Food Torah – Vayikra

April 2, 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. 24 parshiot down, 30 more to go!

Full steam ahead into the third book of the Torah!  In Vayikra (“He Called”), the first portion of Leviticus, God elaborates to Moses the various sacrifices offered in the Mishkan.  Among these are sacrifices burnt on the altar, meal offerings made of flour and oil, peace offerings, and sacrifices for unwitting sins.The parsha describes how some offerings are consumed by fire on the altar, transforming them into smoke with a pleasing aroma before God, while others are eaten as part of a sacred ritual. This parsha also establishes the requirement to add salt to certain offerings, known as covenant of salt, which symbolized the eternal bond between God and the Israelites.

With all this talk of fire and offerings, we were hungry for some smoky, aromatic flavors that turn simple ingredients into mouth watering dishes. First, we recommend Charred Vegetable Ragu and Burnt Cauliflower – both recipes that showcase fire’s ability to bring out the best in our veggies. Where there is roasting, there are tantalizing aromas.  Our Fragrant Curry Chicken and Pan Roasted Fish with Aromatic Herbs will have everyone running to the table in search of the delicious smells. Pair either dish with this  Fragrant Basmati Rice to complete the experience!  And to finish,  what better way to honor the covenant of salt, than with Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies? A touch of salt enhances sweetness, just as our connection to tradition elevates our Shabbat meals.

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.