Parsha Inspired Menus - Ki Teitzei

God places a really high value on hospitality. We see that in several places in the Torah and one example is from this week's parsha when God tells the Israelites who from other peoples CAN and CAN'T become part of the congregation of God.

No Ammonite or Moabite shall be admitted into the congregation of GOD; no descendants of such, even in the tenth generation, shall ever be admitted into the congregation of GOD, because they did not meet you with food and water on your journey after you left Egypt, and because they hired Balaam son of Beor, from Pethor of Aram-naharaim, to curse you.....You shall not abhor an Edomite, for they are your kin. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, for you were a stranger in their land.

So, let me get this straight...The Ammonites and Moabites are banned because they didn't give food and water when the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, but the Egyptians who created the circumstances that the Isralites fled are allowed in?!?!? Rashi explains "THOU SHALT NOT ABHOR AN EGYPTIAN, although they cast your male children into the river. And what is the reason that you should not abhor him utterly? Because they were your hosts in time of need (during Joseph’s reign when the neighbouring countries suffered from famine); therefore although they sinned against you do not utterly abhor him"

When leaving Egypt, the Israelites were in a similar dire position, facing the real possibility of extinction, but the Moabites and Ammonites didn't extend their hands in friendship or sharing. Maybe they could have given them something good for the journey. A bit of research says that dried fruit is a good food for traveling in the desert, so try this Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit where dried fruits are the star!

With the High Holidays coming soon (Happy Elul), this other pasuk caught my eye "When you make a vow to the ETERNAL your God, do not put off fulfilling it, for the ETERNAL your God will require it of you, and you will have incurred guilt;" This verse reminds us of the importance of vows and the need to take them seriously and work towards the goal of fulfilling the vow. You should not delay. This made me think of Maureen Gillen's Quick Sauce, a recipe she gave me in 1999 and said it was one

of the fastest ways to get a meal ready - no delay, quick fo fulfill the work! (recipe below)

Since these are both carb side dishes, you might save one for Seudah Shlishit.

Shabbat Shalom & B'Tayavon!

Quick Sauce

28oz whole stewed tomatoes

Put in a pot and crush with hand until pulpy. Add 3-10 cloves of minced garlic.

Add 2.5 T olive oil and salt and pepper to taste

Add a handful of chopped flat italian parsley

Put all ingredients in a pot and cook for about 20 minutes.

Serve at room temperature.