Join the Gesher Group for

The Deli in American Jewish Life

Sunday, December 3 • 12:00 Noon
Featuring Ted Merwin, Deli Historian, and a delicious Deli lunch.

Come after Rabbi Skoff’s Bible Study Class for a fun afternoon of all things Deli! Enjoy a delicious deli box lunch featuring your favorite deli foods. Following lunch, we will virtually welcome Ted Merwin, Ph.D., author of Pastrami on Rye: The Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli, who will give us a presentation on Zoom. In New York, L.A., Chicago, Cleveland, and other American cities, the delicatessen was the lifeblood of the Jewish community. The “soul food” and atmosphere it dished up became a quintessential part of American culture for Jews and non-Jews alike.

But as Jews moved into the suburban middle class, the deli lost its bite, giving way to other ethnic restaurants and cuisines. Can the deli be resurrected? Dr. Merwin will show how the deli, which originated in Germany and Eastern Europe, developed in this country into a neighborhood institution on par with the synagogue. He will also discuss how the deli became an icon of both television shows and films about the Jewish experience.

Attendees will have a choice of a corned beef sandwich, turkey sandwich, or tuna salad sandwich, plus condiments, coleslaw, chips, dessert, and beverage. Please indicate your choice when registering.

Cost: $12/Park members

$15/Guests

Prepaid reservations are required by November 27

Please contact Ellen Petler with any questions at epetler@parksyn.org or 216-371-2244 ext. 122.

Sponsored by the Gesher Group—Open to all Park members and friends!