Parsha Inspired Menus - Shemot

This week's parsha is a pointed reminder that the safety and security of the Jewish people (and really any minority people) is deeply linked with the favor of those who rule the land. When Pharoah was pleased with Joseph, his whole family was invited to come down to Eygpt to live, his father's death was mourned by the whole nation, and a retinue of honor escorted Jacob to his burial place. And then "A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph." and the fates change for the worse!

But it seems strange that a new kind would not know of Joseph since he played a pretty dramatic role in saving Egypt from famine and through his system of payment from Eygptians, greatly increased the wealth and assets of Pharoah. Commentators deal with this question in a few ways. Steinsaltz says it is not to be taken literally, but rather the new king acts as if he didn't know, saying "It is likely that this king was aware of Joseph, his roots, and the revolutionary changes he brought about in Egypt. Nevertheless, he remained indifferent to Joseph’s legacy and

unconcerned with the fate of his people." Chizkuni shares a different idea "Some commentators, citing the fact that the death of the previous king has not been reported, claim that the Torah speaks about the same King (body), but that his attitude vis a vis the Israelites underwent such a change that he might as well have been a different king altogether." Rav Hirsch suggests that the ruler was foreign, and therefore literally didn't know what had happened previously in Egypt. Whichever of these it is (or other interpretations), the Am Bnei Yisrael (the nation of the Children of Israel) will suffer because of this change in attitude towards the people. Not to take away from the seriousness of this topic, but I couldn't resist a little word play idea for the first #parshainspiredmenus item...an appetizer of A (Zucchini) Rose...A rose....arose, get it?

Later in the parsha, God is speaking with Moshe, convincing him to go back to Egypt to demand that the Israelites be freed. Moshe is hesitant, to say the least. He pushes back a bunch of times in a bunch of ways, "who am I to go?" "what if they don't believe me?" "I am slow of speech," etc. God uses words and actions to convince Moshe to go, answering each issue Moshe brings with a strong retort. One thing God does is turn Moshe's rod into a snake, which will come up again later. This one I remembered, but what I didn't remember was that there are two other miracles God does to show Moshe his power - turns water to blood (which will also come up again later) and encrusts (and then removes) snowy while scales from Moshe's hand. This one is not repeated

in the back-and-forth with Pharoah or the plagues. It's interesting to me that Moshe sees all 3 and still isn't fully convinced, and it takes more assurance from God, including having Aaron join him. For a great leader of the Jewish people, he sure starts off reluctantly! To highlight the snowy scales, I am going to make my mom's lemon squares, which have a dusting of powder sugar on them and a crispy crust to the top of the lemon square, that feels fitting for this idea. I am pretty picky when it comes to lemon squares (I find most of them too sweet and gooey), but I love my mom's recipe. See recipe below.

Shabbat Shalom & B'Tayavon!

Lemon Squares (from Sharon Brendzel)

2 and 1/4 c. flour, divided

1/2c. powdered sugar, plus additional for decoration

1c. margarine, softened

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

1/3c. lemon juice

1/2 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350.

Sift together 2 cups of flour and 1/2c. powdered sugar. Cut in margarine until mixture clings together. Press into a greased 9x13 pan (may require some hand kneading to get mixture to cling and mold to pan.) Bake for 25-30 mins (but check that it's not burning sooner. Will vary based on pan and oven calibration.)

Meanwhile, combine eggs, sugar, and lemon juice and beat well. Add 1/4c of flour and baking powder to the mixutre and beat until combined.

When crust is baked and ready, pour lemon mixture over baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned. Cool and then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.