Food Torah – Vayakhel

March 19, 2025 in Food Tourah

Because life so often happens around food, we’re spending the year exploring the weekly parshiot and finding connections to each week’s Shabbat menu. 22 parshiot down, 32 more to go!

Vayakhel (“He Assembled”) opens with Moses reminding the Israelites that they may work for six days, but the seventh day – Shabbat – is a day of rest. He then asks the Israelites to donate materials for construction of the Mishkan. Moses requests that those who are skilled artisans volunteer their services to build the Mishkan in accordance with God’s outlines. The Israelites respond with overwhelming generosity bringing gifts of gold, silver, copper, beautifully colored yarns, fine linens, goat’s hair, rare skins, and precious stones.  They also contribute oils for lighting and spices for anointing and providing aromatic incense. Their giving is so abundant that Moses has to tell them to stop—an extraordinary display of communal generosity.

Our menu suggestions this week reflect Vayakhel’s themes of rest, generosity, and artistry. We’ll start by recommending this Thick and Fluffy Overnight Focaccia. Just as the Israelites are instructed to rest on the seventh day, the dough for this focaccia must rest before you bake it which results in a super crisp bottom and a light and pillowy top. Similarly our Overnight Marinated Flank Steak and Turkish-Style Marinated Salmon both require a rest in their marinades to really let the flavors soak in, rewarding patience with depth and richness. We were particularly struck by the generosity of the Israelites in this parsha – so much so that Moses had to instruct them to stop bringing materials forth. What a wonderful “problem” to have – it made us think of this Winter Abundance Bowl, a vibrant dish that celebrates plenty. And finally, with this parsha’s emphasis on decorative elements and craftsmanship, we’re highlighting Stained Glass Cookies, a playful nod to the ornate details found in the Mishkan and modern synagogues alike.  Let your inner artisan shine as you create this deliciously delightful dessert!

B’tayavon and Shabbat Shalom,
Alison (Baraf) & Sarah (Roark)

To read past installments of Food Tourah – Click Here.

For a more in-depth look at this week’s parsha, visit Sefaria.com.