Kavanot: Simanim 5787

ת׳היה ש׳נה של ”פָּנ“ים ז׳ורמים

There is nothing like a good pun, and these are nothing like good puns.

This year I asked Grok, Gemini and Copilot for help. May this be a year AI helps us achieve all our important goals, like new puns!

You might be looking for the actual Simanim recipes.

Kiddush

Dips

(they’re not dips; they are spreads—may we spread joy and peace throughout the world)

simanim soup

Bundt pan meatloaf

roast vegetables

Study Guide

The Chrome browser helpfully offered to have Gemini create a study plan to make these more meaningful, which I present without comment, except that the AI had this spread over 4 weeks and we only have 4 days:

Here is your structured study plan and reading schedule based specifically on the content and recipes from the Kavanot: Simanim 5787 page and its associated Simanim Recipes.

This 4-day learning schedule breaks down the themes, modern AI-assisted puns, and culinary preparations to help you prepare thoughtfully before Rosh Hashanah.

Phase 1: Framework, Intentions, and Kiddush (Day 1)

Focus on setting positive intentions, exploring the foundational themes of the year, and reviewing the opening blessings and novelties.

• Core Study Themes:

• The Year’s Framework: Study the opening teaching from Horiyot 12a (Siman milta hi) and the guiding phrase: “T’hiyeh shanah shel panim zorvim” (a year of flowing countenances), drawing on prompts from Grok, Gemini, and Copilot.

• Kiddush Symbols & Puns:

• Trader Joe’s Sara Bee Moscato (“moscato-long with each other”).

• Traditional fruits: apples in honey, dates, and pomegranate.

• Playful additions: gummy fish heads, raisins and celery (Rav Noach Weinberg’s siman), and whirled peas (shaking sugar snap peas around your head as practice for kapparot).

• Novelties: Figs, grapes, freeze-dried strawberries, and Coca-Cola (“qula tov”).

• Action Item: Reflect on how you want to cultivate joy and positive outlooks in 5787.

Phase 2: Spreads & Starters (Day 2)

Focus on community harmony, spreading peace, and preparing the table spreads.

• Core Study Themes:

• Spreads over Dips: Emphasizing spreading joy and peace throughout the world.

• The Recipes & Linguistic Wordplay:

• Black eyed pea hummus with garam masala and peanut butter powder (rubia / Mashiach is cumin, carda-mom-ents of joy).

• Red onion/date jam (“redt” good shidduchim and dates / betzel knafei hashchina).

• Cranberry/honey spread (Meira’s contribution for a “berry” sweet “challah”-day).

• Spinach/cilantro pesto (silka as spinach, gad for good fortune, and cilantropy).

• Olive tapenade (“olive your dreams come true”) and pita chips (“re-pita-dly multiplied”).

• Action Item: Review or practice making these spreads and consider how their creative themes set the tone for your holiday meal.

Phase 3: Soup & Main Course (Day 3)

Focus on protection, strength, and receiving good news.

• Core Study Themes:

• Simanim Soup: Butternut squash soup with leeks and fenugreek—using fenugreek, roasted garlic, and almond milk to squash our enemies and have a “soup”er year.

• The Main Dish: Bundt pan meatloaf (basar, connecting to besorot tovot / good tidings, taught by Phyllis Shapiro).

• Action Item: Walk through the preparation steps for the butternut squash soup and meatloaf to streamline your kitchen schedule before the holiday rush.

Phase 4: Roast Vegetables & Integration (Day 4)

Focus on redemption, continuity, and final holiday preparation.

• Core Study Themes:

• Roast Vegetables: Carrots, golden beets and cauliflower in orange/thyme/sage sauce—connecting cauliflower (kruv) to the keruvim on the aron in the Beit Hamikdash, plus having plenty of thyme for Torah and sage advice.

• Final Review: Do a complete walkthrough of your menu, recipes, and personal intentions to ensure everything is polished before Rosh Hashanah begins.

• Action Item: Finalize your cooking timeline and review your notes to feel completely prepared for the first night of the holiday.