Food Tourah – Shemot

January 14, 2025 in Food Tourah

Parshat Shemot – 13 parshiot down, only 41 more to go!

Moving right along into the second book of the Torah, Shemot is the opening parsha in the Book of Exodus. In Shemot, we see the Israelites multiply and grow in number.  A new Egyptian ruler comes to power and, fearing that the Israelites might one day rise against Egypt, he subjects them to harsh labor and decrees that all newborn Israelite boys be killed. We all know the story of baby Moses in the basket: he is found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the palace. As an adult, Moses kills an Egyptian soldier after witnessing him beating a Hebrew worker.  Fearing for his safety, Moses flees to Midian where he marries, settles down, and becomes a shepherd.  At the burning bush, God calls upon Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to the land of “milk and honey”. (Exodus 3:8) Moses returns and demands that Pharaoh “let his people go”. Instead, Pharaoh hardens his stance and treats the Israelites with even more cruelty.

As a nod to the expanding Israelite population described in Shemot, include Porcini Mushroom Risotto on your Shabbat table. Just as the Israelites multiplied and filled the land, arborio rice absorbs liquid as it cooks and can swell up to three times its original size and fill your bellies. 😋 Bonus: this risotto recipe is completely dairy-free!  Playing on the story of baby Moses floating down the Nile, we chose two recipes that seemed apropos: Mediterranean Endive Boats and Stuffed Zucchini Boats – hearty, satisfying additions that gently echo this moment in the parsha.

In Shemot, we once again encounter a character in need of a good night’s sleep – Moses, who will need all his strength and mental clarity to stand up to Pharaoh and lead his people to freedom.  Combining milk, honey and other soothing ingredients, this Dreamy Nighttime Drink feels like just the thing.  Who couldn’t use a moment of peace and rest? Finally, the image of the burning bush led us to thoughts of campfires, and naturally, to this Easy Pan O’ S’mores. A sweet ending to your meal, these treats are sure to spark warm memories and smiles around your Shabbat table.

B’tayavon and Shabbat Shalom,
Alison (Baraf) & Sarah (Roark)

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For a more in-depth look at this week’s parsha, visit Sefaria.com.