Andrea Nadel-Tikh is devoted to building community – including through shared meals, and especially with something sweet for Rosh Hashanah.
“I love, love, love a good honey cake,” she said. “Honey cake can be so decadent with all of its spices and sweetness, and it’s a little bit magical how it continues perfecting itself after it comes out of the oven. I can’t think of a better time of year for such an indulgent treat.”
As a host, Andrea also delights in the figurative sweetness of bringing people together. Motivated in part by her personal history, she values the opportunity to welcome new guests to her holiday table.
“It really means a lot to me to be part of building a Jewish community that is truly welcoming,” she said. “My family moved around a lot when I was a kid, and it was often tough to feel like I had a place in the local Jewish community because it so often seemed like everyone had already known each other since birth, and if you weren’t a part of that it was hard to break in. Now that I’ve lived in the Twin Cities for 13 years and am raising kids here, I want to do my own part to help others feel welcome in this incredible community.”
Whether folks are new to the area or simply looking to expand their circles, the TC Jewfolk High Holiday Dinner & Break Fast matchmaking service is ready to help.
It’s more important than ever to gather and be there for each other.
“In addition to carrying the devastation of October 7 in my heart, the eruption of antisemitism that followed it has given celebrating Jewish joy a heightened feeling of urgency, defiance and necessity for me,” Andrea said of this year’s High Holidays.
In addition to her heartfelt motivation, she plans her celebration with equal enthusiasm. A self-proclaimed “weirdo who loves using spreadsheets to plan out what we want to serve,” Andrea creates shopping lists that cater to any special dietary needs and preferences, including her kids’ tastes.
Most of all, being a mom adds to the importance of welcoming people into the sanctuary of her family’s home.
“When I think about what I want to teach my children about being Jewish, especially in times like these, I want them to gain strength from our resilience, which is grounded in embracing joy, tradition and community so that we have the strength to also hold the heartbreak of the darker times,” she said. This will also be close to my heart when hosting guests at celebrations.”
This embodiment of chesed, kindness, is part of how she lives her Jewish identity. Andrea credits her mother and grandmother for her calling to create warm, inclusive gatherings.
“My mom once described herself to me as a ‘gastronomic Jew,’ which has really stuck with me,” she said. “I think it means expressing identity and connecting to our heritage and community through our foodways, and in sharing love by feeding others. She and my grandmother showed me how powerful this can be as we gathered around their tables for holiday celebrations, and as I raise my own family I am grateful to feel this foundation within myself as well.”
Like hosting, being a guest requires effort, especially when it involves meeting new people.
Andrea has advice, and it’s as sweet as her honey cake:
“Speaking from experience, I know how it can feel overwhelming and a little awkward to show up at the home of someone you don’t know to celebrate a holiday,” she said. “I would hope that my guests would remember that they are wanted and welcome, and that we are all doing our best to get to know each other and have fun.”
Seeking a place at a welcoming table for 5785/2024 or ready to include someone at yours? Fill out our matching form here!
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