Schmaltzy

Ophira Eisenberg (NPR’s “Ask Me Another”) grew up in Calgary, Canada as the youngest of six kids. When her tough as nails mom falls ill, Ophira races home to help out — but rising above being the baby of the family is harder than she thought.

As a kid, Recess Therapy creator Julian Shapiro-Barnum was embarrassed by his dad Lorin. But an unexpected friendship changed all of that. 

After moving from New York City to a fifth generation house on a farm in Minnesota, Food Network star and award-winning cookbook author, Molly Yeh, learned how to adapt and make her house a home — with some delicious surprises along the way.

Two New Yorkers arrived at one of our first ever live Schmaltzy events hoping for compelling stories, great food and a vibrant community. They got that plus so much more: their partner for life.

When Marc Azoulay set out to make art in a maximum security prison, he never thought that experience would end with a visit to a tattoo removal clinic and a very unlikely friend for life.

Millions of fans tune in to see Nicole Enayati host her wildly popular show, Mythical Kitchen. But the thought of hosting a family Shabbat dinner gave her stage fright on a whole other level. 

TMI? Not for former Vogue Senior Fashion Writer, Liana Satenstein. Tune in to hear about swearing off shellfish for love, Jewish style, thrifting underwear and more.

A sex columnist, an art critic and a comedian walk into the JCC. This isn't a set-up for joke — it's an episode we recorded live at the JCC Manhattan featuring Alyssa Shelasky, Jerry Saltz and Josh Gondelman. Tune in for tales of desserts gone wrong, Roman love, a Jewish trucker and a lot of laughs.

Acclaimed chef Laurence Jossel of Nopa restaurant thinks that what makes him most Jewish is his sense of humor. He certainly needed it when faced with an unexpected culinary challenge: making matzo ball soup for a Passover Seder.

5-time James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov has one foot in the US and one in Israel. He infuses Israeli chutzpah in everything he does stateside, including Passover, no matter what life throws his way. To find Mike’s holiday recipes and family story on our archive, visit JewishFoodSociety.org.

Israeli born Instagram star Idan Chabasov, aka The Challah Prince, had never baked anything until he moved to Berlin. Today, he credits making challah with bringing him out of a dark time and staying grounded. 

Culinary historian and author Michael W. Twitty shares a preview of his new book Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew — and how he claimed his place at the table.

Hillary Reinsberg took German classes and later studied abroad in Berlin — even as some Jewish friends balked. But, for her, being a proud German Jew didn’t feel like a contradiction.

Artist Maira Kalman shares a preview of her upcoming book “Women Holding Things” and how she finds inspiration in everything from chocolate cake to broken hearts.

For family recipes and stories from around the world, visit our archive at jewishfoodsociety.org.

Nancy Spielberg grew up in Arizona often feeling like she was from another planet. But when her family moved to LA and opened a kosher restaurant, she found a way to fit in.

For family recipes and stories from around the world, visit our archive at jewishfoodsociety.org.

When Susan Alexandra’s grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, passed away, it felt like an earthquake. Susan persevered by channeling her spirit and forging a unique path in New York’s very competitive fashion industry.

For family recipes and stories from around the world, visit our archive at jewishfoodosociety.org.

Comedian and writer Robby Hoffman grew up in a strict kosher home, but after she caved to a McDonald’s craving in college, her relationship with Judaism would never be the same.

For family recipes and stories from around the world, visit our archive at jewishfoodosociety.org.

Social media maven Emily Schultz shares a funny and poignant coming-of-age story about Passover — and her very first Seder as an adult.

For Passover recipes and stories from around the world, visit our archive at jewishfoodosociety.org.