Smoke alarm

You know what I'm talking about, right? In this week's parasha there is the description of Ma'amad Har Sinai - the standing at Sinai. Very impressive event. In Exodus 19 (verses 16, 18,19) there are descriptions of the "special effects": loud sounds and smoke. Lots of smoke. And very loud noises. What are these for? I mean, not only were the people already informed of the momentous, life changing event about to take place, and not only had they spent the last 3 days getting ready, they have already agreed (Exodus19:8) to do everything G-d told them to do. Was there anyone there who was not aware of where, when, who and what is about to happen? why the smoke and noise? Do they serve a purpose?

We used to have a sign in the kitchen that read "Dinner will be served at the sound of the smoke alarm". Visitors used to think it was cute. Little did they know. That sign was an accurate description of what happens in the kitchen when my husband cooks.

Before various people (MIL, BFF, Hubby's fan club, etc.) jump down my throat, let me state clearly that my husband is an excellent cook, as anyone who ate his cooking can tell you. His fresh tuna is wonderful, his whole tilapia is great and he is the only one who can cook an egg that my oldest will deign to eat. That being said, hubby is prone to absent-mindedness (of the professorial kind) and tends to put a pot on the stove, wander off and forget it is there until the kitchen's ceiling changes color from the smoke. Hence, the sign. And the long stick my young daughter keeps in a corner under the smoke alarm, so she can reach it and silence the noise when the smoke is simply a side effect of Aba's cooking.

The smoke alarm (never mind the smoke) is very upsetting, annoying and, well, alarming. But the food is yummy and we know he loves us very much and cares enough to cook for us.

Is it possible that the smoke and loud noise at Sinai were not meant to do anything. Maybe they were simply side effects of G-d's presence or His actions.

 

It is important not to be distracted by the smoke and the noise that sometimes accompany G-d's presence and actions. Not to mistake the "special effects" for the real message. And isn't that true of our relationships with those who are created in His image, as well?

Here is something my husband cooks very well. It is not an exact recipe. I watched him make it and it seems simple enough so I will describe it and you can try it at home. But, please, only after you made sure your smoke alarm is in working order and you have a way to shut it off quickly if necessary. I don't want your neighbors complaining.

Eggs in tortilla 

(No, this is not the egg my daughter will eat. This is the one everyone else eats)

Per person: 1 burrito size tortilla or a wrap

            2 eggs 

            oil for frying (not olive oil)

In a large skillet, over high heat, heat about a 1/2 inch of oil. Break the eggs into a small bowl (try not to break the yolks).

Gently lay half of a tortilla into the skillet, holding the other half upright so it does not touch the oil. Quickly pour the eggs on top of the tortilla part that is in the skillet (as close to the middle as you can)

and immediately cover with the other half of the tortilla.

Fry for a minute or two until lightly browned. Carefully turn  over, using two large spatulas or a pair of tongs and a wooden spoon, if you're very quick (you need to turn the tortilla over while supporting the top) and cook another minute.

Carefully transfer to a plate.

If you wish to add salt and pepper - I suggest you do it while the eggs are still in the small bowl. Hubby doesn't add anything and I never missed it.