This week we celebrate Sukkot, which is sometimes referred to as Zman Simhateinu, the time of our happiness. Why are we happy? Well, we made it through the craziness of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and as far as we know we’re inscribed in the Book of Life. It’s harvest season, which means lots of delicious fall foods are crowding the farmer’s markets, and of course we have the very fun business of shaking our lulavim. But really, Zman Simhateinu could very well refer to National Pierogi Day which is observed right now–today!
If you’ve never had a Pierogi then first of all I feel bad for you, and second of all, allow me to explain:
Pierogi are kind of like huge ravioli that are boiled and then sautéed or fried. They can be filled with all kinds of things–chese, meat, spinach, mushrooms, potatoes, etc.–and they’re often served with carmelized onions, sour cream and applesauce. And oh my LAWD are they good.
Pierogi are Eastern European in origin, which means that many of our Bubbes from Poland and Russia ate them as children, and encouraged pierogi enthusiasm in their children and grandchildren. As a Chicago native, I know all about authentic Polish pierogi, and I was especially excited that here at MyJewishLearning headquarters we decided to order some pierogi from the 2nd Ave Deli.
I took my lunch to the sukkah in Bryant Park and ate there, but hurried back afterwards to sample some of the pierogi and oh my was it worth the wait.
We got one order of boiled potato pierogi, which were delicious, but also intensely greasy, and one order of fried potato pierogi, which were also delicious, though Jeremy wished they were crisper.
According to Twitter, today is also National Poetry Day in the UK, so here’s my poem about Pierogies:
Roses are red
Pierogies are golden
Let’s eat this potato-y goodness
Like in days of olden
