The “Culture & Heritage Series” is a collaborative program that aims to explore the rich and complex history of New Orleans through the lens of Jewish cuisine. Through a diverse range of academic lectures and hands-on cooking demonstrations, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the culinary traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of the city. From the fusion of flavors to the historical significance of certain dishes, this program series offers a deep dive into the intersection of food, culture, and heritage in New Orleans.
For much of the 20th century, the corner Jewish deli was an iconic institution in both Jewish and American life—a kind of homeland for the soul, with pickles on the side. As a social space it rivaled the synagogue as the primary gathering place for the Jewish community. At the same time the deli became an icon in popular culture, featured in a plethora of plays, films, TV shows, songs and stand-up routines.
From John Belushi’s Samurai Deli skit on Saturday Night Live to Rob Reiner’s late-1980s romcom, When Harry Met Sally, to the scenes in the Stage Deli in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the deli and its fare have been embraced by Jews and non-Jews alike as a delicious emblem of Jewish culture in America.
