Rosh Hashanah, the first day of Tishrei, coincides with the sixth day of creation and marks the anniversary of mankind, the day Hashem created Adam and Chava. It’s also the beginning of the lunar calendar year, which will begin Friday evening, September 18, at 6:40 p.m.
As we complete a year of many unexpected challenges and head towards the days of judgement and matters of life and death, we embark upon the serious task of examining our lives and doing teshuvah for the wrongs we have committed throughout the year. Nevertheless, Rosh Hashanah is always filled with hope for the New Year, because Hashem, The Almighty, is compassionate, forgiving, truly willing to accept our heartfelt prayers and sincere repentance, and gives us the ability to have our harsh decrees annulled.
At the beginning of the Rosh Hashanah meal, we dip our sweet apples (representing Gan Eden) in honey, which signifies that the New Year should be sweet. The combination of these two foods provides us with a double dose of sweetness. We beseech Hashem, “May it be your will to inscribe us for a good and sweet New Year.”
Honey is a product which contains the necessary ingredients to keep you healthy. It is also rich in vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. Besides for being a delicious and nutritious sweetening agent, it can work miracles for your skin, since it contains antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it can hydrate your skin as well. Read on to discover 10 ways you can enhance your skin after Rosh Hashanah by using your leftover honey.
- Acne
To fight acne and reduce redness, you can combine 1 tablespoon of honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon, which also has anti-bacterial properties. Apply this mixture wherever you have acne and wash off after 10 minutes.
- Hydrating Hair Mask
Because of its moisturizing properties, honey is an ideal way to restore moisture to dry and damaged hair. To make a repairing mask, mix two parts honey and two parts olive oil. Then apply it to damp hair and wrap into a bun. Shampoo it out after 30 minutes and you will notice smooth and conditioned hair with a beautiful shine.
- Dry Lips
Honey is a great humectant, which has the power to moisturize and heal dry, chapped lips. Dab some honey right onto your lips to hydrate and restore lost moisture.
- Facial cleanser/exfoliant
The enzymes in honey have the ability to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. To make an all-natural facial cleanser/exfoliant, mix 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal, which is a natural way to exfoliate your skin. After you’ve removed your makeup, massage this onto your skin for a few minutes and you’ll be left with a healthy glowing complexion.
- Face Mask
For another simple face mask with tons of benefits, all you need is honey. It’s loaded with nutrients and enzymes that help clarify the skin and keep it hydrated by retaining moisture. It also promotes healing, lightens acne scars, and leaves you with a beautiful glow. Let this mask sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
- Smooth cracked cuticles
Because of honey’s humectant properties, it attracts and seals moisture, which will help hydrate giant cuticles.
- Soften Rough Patches
To smooth out dry knees and elbows, mix one cup brown sugar, half cup olive oil, and 3 tablespoons honey. You will notice that the skin will appear softer after you rinse off the mixture.
- Healthy Skin
Eat a spoonful of honey a day. It tastes great and is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and B vitamins, which are essential for healthy looking skin.
- Hair Removal
This waxing method has been around for centuries and is safe, natural and less painful than professional waxing. To create a homemade wax, you will need to bring the following mixture to a boil: 1 tablespoon honey, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. When the mixture boils, it creates a sugar wax. Allow the mixture to cool down for about 20 minutes and always test before applying, in order to prevent any burns. When the mixture cools down, spread onto the skin with your hand. Use a cotton strip to pull in opposite direction of hair growth.
- Calm Eczema
When you have an eczema flare up, you can calm your skin down by applying raw honey for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to sit in a spot that you won’t stick to. This works as a natural inflammatory for your skin.
Wishing everyone a k’siva v’chasima tovah. May Hashem grant all of klal yisroel a year of good health, happiness, prosperity, much nachas, and besuros tovos. May we see an end to the current pandemic, experience no more sorrow or suffering, and may we soon merit the arrival of Moshiach.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.