Balebuste Botanicals

Through Hanukkah, we celebrate the blessings of oil and light, enabling us to better endure a cold, increasingly dark season. For many centuries, Jews have infused oils with herbs for healing, skin and hair care, protection and anointing. From candles to delicious foods fried in oil, to oils infused with herbs, there are many traditional Jewish ways to work with oils for healing and nourishment. Come join us to learn how to make meaningful, homemade Hanukkah gifts for yourself and others with ease and joy. In this workshop, we will demonstrate two simple methods of infusing your own oils at home, and will share two recipes featuring herbs long beloved in Jewish healing tradition: Cedar and Rosemary Oil for protection Rose and Myrrh Oil for comforting a grieving heart We will explore the diasporic Jewish history of healing with these plants, best practices for infusing with resins, branches, leaves and flowers, as well as the powerful folk practice of praying psalms over infused oils.