Walk two moons

An old Native American saying tells us that we cannot understand a man until we walked two moons in his moccasins. The Talmud, of course, says the same thing "Do not judge your friend until you are in his place."

So I cannot really judge Ya'akov, since I never walked in his moccasins. But I still wonder why he told Pharaoh that his life was short and bad. About the short part, OK, he lived less than his father and grandpa (although he wasn't dead yet, so how could he know?) but the 'bad' part? Why did he think his life was bad? He had many sons (the real sign of wealth in the ancient world) and many flocks (another sign.) He lived a very full life. Had known love, adventure and a personal relationship with G-d. It is true that the love of his life died too early and he believed his favorite son to be dead for many years and I can see how this will make one miserable. But Rachel died a long time ago and he had just been reunited with his favorite son, who had miraculously returned from the dead with a vengeance. Shouldn't Ya'akov be a little happy?

But some pain is beyond repair. A week ago too many parents in Connecticut had to face the worst pain there is in this world. You don't recover from a pain like this. You may go on breathing, eating, sleeping and talking, but you do not recover. Ever. And, apparently, even if, many years later, you somehow get your child back,the damage stays.

G-d willing, no one will ever have to walk in these parents' moccasins. 




Potato Kugel


This is my ultimate comfort food. I know everyone knows how to make this, but that's the point. Comfort food is only comforting because it is known and familiar.

8 medium potatoes, thinly grated
2 onions, thinly grated
6 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 Tbs flour
1 heaping Tbs salt


In a colander over a bowl, squeeze potatoes until quite dry. 
Transfer to another bowl and mix with onions.
Let liquids from squeezed potatoes stand for 5 minutes. Carefully discard liquid. There will be a layer of starch at the bottom of the bowl. 
Add eggs, oil, flour and salt to the potato starch. Mix well.
Add potato and onion mix to egg mix. Mix well.
Pour into a well oiled 9x13 pan.
Bake at 400F for one hour or until ready (test it like you would test a cake).





May G-d, in His infinite mercy and compassion, bring nechama to all those who are hurting.