This week, while I will be cooking up some plagues, we certainly have enough plagues this year, hopefully, just like with the one we are all experiencing, the contrast will give light to countless blessings. This week, seven plagues are listed in the parasha.
As a very bright young lady taught me this week, water crises exist in our back yards. There are communities under water boil advisories. Let us pause to reflect the ways in which these plagues still manifest themselves in our world. Consider what actions we can take to progress towards redemption-- how can we be part of the solution(s)? Let us also count multiple blessings for each plague so as to ensure that blessings still outweigh the plagues. This week, enable your voice and your actions to be the blessings in the world-- ensuring a brighter, safer, more responsible, better world.
1. Turning water to blood: Ex. 7:14–24
Soup. It is that easy. One of our fav's-- red lentil soup. Healthy and really that easy peasy! Sautee a diced onion until soft. Add a cup of red lentils and about 3 cups of broth and a smaller can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then cook for 30 minutes on medium - low flame. Add about a tablespoon of basil and cook for another 5 minutes before serving.
2. Frogs: Ex. 7:25–8:15
Who knew that no-bake "macaroons" are called frogs? I found this VERY EASY looking recipe that we are eager to try for dessert this week.
3. Lice: Ex. 8:16–19
Poppy seeds, or everything spice, come to mind. Perhaps my challah, which might be heart shaped to instigate a provoking conversation about the hardening of Pharoah's heart. Of course, poppy seed pastry might appear for breakfast.
4. Wild animals or flies: Ex. 8:20–32
Go crazy! Choose wild greens or perhaps wild fish and serve up a conversation about what this plague is really about. How does the food chain work today? Is domesticated or wild better, healthier, more natural? And what about our wild species that are endangered and nearing extinction? Many protest captivity for these species and yet often these endangered species are actually extinct in the wild. How does this discussion affect how we understand the plague?
5. Pestilence of livestock: Ex. 9:1–7
Since there was pestilence in the land, this might just have to be a vegetarian feast! As a vegetarian, I am always looking for such an excuse!
6. Boils: Ex. 9:8–12
The first image coming to mind was a focaccia perhaps with everything spice and maybe a bit of hot pepper for the wild side, to represent the earlier plagues and go along with the soup. However, on Passover, when we act out the plagues I often use marshmallows. This calls for something more mature. In doing a bit of research, I came across a British dish called "Bubble and Squeak" which consists of mashed potatoes, leftover veggies, and a poached egg "bubble" on top. It reminds me of Shakshuka, the Israeli pepper and tomato stew cooked with eggs.
7. Hail: Ex. 9:13–35
For Rosh HaShanah a few years back we introduces Shirley Temple's as a fancy drink for the youth as grenadine was traditionally made from pomegranates. As well, cranberry drinks could work and combine both representation of blood and hail (the ice).
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