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Shabbat Shalom!.

Bereishit

Genesis 1:1-6:8

Torah Reading for Week of October 11-17, 2009

Tishrei 23-29 5770

"In the beginning G-d created heaven and earth, and the earth was empty and void."

There have been many discussions and explanations as to why the torah begins with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet Bet. Why not begin with the Aleph the first letterjust as A comes before B in the English alphebet. Perhaps this is to encourage those of us who have not reached those goals we set out to, another chance to do so. The letter Bet signifies to us that we are in born second to G-d and we all have another chance to correct and renew our spirit and faith. Hashem as master of the world, or as the “big aleph” calls the shots, and we need to humbly acknowledge that we are mortal. It is interesting that during the creation of all the species, the Torah writes "And G-d saw that it was good". However, when G-d creates Man we do not find this expression. There is no 'Ki Tov' by the creation of Adam. Rabbi Frand offers a wonderful interpretation of this,when an insect is created, it is possible to say 'It is good'. When an apple tree is created, it is possible to say 'It is good'. Concerning every creation in the world it is possible to say 'It is good'. The reason why is that when all of these are created they have reached perfection. We do not expect anything more from that elephant. When an apple tree is created, it is perfect. We do not expect anything more from the apples. These things have reached their ultimate potential. Everything is 'Good' as created, except for Man. When Man was created- opportunity was available for growth for potential. for striving toward a better world for working towards a common spiritual goal.

Beginning the torah with the letter Bet reminds us that we all have the ability to unlock our potential and to achieve a sense of personal and spiritual satisfaction. I am reminded of the movie “Ground Hog Day” where Bill Murray plays a character who relives his same boring, tedious life every day after realizing that in a single day he cannot bring others in to satisfy his every need. After some time he realizes the one thing that he can achieve is to improve himself by educating himself on a daily basis. He learns piano, speaks French, does many “mitzvot” and eventually becomes the towns most beloved citizen. Though this is just a movie it does make a strong point about how someone can fulfill their unique potential in such a short time. As with all human beings it is not merely sufficient that we were created, we have the opportunity to change, to grow. We have a lifetime for Man, because a Man has the opportunity to grow, to reach his potential. The apple tree, the bird, and the insect have all reached their potential on day one. But Man is a vast bundle of potential that is waiting to grow, that is waiting to happen, that is waiting to blossom. So we do not hear Hashem saying 'Ki Tov' yet, not on the day of Creation. The Talmud says When the Rabbis used to take leave of each other, they gave themselves a blessing: "You should see your world in your lifetime" (Olamecha tireh b'chayecha). What do these words mean? If we all think of ourselves as Bet’s we are reminded that we have the drive and the capacity to improve and strive toward the Aleph which Hashem intended. The blessing that we should hope for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren is "Olamecha tireh b'chayecha" -- we should see our potential in our own lifetime. It’s amazing what one can achieve if we put our mind to it.

Shabbat Shalom,

Miriam

You are all aware that I recently was in Israel with my family for the holidays. I met a lot of fantastic people during this visit all welcoming their homes to us with lots of sweets and love and hospitatlity. A special thankyou to the Adlers and the Singers whose beautiful homes and succahs reflect the warmth and love in their hearts. One of my recipes this week is amazingly delicious as she and her lovely daughter.

Jenn's Cinnamon Raisin Babka

Dough

7 cups flour plus additional 1 cup

6 pk. yeast

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup margerine

1 3/4 cup water

2 large eggs

2 egg yoks

2 Tsp salt

mix ingredients together and Knead for 5 minutes in large

bowl. Cover with saran wrap and allow to rise for approx.

1 1/2 hours. Punch down dough and divide into eight parts. Working with one part at a time and covering the rest, roll into a large rectangle 1/8-inch thick.

Spread dough with cinnamon filling, place additional dough over and roll together. Place in prepared pan. and sprinkle with 1/4 the streusel topping. let rise about 30 min. until above the rim of the pan. Repeat with remaining dough.

Place rack in center of oven and heat to 350 degrees. Bake babkas for 30-40 minutes

Filling

1 box instant vanilla pudding

1 cup margarine

1 large egg

1/2 cup water

2 cups sugar

3- 4 tsp cinnamon

Topping

1/2 stick margarine

1 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

start our new year out on the right foot. What better way than honey to remind us of our Rosh Hashanah resolutions and Chocolate for a sweet new beginning-

Glazed Carrots with Honey&Dijon mustard

1 lb. carrots

3 tbsp. butter(or margarine)

1/4 c. honey

3 tbl. dijon mustard

1/4 c. orange juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

parsley(or chives) to sprinkle

Put carrots in heavy skillet where you have melted the butter, cook over low heat 20 minutes, covered, stir in additional ingredients. Remove cover and raise heat and cook about 3 to 4 minutes to

reduce liquid and glaze carrots.

Chocolate Florentine Cookies

2 cups quick oats

1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup light corn syrup ( or you can use the dark syrup)

1/4 cup milk (can use vanilla soy milk or non-dairy creamer)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1-3/4 cups milk chocolate (or semi-sweet) morsels

preheat oven to 375 degress F.,line baking sheets with foil

melt butter in a medium saucepan; remove from heat, stir in