Currently Browsing: Shabbat Themes
Apr 25, 2016
Shabbat Passover (Deut. 14:22 – 16:17 & Num. 28:19 – 28:25)
This is one of those rare years when there is not one, but TWO Shabbatot celebrated during Passover. That’s two opportunities to integrate the idea of the joy and relaxation of Shabbat along with the humility (lack of chametz) of Passover. However, the last full day of Passover is also a day when the novelty of Passover food has lost it’s lustre for many people. Most years, folks may decide to... read more
Apr 18, 2016
Shabbat Passover (Ex. 12:21 – 12:51 & Num. 28:16 – 28:25)
In the Haggadah, we read: “Let all who are hungry, come and eat” SO… limited only by your creativity and the category of food which you have been assigned AND the limitations of Passover food, please bring something which represents your hunger. Not sure what this Torah portion is about? You can find a brief summary in The Edible Torah’s “Condensed Guide to the Weekly Torah Readings”.... read more
Apr 11, 2016
Shabbat Metzorah (Lev. 14:1 – 15:33)
This weeks’ portion is… challenging. Especially when you have to relate it to a food assignment. On the surface, it discusses all manner of unappetizing subjects – Leprosy, menstruation and nocturnal emissions to name a few. Reading this portion with it’s p’shat (“plain text”) meaning can lead to discomfort, nausea and uncontrollable urges to put the Torah down... read more
Apr 4, 2016
Shabbat Tazria (Lev 12:1-13:59 )
Tazria begins the discussion of situations where people, places or things are “unclean” or “impure” – which may or may not be as negative as it sounds. However, the very first thing in Tazria (“When she gives birth”) is babies. After a woman gives birth, she is considered impure for a certain number of days (different for a boy versus a girl). Is this a good thing... read more
Mar 28, 2016
Shabbat Shmini (Lev. 9:1-11:47 )
Thesaurus.com lists the following synonyms for the word “drunk” (as in “intoxicated”): bashed, befuddled, boozed up*, buzzed*, canned, crocked*, drinking, drunken, flushed*, flying*, fuddled, gassed, glazed*, groggy, hammered, high*, hosed, in orbit, inebriated, jolly, jugged, juiced*, laced*, liquored up*, lit*, lush, merry, muddled, oiled, on a bun, overcome, pie-eyed,... read more
