Not Just Apples and Honey: Rosh Hashana Foods and Their Many Meanings

Online

We all know that we “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 newly-coined symbols at the Rosh Hashana table? And most […]

Free

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

Marcus JCC of Atlanta 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, GA, 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, meorav Yerushalmi to mufletta, Joel reveals the culture behind the distinctive foods that make Israel so deliciously… Israeli.

$10 – $15

Chulent and Schnapps: The Most Jewish Combo?

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

Combining elements of my talks "Chulent & Hamin: The Stew With 1000 Flavors" and "My Cup Runneth Over: The Jews and Their Drinking Habit."

$5 – $8

They Tried to Kill Us, We Won, Let’s Eat! Jewish Food Conquers Antisemitism

Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd., Great Neck, NY, United States

Jews have been oppressed throughout history. But every pot has a silver lining. Let’s look at the lighter side of darkness. How have Jews turned challenges into opportunities, and what delicious foods did we draw directly from the crucible of antisemitism? (Includes dinner)

$65

Chulent & Hamin: The Stew With 1000 Flavors

Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd., Great Neck, NY, 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. PLUS: Enjoy a Chulent Cookoff Competition at Kiddush!

Free

My Cup Runneth Over: The Jews and their Drinking Habit

Great Neck Synagogue 26 Old Mill Rd., Great Neck, NY, 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 ninth century Iraq and 18th century Poland, into the modern State of Israel, join Joel for a stumble through the intimate and at times surprising relationship between Jews and […]

Free

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

Tikvat Israel Congregation 2200 Old Baltimore Rd., Rockville, 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, meorav Yerushalmi to mufletta, Joel reveals the culture behind the distinctive foods that make Israel so deliciously… Israeli. A joint program with Kehilat Pardes and Tikvat Israel Congregation.

What Makes a Food Jewish?

JCC Harlem 318 W 118th St, New Yok, NY, United States

A succinct and entertaining exploration of the question of what makes food Jewish. Is there even such a thing as Jewish food at all? What is the importance of exploring this question? Followed by an audience-participation debate on whether specific foods may be classified as Jewish or not. FED is like TED, but you get fed! Meal included.

$30

They Tried to Kill Us, We Won, Let’s Eat! Jewish Food Conquers Antisemitism

Northern Hills Synagogue 5714 Fields Ertel Rd., Cincinnati, OH, United States

Jews have been oppressed throughout history. But every pot has a silver lining. Let’s look at the lighter side of darkness. How have Jews turned challenges into opportunities, and what delicious foods did we draw directly from the crucible of antisemitism? Part of the First Friday program with potluck dinner.

Chulent and Hamin: The Stew with a Thousand Flavors

Northern Hills Synagogue 5714 Fields Ertel Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 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.

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

Young Israel of Southfield 27705 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI, United States

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 underly our role in culinary history.

My Cup Runneth Over: The Jews and Their Drinking Habit

Private Home Los Angeles, CA, 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 ninth century Iraq and 18th century Poland, into the modern State of Israel, join Joel for a stumble through the intimate and at times surprising relationship between Jews and […]