Mishpatim

One of the reasons I am enjoying the execution of this blog is that it is encouraging me to read each weeks' Torah portion and rabbinical commentary.

This week's portion is Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1 - 24:18. In this portion we hear G'd give us the rules and regulations for being the chosen people. From slaves to ritual sacrifice to the leaving of land fallow every seven years- it is all there. At the close of the parsha, Moses climbs Sinai and remains there for forty days.

Within Mishpatim are also the initial rules of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws.

I do not keep a Kosher home... as we are contemplating a move to a new home, I too am considering keeping a kosher home, especially since the children will likely be attending a Jewish day school soon. One of the things I remember from my grandmother's home is the importance of keeping everything separate- milchig (milk) dishes were stored away from the fleishig (meat) dishes. There even were separate pots and pans, towels, separate soaps and separate dishpans. If Martha Stewart were Jewish, can you imagine how many MORE sets of serving ware she would have???

One of the things that always concerned me was that I would mess things up and put a milk spoon in the meat drawer. Some one has finally come up with an answer for those of us with these concerns. Mark Moskowitz of fiftytwothousand.com created real dairy and meat dishes- that even someon like me could not mess up!


These plates enhance the Jewish cultural experience. While filling a void in contemporary design for those that keep Kosher and require separate meat and dairy dishes, they also bridge different sects of Judaism, and share ancient rituals with friends of all beliefs. From the Slow Food Movement to Kosher eating, our collective cultural perspective is enhanced while having a spirited meal. Also great for appetizers.