The chapter delves into the deep connection between food, stories, and family traditions, sharing personal anecdotes about culinary heritage. It explores the adaptation and evolution of the Seder meal among Jewish communities in the diaspora, enriching the diversity of rituals. The guest, a Jewish food writer and historian, discusses the role of food in preserving cultural identity and building connections despite societal tensions.
Joan Nathan, the “doyenne of Jewish-American food” and a pillar of the DC dinner party scene, joins us to talk about her memoir, “My Life in Recipes.” Nathan has written a dozen cookbooks, but this is her most personal, drawing on family recipes from the old country that go back centuries. She and Kara discuss everything from Golda Meir’s terrible matzo balls, to the limits of gastro-diplomacy, the so-called “Hummus Wars,” and the war in Gaza.
Please note that while this discussion touches on chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen and its work in Gaza, the episode was recorded before the Israeli airstrikes that killed seven of the organization’s aid workers.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices