A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BEREISHIT (GENESIS 1:1-6:8)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   “In the beginning of God’s creation of the heavens and earth, God said: “Let there be light; and there was light”(1). The first Torah parsha of the Book of Genesis, Bereishit, is probably the most familiar of any other portions of the Torah. The wondrous origination of the […]

Jane’s Kitchen: Pumpkin Bisque with Ginger

Servings: 8    2 cloves garlic, grated  1 1/3 cups chopped onion  2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root  2 tablespoons canola oil  4 tablespoons all-purpose flour  4 cups chicken broth  2/3 cup apple cider or juice  3 cups pumpkin puree or Hubbard squash puree 4 tablespoons maple syrup  1/4 teaspoon dried thyme  1/4 teaspoon ground […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: HAAZINU (DEUTERONOMY 32:1- 32:5)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   Every year, either in proximity, or during the ‘Ten Days of Repentance,’ we read the penultimate Torah parsha, Haazinu. It is no coincidence that when we are experiencing a heightened sense of spirituality, we are enjoined to hear Moses’ final words to The Children of Israel. For a […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAYELECH (DEUTERONOMY 31:1-31:30)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   This week’s Torah parsha, Vayelech, is both heartrending as well and inspirational. It begins with Moses speaking the following words to the Children of Israel: “Today, I am one hundred and twenty years old; and the Lord has told me that I will not cross the Jordan with […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: NITZAVIM (DEUTERONOMY 29:9-30:20)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   After hearing the list of the 98 terrifying curses at the end of last week’s Torah parsha, Ki Tavo, the people were devastated and questioned whether they could possibly withstand such frightful punishments. Moses responded with the opening statement of parsha Nitzavim: “You are all still standing this […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KI TAVO (DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   This week’s parsha, Ki Tavo, begins with instructions from Moses to the Children of Israel. They are directed that on the very day that they cross the Jordan, to create two huge stones on which each word of the Torah will be clearly written. At that point, The […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KI TEITZEI (DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   This week’s Torah parsha, Ki Teitzei, occurs as the Children of Israel are at the brink of embarking on war with hostile nations, as they tirelessly struggle to reach the ‘Promised Land.’ The parsha comprises seventy-four of the Torah’s six hundred and thirteen commandments. The separate commandments pertaining […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: SHOFTIM (DEUTERONOMY 16:18-21:9)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   In previous parshiot we learned how God began preparing for the establishment of a new nation in the ‘Promised Land.’ Equal portions of the land were allotted, according to the population of each of the tribes. Last week’s Torah parsha, Re’eh, emphasized the importance of ‘tzedakah’ (charity), whereby […]

Warm Spanish-Style Cannellini Bean Salad With Smoked Paprika and Celery

Jane’s Kitchen: Warm Spanish-Style Cannellini Bean Salad With Smoked Paprika and Celery

Servings: 6    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  2 tablespoons tomato paste  1 teaspoon garlic, minced  1/4 cup shallot, minced  1/2 teaspoon mild smoked paprika  2 stalks celery, peeled and cut on a bias into 1/4-inch slices  1 15-ounce can cannellini beans or gigantes white beans, drained and rinsed  2 tablespoons white wine vinegar  1/4 […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: RE’EH (DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   “See, I am setting before you today the blessing and the curse: the blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your GOD, which I am giving to you today; the curse if you disobey the commandments of the Lord, your GOD”(1). These are the first words […]