Food has been a part of my Jewish life since I can remember. Challah on Fridays, matzah balls on Passover, Sephardic meat patties year-round. Eating and preparing the treats were (and continue to be) a wonderful way to share traditions, learn new skills and simply hang out with my mom, grandmothers and extended family.
Now, as a mom of one (and one on the way) I’m excited about sharing Jewish traditions and culinary treats with my daughter. I love watching her nosh on a bagel at our favorite deli and can’t get enough of her slurping chicken soup and matzah balls. At a recent Shalom Tots workshop she “learned” to knead challah while my husband and I chased behind her cleaning up the flour-y mess.
The kitchen is a perfect entry into Judaism for our growing family. Recently, our daughter and I “cooked” a kugel together. I measured, poured and prepped the ingredients then she stirred the noodles. All along the way we talked about what we were making, how mommy got the recipe from nana and how we were going to eat the kugel with daddy later. We practiced new words, worked on fine & gross motor coordination, soaked up some of our Ashkenazic heritage and had a great hour together. As she gets older I know our culinary sessions will become more interactive, fun and educational – for both of us. And one day my daughter will have the same generational Jewish memories that I have.
Interested in starting a few traditions of your own? Click here for the Open Tent’s list of favorite food blogs and recipe sites. Have a recipe you’d like to share? Please comment below…
