Shabbat Shalom!.
Nitzavim-Vayelech
Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30
Torah Reading for Week of Aug 29-Sep 4,2010
Elul 19-25 5770
"You are standing today, all of
you, before G-d” (29:1)
This week's double parsha deals with the period of time just
prior to the death of Moshe. He gave his final plea to the
Jewish nation to heed his instructions and follow the ways of
Torah. The word Netzavim means to “stand firmly”, and one
of the features of the parsha is that it alludes to the blessing
HaShem gives to the Jewish people, the blessing that "you will
always stand firmly”. This is the moment the Israelites have been waiting for, they are ready to move into the promised land and once again Moshe reminds the people not to stray.
"..perhaps there is among you a man or woman, or a family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from being with Hashem, our G-d, to go and serve the gods of those nations…”
(29:19)
The words ”this day” “Hayom" are repeated over and over again in this parsha.This tells us that “this day”,right now, is the moment which we have an opportunity to become a better person, a better Jew. Instead of focusing on the hurdles that we will (possibly) encounter in the future; instead of looking back at our past and getting depressed at what we did not accomplish, we need to concentrate on today. In Parsha Nitzavim, Moshe warns us against excessively reviewing the past.
"you stand this day,all of you, before the lord your G-d....to enter into the covenant of the Lord your god, which the lord your god is concluding with you this day... that he may establish you this day as his people and be your god"
What a wonderful “present” we are given each day and it is up to us to decide what will become of this day. We have the opportunity to make a change -- for the better. We can rectify the past and move forward. We can do this during this time by “teshuva” the process by which we reestablish our connection to the Almighty.
Many might feel that the words of the torah are antiquated. Why do I need to follow such an old document which really does not relate to me in todays world? The Torah is one of Judaism’s greatest gifts. Torah in many contexts properly means “direction, instruction, and teaching, giving guidance for life. It is an ongoing, live document; far from being being a bunch of ancient rituals and rules. Human needs ,insights and relationships are not something which changes with time. Through prayer, discussion and learning we are able to respond to the words of the Torah, giving us an opportunity to remake ourselves,
“It is not hidden from you, and it is not far off (30:11). The Torah is not difficult or “hidden” it is easily accessible to anyone who wants to let it in. "you shall take it to your heart." This is the time of year to make this commitment to G-d and to oneself.
"God will remove the barriers from your hearts" (Deut. 30:6).
The Torah is not a remote impossibility; rather its fulfillment is within the grasp of every Jew, the mitzvot are neither distant nor inaccessible; a life of Torah is well within everyone’s reach.
Judaism, being a religion of action, says it is not enough to "mentally" regret one's misdeeds. Nachmanides takes this passage literally; he understands that Teshuva requires verbal articulation of our misdeeds. In instances where someone else was wronged, an apology must be made directly to that person. In instances where we transgressed the Almighty's will, we must privately, with no one listening, confess to our Creator.
So as we prepare ourselves for Rosh Hashanah let us stop and engage in serious introspection .This is the time for reflection, for new beginnings . The choice is ours, we can change and renew ourselves for a new year of increased blessing. Today is the day!
Shanah Tova U’mituka
A Happy and Sweet New year!
Shabbot Shalom,
Miriam
Rosh Hashanah Turkey Burger
½ scallions, thinly sliced
1/2cup celery finely chopped
3 granny smith apples peeled and diced
1/8 cup canola oil
4 lbs. ground turkey
2 tbslp. Salt
1 tbls. Black pepper
2 tsp. Tabasco
1 lemon, juice and grated
½ bunch parsley finely chopped
¼ cup major grey’s chutney pureed
Sautee scallions, celry and apples in the canola oil until
tender. Let cool place ground turkey in large mixing bowl
and the sautéed items and the remaining ingredients. Shape into burgers or place in large baking dish bake in 350 degree oven. If in burger form grill on lightly oiled grill. Grill each side At least 7 minutes until meat is thoroughly cooked. Let sit for 5 minutes. Put any topping you like,ie avocados,tomatoes,lettuce onions, etc.
Very Easy Apple Cranberry Crisp
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup shortening, melted
1 tablespoon water
1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
5 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
store bought prepared pie crust
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted shortening and water to form a crumbly mixture.
In a large saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, and then remove from heat. Stir in the apples. pour into prepared pie crust. Crumble the oat mixture over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.
Judith’s Tuna Mousse it is always helpful to have a tuna dish around for the holidays. Whether you use it for lunch, dinner or just a snack this is a winner for the new year!
1 1/2 envelope unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 1/2 cup boiling water 1 tablespoon lemon juice dash of Tabasco 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon salt scallions and/or a small grated onion and plenty of chopped dill 4 packets albacore tuna in water, very finely flaked
1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise Soften the gelatin in the cold water in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the boiling water and whisk the mixture slowly until gelatin dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Whisk in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Tabasco, paprika, salt and scallions (or grated onions and dill; or both.) I use broad, light motion to let air in.Fold in the finely flaked tuna. Transfer the mixture to long mold and refrigerate at least 4 hours.This recipe should have been in last weeks parsha, sorry about the missing eggs in the apple cake last week. This is a great recipe which was handed down from grandmother to granddaughter and perfect for Rosh Hashanah or anytime of the year!
Apple Cake
2 eggs
3/4 cup oil
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 apples peeled and diced or sliced thinly
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
preheat oven to 350 combine first 4 ingredients. add apples and mix until coated. mix together all remaining dry ingredients. add to wet ingredients and blend. bake in a well oiled and floured bundt pan for 1 hour or until an inserted toothpick comes out cleanly. cool and then remove cake from pan. doubles well.
Shabbat Shalom!.
