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July 29, 2025 in Food Tourah
Parshat Devarim – 44 parshiot down, only 10 more to go!
Devarim (“Words”) is the first parsha in the Book of Deuteronomy – the fifth and final book of the Torah. Moses tells the Israelites that God has said, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.” (Deut. 1:6) It is time to take the final steps of the journey. In what can be described as his farewell address, Moses recounts key events from the Israelites’ 40 years in the desert. He recalls the appointment of chiefs for each tribe and the episode with the spies who scouted the Promised Land and came back with stories of impenetrable walls and giants, which led the Israelites to fear for their safety. Because of their lack of faith, the generation that left Egypt – Moses included – would not be entering the Promised Land. Instead, their children, along with Joshua and Caleb (who had shown unwavering trust in G-d), would be the ones to cross into it.
Moses also reminds the Israelites that as they travel through the land of their distant relatives – the descendants of Esau and others – they should not provoke them. They must pay for all food and water and pass through peacefully. God has always protected and provided for the Israelites, a truth He demonstrated once again when Kings Sihon and Og refused them peaceful passage, granting the Israelites victory over both. The parsha ends with Moses reassuring the Israelites that they are in good hands as he begins to pass the torch of leadership to Joshua.
We were especially struck this week by God’s words, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.” At some point growth requires movement. Whether it’s graduating, starting a new job, beginning a new chapter or simply taking a step we’ve been avoiding, we’ve all been in that moment when it is time to leave our comfort zone and move forward. This idea inspired us to consider recipes evocative of growth. A Summer Couscous Salad was the perfect find – the couscous literally grows as it cooks – a fitting symbol of the growth that comes from embracing what comes next.
Growth also requires nourishment. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, they needed strength for the journey ahead. Packed with protein from both chicken and quinoa, this One Pan Chicken and Quinoa is delicious, grounding, and satisfying. Or if salmon is more your style, Salmon and Braised Lentils is equally tasty and sustaining.
Devarim is also a powerful reminder that God always sustained the Israelites, providing whatever they needed – throughout their journey they were blessed with abundance. Known for his flavorful recipes with an emphasis on vegetables, browse recipes on Yotam Ottolenghi’s Website – some from his vegetarian cookbook Plenty.
Finally, Moses’ instruction to pay for food and water and to pass through neighboring lands peacefully emphasizes a timeless message of peaceful coexistence. World Peace Cookies deliciously satisfy your chocolate cravings and are a sweet reminder that some hopes never go out of style. Chocolate not your thing (gasp!), a simple Honey Cake makes a fitting finale. Just as we dip apples in honey to welcome a sweet new year, honey symbolizes hope for a sweet future – an appropriate way to celebrate the Israelites’ next chapter as they stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land.
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
