Table talk: American Jewish foodways and the study of religion

Studying American Judaism through the lens of foodways challenges conventional divides between Judaism, the religion, and Jewishness, the culture, and points to fruitful avenues for studying lived religion and material culture in the United States more broadly. This essay examines how studies of American Jewish foodways draw attention to individuals and organizations who would otherwise not receive scholarly attention. They highlight the ways that ordinary people have enacted Judaism in their daily lives, on holidays, and on other ritual occasions. Studies of American Jewish foodways shift where scholars look for religious practice and who they recognize as religious authorities—from clergy to cookbook authors; from the synagogue to the home kitchen, restaurant, or corporation; and, in many cases, from men to women.