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This week’s parsha we read of incense burning, clouds of glory, smoke rising from the altar.  The fire inspires awe and the smoke adds a sense of mystery.  Sometimes you just need to throw down a little smoke at your Shabbos table.  Like this Curried Smoked Salmon Fritters with Mango Aioli.  Because we all can use a little awe and mystery…  Don’t you agree?

Curried Smoked Salmon Fritters with Mango Aioli

Spanish Chicken & Rice

Grilled Asparagus with Romesco Sauce

Bread Pudding with Pears Currants and Cinnamon

In this week’s parsha, we celebrate the beauty and mystery of the sanctuary.   The gifts we make help create a space for the presence of Hashem to dwell among us.  From the pure gold of the menorah to the cherubim and colorful fabrics, we are inspired to give from our hearts.  The mishkan is made complete with repurposed jewelry from the Egyptians.  In this way, the gold, silver and gemstones serve as a renewal of the present with a reminder from the past.  To kick off our Shabbat menu this week, we take a simple ring and transform it into something new – like the Best Ever Onion Rings.

Best Ever Onion Rings

Serve with the Wild West Sauce and the Grain Mustard Aioli

Red Cabbage Slaw

Beer Braised Brisket

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Orange Infused Roasted Green Beans and Red Peppers

Apple Pear Crunch

Parsha Mishpatim sets forth dozens of laws that follow the revelation at Sinai.  From laws that govern ethical conduct like the prohibition against murder, assault and theft to laws introducing kashrus and sacrificial offerings.  We are the People of the Book, but it is not what we read that defines us as a people.  We subscribe to a system of justice that is ancient and eternal.   It is a promise and a challenge to live up to the high standards to which we are subject.   This week as we begin our Shabbat meal, we meditate on the meaning of justice with an appetizer that “scales” the heights of deliciousness.

White Fish with Phyllo and Sesame

Date Glazed Roast Chicken

Wild Rice with Mushrooms and Chestnuts

Green Beans with Walnut and Green Olive Tapenade

Cinnamon Bun Cake by Nechama

In this week’s parsha, Yistro, the Israelites stand at the foot of Mount Sinai.  We witness thunder, lightning, smoke and the sound of the shofar and experience the declaration of the 10 Commandments.  This week’s Shabbat menu will also come as a revelation to many.  It did to me.  I attended a cooking class in Italy and learned a traditional Libyan recipe that is said to resemble Mount Sinai and is frequently served on Shavuot.  I thought it was a most appropriate dish to enjoy this Shabbat.  It is rustic and comfort food in the middle of February.  And you might just hear the following ten utterances from your guests: Please can I have some more this dish is delish!

Ten Commandment Salad

Bazin

Cider Glazed Vegetables

Creme Brulee