When my parents left New York for Florida in the 70s, they craved Jewish comfort food—think pastrami, blintzes, and kosher hot dogs. Back then, they found a great spot called Pastrami Club just around the corner. It’s a lot harder to find those comfort foods now. In the 1930s, New York was home to about 3,000 Jewish delis, but now there are only a handful left, not just in NYC, but across the country too.
What if there was a way to make Jewish food and culture easier to access? After all, these foods are part of the larger American culture. A new initiative aims to do just that: the Manischewitz food truck. Launched recently in Brooklyn, the truck will travel around New York and New Jersey until Passover. Then it will take a short break before hitting the road again.
Manischewitz, a beloved Jewish food brand since 1888, is refreshing its image. Along with a new logo and a stronger social media presence, the brand has even introduced some fun merchandise. Some items, like totes saying “schlep” and tank tops that read “man, I shvitz,” bring a playful touch to the brand’s identity.
Shani Seidman, the Chief Marketing Director at Kayco, which owns Manischewitz, explains that the rebranding is aimed at connecting with younger Jewish audiences and those curious about the culture. “A food truck symbolizes accessibility,” she noted. In today’s world, it’s common to grab delicious food from a truck instead of a fancy restaurant. This aligns perfectly with the brand’s goals.
Seidman also pointed out that Manischewitz is just as much an American brand as it is a Jewish one. To put things in perspective, Manischewitz is younger than Coca-Cola by two years and older than Jell-O by nine years. For many families, like mine, Manischewitz is a staple during Jewish holidays, especially Passover. Phrases like “Break out the Manischewitz!” are familiar when it’s time for matzo or wine.
Food is a connector, and the Manischewitz truck is serving classic Jewish dishes—matzo ball soup, knishes, rugelach, kosher hot dogs, and more. Seidman mentioned that many non-Jewish people encounter Jewish culture through food, especially at delis. This shared history and cuisine help weave the fabric of our culture together.
Statistics show that over 70% of Americans enjoy trying food from different cultures. As the Manischewitz food truck rolls through the streets, it’s not just about feeding people; it’s about sharing a rich heritage and fostering connections through beloved foods.
For those wanting to dive deeper into Jewish culinary traditions, this food truck represents a fun and accessible introduction that honors the past while inviting everyone to share in the experience.
You can learn more about Manischewitz’s journey and updates on their offerings on their official website or follow their social media for the latest happenings.
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food truck, jewish food, manischewitz, new york, deli, jewish culture