The Jewish Week’s annual 36 Under 36 honors young leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers who are making a difference in the life of Jewish New York. For the full list of this year’s “36ers,” click here.
What do you do?
I’m a food writer and recipe developer with a passion for modernizing and popularizing Jewish food and history. My first cookbook, “Jew-ish,” was a New York Times Bestseller, a rare feat for a cookbook, let alone a Jewish one. When I’m not writing books or for publications, I’m using my social channels to share recipes and challah-braiding tutorials.
How did the pandemic influence your work?
The pandemic allowed me to grow an audience literally hungry to learn how to cook. I was able to launch my book and connect with hundreds of thousands of people through live virtual cooking videos with different Jewish celebrities.
Was there a formative Jewish experience that influenced your life path?
My husband and I didn’t grow up with Shabbat in our households, but began hosting as young adults through OneTable and found immense purpose and joy in celebrating Jewish ritual.
Do you have a favorite inspiring quote?
“I don’t speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don’t have the power to remain silent.” (Rabbi A.Y. Kook)
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