By Parshat Shemot the Jewish people have experienced a total reversal of fortune. No longer the recipient of Pharoah’s favor, they are now at the receiving end of his suspicion and deathly intentions. Rashi is not clear as to whether this is a new policy by the old Pharoah, or the new policy by a new Pharoah. Either way they’re now under an edict by Pharoah to place all newborn sons in the river.
In Shemot 2:3 Yocheved, the mother of Moshe Rabbeinu places him in a box in the river, hoping for his survival. Ibn Ezra asks how Jocheved could have taken such a risk with his life. He offers two possible explanations: 1) she (like Hagar with Ishmael) would be spared the sight of his dying, or 2) Miriam might have prophesied that this was the correct course of action.
When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus box and coated it with clay and tar. She placed the child in it, and placed it in the reeds near the bank of the river.
Rashi describes the ‘papyrus’ as a pliable substance that can withstand soft or hard pressure. The first recipe this week is inspired by Moshe’s escape on the river Nile.
Salmon Cigars in a Cucumber ‘Basket’
- 1/2 pound skinned salmon filet
- package of won ton wrappers
- 1/2 bag of frozen spinach
- Mrs. Dash – any flavor
- chives
With food scissors, cut the salmon into thin strips, 1/3 ” thick and 2″ long.
Position the won ton wrapper in a diamond position and place the salmon on the bottom third.
Place 3/4 teaspoon spinach on top of the salmon. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash.
Roll up, like a blintz, tucking in the ends and sealing with water.
Place in a pan, sprayed with Pam and spray the tops of the cigars. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes. Serve 2 or 3 cigars tied with a chive on a bed of cucumber that’s been cut length-wise with a peeler. Serve with honey mustard.
Now, about the basket…
You can easily roll out puff dough and shape it on the back of a muffin tin. Or you can bake large egg roll wrappers on the back of muffin tins. That’ll get you a nice round ‘basket’ to represent the the one that carried Moshe. I chose to go with cucumber because of it’s ‘pliable’ nature (see Rashi) and also, because the dish is starchy enough already. The cucumber seemed like a healthier alternative.
Either way… B’teyavon!
Shemos 2:3 She (Yocheved) placed the child (Moshe) in it, and placed it in the reeds near the bank of the river.
Torah Portions 