Food was the main attraction at the 18th annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai on Jan. 1, but Cantor Cliff Abramson said the event was really about community.
“There’s no joke. I’m not talking about the layers of the sandwich,” Abramson said. “I’m talking about the layers of meaning here.”
While much of the food served was kosher, Abramson said observing kosher dietary laws is a personal choice and that many people attended to celebrate Jewish culture.
“All religions have something about food in them, especially the cultural elements,” he said. “Corned beef and pastrami are Jewish. If we were talking about gnocchi and Sunday gravy, we’d be talking about a different community. But it's about bringing everybody together, that's really the goal.”
Volunteer Mark Margolis said the festival has grown over the years. What originally started as a display of traditional dishes now includes family recipes shared by members of the congregation.
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
Three-year-old Claude choose his cookie over the pickle his father, Nicholas Morganti, offered him. The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
Three-year-old Claude talks to his aunt, Michala Chipurnoi, Sarasota, as he watch lunch with his father, Nicholas Morganti, Maryland, and Grandmother, Martha Magenheim, Sarasota and original member of the Temple. The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
Three generations of the Magenheim family enjoy the food at the Festival. The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
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— WGCUJewishFoodFest020426AM
The 18th Annual Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai in Sarasota was held this Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Brisket, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were served by local restaurant Wolfie’s. As well as baked goods, matzoh ball soup, strudels and more.The Temple served up a celebration of flavors and traditions of their community.
Andrea Melendez/WGCU
“It’s hard work, a lot of planning, but it’s really rewarding,” Margolis said. “We help our synagogue, help our school, and people get closer together. That is really the benefit of it.”
Organizers said they hope the festival continues to bring the community together in the years ahead.
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