Happy ending

And then he climbed to the top of the mountain and looked upon the land of his dreams that he would never reach and he died there.

What an ending, huh? If it was in a movie we'd all be annoyed. And why not? We are programed to have happy endings. We expect them. As if it's a right. Like the pursuit of happiness. 

But life is not like in the movies. In life, things don't necessarily happen the way we want them to and the hero sometimes loses.

Or does he?

For forty years Moshe led the people in the desert. It's not an easy life. It's very hot in the desert and no matter how hard you try, you cannot escape the sand. There were times of no water. There were times of no food. There were times of war and defeat and rebellion. Again and again he was disappointed by these very people he was working so hard to save. Sometimes he even had to convince G-d to spare them while being angry with them himself. 

And over and over again he had to see them taking his pure teachings, the words he got from G-d and tried so hard to pass along to them as clearly as possible, and throw them away carelessly. As if they were worthless and unimportant. As if they were not written upon his heart and soul, in blood and pain. 

And you'd think he would at least have his reward now and see the land he worked so hard to bring them to. 

Have you ever read beyond the end of D'varim? The books that come after the Israelites entered the promised land are mostly depressing for a spiritual leader. First of all, they are constantly at war or being occupied. Secondly, they are constantly doing "that which is bad in the eyes of G-d". 

The land may have been wonderful but the people kept being the same heart breakers they have been all along. 

Suppose Moshe did enter the land as their leader. He would have had to keep on fighting enemies. Those who try to kill you physically, those who try to kill you spiritually and those who break your heart by ignoring your efforts. Didn't Moshe have enough heartache already?

G-d did a great chessed with Moshe. He showed him the land. From afar. Where it looks beautiful and full of promise. Where he couldn't see the thorns. The wars, the disappointments, the fights and suffering. Where he could enjoy the view unobstructed. And know that the land was real and wonderful and his suffering was worth it.

And then G-d took him. Gently, peacefully, privately. 

Happy ending.

Apples and Honey cake

2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional but really good)
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup honey
2 eggs
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup snipped dried apples
3 Tbs honey


Preheat oven to 325F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and cardamom.

Beat margarine with a mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add 1 cup honey and eggs; beat until smooth.

Add flour mixture and orange juice alternately to the beaten mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Pour into greased baking dish.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour boiling water over apples to cover. Let stand 15 minutes. Drain well. Sprinkle cake with apples.Bake another 15-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

In a small saucepan heat the 3 Tbs of honey just until warm; drizzle over warm cake.

Cool completely.

Makes 16 servings.