Jewish cuisine is a melting pot of various backgrounds and traditions.
To showcase this, acclaimed Israeli chef Nissimmi Naim-Naor shared a taste of Israel with over 170 local Greater Philadelphians through a series, entitled Exploring Jewish Culinary Heritage.
During hands-on workshops held across four locations from June 30 to July 2, participants learned how to make Jewish staples while discovering the deeper meanings behind beloved recipes and culinary traditions.
Following the cooking lessons, the participants enjoyed their creations together for a sit-down meal.
Naim-Naor came to Greater Philadelphia as a guest of the Venture Israel Fellowship, led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Jewish Learning Venture. The fellowship program nurtures a diverse network of Jewish professionals eager to create robust and engaging programs that focus on the dynamic complexity of today’s Israel through the lens of Jewish identity and its evolution.
“I am grateful to the Jewish Federation and Jewish Learning Venture for bringing me here to share some Israeli culinary and Jewish traditions to see how we are all connected through food, tradition and of course, carbohydrates,” said Naim-Naor, who is a Jewish educator and is currently studying to become a rabbi.
According to Naim-Naor, his cuisine is a reflection of his cultural journey, deeply rooted in Jewish, Mediterranean and Israeli traditions.
In addition to being a celebrated chef, Naim-Naor is the creator of Israel’s television show “A Pot of Longing,” in which he cooks family recipes with those who have lost their loved ones.
By hosting these programs, the Venture Israel Fellowship aims to connect the Greater Philadelphia region with thought leaders and innovators in Israel. Last May, the fellowship program hosted Israeli poet Adi Keissar, who shared her experiences about growing up in Israel with Yeminite Jewish ancestry at six local venues.
On June 30, Naim-Naor taught about Jewish cuisine at Temple Sinai. Courtesy: Jewish Learning Venture
On June 30, participants enjoyed a hands-on cooking lesson at Kesher Israel. Courtesy: Jewish Learning Venture
On July 1, Naim-Naor gave a lesson to camp counselors and counselors in training at Ramah Day Camp. Courtesy: Jewish Learning Venture
Participants at the Adath Israel cooking demonstration on July 2. Courtesy: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Naim-Naor visited Greater Philadelphia to share the meanings behind beloved Jewish recipes and culinary traditions. Courtesy: Jewish Learning Venture
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Venture Israel Fellowship, click here.