By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant For several weeks and many chapters- – the longest prelude in the Torah – – we have read of the preparations for the moment at which God would bring His Presence to rest in the midst of the people. Five Torah Parshiot (TERUMAH, TETZAVEH, KI TISA, VAYAKHEL, and PEKUDI) […]
Author: AHWebMaint
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: PASSSOVER
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant When Passover coincides with Shabbat, we intercept our reading of Leviticus, and return to the portion of EXODUS, to repeat the miraculous story of how our ancestors escaped slavery in Egypt, and became a free nation. We reiterate the tenth and final plague, which God imposed on the Pharaoh […]
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 (VAKIRA) 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 (VAKIRA), differentiated solely by the focus shifting to the kohanim, who […]
Jane’s Kitchen: Mock Mock Turtle Soup
Servings: 10 A vegetarian version, of a beef and veal version, of the turtle meat original, that was really popular with the founding fathers dining at the City Tavern in Philadelphia in 1776. 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 12 ounces Plant-based burger (I like Impossible brand) 2/3 cup carrots, chopped 2/3 cup onions, chopped 2/3 cup […]
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)
This week we read two Parshiot: VAYAKHEL followed by 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 modifications, these two Parshiot are virtually exact […]
Jane’s Kitchen: Cloud-High Coconut Cake with Pineapple Fiilling (or Snowball Cake)
“From a magazine recipe my mom found in the early 1960’s. The very best coconut cake ever. The yellow cake is the easiest, most foolproof cake, and the most delicious. It’s hard to imagine it’s made with shortening, it tastes so buttery. Unfrosted cake freezes well; use for trifle or shortcake. Frosting makes great meringues […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: MISHPATIM (EXODUS 21:1-24:18)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (YITRO), the Ten Commandments rang out from Mount Sinai in a symphony of sound and vision, thunder and lightning – -and the world was forever changed. Although this week’s Parsha (MISHPATIM) lacks the’ Pyrotechnic Accompaniment’, its message is, in effect, a qualification and […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: YITRO (EXODUS 18:1-20:23)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (YITRO) consists of two episodes, which appear to be a study in contrast. In the first (Chapter 18, YITRO), Moses’ father-in-law, a high level Midianite provides Moses lessons in management and governance. In the second, the prime mover is God, Himself, who, in an unprecedented […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BESHALACH (EXODUS 13:17-17:16)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant The splitting of the ‘Sea of Reeds’ is one of the seminal events in Jewish history. This week’s Torah Parsha (BESHALACH) begins with a description of how the Israelites finally left Egypt, and the yoke of the Pharaoh. What had been considered impossible had occurred! The mightiest army in […]