So, this is it - the final parsha of the Torah. We won't have a regular Shabbat when we read this parsha, since we read it on Simchat Torah and then immediatly begin again with Bereshit. That's not just this year, but every year. Still, I felt like this parsha deserves its #parshainspiredmenus due.
While all of D'varim has been Moshe's final words to the people of Israel, this is really it - the final
words and blessings he will give before they enter Israel and he does not. Moshe then blesses the people, tribe by tribe. But here's where it gets interesting - he leaves out Simeon. Moshe still talks to 12 tribes, but he lists Ephraim and Menashe separately, so someone has to be left out to keep it at 12. The commentators have some ideas about why it would be Simeon. The first ties into Jacob's last words to his sons, where he chastises Simeon and Levi for their part in the violence in Shechem. The concept is that Simeon's tribe continues to bear that consequence. So, why does the tribe of Levi get cleared? One idea is because of other actions taken by Levites throughout their time in the desert - such as Pinchas and the responsibility they have taken for the work in the Temple. Another idea is regarding the land that is the tribe of Simeon's inheritance. Simeon's territory was in the southwest of Canaan, bordered by the Tribe of Judah to the east and south. The boundaries between the two tribes were vague, and Simeon may have been an enclave within Judah's territory, so the blessing of Judah could cover Simeon. A 3rd interesting point is that Moshe wouldn't want to get to 12 tribes with just Joseph because Joshua is from the tribe of Ephraim, so it's a measure of kavod (honor) to Joshua. Whatever the reason, we often find that something that's missing becomes even more interesting. In honor of the missing Simeon in the parsha, I'm going to recommend one of our Simeon's favorite meals to be made on Simchat Torah, Pesto Chicken (see recipe below).
The second idea for #parshainspiredmenus is actually from the very first word. "V'zot" (and this). As mentioned earlier, there's another time that someone blesses each one of the tribes - when Jacob blesses his sons. In the Stone chumash, it was noted that the summary sentence of that
blessing also contains the word "v'zot." This is the blessing. I thought this continuity and connection was really cool. How does the blessing of Moshe to the people of Israel connect to the blessings of a father to his sons and the tribe that would become the people?
כׇּל־אֵ֛לֶּה שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֑ר וְ֠זֹ֠את אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֨ר לָהֶ֤ם אֲבִיהֶם֙ וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אוֹתָ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כְּבִרְכָת֖וֹ בֵּרַ֥ךְ אֹתָֽם׃
All these were the tribes of Israel, twelve in number, and this is what their father said to them as he bade them farewell, addressing to each a parting word appropriate to him.
What to do for a menu item with "zot/this"? Gotta do a word play...zot becomes risotto! Plus risotto is a great side dish with Pesto Chicken. While most risotto dishes include cream and/or cheese, you can find pareve options, like this Oven-Baked Risotto option.
Shabbat Shalom & B'Tayavon!
Pareve Basil Pesto Chicken (Dairy Free)
2/3 cup pine nuts
4 cups fresh basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves roasted garlic (or 2 cloves unroasted)
1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste
1/2 fresh lemon, juiced (or more to taste)
boneless chicken breast, sliced into pieces
Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts to the skillet. Stir them continuously until they’re toasted golden brown. Remove from heat.
Add toasted pine nuts to a food processor along with 4 cups of fresh, clean basil leaves.
Pulse the nuts and leaves together into small pieces. Scrape the sides of the processor.
Add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil along with the remaining ingredients
Some people like a thicker pesto, while others prefer a more liquid pesto for drizzling. If you’d like a more liquid texture, add more olive oil by the tablespoon and continue to process till you get the texture you want. Add more salt to taste, if desired.
Meanwhile, saute chicken breast strips in a large pan with some oil, salt & pepper. When mostly cooked, transfer pesto into pan. Let cook on low for a few minutes.
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