"Hannukah Infused Oil" Workshop with Naomi Spector (of BiBi+Ni) and Naomi Stein (of U.C. Berkeley)

The Workshop was very much incredible and I'm so glad I didn't miss it. There was so much information given out.

We got to learn about Rose, Cedar, Rosemary, and Myrrh in Jewish traditional Herbal contexts (both magical and medicinal), as well as the importance of Olive Oil and anointing. And then they walked us through making two specific oils: Rose-Myrrh for Heart Healing, and then Cedar-Rosemary for protection.

I already knew all the actual Herbalism method stuff- though I did learn about a new funnel product that I desperately want, now. But it was wonderful to learn more about Jewish Herbalism from sources other than 'Ashkenazi Herbalism' (which has been my only real source so far) or the Rowan+Sage school (whose owner is both abusive and two-faced). And it makes me way more excited to eventually get 'The Jewish Book of Flowers' when I can finally afford to (the book's a bit much, at $60- but it's self-pub).

I absolutely loved, at the end, where they were comparing baking Challah in the merit of someone else, to making Medicines and Oils as an act of creating and sustaining Jewish Community and love. The idea of singing Nigun while making and even using the Oils you've made was also lovely; I'd never considered that before, and it just makes me want to learn Niguns even more.

All around it was just a lovely two hours.

If you purchase your herbs, please consider purchasing local and organic. If you are in an area without a local herb store, choose the best online source you can in terms of price and quality.

If can wild harvest, Naomi Stein follows instructions given by Ohlone elders in Pescadero, CA: Always acknowledge your relationship to the plant. Never harvest from the "Grandmother" (or the plant that is sending out runners). Do not take more than a third of a healthy stand (less if sparse, and none if the only one of its kind). If you are harvesting underground corms or rhizomes, break them up so you are leaving some in the ground to regenerate. Exchange something of your own for the harvest (a small strand of hair blown onto the plant, followed by words of acknowledgement).

Naomi Spector adds: Clip at node points (the joints of plants) to avoid damage. Never take bark from all the way around a tree (that’s called "girdling" and will kill it). Research if the plant is threatened and if so, to find substitutions.

If you are able to grow your plants, make a brucha (blessing) from your heart, and before harvesting, think of the person or people you are making the medicine for and pray for their health (or think positive thoughts while visualizing them). Per Jewish tradition, harvest as the moon is waxing for things you wish to increase, and in the waning of the moon for plants to treat things you wish to decrease.

"Biblical Ethnobotany"

Before comfort can settle over our hearts [...] we must first feel that we are truly worthy of self care and love. Therefore we begin making our medicines by engaging in our ancient practice of anointing, before any work is started; we extend this tradition to elevate ourselves in our own eyes, joyfully inhabit our many freedoms, and ground us right where we are, reminding our deepest selves that we are divine and fully worthy of love.

After anointing yourself, gathering your medicine supplies, and preparing the space to make your medicines, prepare yourself further by aligning your spirit and grounding your body; what does your spirit call for which would make this moment special? This can be Tea, a candle, music, an open window, or whatever else would soothe your Spirit and claim this time and space for your practice. Fulfil these desires within your space and body, then make your medicine.

While making your medicine, sing Niguns. Also concentrate on positive thoughts and the person you are making the medicine for; similar to how Jews bake Challah in the merrit of others, this applies to making medicines for others as well.

After their completion, and before using your oils, recite Tehilim 91 over them. Then, to use them, anoint your head (circular, around the head; or forming an X on the crown down to the nape of the neck), chest, spine, and / or hands with it; it is encouraged to explore the different Tehilim for different purposes, to see which ones feel most powerful to you based on oil and circumstance.

Once you have prayed and / or set an intention for healing over the oil you have many choices of uses.

Olive is one of the seven species, and the oil that is referred to whenever oil is mentioned in the Tanakh over 150 times.

Sunflower oil was traditionally used in Ashkenazi healing; Naomi Spector uncovered several passages in Yizkor books about the appreciation and use of sunflowers in the Pale of Settlement. Naom Stein offers the analogy between the sunflower and the Jewish people: As the sunflower orients itself to the sun wherever it may be, the Jewish people orient ourselves to the Divine, wherever we may be.

The grape is considered one of the 7 blessed species.

Rose is the symbol of Jewish joy. They are especially important because the number 5 is protective in Judaism, and native Roses in the region have 5 petals- making them particularly good for protection.

Peony is protective in Ashkenazi tradition- especially their roots and seeds.

Myrhh is powerful in both life and death, and is seductive in nature; is considered "Like the menstrual blood of the tree" as a sap. Used for cleansing and sanctification.

Cedar is symbolic of strength, righteousness, power, grace, beauty, and hope.

Rosemary is protective- especially against the Evil Eye (Ayin Hara). Yeminite Jews call it "Besamin", connecting it to Havdalah. Even the Talmud approves of carrying and eating Rosemary on Shabbat.

Blue is an important color in Judaism due to the Tzitzit, but also its association with the Sea and Sky (as the seat of heaven). Amulets are typically red or blue, and both are considered protective colors.

Red is a protective color and also symbolizes the life force.