This summer I had the privilege of learning from Rabbi Gordon Tucker. He comes to teach at Camp Ramah and then even after he left camp he imparted wisdom to the staff through D'vrei Torah/D'vrei Tefillah in our WhatsApp group (talk about a modern way to learn Torah!) This week's inspired menu is inspired by his teaching.
This parsha always falls at the start of the month of Elul, so the Vilna Goan looked to find a connection between the parsha and this time of reflection as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah. The Parasha starts with these words: שופטים ושוטרים תתן לך בכל שעריך -- “You shall place judges and enforcers in all of your [city] gates.” This is meant as an instruction to the Israelites to make sure they have a justice system set up. However, the Vilna Gaon found a more personal and introspective meaning.
From Rabbi Tucker: "Each of us has many “gateways”, i.e. ports through which we both take things in and give things out. Our eyes focus on both things both beautiful and ugly, and also transmit silent messages to others, whether compassionate or biting. Our ears listen to all manner of words, both words of wisdom and empty or malicious gossip. Our mouths utter words that can be comforting or cruel. All of these “gateways” to and from our inner selves must be guarded, so that we use all of our abilities for goodness and kindness, and not for self-promotion and recklessness."
To emphasize this point and to remind ourselves to be conscious and careful about how we use the gateways of our thoughts and speech, the dishes this week are chosen to reflect those gateways.
1) Eyes - Whether it's an old wives tale or not, the food I immediately associate with eyes is carrots. So, I'd make one of our favorite family recipes, my mom's carrot soufflé.
Also, as a second eye dish, for dessert, I'd make almond cookies with the whole almond on top as it looks like an eye shape. https://theclevermeal.com/almond-cookies/
2) Ears - Since there is a pasta whose name means "little ear" it seems fitting to make some kind of Orecchiette pasta dish. If you want variety, you can check out "17 Orecchiette Pasta Recipes For a Fun Dinner" https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/orecchiette-pasta-recipes/ Of course, some of these would need adjusting for kashrut purposes. I'm leaning towards adaptations on the recipe for Orecchiette with Cauliflower and Pine Nuts.
3) Mouth - Unshelled edamame often looks like a smile to me, so I'd do some steamed and lightly salted edamame as a side dish and serve up a bowl of smiles :)
B'tayavon and Shabbat Shalom!
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