After three years of virtual programs, the JCRC Social Justice Seder returns in person on Thursday, March 30 from 6-8pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. In celebration of being back together in person, we have invited African American Jewish writer, culinary historian, and author Michael Twitty as our guest for the evening. Koshersoul, the title of his book and the theme of the evening, represents the marriage of two distinctive culinary cultures, African American and Jewish, and we will incorporate some of his recipes in the Seder-style meal to be served during the program. We will also incorporate his “African American Seder Plate for Passover” in the center of each table for the family style meal.

Passover is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar. Along with ritual foods and festive atmosphere, Jews embrace Passover because it provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of freedom and serves as an allegory underlining the meaning of oppression and redemption, slavery and freedom, justice and equality. The JCRC Social Justice Seder provides a special evening to share this tradition with others in the greater community, and to build and strengthen our relationships with a diverse group of friends, neighbors, and allies as we seek to pursue a more perfect union.

In his book Twitty describes the creation of African-Jewish cooking as a conversation of migrations and a dialogue of diasporas offering a rich background for inventive recipes and the people who create them. The question that most intrigues him is not just who makes the food, but how the food makes the people. Jews of Color are not outliers, Twitty contends, but significant and meaningful cultural creators in both Black and Jewish civilizations.

Event chairs, Rachel and Marcus Whitney, are excited to welcome Mr. Twitty to Nashville and to fill the room for an evening of meaningful conversations, connections, and community building.

Copies of Mr. Twitty’s books, The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul, will be available for purchase and he will be available for book signing at the close of the Seder event. To register for the event: www.Jewishnashville.org/Seder