Yom Ha’atzmaut is here. Let’s celebrate Independence!

In 1948, Israel declared its independence. The day, called Yom Ha’atzmaut is marked by many Jewish Americans with varying degrees of celebration. While it is not recognized as an official government holiday, it definitely gets plenty of attention in some communities. Fireworks, parades, dance parties, pizza parties, and barbecues all mark the occasion.

After the horrors of WWII and millennia of oppression, there was finally a Jewish state. Although, there is still not peace, the Jewish people now have a land they can call their home. And, what better way to celebrate than with a barbecue or pizza party. Of course, we have to keep it kosher or kosher style. The weather is nice enough to fire up the grille, So, let’s get to it:

When Americans think of barbecue, our mind usually goes to southern fare: spicy chicken, ribs, pulled pork, mostly meat based comfort food. This type of barbecue is part of the new world. The Jewish traditions of barbecue date bake to ancient times. Hummus and pita adorn tables instead of cornbread and butter. Middle eastern spices, in this context, provide flavor more than heat (for more on spices see our basics article). We need to focus on Mediterranean and middle eastern flavors to celebrate Israeli independence. Here are a few ideas:

Yom Ha’atzmaut Barbecue Menu (follow links for recipes):

1. Roasted Pepper Hummus and Citrus Spiced Olives with Pita
2. Lemon Herbed Chicken with Fig Molasses barbecue glaze
3. Curried Cous Cous with dried fruit and scallion
4. Eggplant Tomato Kebobs
5. Dilled Cucumber Salad
6. Pistachio ginger halva

These recipes are a suggestion. Modify them as you please. They are relatively healthy, especially when compared to southern barbecue. This is ahl hah-ESH (a Hebrew word for bbq that literally means on the fire). To get the best flavor, cooking over wood or coal is preferred to gas. But, it’s a celebration, so whatever means you have or want to use are fine. This is a celebration of independence after all. Be free. Don’t let the man tell you what to do!

You don’t have to be Jewish to celebrate Israeli independence. And, don’t be like Peter Griffin trying to be Jewish for personal reasons. The road to freedom has been long and painful. We should strive for the freedom of all peoples and celebrate any victory that progresses the emancipation of any oppressed people. Peace and harmony should be our ultimate end goal. Let it proceed from here.

Shalom!