We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!
Numbers 11:5,6
Ah the voice of the Discontent. Daily having food provided for them, not having to toil in any way to find enough to eat. Eating the 'bread of heaven' ~ manna. But it was not enough. It was not as tasty as the cucumbers and onions of Egypt. No variety. Not what they were used to. Oy!
Those of us who have made Aliyah can, in some ways, relate to the discontent that can happen over the food issues. Food is how we celebrate. Food is how we wallow in depression. Food is necessary for life. Food has emotional attachment and becomes a personal issue.
Many of The 2 Spies (for we are more than 2) moved to Israel years ago when the stores here had no western products. The move brought about a type of 'fast'. There were no convenience foods. Everything had to be made from scratch. Labels were in Hebrew only and most with no pictures! Choices were very limited. Restaurants consisted of those that served felafels, shwarma and middle-eastern foods ~ if one could even afford to eat out. 'The' hamburger place, McDavid's, was far removed from what was available back in the Old Country. The food issues became a test. A point of choosing to be satisfied or grumble and long for "Egypt". To many, the foods were a lovely adventure in new and tasty cuisine. To others, a ripping off of a very primal need and comfort.
BUT the days of the 'food pioneer' are over. Coming to the Land now is a completely differnt gastric experience. All the wonderful Israeli dishes are available but now the list of places to dine includes McDonalds (for those who care), kosher Chinese, Ethiopian, Thai, Italian, and Sushi to name a few. The foods available are an endless list as imports increase daily from the diaspora. American, British, Russian, Ethiopian, Chinese, Indian, Korean food products can be found in grocery stores. There really is very little in the food realm that is missing. In one way, the wealth of the Nations has come to Israel. In another way, a Giant has been slain!
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| The 'Spoils' of Egypt |
Food is a great people connector. Thanks for sharing! P.S. How can I get copies of these prints shown here to sell in our new gift shop "Shalom Inspirations" in Charlotte, NC?
ReplyDeleteSteve
December 13th 2010 (22):
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed strange, some would say, what is firmly planted in our minds that we have done nothing to cement there.
One such memory for me is of the Harvest Festival celebrations in the church of my youth and the regular hymn we sang every year when Sept/Oct came around. The hymn by Stephen Schwartz, 'All good Gifts,' readily came to my remembrance as I read today's reading above.
Ingratitude, for His provision, is such a sin, isn't it? How can we be lulled into such a state of mind? As we read Schwartz's words, they will surely dispel our selfishness and declare who our provider is.
"We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand
He sends us snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from Heaven above
So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord
For all His love.
We thank Thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seedtime and the harvest, our life our health our food,
No gifts have we to offer for all Thy love imparts
But that which Thou desirest, our humble thankful hearts!"
We receive such a bounty from our good and gracious God yet sadly can so easily forget to thank Him, love Him and worship Him for His goodness.
On reflection, those memories noted at the outset of my entry today are perhaps not haphazard but are rather from Him to continually remind us those truths we should never forget.
Steve. Perry (UK) <><
Hey, where did you find canned Pumpkin, Manwich sauce and Nestle Hot Chocolate mix?!
ReplyDelete~ Coleen