As the year 2022 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the best Jewish food moments in television and movies of the past year. From traditional dishes like matzo ball soup and bagels with lox, to more contemporary items like shakshuka and Israeli salad, these scenes not only left us hungry, but also gave us a glimpse into Jewish culture and tradition.
Fleischman is in Trouble
Source: Giovanni Rufino/FX
One standout moment came from the new show "Fleischman is in Trouble", starring Jesse Eisenberg. Fleischman, the titular character is a Jewish doctor whose ex-wife suddenly disappears, leaving him to look after his children by himself and setting him on a wild goose chase to find her.
In the beginning of the second episode the show flashes back to Toby Fleischman's time in Israel. We see him and his friends having just finished a plate of Jachnun, a flaky rolled Yemenite pastry, at an Israeli cafe.
They are interrupted by a beggar asking them for money and when both of Toby's friends reluctantly give some spare change, the scene takes a comedic turn for the worse with the beggar cursing them and their future offspring for their cheapskate donations.
Fleischman attempts to make light of the situation and gives the poor lady a twenty shekel bill, and receives a blessing in return.
The scene is both parts hilarious and delicious as it brings up similar memories of wild food experiences in Israel for any of us who traveled there in our teens.
The Fabelmans
Source: Universal Pictures
Another memorable moment came from the Steven Spielberg film "The Fabelmans." The coming of age story follows Sammy Fabelman, a character loosely based on Spielberg himself.
Sammy Fabelman, a young boy who after being enamored with the world of cinema sets out to fulfill his dreams of one day becoming a filmmaker.
The movie explores how the power of films can help him see the truth about his dysfunctional family and those around him. In one of the most critical scenes of the movie his family sits down to a Shabbat dinner, with a spread of Challah, chopped liver, and gefilte fish that would make even your Grandma's mouth water. The scene is an emotional roller coaster that serves as a critical moment in Sammy's growth.
Spielberg is no stranger to telling Jewish stories, being the mastermind behind "Munich" and "Schindler's List", two of the most important Jewish films ever.
But being such a personal story to Spielberg himself and likely being an awards magnet as Oscar season arrives (start making your picks) makes it one of the most memorable Jewish moments in Cinema in 2022.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Source: Amazon Prime
"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" has had plenty of delectable Jewish foods for us to feast our eyes on in its four season run, most notably the brisket from season one. The series, now in its fourth season, is set in 1950s New York and tells the tale of stand-up comedian Midge Maisel and her path to stardom.
The moment that takes the cake for us this season is a scene in episode one. Where the titular character, Midge Maisel and her manager and close friend Susie meet at their favorite Jewish deli where they talk business over pastrami sandwiches and pickles.
Hanukkah on Rye
Source: Hallmark Channel
This Hallmark movie about two competing New York delis is a perfect popcorn film to watch around the holidays if you're looking for a fun rom-com.
It tells the story of Molly and Jacob, the children of two family owned Jewish delis, who meet through a matchmaker. In somewhat of a Jewish rendition of the classic Shakespeare story of Romeo & Juliet, the two rival delis' competitive nature force the couple to hide their love from one another.
But once the secret is revealed the two families have to learn to put aside their differences to allow for the young love to blossom.
In the end they come closer together despite all the challenges they've had in the past, by bonding over their shared love of Jewish food. Culminating in a beautiful scene where we get to see the two Bubbes bury the hatchet once and for all.
With all the latkes and lox in the movie this movie will definitely leave you craving a trip to the deli!
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
But perhaps the most iconic Jewish food moment of the year came from the shocking hit "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once." This film centers on a challenging mother-daughter relationship and the daughter's feelings of alienation, albeit with an unconventional Sci-Fi twist.
In a fit of anger, the daughter creates a massive black swirling bagel topped with "everything" – her hopes and dreams, old report cards, every breed of dog, and every last personal ad on Craigslist. She explains: "When you really put everything on a bagel, it becomes this. The truth. Nothing matters." It's a zany scene but it's an ultimately thought-provoking moment that leaves us questioning the true meaning of the everything bagel.
Her nihilism is shown at the end of the movie to be a facade for what she's really missing, which is attention and love from her mother. And as the fate of the multiverse hangs at balance she is stopped and makes amends with her estranged mother, and destroys the bagel.
While the bagel may have been a doomsday device for the daughter Jobu Tapaki. For Jews around the world the circular nature of the bagel is a statement of life's unity and wholeness (as well as its deliciousness of course).
These moments not only showcase the deliciousness of Jewish cuisine, but also the importance of food in Jewish culture and tradition. Whether it's a yemenite pastry or a bagel that can wipe out the multiverse, food ultimately brings people together and serves as a meaningful aspect of Jewish life. So as the year comes to a close, let's raise a glass (of Slivovitz, of course) to the best Jewish food moments of 2022.
Main Image Source: Amazon Prime
