Food Tourah: Ha’azinu

September 30, 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.

53 parshiot down, only 1 more to go!

Ha’azinu (“Listen”) contains the poem that God commanded Moses to write at the end of last week’s parsha. Often called the Song of Moses, it begins with Moses expressing his desire that his words will have a positive effect on the people like “showers on young growth, like droplets on the grass.” (Deut. 32:2) In this song, Moses praises God as steadfast and just, while reminding the Israelites of their history of ingratitude and idol worship.  He urges them to ask their parents and their elders to recount God’s glory, warning that turning away leads to suffering, while emphasizing God’s overarching mercy and care.

When Moses finishes his lyrical words, he charges the Israelites to take these words to heart, teach them to their children, and follow them faithfully. Ha’azinu ends with God instructing Moses to climb Mount Nebo to look out upon the Promised Land – destined for the Israelites but not for him, as his life’s journey comes to its end.

If you’ll allow us some poetic license, we’d like to begin with Egg Drop Soup – our reasons are twofold.  First, in a literal sense, the word “Drop” recalls Moses’ opening wish that his song fall gently and enrich the people like raindrops. Second, its silky, comforting texture nourishes just like Moses’ words were meant to nourish and comfort the Israelites. Perfect for these cooler days, it can be made with either chicken or vegetable broth.  With God’s greatness at the center of this parsha, The Greatest Creamed Greens make a fitting next item on the menu. Rich and glorious, they mirror the bounty of God’s magnificence.  And while this is slightly off topic, we came across these Waffles of Insane Greatness and could not resist sharing them. So pull out your waffle maker this weekend, or file this one away for the next time you crave breakfast for dinner!

Ha’azinu also emphasizes passing things from one generation to the next.  With that in mind, let your family’s favorite main course take center stage at your Shabbat table this week.  Finally, end your meal with Ultimate Bittersweet Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Standing on Mount Nebo, Moses looks across at the land he had led the Israelites toward but would never enter himself – a profoundly bittersweet moment. As we enter 5786, may the year ahead bring you far more sweet than bitter.

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.