift to give to your dad because well, dads have it all. That is why we have created gourmet, one of a kind gift baskets especially made for your dad. With our variety of gift baskets created by our experts for this celebratory holiday, Challah Connection is sure to put a smile on your dad’s face. We are offering you gift baskets filled to the brim with gourmet baked goods, treats, and snacks that all fathers love.

Is your dad a baked goods fanatic? Send him our unique Kosher Bakery Classics Care Package filled with decadent babka, fluffy challah, gourmet rugelach, and delicious black and white cookies.  This gift basket is sure to impress your dad’s taste buds. Or surprise him with our Nosh Essentials Basket that’s mixed with both savory and sweet.

Who doesn’t love NYC? Bring your dad back to his childhood by sending him our NYC Food Tour Gift Tower. This unique tower is filled to the brim with traditional and delicious NYC foods. Send this basket knocking on your dad’s door, or surprise him with it at your Father’s Day party. This festive gift tower is sure to have your dad thinking he’s back in the big apple.

We know most dads love eating at a deli which is why we have created the Deluxe Deli Basket. This Father’s day, bring the deli to your dad! Stuffed to the brim with famous NYC bagels, gourmet cheese, kosher salami, rye bread, Dr. Brown cream sodas and so much more. This unique, one of a kind deli basket is sure to have your dad wanting more.

Challah Connection can’t wait to help you celebrate Father’s day the right way. Order your Father’s day gift basket today!

Norwalk, CT, March 1, 2016 – When a show representative for the new Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, began searching for props she wanted to find just the right challah to be used on. The challah, a traditional braided bread, would symbolize the union of Jewish tradition and family which are such strong themes of the show. She did a quick Google search for “challah delivery” to find just the right vendor to deliver this old world baked good to Broadway night after night, and discovered Challah Connection. Based in Norwalk, CT, the company specializes in traditional Jewish foods and gifts. Challah Connection was named “Official Nosh Partner,” delivering 16 kosher challahs weekly as well as providing additional noshes for unique occasions.

“Challah Connection is about connecting people to Old World Jewish foods like challah, babka, rugelach and so much more,” says company owner Jane Moritz. “We are thrilled to be a part of this production of Fiddler on the Roof, with our signature challahs being used on stage in every production!”

“The producers of Fiddler on the Roof are thrilled to be partnering with Challah Connection. We’ve been drooling for some delicious and homemade tasting challahs over at The Broadway Theatre and are happy that our on-stage Fiddler family led by five-time Tony Award nominee Danny Burstein as Tevye and Tony nominee Jessica Hecht as Golde, will get to enjoy the bread 8 times a week.”

Challah Connection was launched in 2002 as a challah delivery service, helping people in and around Fairfield County, CT get weekly deliveries of this ritual bread that was, at the time, hard to find. The company expanded into offering the highest quality kosher gift baskets brimming with favorite Jewish foods. “We put thought and meaning into our baskets. Our offerings soon included acclaimed babka loaves swirled with chocolate and cinnamon, comforting rugelach from Eastern European recipes, and gift baskets with dried fruits, nuts and specialty candies,” says Moritz.

To celebrate the Fiddler connection, the company has created a new website page http://www.challahconnection.com/fiddler-gifts/ featuring new product offerings like “Tevye’s Traditions” and “Golde’s Bakery Gems.” They’re filled with classic kosher bakery goods: challah (just like the one now on stage), rich chocolatey babka, Eastern European rugelach pastries, and black and white cookies.

A few months back I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Steve Blank for his radio show, Entrepreneurs are Everywhere. We talked about the many challenges and rewards associated with starting your own business. If you’re toying with the idea of being an entrepreneur Blank’s show can be heard on Sirius XM Channel 111. And here’s my interview — hopefully good food for thought.

https://soundcloud.com/sgblank/jane-moritz-on-entrepreneurs-are-everywhere

My favorite thing about my job is talking to you–our beloved customers. Whether it’s to hear of something we did with awesome greatness or about a problem where our “human-ness” got in the way, speaking to you allows me to learn more how Challah Connection can secure that special place in your heart called “online home.”

My second favorite job activity is finding new products for you. I have been having ALOT OF FUN lately! I’ve scoured the food shows, gift shows and every possible place to find you gifts that you want to share with friends and family–or for yourself! My travels have produced some exciting new kosher gifts, such as the NYC Food Tour Tower, Happy Hanukkah Chocolate Gift Box and Blissful Brownie Gift Box (we are happily working our way through the sample box sent to our office–these are GOOD). As for Jewish and Judaica gifts, we have some gorgeous new menorahs, dreidels and decorations from Emily Rosenfeld, Gary Rosenthal, Tamara Baskin and some terrific Israeli artists. We have also found a really impressive new artist, Murray Eisner, who has taken a pop art approach and applied it to some of our favorite food icons. His prints make stunning additions to your homes and offices. Finally, for all of the baseball lovers out there (and there are alot of you!), we have teamed up with Steiner Sports to offer you Ballparks of the MLB and a baseball commemorating Derek Jeter’s 3000th hit.

In an article posted on July 6, 2015, The Jewish Weekcovered Challah Connection’s newsworthy kerfuffle regarding kosher rainbow cookies and same-sex marriage laws. We’re particularly proud of the article’s subtitle: “Challah Connection owner Jane Moritz stands by decision to link cookies and SCOTUS decision despite backlash.” Read the whole article here.

In an article posted on July 16, 2015, Jewish news site www.forward.com talked about our Rainbow Cookie Kerfuffle. “You might have read about the not-so-sweet situation: Soon after the Supreme Court announced its Obergefell v. Hodges decision, codifying the right of LGBT Americans to marry across the country, Moritz placed a picture of kosher rainbow cookies on the homepage of her company website, along with the line, ‘Never have these treasured cookies had such meaning.’ And that’s when the hate mail and angry social-media postings began to arrive.” Read all about it here.

I had dinner last night with someone who quoted a beautiful Irish saying:

“Humans aren’t meant to live long but are meant to live happy.”

And, I recently read an article comparing the view of work and vacation between Americans and Europeans:

For the most part, when Americans meet each other, they will typically ask what they do for a living vs Europeans who ask where they are going on their next vacation.

Both of these have left a real impression on me and with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year coming soon, they are fueling my “new year thinking.”

I have already started sorting out this past year, thinking about what I could have done better, where I could have used more love and patience and how I want to improve myself for the coming year.

For this upcoming year, 5776, happiness, joy and fun are going to be priorities for me. Who knows how long we are here so why not enjoy the things we love to do with the people we love?

So, let’s get started sorting out last year and planning for this coming year, 5776. There is a wonderful quote from the poet Mary Oliver that feels perfect right now:

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

I’m sure Mary would be fine with you changing life to year, if you’d like. Happy New Year, L’Shana Tova to you and your family!

Jane Moritz, Chief Maven Officer, Challah Connection

Click below to read more about delicious rugelach, both dairy-based and parve. Ours use butter – as do most of the most moist and delicious rugelach recipes. Thanks, JNS.org, for including us in the debate!