Biographical note:

The JCC in Manhattan is a cornerstone of progressive programming in New York, serving more than 55,000 people annually. It hosts over 1,200 programs each season that educate, inspire, and transform participants' minds, bodies, and spirits. A spectacular 11-story, 137,000-square foot center for the community, its building at 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue is a place where people, across backgrounds and generations, can learn, play, and connect. The mission of The JCC in Manhattan is to foster an inclusive, engaged, and informed community that embraces diversity and is rooted in Jewish values.

Main description:

Across the continent, JCCs are cultural epicenters of modern Jewish life. The buildings are hives of activity; at any given moment under one roof, hundreds of people of all ages, backgrounds, interests, and opinions gather to engage in a myriad of activities-everything from meditation to music lessons, yoga to Yiddish studies. And what holds it all together? In a word: food.

While sitting down to enjoy a meal together is undeniably bonding, coming together to prepare it is even more so. Now, JCC Manhattan shares classic recipes such as Weekly Challah, Latkes Four Ways, and Vegetable Consommé with Kasha and Mushroom Kreplach, plus an inspiring selection of contemporary dishes with a farm-to-table emphasis and international flavors: Fig and Fennel Bread, Iraqi Lamb Burgers, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Citrus Glaze, and much more. A complete chart groups recipes by dietary restriction (meat, pareve, dairy), and holiday menu suggestions are included as well.

With anecdotal contributions from JCCs all around the country, this cookbook highlights the JCC's vibrant, eclectic community-and celebrates all of its many flavors.