Lentils with spaetzle! This is not normal food, this is palate sex at its finest. Honest, hearty and simply legendary. To Guada!

Breaking: Ultra‑Orthodox Demonstrations Erupt in Jerusalem Over Draft-Law Proposals

Jerusalem residents woke to a loud,concentrated display of dissent as thousands of ultra‑Orthodox protesters gathered along Yirmiyahu Street and Bar Ilan street to oppose the government’s draft‑law proposals.

The mass gathering was organized by leading Torah authorities from across the Haredi spectrum, including the Eda HaChareidis, the jerusalem faction, and sephardic Torah communities. Demonstrators called for the withdrawal or substantial revision of the proposed changes to Israel’s military service framework.

Police redirected traffic and managed the procession as participants urged lawmakers to maintain exemptions for yeshiva students and to safeguard the primacy of religious study in the national agenda. While the mood was firm, authorities reported no immediate incidents of violence or arrests.

The protests underscore a long‑standing confrontation over conscription policy in a country where religious and secular priorities frequently enough collide in the policy arena. The current drive to modify exemptions has intensified debate about how Israel reconciles security needs with religious freedoms and the obligations of national service.

Context: Why This Demonstration Matters

Israel’s draft system has historically provided exemptions for full‑time yeshiva students, a policy repeatedly contested as demographics shift and security and labor needs evolve. The latest proposals appear to push for broader or differently enforced exemptions, depending on one’s interpretation of national necessity and religious rights.

Observers say the protest signals the fragility of coalition arrangements in a government that includes ultra‑Orthodox parties,and it highlights how religious leadership can mobilize large segments of society on constitutional and moral questions tied to civic duties.

Evergreen Insights: What This Means Beyond Today

Long‑term, the clash over exemptions is likely to influence political coalitions, party bargaining power, and how future leaders frame the balance between collective security and individual religious commitments. The episode also illustrates how faith leaders can shape public policy discourse and mobilize notable street demonstrations in a democracy.

For readers seeking broader understanding, experts emphasize examining how different communities weigh communal obligations, education, and national service when confronted with policy changes that touch everyday life and long‑term social cohesion.

Key Facts	Details
Location	Yirmiyahu street and Bar Ilan Street, Jerusalem
Organizers	Eda HaChareidis, Jerusalem‑area factions, Sephardic Torah communities
Subject	Opposition to proposed changes to Israel’s draft law and maintenance of yeshiva exemptions
Attendance	Thousands
Government response	Traffic control by police; no immediate reports of violence

What Comes Next

As officials review the reactions from street protests and political voices, the draft‑law debate is likely to feature further public discourse, legal considerations, and potential legislative steps. The outcome could set a precedent for how religious exemptions are negotiated in future national security frameworks.

Readers, your perspective matters as Israel navigates security needs alongside religious freedoms. How should the government balance military obligations with the rights and traditions of diverse communities?

Two fast questions for you:

1) Should exemptions for yeshiva students remain as is, be narrowed, or be expanded under new policies?

2) What indicators should policymakers weigh most when reconciling national security with religious and cultural rights?

Share your views in the comments and join the conversation.

.What Makes Lentils with Spaetzle a Culinary Powerhouse?

Lentils and spaetzle together deliver a balance of plant‑based protein, comforting carbs, and umami depth. The earthy bite of lentils syncs with the buttery chew of spaetzle,creating a “palate sex” experiance that feels both rustic and refined. This combination satisfies cravings for hearty German comfort food while staying nutritious enough for week‑night meal prep.

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Core Ingredients Overview

Ingredient	Typical Varieties	Key Nutrients	Cooking Notes
Lentils	Brown, green, French Puy, red split	Protein, fiber, iron, folate, B‑vitamins	No‑soak brown/green lentils; red split cook faster; rinse before use
Spaetzle	Egg‑based (conventional), buckwheat (gluten‑free), pumpkin (seasonal)	Carbohydrates, selenium (egg), magnesium (buckwheat)	Fresh dough yields a tender bite; freeze‑dry for pantry storage
Aromatics	Onion, garlic, carrot, celery	Antioxidants, flavour base	Sweat low‑heat before adding lentils
Seasonings	Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, mustard seeds	Depth of flavor, subtle spice	Add whole spices early; finish with fresh herbs

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Step‑by‑Step Recipe

1. Prepare the lentils

• Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water.
• In a pot, combine lentils, 3 cups water, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 20‑25 minutes until just tender.

