Jane’s Kitchen: Joan Nathan’s Honey Orange Chicken

  Servings: 4   1 large eggs  1 teaspoon water  1/2 cup matza meal or breadcrumbs  1/2 teaspoon salt  1/16 teaspoon pepper  3 pounds chicken breast, skinless, boneless, about 10-12 ounces each, If your chicken breasts are an inch thick, flatten them down a little to ¾ inch thick.  1/4 cup vegetable oil  1/2 cup […]

Jane’s Kitchen: Ashkephardic Charoset

  The best of both worlds, combining Ashkenazic apple and Sephardic date charoset. 1 cup walnuts or other nuts (if allergic substitute sunflower, pumpkin or sesame seeds) 1/2 pound pitted dates 1/4 pound mixed dried fruit such as raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots 1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juice (Knudsen’s), orange juice or Passover wine 1/2 […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TZAV (LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   The primary theme of last week’s Torah Parsha (VAYIKRA) pertained to the five diverse sacrifices, which the Israelites presented at the Sanctuary. On the surface, this week’s Torah Parsha (TZAV) appears to be merely an extension of Parsha (VAYIKRA), differentiated solely by the focus shifting to the Kohanim, […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAKIRA (LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26)

By Joy  Scott,  Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (VAKIRA) is the first Parsha in the Book of Leviticus, known formally as ‘Torat Kohanim’ (instructions for the Priests) (1). The title for this Parsha defines the entire Book of Leviticus. We have just completed reading the thrilling and dramatic story of the Book of […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI (EXODUS 3:51-40:38)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week we read two Parshiot (VAYKHEL) followed by Parsha (PEKUDEI). Each of these Parshiot are replete with multiple, and frequently contradictory interpretations. The logical rationale for the perplexity of the sages is a remarkable concurrence of events, without apparent connection. In effect, with the exception of a few […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KI TISA (EXODUS 30:11-34:35)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah This week’s Torah Parsha (KI TISA) begins on Mount Sinai, where God is relating to Moses some rather benign instructions, pertaining to final particulars, for completion of the Holy Sanctuary. It is expected that Moses will remain at the top of the mountain for another forty days. Here, he will […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TETZAVEH (EXODUS 27:20-30:10)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   The primary theme of last week’s Torah Parsha (TERUMAH) was the building of the Mishkan (Sanctuary). Each Israelite donated the gold; silver; copper; fabric; and, all of the other materials required to create a dwelling of splendor, where God would live ‘within its midst’. This week’s Torah Parsha […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TERUMAH (EXODUS 25:1-27:19)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (MISHPATIM), Moses provided clarification of the Ten Commandments, given to the Israelites, by God, at Mount Sinai. Additionally, the Children of Israel learned the nature of numerous other laws, commandments, prohibitions; and, the consequences for disobedience. This week’s Torah Parsha (TERUMAH), begins with God’s […]

Jane’s Kitchen: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

  From Ina Garten, Servings: 4   1 1 1/2 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed 3/4″  extra virgin olive oil  1 tablespoon pure maple syrup  kosher salt and freshly ground pepper  3 tablespoons dried cranberries  3/4 cup apple cider or juice  2 tablespoons cider vinegar  2 tablespoons shallots, minced  2 teaspoons Dijon mustard  4 […]