cover image Feeding Women of the Bible, Feeding Ourselves: A Jewish Food Hero Cookbook

Feeding Women of the Bible, Feeding Ourselves: A Jewish Food Hero Cookbook

Edited by Kenden Alfond. Turner, $29.99 trade paper (288p) ISBN 978-1-68-442326-2

Food and lifestyle blogger Alfond (Jewish Food Hero) brings together in this delightfully eclectic vegan cookbook-workbook hybrid the writing of 40 different Jewish women and girls to highlight 20 biblical heroines, from Eve to Esther, with associations of each to a particular food and drink. Brief essays note the biblical and midrashic representations of each woman, “prompts” encourage readers to consider qualities applicable to their own lives today, and the recipes afford another way to experience the inspiration of biblical heroines. For example, Rebekah, whose son Esau gives away his birthright for a lentil stew, is presented alongside the recipe for a lentil and tomato stew. Contributions vary in depth and quality, but some themes emerge; for example, the gender inequality and patriarchal assumptions of biblical and midrashic texts, which have “resulted in a longstanding fear of—and prejudice against—women.” Though some recipes strain associations to particular biblical women, all are easy to make and fun, such as carrot jam, vegan chocolate truffles, and even beer. With contributors from all over the globe—and ranging in age from nine to over 80 years old—Alfond achieves her goal of creating a “multicultural/ multiethnic Jewish community vegan cookbook” and provides great food for thought, as well. (Mar.)