The Sporkful What’s A Jewish Tavern And House Of Learning?
Sep 22, 2025
In this conversation, journalist Josh Foer and Rabbi Charlie Schwartz unveil Lehrhaus, a unique Jewish tavern blending food and learning. They explore the historical significance of Jewish taverns and their approach to creating inclusive spaces for diverse community dialogue. Listeners get a taste of Lehrhaus's inventive menu, including Amba ice cream and Jewish-inspired cocktails, all while discussing how kosher laws have shaped their culinary choices. The duo highlights the importance of blending tradition with modern hospitality in a welcoming environment.
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Tavern Meets House Of Learning
- Lehrhaus combines a tavern and a Beit Midrash to make Jewish learning feel approachable and social.
- The format invites debate and curiosity rather than formal religious instruction.
Born During The Pandemic
- Josh and Charlie conceived Lehrhaus during the pandemic to fill gaps they saw in Jewish life.
- They wanted a welcoming place that feels easy to enter, like a bar, but centered on Jewish learning.
Hospitality Enables Learning
- Combining hospitality and learning taps into a hunger for authentic Jewish education and community.
- Lehrhaus seeks to normalize debate and create a comfortable space for diverse people to gather.