Jewish Arts Festival 2026: From Roots to Recipes, with Darra Goldstein

Have you ever wondered how Jewish food changed from the Old World to the New?Join acclaimed food historian and award-winning cookbook author Darra Goldstein for an evening exploring the fascinating evolution of Ashkenazi cuisine. Drawing on decades of travel, research, teaching, and cooking, Goldstein brings to life the stories behind familiar dishes, revealing how migration, adaptation, and tradition shaped the foods we know today.Enjoy infused vodkas, Ashkenazi hors d'oeuvres, borscht, cabbage rolls, braised chicken, and rugelach while discovering the surprising histories, cultural connections, and culinary techniques concealed within every recipe. Come for the food, drinks, and company. Stay for the stories, kitchen secrets, and a fresh perspective on Jewish culinary heritage.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­While adults enjoy the main program, young chefs are invited to their own event! The youngest children are welcome to reserve childcare, while kids ages 5-12 will embark on their own introduction to Jewish food traditions by learning to make iconic black-and-white cookies. Dinner and a movie are included.About Darra:Darra Goldstein is an award-winning food historian, cookbook author, and the founding editor of Gastronomica. A leading authority on the culinary traditions of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet world, she has authored eight cookbooks and received numerous honors, including the James Beard Award and the International Association of Culinary Professionals' Lifetime Achievement Award. Goldstein is Professor Emerita at Williams College and serves on the board of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.