PREFACE

As every book appears incomplete without a preface, we will say a few words to the Jewish public. Having undertaken the present work with the view of proving that, without violating the precepts of our religion, a table can be spread, which will satisfy the appetites of the most fastidious. Some have, from ignorance, been led to believe that a repast, to be sumptuous, must unavoidably admit of forbidden food. We do not venture too much when we assert that our writing clearly refutes that false notion. The contents of our Book show how various and how grateful to the taste are the viands of which we may lawfully partake. We submit it to the attention of our sisters in faith. From the days of our mother, Sarah—when her husband bids her "make cakes" for his celestial guests—Jewesses have not disdained attending to culinary matters. Indeed, one of the qualities attributed to the model woman of the book of Proverbs is, that she "riseth while it is yet night and giveth provision to her household." We of the present age may not be quite so industrious, but we cannot be charged with being dilatory in doing that which contributes to the comfort of our families.

That the ability to cook well, and to present our aliment in different ways, is calculated to preserve the health and to embrace the pleasures of home, cannot possibly be denied. We have labored to further that most desirable object. And if, together with the directions we have given in a material point of view, those also will be heeded which we have offered regarding the observance of some of our practices, we trust that our efforts will redound to the spiritual welfare of our co-religionists, and secure for ourselves their kind approbation.