Risk it for the Brisket

Dear BMC Family, 

In this week’s Torah portion Shemini, the laws Kosher are laid out. While we often think of Kashrut (or keeping Kosher) as ritual restrictions for Jewish diets, the biblical framing of the laws of keeping Kosher are stated in positive and affirmative language-- “These are the creatures that you may eat among all the animals on the earth”.

In other words, God was expressing the “specials on the menu” to the Children of Israel and what they should consider out-of-stock). Accordingly, through these ancient biblical laws of keeping Kosher were the birth of Jewish cuisine. The tradition of Jewish cuisine would evolve over the years through geographical regions and develop its own unique set of flavor palettes and spices.

Today, we are the beneficiaries  of one of the oldest specially curated menus; one that has absorbed culinary inspiration from all of the lands and geographical regions that Jews have lived over millennia. We have the Eastern European influence of Cholent (thought to have originated in France) and Kugel. The Slavik influence of Herring, Gefilte Fish and Smoked Fish. The Middle Eastern influence of Falafel and Schnitzel (although adapted from Germany). The North African culinary invention of Shakshuka, and who can not forget Bubbe’s (grandma’s) chicken soup. These are just a few of the many dishes that compose our rich Jewish culinary tradition.

Unsurprisingly many of our students spoke about their love of latkes. What’s not to love?

BMC is continuing the learning journey with our students through our virtual sessions. If you know anyone who is considering b'nai mitzvah tutoring, please tell them to feel free to reach out to us at bnaimitzvahcampaign@gmail.com to begin their journey.

Continuing to wish you safety and health, and sending a רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה (r’fuah shlema, full recovery) to anyone currently in need.

For those in our community who have experienced loss at this time, 

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

Hamakom yenakhem etekhem betokh shaar avelay tziyon viyrushalayim.

May Hashem comfort you among the rest of the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom, 

BMC Team