Food Tourah – Terumah

February 25, 2025 in Food Tourah

Parshat Terumah – 19 parshiot down, only 35 more to go!

Terumah (“Donation”), like the previous parsha, is not narrative in nature. God instructs Moses to collect offerings from the Israelites for the construction of the Mishkan, a portable sanctuary where G-d’s presence would dwell among the people.   God describes each and every detail of how the sanctuary should look including measurements, materials, and design. Central to the Mishkan is the Ark – a place to house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Ark is to be crafted from acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and fitted with gold rings for carrying poles. Two cherubim are to sit atop the Ark, facing each other with outspread wings, signifying God’s presence in the sanctuary. Additional features described include the table for the showbread (also known as the bread of display), the golden menorah, and intricately woven curtains and coverings – each detail symbolizing the sacred space’s role in connecting the Israelites with the divine.

With so many details to choose from in this parsha, a fun place to begin is with Holy Guacamole – a nod to the divine spirit that dwells within the Mishkan and within all of us. Next, enjoy these tasty baked Onion Rings.  Not only are they delicious, but they also mirror the gold rings used in the construction of the Ark. Did you know that pomegranates are sometimes referred to as jewels of winter or ruby-red treasures?  Echoing the jewels and precious materials that the Israelites contributed to adorn the Mishkan, try this Jewel Winter Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette.  And if you are feeling extra festive this Shabbat, a Winter Jewel French 75 is the perfect cocktail to toast with!

For a multi-step recipe that parallels the parsha’s emphasis on detailed instructions, as well as the gold used throughout the Mishkan, we suggest Golden Carrot Soup with Pistachio Dukkah. This vibrant, hearty soup is perfect for cold winter nights and satisfying enough to serve as an entrée. If you’d like to add chicken or meat to your Shabbat table, simply use a non-dairy yogurt for the topping or leave it out altogether!  And finally, because every meal should end on a sweet note, we suggest English Cherub Bars – a sweet reflection of the two cherubim with outspread wings perched atop the Ark.

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.com.