Jews, Food, and Contemporary Life

As Jews, we’ve been thinking about kashrut – about what is “fit” to eat – for nearly 3,000 years. And a growing number of people today realize that our food choices have significant ramifications – for ourselves, our families and the world around us.

Hazon stands at the forefront of a new Jewish Food Movement, leading Jews to think more broadly and deeply about our own food choices. We’re using food as a platform to create innovative Jewish educational programs; to touch people’s lives directly; to strengthen Jewish institutions; and in the broadest sense to create healthier, richer and more sustainable Jewish communities.

Hazon’s food-related work consists of the following programs, each of which engages the Jewish community in thinking, learning and acting around food issues.

National Programs and Projects

Food Conference

The annual gathering of the New Jewish Food Movement! Join chefs, educators, rabbis, and foodies to learn about social justice, food ethics, Jewish values, and more. Dec 6-9, 2012

CSA Program

Community-Supported Agriculture connects communities to a local farm, providing seasonal produce to members and steady income to the farmer. Now in 60 sites.

Israel Food Tour

A week-long tour to explore the food movement in Israel, held in conjunction with the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership. Returning 2013

Community-Based Pilot Programs

Gan Nashim

A health and cooking program which draws upon Jewish tradition to address challenges of maintaining a healthy diet in today’s world. Piloting in residential summer camps.

Setting the Table

Four-part series of cooking classes for new and expectant parents that gives parents tools to strengthen Jewish life as their family grows. Piloting in Brooklyn, NY.

Home for Dinner

A middle-school program that uses family dinners as a strategy to reclaim and strengthen Jewish family life. Piloting in San Francisco, CA.

Teen Environmental Fellowship

A leadership training program for 11th and 12th graders to learn and work towards building a healthy and sustainable community. Piloting in Westchester, NY.

Food Education Resources

Healthy and Sustainable Jewish Holidays

Our holiday guides will help you celebrate the Jewish holidays in line with your values. Check out our menu tips, activities, decoration ideas and more!

Sustainable Shabbat Dinner

A guide to help plan Shabbat meals, from thinking about what to serve to bringing insightful Jewish learning to your Shabbat table. In partnership with Birthright NEXT.

Jewish Food Education Network

A portal for educators to connect, share, and learn from each other with the help of Hazon’s innovative food education resources and support. JFEN members can access Hazon educational materials through JFEN Online Member Central, become part of an educator listserv, are invited to webinar training calls.

Min ha’Aretz

A student curriculum for students grades 5-9 to explore the relationship between Jewish texts, traditions, and practices and the food we eat. Includes family programs to further develop these issues.