Table

Inspiration for Your High Holy Days Table

Kristen Kersey, Program Administrator

In her book King Solomon’s Table, a collection of Jewish recipes from around the world, Joan Nathan asked a chef why he continues to make his family’s traditional recipes. He answered, “It is not the taste I am searching for, but the memories.” Jewish food links us to the past in a way that touches the soul and fills the belly. Whether it’s a brisket recipe passed down through the generations, a “secret” family recipe that you’ve tried to recreate for years (the secret ingredient is probably schmaltz or sugar), or a new dish inspired by different Jewish communities from around the world, it is these sensory memories of smells and tastes that draw us back to the holiday table every year.

We’ve compiled a collection of recipes we hope will make your celebrations a little sweeter and more delicious. This collection includes recipes from mizrahi and sephardi traditions, as well as favorites of members of the new BJ havurah led by Carol Gelles: Your Stories and Recipes from Quarantine. They are a group of women who meet virtually twice a month to share experiences and recipes during this time of quarantine. They hope to meet for in-person potlucks once it is safe to do so.

For those of you who are making Rosh Hashanah dinner for the first time and are feeling overwhelmed, remember that it is the memories that will last, not the taste of food on your tongue. Cookbook author and brisket aficionado Stephanie Pierson asked Joan Nathan, “If you’re Jewish and you make a terrible brisket, does that make you a bad person?” Joan’s response? “It just means you probably don’t put in enough water for a good braise.” So if at first you don’t succeed, add another cup of water and try again. Recipes include: • Persian Green Bean Frittata • Yemeni Soup • Mini Turkey Meatloaves* • Light-as-Air Paleo/Gluten-free

Matzo Quenelles (almost balls)* • “That Jewish Apple Cake”* • Roast Chicken with Figs and

Rosemary* • And more!

To see these recipes, please visit www.bj.org/recipes

* Recipe from Stories from Quarantine havurah