Walk like an Egyptian?

Not. This week's parasha states clearly: "Do not do as the Egyptians do". This stands in complete contrast to "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." (Although, to be fair, maybe we can just do as the Romans do but not as the Egyptians. Hmmm.)

Was there nothing to learn from the Egyptians? Or the Greeks? Or the Romans? Or the very cultural Germans.....

Jews have learned a great deal from all the nations they came in contact with. It's human nature. And it's a good thing, on the whole. If people do not share knowledge, everyone would still be living in caves. And the Egyptians had plenty that was worth knowing. They had vast knowledge of math, astronomy, agriculture. Not to mention architecture. So what exactly are we to not do as they do? Well, says the parasha, keep G-d's commandments. OK, that makes sense. Surely the other nations do not do that. So this is about not worshiping false idols. Fine. But then I keep reading (I know, I'm very annoying like that) and the very next verse says "Observe my rules and my laws which a person would do and shall live through them". So there is a greater reason here. Don't just not do as the Egyptians (and the people of Kna'an) do. Keep the laws of G-d that are blueprint for human living. 

Where are the people of Kna'an? The grand kingdom that used to be Egypt? Where is the Mighty Roman Empire? They did not observe the laws and rules that are apparently essential for living. Who did? We did. Where are the Jews? Everywhere. 

And every time Jews forgot to "Not do as the Egyptians do" - they usually joined the ranks of the 'Egyptians' and shared their destiny.

However, one thing that Jews did adopt was the local cuisine. Which is why the term "Jewish food" is a misnomer. There is no "Jewish food". There is only food that Jews adapted to fit their dietary laws everywhere they lived. So don't think that your matzoh ball soup is "Jewish". Or your latkes. Or chopped liver. They are simply kosher adaptations of Eastern European goyisheh food. Nothing wrong with that. People have to eat and if you hanker after pork pate, you may be tempted. So your creative wife (it's always the women who save the day, isn't it?) came up with a perfectly acceptable substitute and all is well.

And the trend continues. What will a Jewish wedding be today without sushi? 

So here is another adaptation. One that you may be well aware of and may even be using on a semi regular basis. But if you don't - here is a little idea that will make dinner much messier but great fun.

Tacos are a lot of fun both to make and to eat. The problem with tacos is that they contain both meat and cheese. So, if you have not yet figure this out - I suggest you divide and conquer (Wait, this is what many ruling Empires did. Oops, guess we might have to bend the rule of "do not do as the Egyptians do" a little here)

Buy the shells. They are parve. Plan for two different dinners.

Dinner one is with meat. Serve the shells with 1. A bowl of browned ground beef, seasoned with a variety of spices (or buy a "Taco spice mix" packet) such as paprika, garlic, coriander, cumin, pepper, salt. 2. A bowl of chopped avocado. 3. A bowl of chopped olives. 4. A bowl of thinly sliced lettuce. 5. A bowl of salsa. 6. A bowl of chopped onions. 7. A bowl of chopped tomatoes. 
You can change the content of the bowls but meat, lettuce and salsa are a must.


Dinner two is dairy. Serve the shells with 1. A bowl of sour cream or Greek yogurt. 2. A bowl of chopped avocado. 3. A bowl of chopped olives. 4. A bowl of thinly sliced lettuce. 5. A bowl of salsa. 6. A bowl of chopped onions. 7. A bowl of chopped tomatoes. 8. A bowl of shredded cheese (cheddar is good but use your favorite) 9. A bowl of some kind of beans: re fried (you can get vegetarian kosher ones), baked beans (ditto) or leftover lentil stew (vegetarian, of course). 
Again, you can change the contents but you must have salsa, lettuce, cheese and beans.


As you may have noticed, this is very easy to make, a little confusing to serve and a pain to clean up after. But it's really a lot of fun and you can actually clean out the fridge this way. Don't let my lists intimidate you - add, subtract and change any of the ingredients. Use what you like or what you have on hand. Have fun with your food. You can eat like the "Egyptians". Just don't do as they do. 



PS - this is also a great meal for Shabbat lunch in the summer.