Food Tourah: Vaetchanan

August 5, 2025 in Food Tourah

Because life so often happens around food, we’re spending the year exploring the weekly parshiot and finding connections to each week’s Shabbat menu. 45 parshiot down, 9 more to go!

Vaetchanan (“I Pleaded”) opens as Moses pleads with G-d to be allowed to enter the Promised Land. G-d refuses, instead instructing Moses to imbue Joshua with “strength and courage” to lead the Jewish people. (Deut. 3:28)  Moses urges the Israelites to remember to follow G-d’s laws and commandments, reminding them of the fate of those who did not – including the penalty that Moses himself received. He warns the people not to pursue idolatry.

Moses calls on the Israelites to remember all that they have seen – G-d’s displays of power and acts of wonder – and to pass these memories on to their children so that they, too, will have faith in G-d and will follow G-d’s laws. He reassures the people that G-d is compassionate and “will not fail you nor let you perish” (Deut. 4:31)  Moses then repeats the Ten Commandments, including the commandment to observe Shabbat, and then states the first section of the Shema – a powerful declaration of faith.

With the parsha’s emphasis on memory and passing things on to the next generation, consider starting your Shabbat with this cocktail called Sweet Memories.  Bonus – the recipe includes a non-alcoholic version, too. A Ten Commandment Salad is a good way to begin your meal this week. In our summary, we singled out the commandment to observe Shabbat – because there are so many ways to go with it.  We enjoyed reading through this Article about Shabbat dinner ideas from Jewish families around the world.  Shabbat Overnight Stew (a.k.a. cholent!) is a year-round favorite, and we couldn’t resist sharing these Shabbos Potatoes – stovetop-cooked and billed as the ultimate Shabbos comfort food.  They sound delicious!

And because you might think someone else had taken over this blog if we didn’t include dessert, these 10-Cup Cookies are a playful nod to both the Ten Commandments and to memory.  Why memory?  The author jokes that one can easily memorize this recipe because it includes ten ingredients all measured at 1 cup – though we noticed there are a few extra ingredients that don’t fit that description!

Finally for an extra-sweet end to your evening, check out this Vegan Pink Moon Milk. Many families have a tradition of reciting the Shema with their children at bedtime.  Some may even fall asleep in bed with their kiddos, but for those who need a little extra help unwinding, this cozy bedtime drink is guaranteed to soothe.

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