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December 10, 2024 in Food Tourah
Parshat Vayishlach – 8 parshiot down, only 46 more to go!
Vayishlach opens as Jacob prepares to return to his homeland and reunite with his brother Esau. Anxious about their encounter, Jacob separates his family and flocks into two groups, hoping that if one is attacked the other might survive. He sends his servants ahead with gifts for Esau and with a message that Jacob is coming in peace.
That night, Jacob wrestles with an unnamed figure – interpreted by some as an angel and by others as God – until dawn. As the struggle concludes, the figure informs Jacob that his name will now be Israel, meaning one who struggles with God. This marks the first mention of the name Israel in the Torah, perhaps foreshadowing the Jewish people’s inclination to question and debate!
Shortly after this encounter, Jacob looks up to see Esau approaching. Jacob shows his brother deference by bowing to the ground, and Esau greets him warmly embracing him and kissing him. Though reconciled, the brothers part ways, with Esau returning home while Jacob travels slowly to accommodate his family and flocks. This parsha also recounts the troubling story of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, and the subsequent actions of her brothers Simeon and Levi. It concludes with two deaths: Rachel, in childbirth with Benjamin, and Isaac, who passes away at the age of 180 years.
After a night-long struggle with the enigmatic figure, Jacob must be ready for his unpredictable reunion with Esau, whom he hasn’t seen since fleeing after stealing his brother’s birthright. Clearly Jacob needed to be well rested and at his best, so we thought a coffee-infused recipe would be perfect. How about Maple Glazed Salmon w/Coffee Rub? Wake Up and Smell the Coffee – Rubbed Chicken Thighs also fit the bill!
The first mention of Israel in the Torah inspired a nod to the land itself with a simple Israeli Salad recipe. And when we started thinking about names, we were reminded of Shakespeare’s timeless question, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet.” Stretch or not, our next natural thought was to find recipes with rosewater in them! Easy Persian Saffron Rice (with Rose Water) pairs beautifully with any main dish on your table.
Finally, in recognition of Esau’s warm embrace and kiss when he greets Jacob, finish your meal on a sweet note with Classic Meringue Kisses.
B’tayavon and Shabbat Shalom, Alison (Baraf) & Sarah (Roark)
To read past installments of Food Tourah – Click Here.
For a more in-depth look at this week’s parsha, visit Sefaria.org.
