In Yiddish, Tish represents the gathering of people and family around a table. It symbolizes a desire for connection and belonging. The Tish baked goods serve as an invitation to connect with loved ones, break challah, and share not just a meal, but the history and the stories that are carried through food.
Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching her prepare Friday night dinners. An Argentinian in Jerusalem, she wasn’t just cooking a meal; she was mixing cultures, weaving together new flavors and creating traditions.
She wouldn’t let me touch anything, of course, but as I watched her cook, I learned how food can provide a window into cultures, create stories, and bring people together.
Fast forward to 2011, after a career in media, I moved to Napa Valley with my family. I found myself longing for the warmth and comfort of those cherished kitchen moments with my grandmother. So, at 37 I took a leap. I enrolled in the Baking and Pastry program at the CIA, then gained experience at renowned bakeries like Bouchon Bakery and Breads Bakery. All the while, I experimented at home, trying to recreate my grandmother’s recipes from my memory (if you’ve ever tried, you’d understand the delightful challenge of getting an exact recipe out of a Jewish grandma).
During the pandemic, baking became a way to connect with loved ones. Not long after, The Tish was born – a tribute to the memories, traditions, and family stories that shaped me.
