This Sephardic saying was spoken by my ancestors in Izmir, Turkey. They spoke Ladino (a dying language that is a combination of Hebrew and Spanish) and it was said to give gratitude for a meal, or something prepared with love and intention by one's hands."Bendichas Manos" allows me to deeply honor my Sephardic Jewish ancestors from Izmir Turkey who spoke Ladino, while also honoring both unique languages that make up Ladino. While Ladino represents my Sephardic ancestors, Hebrew alone represents my Jewish culture, traditions, and ancestors, and the Spanish language and traditions taught me how to cultivate my own connection to the gift of prayer, reverence, and connection to the elements through ceremony.