Scholars in Session: A Pickle Problem-The Deli Revival and American Jewish Religion

Prof. Rachel B. Gross explores how participating in the deli revival provides
an alternative, under-appreciated way of practicing in American Jewish life.
In her book, _Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice,_
the author traces American Jews’ involvement in a broad array of ostensibly
nonreligious activities. From conducting Jewish genealogical research,
visiting Jewish historic sites, purchasing books and toys that teach Jewish
nostalgia to children, to seeking out traditional Jewish foods, Gross argues
that these practices illuminate how many American Jews are finding and making
meaning within American Judaism today.
Rachel B. Gross is Associate Professor and John and Marcia Goldman Chair in
American Jewish Studies at San Francisco State University. Her book, _Beyond
the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice_ , is a 2021 National
Jewish Book Award finalist and received an Honorable Mention for the 2021 Saul
Viener Book Prize, given by the American Jewish Historical Society.

**Prof. Gross will be signing her book following the program, which also
includes a free pickle tasting!**

Presented by SAJE (Seminars for Adult Jewish Enrichment). Sponsored by Center
for Judaic Studies at Eastern Michigan University and Detroit Jewish Book
Fair.

**_Seminars for Adult Jewish Enrichment (SAJE) programming is endowed by a
generous gift from Cis Maisel and supported by Carol & Ronald P. Fogel, Sheri
& David Jaffa, and Elaine & Michael Serling through The J’s Pillar of Light
Program. SAJE inspires meaningful connections and important conversations._**

Organized by: Seminars for Adult Jewish Enrichment (SAJE), The Detroit Jewish
Book Fair, The J

View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/10045