Exhibit! Sweet Treat: Chocolate & the Making of American Jews (ongoing) Central Synagogue. New York, NY February 9th, 2024
Sweet Treat is a delicious gastronomic adventure into the history and resilience of American Jewish chocolate making. This exhibition invites you to follow the chocolate trail to America, a scrumptious journey through time and place.
Chocolate gives us a lens to understand Jewish migration, as the chocolate trade parallels the migrations of the Jewish people, from 16th century Spain and 19th century Central and Eastern Europe to America. Here in New York City, Jewish involvement in the chocolate trade can be traced as far back as 1701. Learn about the business enterprises of Aaron Lopez, Joseph Pinto, Nathan Simson, and Rebecca Gomez in Colonial America. Witness the collaboration of Jews and other American communities on assembly lines in 20th century American chocolate factories. Salivate as you sneak a peek at some ooey, gooey, chocolatey treats. Then, make a conscientious consumer choice as you pick out your next chocolate bar from the shelf!
Sweet Treat is divided into three sections: Early America:What We Brought from the Old Country: and Ooey, Gooey, Chocolatey Treats.
This exhibition is based on two bestselling books by Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz, the first woman to serve Central Synagogue as a Rabbi: On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao and The Boston Chocolate Party, co-authored with Tami Lehman-Wilzig.