Complicating Kosher: How the Trefa Banquet Changed American Judaism

This week we’re discovering the meal that changed the face of American Judaism. Featuring Dr. Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University, we’ll learn how a lavish banquet in 1883 Cincinnati kicked off a fierce debate about what it means to keep kosher. How did a dish of frogs’ legs bring about one of the largest religious arguments the US has ever seen? We’ll explore how a dispute over regional Jewish foodways changed the face of the religion at the end of the 19th century- from a dream of a single united Jewish American faith to the numerous denominations we know today. Sponsorship this week from: Sudio Sweden, makers of stylish Scandinavian headphones. Visit www.sudiosweden.com and enter the offer code FEAST17 to receive 15% off any purchast. Care/Of, a new kind of vitamin company for the 21st century. Visit www.takecareof.com and enter the offer code FEAST to receive 50% off your first month's order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices