This week’s Torah portion is Parshat Eikev and continues Moshe’s long speech to the Jewish people before his death. He begins by assuring the people that if they adhere to the mitzvot as commanded by Hashem that they will be prosperous in the Land of Israel that they are about to enter. He rebukes the Jewish people for some of their transgressions in the desert, including the sins of the Golden Calf, Korach’s rebellion and the spies. He reminds them that there is always room for repentance, reminding them that the Ten Commandments were given after Gd’s forgiveness for the Golden Calf. Moshe explains that the forty years in the desert in which they were sustained with manna from the heavens were to teach us that “Man does not live by bread alone.” As they are about to enter Israel, Moshe describes it as a “land flowing with milk and honey,” blessed with the seven species (wheat, barley, grapevines, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and dates). The parsha also contains the second paragraph of Shema, which reminds us of the rewards for keeping Hashem’s mitzvot and the punishments if we, G-d forbid, do not adhere to them.
This week’s parsha lends itself to many sweet treats. Marshmallows are a great option, as they are reminiscent of the Ten Commandments (they were rectangles, not round as depicted by artists) and the manna that fell from the sky. Twisted marshmallows could look like bread. There are also marzipan bread shaped sweets sold in many kosher stores. Any gold candy works for the story of the Golden Calf. Finally, honey candies or honey sticks and any candies or fruit reminiscent of the seven species are excellent additions to your parsha desserts this week.
Enjoy and don’t forget to add your own suggestions in the comments below!
Shayna Levine-Hefetz
rachel
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