Shabbat Shalom!.
Shabbat Shalom!.
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Acharei Mos-Kedoshim
( Leviticus 16:1-20:27)
May 2, 2009
8 Iyar, 5769
Omer: Day 23 -
"He [Aharon] shall then take the two goats, and stand
them before G-d at the Tent of Meeting. Aharon
shall place two lots on the two goats, one [marked]
"for G-d," and one marked "for Azazel"
(Vayikra 16:7-8)
This parsha deals primarily with the laws and the service of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The basic focus is on the process of confession , repentance and sacrifice, thereby given another chance to begin again with a clean slate. The parsha teaches us about a unique service performed by the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. They had to pick 2 goats,(shnei seirim )who were identical in appearance, color, height and value and must be purchased simultaneously. Each goat is to be sacrificed but one was to be offered on the altar as a holy sacrifice to G-d, its blood sprinkled opposite the Holy of Holies, while the other symbolically bears all of the sins of the Jewish nation and is sent over the edge of a cliff(Azazel) to die.
“Aaron shall press both his hands on the live goat’s head, and he shall confess on it all the Israelite's sins, rebellious acts and inadvertent misdeeds. When he has thus placed them on the goat’s head he shall send it to the desert with an Ish Iti.” (Vayikra 16; 20-21).
Rashi translates Ish Iti as literally “a man of the moment”. Thereby clarifying the purpose of the death of the goat to “Azazel” as a symbol of wasted human potential. Two goats with drastic differences in how their lives came to an end teaches us how this practical application can serve to express what is a spiritual process. The physical implication shows that even though 2 can start out exactly the same in life their journey can be drastically different. One is designated to be brought as a korbon - an offering to Hashem- and the other will be sent la'azazel - off a cliff.
On Yom Kippur we all stand in judgement before G-d equally, shoulder to shoulder as individuals and as Jews. Our lots like those of the goats are drawn as well. We all have equal potential and similarities, how we decide to live our life is up to us. We should realize that it's the struggles and sacrifices in life which reveal and build our strengths as individuals, the easy path is rarely the fulfilling one. Judaism focuses on what we do with the time we are allotted.The critical choice in how we plan on continuing to live our lives.
At times the two choices we have appear identical on the surface. If we were to look only at the moment, we are apt to get caught up in experiencing the world, with the focus on that get-ahead-feel good philosophy. We may end up as the goat, thrown off the cliff to certain death. However,when looking at the long term ramifications of our decisions, when we learn and teach the morals and values of the torah, we can clearly see that this leads to Hashem.
The time we are experiencing now, the counting of the Omer, the days between Pesach and Shavuot, remind us of the importance of the process of spiritual growth. It is customary during this time to study the "Ethics of the Fathers" or "Pirkei Avot ". After the Jews left Egypt, they embarked on a period of self-refinement and character improvement. This was critical, in order they should be worthy of receiving the Torah on Shavuot.
While counting the Omer, we too try to perfect our character. To achieve this, we study this tractate which is devoted to piety, humility, kindness and ethics. When we take the time to focus on what will be the best path for us to follow we should turn toward the one which is best in keeping with these values. We ask Hashem for guidance, and forgiveness so we can choose our decisions wisely and with insight.Then we can truly say we understand the lesson of the 2 goats.
Shabbat Shalom,
Miriam
Say cheese!
When I think of goats the first type of food that comes to mind is Goat cheese. Many have asked me what is the difference between goats cheese and feta cheese? Feta cheese can be made from cow, goat or sheep's milk or a combination of goats and sheep’s milk. You have to check the packaging to find out which. There are a number of different cheeses made from goat's milk, the most common being chèvre (which means "goat" in french). The other question asked is what is the difference between goat and cow cheese. Goat cheeses are easier to digest than cow's milk cheeses because the fat cells are smaller, thereby more closely resembling human milk. This also allows the fat to be broken down and more easily assimilated.As compared to products like cream cheese, goat cheese is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol. It also provides more calcium and fewer carbohydrates than cream cheese. Even though goat cheese has less calories, it has a full, rich and creamy flavor. Interestingly,many people who are lactose intolerant or have other milk-related allergies may have an easier time eating cheeses made from goat milk.
As we approach summer these party pleasing appetizers are easy, delicious and healthy!
Goat Cheese Torta
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces goat cheese, room temperature
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil) or 1/2 cup bottled
roasted red peppers
thinly sliced baguette bread
Lightly oil and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan, with clear plastic wrap.
In a food processor or a large bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic, oregano, and pepper; stir until well blended.
Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture onto the bottom of prepared pan. Top with pesto, spreading evenly. Layer with another 1/3 of the cheese mixture.
Drain sun-dried tomatoes, Cut remaining sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces; spread evenly over cheese mixture in pan. Top with remaining cheese mixture.
Cover with plastic wrap and press gently to pack cheese. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Uncover and invert onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers or baguette bread.
This can be made 5 days in advance and refrigerated , or it can be frozen up to 2 months.
Mushroom medley and Goat Cheese Spread
1/4 cup boiling water
1/2 oz. dried porcini mushrooms
2 tbl. butter
2 tbl. olive oil
2 tbl. minced shallots
1 tbl. finely chopped fresh thyme
1 tbl. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teasp. salt
1/2 teasp. black pepper
3 garlic cloves minced
8 oz. mushrooms finely sliced
8 o. cremini mushrooms finely sliced
6 tbl. sherry
baguette slices
butter and parmesan cheese
4 oz. goat cheese
Combine porcini mushrooms and boiling water in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes, strain mushrooms, chop and set aside.
Heat butter and oil over medium heat in large skillet and saute all the rest of the ingredients except for sherry and cheese. Cook at least 10 minutes or until liquid evaporates, stir in sherry and cook an additional 10 minutes until liquid is practically all evaporated.
While above is cooking-
Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange baguette slices in single layer on baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven; maintain oven temperature. Brush each baguette slice with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Return to oven; bake until cheese begins to melt, about 5 minutes.
Spread warm crostini with goat cheese and top with mushroom mixture
Mediterranean Goat cheese Salad
1 lb. rotinni pasta
1 1/2 cups Pitted Calamata Olives,
drained
1 cup Sun Ripened Dried Tomatoes,
sliced (reserve 1/4 cup oil)
1 cup Roasted Bell Peppers, chopped
8 oz. Marinated Artichoke Hearts,
drained and coarsely chopped
6oz. goat cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
2 cloves fresh garlic minced
Dressing
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water drain and cool thoroughly. Place in a large bowl with remaining ingredients including reserved sun dried tomato oil; toss well. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Shabbat Shalom!.
Shabbat Shalom!.
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