KosherSquared - Edition #2
A kosher falafel joint in the Top 100, a Jewish cross-country runner who put it all "on the line," the top 10 Miami kosher restaurants, Jewish soldiers in the Roman army, and a cheesecake recipe AI.
Welcome to another edition of the KosherSquared.
Read on to see what caught our attention in the world of kosher food, Jewish travel, and lifestyle (and even sports) in the last several weeks.
The Brooklyn Kosher Falafel Joint In The NY Times’ Top 100 List
It is not often that a non-descript falafel joint in the heart of the Flatbush Jewish community makes a “best of” food list in the mecca of food.
Falafel Tanami is a non-descript falafel joint in the heart of the Midwood Jewish community in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Since its opening in 2018, it has steadily made a name for itself as one of the best places to get falafel in NYC. Now, it has entered the big leagues, though, with the New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells ranking Falafel Tanami 68 out of the Top 100 NYC Restaurants. We love how a simple “no frills” spot can go from nothing to the pinnacle of the kosher food world and the top of the food chain overall in just a matter of years.
Visit Falafel Tanami At:
1305 E 17th St, Brooklyn, NY 11230
A State Championship Or His Faith?
The agonizing choice of a young Jewish cross-country runner exemplifies faith and resilience in the context of athletic pursuit.
An ESPN feature tells the unique and inspirational story of Oliver Ferber, a Jewish cross-country runner who exemplifies the intersection of faith, resilience, and athletic pursuit. Despite facing challenges relating to race championship scheduling conflicts with Shabbat, Ferber's unwavering dedication and spiritual beliefs have guided him through his journey as a runner.
Observing the Sabbath meant refraining from activities like running during certain times, including as it related to championship races that fell on Shabbat. But, remaining steadfast in his commitment, the race was rescheduled, and the team won their state title.
Besides the fairytale ending, Ferber's story is one of determination and perseverance. He faced adversity on and off the track but never let it deter him from his goals. His faith gave him strength and a sense of purpose, propelling him forward even during difficult times. Ferber's story inspires others who may face similar challenges in reconciling their faith and personal pursuits. He demonstrates that with resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of identity, it is possible to navigate the complexities of life while staying true to one's beliefs. Oliver Ferber's story stands as a testament to the power of faith and determination in pursuing one's passions.
Read the article on ESPN here.
Ancient Roman Army May Have Included Kosher-Observant Jews 2,000 Years Ago
According to a recent study, high numbers of Jews likely served in the legions that brought down Jerusalem and could have constituted even up to 15% of the vast empire’s army.
A new study published in the Jewish Quarterly Review suggests that the Roman army may have included kosher-observant Jews 2,000 years ago. The study, conducted by Dr. Michael Olshanetsky of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, examined the soldiers' diet based on an extensive survey of ancient texts and the results of archaeological digs at Roman military camps across Western Europe. He found that the dietary practices of Roman soldiers made it possible for Jews to maintain their kosher dietary laws while serving in the army. This finding challenges the traditional view of the Roman army as a wholly non-Jewish enemy of the Jewish people. It suggests that Jews may have played a more significant role in the Roman military than previously thought.
Our Top 10 Best Miami Kosher Restaurants
Miami packs a powerful punch to residents and visitors alike when it comes to the variety and quality of its kosher restaurants.
While there are several exciting “foodie” destinations in the vibrant and ever-dynamic world of kosher restaurants, such as the ever-expanding landscape of trendy kosher restaurants in Lakewood, NJ, and the classic restaurants of Manhattan, more recently, Miami has seen a flurry of world-class kosher restaurants come on the scene. Some of the growth of Miami’s kosher food scene is spurred by the trend of orthodox Jews moving south en masse from the NY Metro, while a significant driver of growth is its place as a popular travel destination for Jews.
In light of this growing, exciting kosher foodie destination, we just published an overview of the top 10 best Miami kosher restaurants to help guide you to the city’s best kosher food (some restaurants are in the surrounding or adjacent but nearby areas of Miami, such as Surfside and Aventura).
The Kosher Cheesecake AI Recipe Generator
With the AI craze in full euphoria mode, you can now whip up your customized kosher cheesecake recipe in under 30 seconds via CheesecakeWizard.ai in time for Shavuot, courtesy of Norman’s Dairy.
With AI and its rapid capability progression increasingly in the news, it is perhaps of little surprise that you can now get creative kosher cheesecake recipes, including for Shavuot, via the CheeseCakeWizard.AI. The AI-powered tool is a marketing ploy by Norman’s Dairy that generates a personalized kosher cheesecake recipe in under 30 seconds from over 64,000 potential variations of cheesecake recipes. From the classics like Chocolate Marble Cheesecake to the more inventive, such as our creation, the “Olive Oil & Sea Salt Cheesecake with Whiskey & Chocolate Filling and Peanut Butter Cup Topping.”
Generate your own cheesecake recipe here: https://cheesecakewizard.ai/