Food Tourah: Matot-Masei

July 22, 2025 in Food Tourah

Another double parsha this week, Matot-Masei – 42nd and 43rd parshiot down, only 11 more to go!

Matot (“Tribes”) opens with the laws of vows – how they differ depending on whether made by a man or a woman, and whether the woman still resides with her father or a husband.  The parsha then turns to the Israelites’ battles with the Midianites and the division of the spoils.  As they near the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad request to settle outside of Israel where the grazing is superior for their large cattle holdings. Though initially disapproving, Moses relents – provided that the Reubenites and the Gaddites assist the Israelites in conquering the land across the Jordan.

Masei (“Travels”) recounts the Israelites’ long journey from Egypt, naming each stop along the way to the Promised Land. Jewish tradition counts 42 distinct journeys (or stages) in this itinerary.  As the Israelites prepare to enter the land, G-d instructs them to destroy all idols that they find in the Land of Israel and describes the boundaries of their future home.  The parsha ends with the establishment of cities of refuge – designated places for people who unintentionally cause the death of another.

This week’s menu is its own little journey across the region – from Jordan to Yemen to Israel – with plenty of provisions for the road. Let’s start with vows.  How fun is this Pinky Promise Cocktail to welcome in Shabbat and kick off the weekend?  Exotic ingredients like lychee and dragonfruit call to mind the myriad stops and far-flung flavors encountered on the journey to the Promised Land. Next, a recipe from the region: Royal Kebabs from Jordan, a nod to Reuben and Gad’s cattle. The author of the recipe also suggests a drizzle of zhoug (from Yemen) or serving the kebabs alongside a plate of shakshuka (most often associated with Israel!). For the vegetarians in our midst, these instructions for making a Vegan Grazing Platter are also a tie-in to the lush grazing fields just outside the Promised Land.

All this talk about journeys made us think about trail mix. Try this recipe for classic GORP (which some stands for “good ‘ol raisins and peanuts”). Sweet and salty, it’s best enjoyed with someone who likes the ingredients you try to pick around! Or try these Chewy Vegan Trail Mix Cookies – because really, there’s no such thing as too much dessert! We are also including this roundup of Easy Recipes to Pack Along. The Israelites were in such a rush that they ended up with matzah – but with a little more planning you can choose meals that satisfy cravings and leave you feeling energized when you arrive at your destination. These are great options for travel or for enjoying on Shabbat, so you don’t have to fuss with meals and can truly savor the Shalom.

And with that we’ve finished FOUR books of the Torah! Forty-two journeys. Forty years in the wilderness. Forty-three parshiot explored. Chazak, Chazak, Venitchazek = Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another. 🥂

Now let’s celebrate… preferably with something sparkling. Champagne Granita is both on theme and the perfect finish to your meal on these oh-so-hot summer days.🍾

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

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To read past installments of Food Tourah – Click Here.

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