3reekh
Hearken, O reader, and incline thine ear unto a matter of small appearance yet of great weight; for among
the works of the hand, which men fashion for the sustaining of their flesh, there is none more meek in its
showing, nor more steadfast in its purpose, than that which is called ʿAreekah.
For ʿAreekah is not born of excess, neither doth it arise from vanity, but from wisdom tried by hunger and
instructed by the passing of many days. Its substance is drawn from bread made firm by time, or from
dates brought forth by the sun in patience; and these are mingled by the hand with butter purified by fire,
and with honey, the slow reward of labor unceasing. And lo, nothing is added without cause, neither is
aught withheld that is needful.
And the making thereof is no hasty thing. The hands do press and fold, and in their labor they remember
though they know it not; for the motions are older than the tongue that names them. Thus is knowledge
preserved, not in letters, but in flesh; and the bowl becometh a witness, bearing testimony of those who have
gone before, whose names are dust, yet whose wisdom yet eateth.
When thou partakest thereof, it crieth not aloud for thy attention. It entereth softly, and its sweetness is
measured, and its richness is bound, that it may endure rather than overwhelm. Thou art not struck with
delight as by sudden noise, but persuaded as by counsel well given. And thy satisfaction groweth, even as
understanding groweth, by degrees.
Moreover, ʿAreekah seeketh not solitude. It is set in the midst, and not apart; and those that eat thereof
do draw near one unto another. There is no portion appointed unto each man, for the dish itself
commandeth equity. Thus doth it teach without speaking, saying, Take, and share; for sufficiency
increaseth not by division.
Call it not a thing of the past, neither reckon it among customs that have perished; for ʿAreekah liveth,
and hath no need to clothe itself in newness. The fashions of men pass away, and their inventions grow
weary; but that which is rightly made abideth. And herein is the quiet triumph of ʿAreekah made plain.
For it declareth unto thee this truth: that elegance is not found in abundance of ornament, nor eloquence in
the multiplying of words; but that the most excellent things are those which, having been wisely conceived,
remain faithful unto themselves unto the end.