Oil, Almonds, and… Ears?! The Customary Foods of Chanukkah, Tu B’Shvat, and Purim

Online

These three holidays all have popular foods associated with them, and plenty more that may be less familiar. By diving deeper into the dishes we eat to celebrate, we’ll answer such perplexing questions as, “would we still eat latkes if there were no miracle of the oil,” “what the heck is bokser anyway,” and “did Haman actually have pointy ears?”

Free

The Original Culinary Movers and Shakers: Jews as Transporters of Food

Young Israel Synagogue of North Netanya Shlomo HaMelech 39, Netanya, Israel

From oranges to chocolate, wine to sugar, most foods today have spread beyond their birthplaces. But did you know that as the most globalized nation in the world, Jews have been intimately involved in their active transmission? Hear the surprising stories of the wandering Jew’s gastronomic impact, and the reasons that underlie our role in culinary history.

NIS30

A Taste of Israel: An Evening of Jewish Culture & Cooking

Yosi's Kitchen 598 Hayden Station Rd., Windsor, CT, United States

During this private event for the Men's Engagement Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, I will join chef Yosi Awad at his Yosi's Kitchen for a demonstration, lecture, and discussion. In addition to sampling various Israeli specialties from Yosi's mind, we will also be sampling a chulent. I will discuss some things connecting with Israeli food, and more […]

$36

A Land of Milk & Mufletta: At the Crossroads of Israel’s Cuisine and Culture

Mount Sinai Jewish Center 135 Bennett Ave., New York, NY, United States

Israeli chefs have recently conquered the culinary world, but what about all those foods they left behind at home? What do these dishes say about Israel itself? From falafel to petitim, meurav Yerushalmi to mufleta, I will reveal the culture behind the distinctive foods that make Israel so deliciously… Israeli.

$20 – $27

A Land of Milk & Mufletta: At the Crossroads of Israel’s Cuisine and Culture

Beth El Congregation 8101 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD, United States

Israeli chefs have recently conquered the culinary world, but what about all those foods they left behind at home? What do these dishes say about Israel itself? From falafel to petitim, meurav Yerushalmi to mufleta, I will reveal the culture behind the distinctive foods that make Israel so deliciously… Israeli.

Free

Chulent & Hamin: The Stew with 1000 Flavors

BMH-BJ Congregation 560 S Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO, United States

Wherever Jews have spread throughout our complex and storied history, we’ve carried a simple Shabbat stew with us, adapting it to the local ingredients and tastes. A culinary history of this most Jewish of dishes that will whet your appetite, but not sit heavily in your stomach.

$18

Not Just Apples and Honey (plus: Food Responses to Oct 7)

Congregation Agudath Sholom 301 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford, CT, United States

We all know that we have to “dip the apple in the honey” on Rosh Hashana. But there are so many more symbolic foods that Jews around the world eat on the holiday. What do all of these foods mean? Why is symbolism such a big part of this holiday? How legit are “new simanim” at the Rosh Hashana table? […]

Jews Who Drink: The Surprising and Intimate Story of Jews and Booze

Shaare Tefilla 6131 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX, United States

Common wisdom states that Jews don’t drink. But while it may not be the Jewish vice of choice, all evidence indicates the common wisdom to be wrong. From Biblical times, through 9th century Persia and 18th century Poland, into the modern State of Israel, this talk reveals the fascinating history of Jews and their drinking habit.

$10

Jewish Cuisine: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Tradition

Private Home Los Angeles, CA, United States

A private Global Speakeasy event. An intimate culinary- and libation-infused discussion exploring Jewish and Israeli culture, via food, from the Maccabees to Michelin. Food and specialty drinks will be provided.

Beyond Matzah Balls and Chopped Liver: The Diversity of Jewish Cuisine

Beth Joseph Congregation 515 E Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ, United States

A themed, internationally Jewish Shabbat dinner, with an exploration in four correlated parts. The Jewish people are far more diverse than simply Ashkenazi and Sephardi, and "Jewish Food" means much more than Eastern European/American Jewish food. Part of a Scholar-in-Residence weekend.

$125

Chulent & Hamin: The Stew with 1000 Flavors

Beth Joseph Congregation 515 E Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ, United States

Wherever Jews have spread throughout our complex and storied history, we’ve carried a simple Shabbat stew with us, adapting it to the local ingredients and tastes. A culinary history of this most Jewish of dishes that will whet your appetite, but not sit heavily in your stomach. Kiddush Luncheon following morning services. (The fee below offers reserved seating.) Part of […]

$36

What Makes a Food Jewish?

Smash Grill Phoenix, AZ, United States

What makes a food Jewish? Are there any foods that are Jewish without a doubt? Do we ask these same questions about other people’s cuisines? And most importantly, why does it matter what foods are or are not Jewish? A teen program, followed by an informal discussion about life in Israel. Part of a Scholar-in-Residence weekend.

$18