The Jewish festival of Shavuot initially marked the beginning of the harvest and now commemorates when the Israelites received the ten commandments and the Torah. In modern times, Jews began to eat dairy during Shavuot to celebrate the land of Israel flowing with milk and honey. Therefore, blintzes and cheesecakes have become all the rage. Birthright Israel Fellow and artist… Read More
Hummus has become the dip of all dips thanks to foodies everywhere and certainly Birthright Israel alumni who return home craving it. The creamy, tangy texture pairs well with anything from fresh veggies to pita. In the last few years, it has become so popular in the US that it was named the official dip of the NFL. However, as… Read More
I get asked this question all the time: "what is tahini?" My answer is usually, "if you've had hummus, then you've had tahini. If you've had falafel (it tends to be a bit dry, so you add a sauce), that's tahini." At farmer's markets and while doing food demos at Whole Foods around New England, I often tell people that "Tahini… Read More
Curious what a diamant cookie is? Well, diamant is French for diamond and a diamant cookie is usually referred to as a French butter cookie. The cookies are coated in coarse sugar which makes them look as if they've been coated in diamonds. Sounds delicious, right? Well, Birthright Israel Foundation is excited to partner with pastry chef and alumna Abby… Read More
Allow us to introduce you to Abigail Dahan, award-winning pastry chef, Birthright Israel alumna, and “Chopped Sweets” champion. Abigail or as you may know her on Instagram as "Abby," participated in Birthright Israel in 2013. In the short video below Abby shares why she wanted to go on Birthright Israel and how the trip was in fact more than just… Read More
There is no better way to give thanks than with a tasty dessert! That's why Birthright Israel Foundation is excited to bring you 'Chopped Sweets' winner and alumna Abby Dahan's Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake recipe. Abby's coffee cake stands out from the rest with the addition of pumpkin making it the perfect fall dessert. So, how about a slice of… Read More
There’s no tastier perk on a Birthright Israel trip than the opportunity to eat authentic Israeli food. One bite of falafel and most participants are hooked. The 10-day trip completely immerses the group in the local flavors—entirely foreign fare for many participating Jewish young adults. “At home, my diet consists of chicken fingers and pasta, with the occasional vegetable thrown… Read More
Are familiar with Shakshuka? The Middle Eastern egg dish originated in North Africa and quickly made its way all over the Middle East. When Jews living in North Africa made their way back to Israel after living thousands of years in the Diaspora, they brought variations of Shakshuka with them. Since then, the dish has become a breakfast staple throughout… Read More
Noodle kugel recipes are staples in most Ashkenazi Jewish households around the holidays. Kugels are served sweet or savory and to this day most Jews still aren't sure if noodle kugel is an entree or dessert. Needless to say, they are always delicious whether it's on Rosh Hashanah or Shavuot. This is why we're excited to feature Birthright Israel alumna,… Read More
Sara Armet is a 2012 Birthright Israel alumna who went on to found the luxury chocolate brand, Lady & The Chocolate. Having honed a career in specialty retail at Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman, Sara Armet woke up one day with a calling to make ‘the best chocolate you ever had'! Amidst a global pandemic, designing chocolate bark with… Read More
Spring has sprung. Passover is here and you’re already thirsting for the four promises of redemption. Although it’s tempting to think about reclining, everything will fall flatter than the bread of affliction without a little Passover planning. On Passover, we like to mingle the holiday’s greatest hits with a few contemporary recipes. Bubbe’s Matzah Ball Soup is a keeper, of… Read More
