Simchat Torah Stuffed Cabbage

A quick post to share recipes for both Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah is one of my favorite holidays.The foods we eat are stuffed, scroll or round-shaped to represent the abundance of the Torah.  In a previous holiday post, I wrote: “Simchat Torah symbolizes the cycles of our lives. As the Earth rotates, our lives rotate throughout the year; Torahs scroll cycle along their wooden spines each week; our food grows in cycles; on Simchat Torah while holding the Torah, we circle as a community; and we cycle together throughout the Jewish calendar.

And, Shmini Atzeret, where we return to praying for rain instead of dew, deeply connects us to the weather cycles of the Earth. As we live in this perilous time for the planet–for all beings who inhabit it–our interdependence with it is exemplified as we pray for rain. Rain is so desperately needed in some areas while other places are now overwhelmed by it. It’s an intimate reminder that we need to strive to live in harmony with the Earth rather than trying to manipulate or exploit it. As we return to the beginning in Bereshit on Simchat Torah, we will read through the stories of human’s relationship with the Earth and all of its warnings to how we live in relationship with it and each other.

Chag Sameach!

Simchat Torah Zucchini Quiche

Shmini Atzeret and SImchat Torah recipes

Shmini Atzeret: Nopales and Tomatillo Saute
Simchat Torah:
Stuffed Eggplants
Zucchini Quiche
Stuffed Cabbage
Pedro Abella’s Sugar Wafer Cookies
Eggplant Rounds