By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (SHELACH), twelve ‘spies’, after scouting the land of Canaan for forty days, returned with a blatantly exaggerated falsehood pertaining to the strength and size of the inhabitants. With the exception of Joshua and Caleb, the other ten men rejected the assumption that the people […]
Author: AHWebMaint
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: SHELACH (NUMBERS 13:1-15:41)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (BEHAALOTECHA), we read about the Israelite’s turbulent saga of disillusionment with their way of life in the desert. This week’s Parsha (SHELACH) takes a new and momentarily promising turn, with a look towards the future. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Send out men, […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BEHAALOTECHA (NUMBERS 8:1-12:16)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Shortly after a year of being rescued from Egypt, this week’s Torah Parsha (BEHAALOTECHA) provides a glimpse into Moses’ psyche, as well as the state of mind of the Israelites. The Children of Israel have just learned that via God’s instructions to Moses, they will soon be leaving Mount […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: NASO (NUMBERS 4:21-7:89)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (NASO) begins with a continuation of last week’s Parsha (BAMIDBAR); completing the census of the Children of Israel, and assigning the intricate details of the tasks to be performed by each individual tribe, in the transporting of the Tabernacle. With 176 verses, NASO is both […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BAMIDAR (NUMBERS 1:1-4:20)
Last week, we concluded the reading of the Book of LEVITICUS, with the reading of Parsha (BECHUKOTAI). This week, we begin the Book of NUMBERS, with plans to dismantle the Tabernacle, and to re-build it further into the wilderness. In the second year of the EXODUS, God spoke to Moses: “Take a census of all […]
Jane’s Kitchen: Vegan Lasagna Rolls With Tofu Ricotta
Servings: 6 1 box lasagna noodles (regular or whole grain) 3-4 cups marinara or other pasta sauce of choice 1/2 cup shredded vegan mozzarella For The Tofu Ricotta: 1 14 ounce block firm or extra firm tofu (NOT Silken) 1/2 cup vegan parmesan, grated 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning (or blend of dried […]
Jane’s Kitchen: Cheese Blintzes
Servings: 12 Batter: 1 cup milk 1 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Filling: 1 tablespoon melted butter 4 eggs Filling 2 egg yolks 1 1/2 pounds farmer cheese 1 inch strip lemon peel 1 tablespoon melted butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Batter: Place all ingredients in […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BECHUKOTAI (LEVITICUS 26:3-27:34)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant The final Parsha, BECHUKOTAI, in the Book of LEVITICUS begins with stunning clarity of the terms of Jewish life under the covenant. In the first part, there is an idyllic picture of the blessing of Divine favor. If the Israelites follow God’s decrees and keep His commandments, there will […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BEHAR (LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week, we read a double Parshiot, (BEHAR) followed by (BECHUKOTAI), ending the Book of Leviticus. The primary themes of Parsha (BEHAR) are laws and commandments, pertaining to freedom, equality, and charity with ‘dignity’. The Lord spoke to Moses and said: “Tell the Children of Israel, you may sow […]
Jane’s Kitchen: Grape and Almond Gaspacho
Servings: 6 2 pounds seedless green grapes 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped 1/4 cup almonds, toasted 2 scallions, white and light green parts only, coarsely chopped 1/8 cup rice or tarragon vinegar 1/2 cup plain yogurt 3 ounces cream cheese 1/4 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3/4 […]