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 […]
Author: AHWebMaint
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 […]
Jane’s Kitchen: Noodle Kugel
” The best noodle kugel ever, good warm or at room temperature. A great addition to a holiday buffet. “ Servings: 6 1 pound wide egg noodles, cooked in salted water and drained 1/4 pound melted butter (1 stick) 4 eggs, well beaten 1 cup sugar 1 pint sour cream 1/2 cup white raisins (optional) […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BO (EXODUS 10:1-13:16)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (BO) continues with the story of Exodus. God had already inflicted seven devastating plagues on Egypt, subsequent to the Pharaoh’s perpetual denial to free the enslaved Israelites. In Parsha (BO), it becomes apparent that from the very first time that God approached Moses (behind the […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VA’EIRA (EXODUS 6:2-9:35)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Last week’s Torah Parsha (SHEMOT) ended with Moses and Aaron both discouraged, as the Pharaoh of Egypt denied their request to free the enslaved Israelites. This week’s Parsha (VA’EIRA) describes with precise detail, the first seven of the ten plagues, which would eventually decimate all of Egypt. A major […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: SHEMOT (EXODUS 1:1-6:1)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant The opening chapters of Exodus plunge us into a midst of epic events. Moses passes from Prince of Egypt; to Midianite shepherd; to leader of the Israelites. The narrative begins with a new Pharaoh of Egypt, “who did not know of Joseph” (1). However, the descendants of Jacob had […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAYECHI (GENESIS 44:28-50:26)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (VAYIGASH), Joseph became overwhelmed with emotion, when he learned that his father, Jacob was still alive. He revealed his identity to his eleven brothers; and, urged them to bring his father and all of their wives and children to Egypt. The brothers were both […]