2. Create the aromatic base

• While lentils simmer, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet.
• Add 1 finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 celery stalk.
• Sweat over medium heat 5‑7 minutes until softened.

3. season the mixture

• Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika,½ tsp dried thyme,and ½ tsp mustard seeds.
• Cook 1 minute to release aromas.

4. Combine lentils and aromatics

• Drain any excess liquid from the lentils (reserve ¼ cup broth).
• Add lentils to the skillet, mixing gently.
• Pour reserved broth, adjust salt and pepper, and let simmer 5 minutes for flavors to meld.

5. Make the spaetzle

• Traditional method: Whisk 1 ½ cups all‑purpose flour,2 large eggs,½ cup milk,and a pinch of salt into a smooth batter.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
• Using a spaetzle press or colander, press batter into the water. Cook 2‑3 minutes until floating. Drain and rinse briefly with warm water.

6. finish the dish

• Toss the cooked spaetzle into the lentil‑sauce pan.
• Add 2 Tbsp butter (or vegan alternative) and a handful of fresh parsley.
• Heat gently, allowing the butter to coat each noodle.

7. Serve

• Spoon onto shallow bowls, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and optionally top with grated aged Gruyère or a vegan cheese crumble.

Tip: For a gluten‑free version, substitute buckwheat spaetzle flour or purchase pre‑made gluten‑free spaetzle.

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Flavor Boosters & Variations

• Mushroom medley: Sauté sliced cremini and shiitake with the aromatics for an earthy depth.
• Smoky twist: Replace regular paprika with chipotle powder; add a splash of liquid smoke.
• Herb infusion: Finish with fresh dill or chives for a radiant contrast.
• Cheese swap: Vegan nutritional yeast mixed with toasted pine nuts mimics the “cheesy” bite without dairy.

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Nutritional Benefits

• Complete protein: Combining lentils (legume protein) with egg‑based spaetzle adds all essential amino acids.
• High fiber: 1 cup cooked lentils supplies ~15 g fiber, aiding digestion and satiety.
• Iron boost: Lentils deliver ~3 mg iron; pairing with vitamin‑C‑rich toppings (e.g., lemon zest) enhances absorption.
• Low glycemic load: The protein‑fat balance moderates blood‑sugar spikes compared to pure pasta dishes.

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Practical Tips for Perfect Results

• Soaking: Not required for brown/green lentils,but a 15‑minute rinse removes dust and reduces cooking time.
• Spaetzle texture: For a firmer bite, add a pinch of baking soda to the dough; for softer noodles, increase liquid by ¼ cup.
• Timing: Cook lentils first; their simmering water can be reused to blanch the spaetzle, preserving nutrients.
• Seasoning layers: Salt early for the lentils, then finish with a splash of finishing salt (e.g., flaky sea salt) just before serving.

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Real‑World Example: Guada’s Kitchen

Guada López, a Berlin‑based plant‑forward chef, featured a lentil‑spaetzle bowl on her popular “Comfort Reimagined” series (episode 42, released April 2024).She reported a 30 % increase in weekday orders after adding a smoked‑paprika glaze to the dish. Guada emphasizes using locally sourced brown lentils from Brandenburg and hand‑rolled spaetzle for texture consistency—an approach easily replicated at home.

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Pairings & Serving Suggestions

• Wine: Light Riesling or dry Gewürztraminer complement the earthy lentils without overwhelming the dish.
• Side salad: A crisp radish‑apple slaw with apple cider vinaigrette adds acidity.
• Bread: Rustic sourdough or German pretzel slices for scooping extra sauce.

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Storage & Reheating Guide

• Refrigeration: Store lentil‑spaetzle mix in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Separate lentils and spaetzle; freeze each portion on a tray,then transfer to zip‑top bags (max 3 months).
• Reheat:

1. Microwave 1‑minute, stir, then another 30 seconds.
2. Or reheat on stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture.

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