Guests gathered at the Sid Jacobson JCC on May 15 for an intercultural Shabbat dinner that brought together members of the Jewish and Asian American communities around a shared table, shared traditions and shared values.
Held during both Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the evening combined elements of a traditional Shabbat dinner with a family-style kosher Chinese meal, creating what organizers described as a celebration rooted in culture, conversation and connection.
“We have an opportunity to celebrate our communities, how unique they are, but also the values that we share — family, remembrance, generosity and community,” said Susan Berman, associate executive director of community engagement at the JCC. “Breaking bread is a really important way to foster connection.”
The event was organized through a collaboration between the JCC’s Center for Community Engagement and its Jewish Life and Learning department, alongside local Asian community partners, including the Greater Roslyn Association for Chinese Enrichment, known as GRACE.
According to organizers, the response was immediate, with reservations filling quickly after invitations were distributed.
“What came back to us as a community center is that the Asian community was looking to learn more about Jewish culture,” Berman said. “This was an opportunity to gather around the table and share a cultural experience, not a religious experience, but a cultural experience.”
The evening featured traditional Shabbat rituals, including candle lighting and blessings over challah and wine, alongside kosher Chinese cuisine catered specifically for the event. Organizers also incorporated activities designed to encourage conversation among attendees, including table discussion prompts, games and a flower-making activity intended to spark interaction between guests.
Lauren Chizner, director of Jewish life and learning at the JCC, said the event reflected the organization’s broader mission of fostering community across cultural and religious lines.
“We felt like this could be an amazing opportunity because it is both Jewish American Heritage Month and AAPI Month, to bring our two communities together to enjoy a meal, share customs, share traditions and talk to one another,” Chizner said. “Food is such a great way to get to know people and build community.”
The program also included a short video exploring the historical connection between Jewish Americans and Chinese food traditions, particularly the longstanding custom among many Jewish families of eating Chinese food on Christmas.
Source: LI Press
