Susie Fishbein Visits Chabad

Eighteen Questions with Kelly Tichauer-Kirk

An Evening with Susie Fishbein

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Note: This article was previously published in the Jewish Press on May 9, 2008

 

Kelly Kirk was born and raised in Omaha, and has been involved with Chabad for approximately three years. During that time, she has taken numerous adult education classes, chaired many events, assisted with holidays, organized cooking and craft clubs, spearheaded the recent pickle-making event, assisted with the recent Gala and helped run the Chabad Gift Shop. Currently, she is working to bring renowned cookbook author Susie Fishbein to Omaha for a cooking demonstration.

 

JP: When will Mrs. Fishbein be at Chabad?

KK: She’ll be here on June 2, and the evening starts at 7 pm, at the Chabad House on 1866 South 120^th.

JP: How long have you been working on this?

KK: Susie Fishbein’s visit was booked over a year in advance.

JP: Why is this a fabulous, not-to-be-missed event?

KK: This evening’s event is an exclusive and limited engagement. That said, the 50 lucky attendees will have the opportunity to come together with other women from the Omaha Jewish community to celebrate and be united in Yiddishkeit. What better way than through spiritually fit, and delicious food? Especially if it is created by a famous Jewish female chef.

JP: What should people expect?

KK: This event is more than an excellent opportunity to enjoy friends, fun and great food.  It is a chance to experience how possible it is to eat and cook gourmet kosher food in your own home. In addition, attendees will be able to see Susie work her magic and ask questions. Susie is a driving force in the kosher food world and it will be an honor to have her in Omaha

JP: I’m busy; how long will this take?

KK: We will be wrapping up around 9:30 PM.

JP: What is on the menu?

KK: Susie will be demonstrating a three-course meal, using recipes from her cookbook. She will discuss ingredients and technique, while offering helpful hints along the way. Every attendee will be able to personally sample all the items Susie prepares.

JP: Will she sign any books?

KK: Yes, and her Kosher by Design cookbooks will be available for purchase in our gift shop.

JP: Where can people find information about Susie Fishbein, if they want to ‘read up’ beforehand?

KK: I suggest they check out www.kosherbydesign.com.

JP: Why should people learn about kosher cooking?

KK: It think there are many misconceptions about kosher cooking, having to do with difficulty, taste, and quality.  We’re hoping to change that, and show people that this is something that you can do at home, even in Omaha.

JP: Do you sell any good cookbooks in the Chabad Judaica Boutique?

KK: Yes, and visitors are welcome to stop by and browse any time. We sell Susie’s Kosher by Design series, but also a variety of other popular cookbooks, such as Spice and Spirit, The Secret of Challah, and Kosher Delicious. In addition to that, the gift shop is full of Judaica of all kinds, for all events, and in all price ranges. The Chabad Judaica Boutique is your one stop shop for all things Jewish.

JP: Who are helping you set this up?

KK: The committee consists of Shani, Estie, and Shevi Katzman, Kim Novak, Cheryl Lerner, Marty Tichauer, and Tippi Denenberg.

JP: What will tickets to the event cost?

KK: Tickets will be $50 per person. However, we have scholarships available; so don’t let the price of the tickets deter you from learning about kosher cooking!

JP: Can people bring their kids?

KK: No; this is an adults-only event.

JP: Is this ‘women only’?

KK: Yes. Sorry, guys.

JP: How soon should people reserve their tickets?

KK: As soon as possible! We have limited space, so call us soon!

JP: Have you always been interested in cooking?

KK: As a matter of fact, when I moved out on my own at the age of twenty-one, I didn’t even know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I had to call my mother and ask; luckily, I’ve learned quite a bit since then.

JP: What are you hoping people will take home from this evening?

KK: Hopefully, during Susie’s demonstration, members of the community will be able to see for themselves that kosher cooking is not only possible, but also a great way to enhance Jewish life. Ultimately, we have to keep in mind that keeping kosher is a Mitzvah, and strengthens our connection to G-d.

JP: Are you going to take a break after this?

KK: I wish! Actually, I’m already busy with the next project, but I can’t share the details yet.

 

For those interested in attending the Susie Fishbein event, tickets can be ordered by calling the Chabad House at 330-1800.