Not surprisingly, olive oil played a central role in the ritual and culture of ancient Israel, serving as a sign of holiness, wisdom (Menachot 85b), and blessing. The olive leaf, from the story of Noah, symbolizes peace. Thus, when the Anshei Knesset Hagadolah instituted rituals to inaugurate the Shabbat, olive oil was transformed into nayrot (lights), while grain became Hamotzi (Sabbath bread) and wine Kiddush. Rabbi Tarfon wanted to restrict the
Contemporary pure olive oil is far different from the oil called for in the menorah
(About 1½ cups) The Romans, like many Ancient Mediterranean cultures, made a paste from olives, seasoned with vinegar and herbs (including cilantro, fennel, and mint) called epityrum. In this tradition is tapenade, a Provencal paste made from olives, capers, and anchovies. The name comes from the Provencal word for capers, tapeno, to differentiate it from other olive pastes. Spread tapenade on croûtes/crostini (toast), spread over cheese tarts, use to stuff hard-boiled eggs or cherry tomatoes, serve as a dip for crudités, bread, and crackers, or serve with broiled\grilled fish. 1½ cups pitted brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata, Nicoise, or Gaeta 1 to 2 ounces (6 to 12) anchovy fillets, rinsed ¼ cup capers, drained 1 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 to 4 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, or ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard) ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil In a food processor or with a mortar and pestle, pulse the olives, anchovies, capers, garlic, basil, parsley, pepper, and, if desired, lemon juice until minced. Drizzle in olive oil and mix well. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve at room temperature. VARIATIONS: Tomato Tapenade: Reduce the olives to 10 to 12 and add 5 (about 1 pound) plum tomatoes, drained and chopped.
Photos by Shlomo Chen
Sabbath lights to only olive oil, but “Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri stood on his feet and said: ‘What shall the people of Babylonia do? They have only sesame oil. What shall the people of Media do? They have only nut oil. What shall the people of Alexandria do? They have only radish oil. And what shall the peo-
Tapenade (Provencal Olive and Caper Paste)
emunah.org | EMUNAH Magazine | Winter 2011/2012-5772 | 9