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 […]

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 […]