Around 2009 we encountered the tradition of Noah’s Pudding from Turkish Muslims in Reno, Nevada. These Muslims celebrate the landing of Noah’s Ark, which occurs in this week’s Torah reading, with a dessert made from grains, dried fruits, and whatever was lying around at the end of a long journey – in other words, an ancient version of a “what’s in the fridge” dish.
They taught that it was important to share this Noah’s Pudding with their neighbors from all backgrounds – acknowledging that Noah’s family symbolized all peoples’ common ancestry.
Whatever we may be doing this week, let us find a good reason to share moments of joy with our neighbors. A good story to get along with everyone can come from a lot of different sources.