Vayera (Bereishis 18:1)
"Please let some water be brought so you can
bathe your feet and recline under the tree.
I will get some bread for you to satisfy your
hearts. After-wards, you may continue on.
because you have honored me by visiting your
servant...."
Avraham, on the third day after his brit mila
(circumcision), sits outside his tent looking to extend
his hospitality. Abraham is 99 years old, who after performing this operation on himself can not do enough for three stangers whom approach his tent (actually these were angels of G-d). Avraham interrupts his conversation with the Almighty to invite them to a meal. His sense of duty to take care of these travelers
compels Abraham to excuse himself from Hashem, get up from his sick-bed and to attend to the needs of these strangers. In addition, one could reasonably expect these “men” would likely have been idolators, however Abraham was willing to extend himself in spite of his personal discomfort. This mitzvah of "Hachnasat Orchim" hospitality and kindness, is a significant mitzvah and the principle that it is more important that we greet guests into our homes than to converse with Hashem is based on Avrahams recognition of the realization that there is one G-d. Our purpose here on this earth is to emulate G-d, and Abraham perceived G-d's Image in every human being. He had the capacity to treat people in such a gracious fashion, because he saw a portion of this Divinity in everyone,thereby earning him the title of the first Patriarch.
Not only did Abraham set this high standard for those of his household but he also set the standards high for us all to follow. Children tend to follow in the footsteps of their parents teachings. Children are taught not by words but by example. When a child sees that a parent is willing to spend the time and effort to do something, the message to the child is clear that it is something important and worthy of the effort. This concept of chinuch –to educate our children to perform mitzvoth serves as a wonderful example for us all.
the Almighty told Avraham:
"... I shall surely bless you and greatly increase your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore; and your offspring shall inherit the gate of its enemy. And all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your offspring, because you have listened to My voice."
The Jewish people place much emphasis on hospitality. We marry under a chuppah that is open on all sides to remind us of the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim. As we study the example demonstrated by our patriarch Abraham and our matriarch Sarah to welcome the stranger and make them feel at home, let us strive to be better hosts. With Thanksgiving almost upon us. We have an opportunity to gather with friends and family, consider all the good in our lives and give thanks to G-d for our good fortune. Just as our people were rewarded because of Abraham and Sarah's genuine hospitality, may we all extend ourselves to others thereby honoring Hashem .
Shabbat Shalom,
Miriam
Whether for shabbat or a Thanksgiving meal, sweet potatoes, and corn-bread are always great with turkey!
Easy Sweet Potatoes
6 medium sweet potatoes or yams
Salt to taste
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. margarine(pareve)
dash white pepper
Bake sweet potatoes in a 400 degree oven until soft, about 45-55 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
Peel potatoes and cut into 2" thick slices. Place in a buttered 13x9" glass baking dish.
In small saucepan, combine a pinch of salt, corn syrup, brown sugar, margarine, and a pinch of white pepper. Cook over medium heat until butter melts and mixture is combined, about 3 minutes. Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are glazed, spooning glaze over potatoes every 10 minutes.
At the Shabbat night meal, the holy Baal Shem Tov, father of Chassidut, would eat farfl (farfel) . He explained that farfl is related to the word farfallen (done; over; finished). Whatever
appened during the week, whatever happened in the past, is finished. Let go of it. It's farfallen!
Farfalle with mushrooms
1 lb. uncooked farfalle
1 tbl. margarine
12 oz. mushrooms (can use a mix of different ones)
1/2 cup onion (chopped)
1/3 cupshallots (finely chopped)
2 tbl. garlic (minced)
1 1/2 teasp.. salt
1/2 teasp. bl. pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tbl.flour
2/3 cup non-dairy creamer
2 tbl. fresh parsley chopped
Cook pasta according to directions. Melt margarine over med-high heat, add mushrooms,onion, shallots, garlic 1 teasp. salt and pepper, cook until liquid evapporates and ushrooms are tender, add wine cook 2 minutes more and stir, remove from heat. Add the pasta, non-dairy,flour and parsley, tossing gently, stir in remaining salt and garnish with parsley.
Corn Bread
This pareve (non-dairy) corn bread can be served right along side a kosher turkey.
1/3 cup pareve margarine, room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 1/3 cups soy milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Grease muffin pan.. In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine, sugar, salt, vanilla, and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and cornmeal.
To batter, alternate adding flour mixture and soy milk until blended well.
Pour into muffin pan.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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