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 […]

Jane’s Kitchen: Seven Species Challah

From Jamie Geller Test Kitchens   1/2 cup warm water  1/2 cup pomegranate juice, at room temperature  2 1/2 teaspoons yeast  1 cup bread flour  2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt  1 cup barley flour  1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil  1/3 cup silan date honey (recipe below) (or use bee honey and add some dates […]

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 […]