MOCHITSUKI Needs Your Help December 9, as We Make Rice Cakes for the New Year.

Please join us for the annual mochitsuki on Sunday, December 9. Mochitsuki is the day where the Sangha gathers to make mochi (sweet rice cakes) for the New Year. The work day begins at 6 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. With the temple planning to steam and produce over 1,000 pounds of mochi, there will be work for everyone.

Who can participate/volunteer?

   Everyone of all ages, from the youngest child to the young-at-heart. There will be jobs for everyone. Temple members and Sangha friends are encouraged to come out for this annual Japanese cultural tradition.

Work stations where help will be needed:

     Cooking -- Steaming the mochigome rice

     Grinding – Mashing and grinding the cooked rice into a doughy paste (Good job for young children with adult supervision)

     Rice pounding -- A lot of muscle is needed to pound the mochi into a smooth texture.

     Cutters – Molding the mochi into small circular morsels.

     Cooling – Volunteers will be needed to cool and turn the mochi

     Packaging – Bagging the mochi into one-pound poly bags.

     Runners – The young and energetic deliver the bagged mochi to the pickup area.

Time schedule for mochitsuki weekend:

      Friday, Dec. 7 – Rice washing and papering annex hall floor (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

      Saturday, Dec. 8 – Equipment setup (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

      Sunday, Dec. 9 – Mochitsuki Day (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Have not ordered your mochi?

      Cost is $4.50 for a one-pound bag (approximately seven pieces) of mochi

      Cost is $7.00 for the two-piece Kasane for your home obutsudan

      Pre-orders will be accepted through this weekend. Orders received by after Dec. 5 will be placed on standby.

Donations being accepted

     You may consider a contribution towards the purchase of mochigome and other supplies. Each year, an outpouring of monetary donations is enough to cover all expenses.

Other sales during mochitsuki

     Kaytee Sumida’s White Elephant will offer knick knack for sale

     Kris Tokunaga, the Tupperware Lady, will be selling items for the holiday season.

     BWA will be selling its almond brittle and popcorn

Luncheon

     Bring a dish to share for the potluck luncheon. There will be a lot of hungry tummies after a productive work day.

 Please call (619-239-0896) or email the temple (info@btsd.net) if you have any questions or would like to place an order. And, we look forward to seeing you during the Mochitsuki weekend!