Cooking Up Connection: How Young Israel of the West Side Made Purim Extra Special with a Community Cookbook
Carly - Jul 25, '25 - Branding - Cookbook Ideas - Cookbook Stories - Fundraising - Organization - RecipesYoung Israel of the West Side is a vibrant Orthodox Jewish synagogue located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. With more than 400 members attending services each week, the congregation thrives on warmth, tradition, and meaningful traditions.
A Fresh Twist on a Time‑Honored Tradition
Every year, families and friends share mishloach manot, Purim gift baskets filled with treats and good cheer. In 2025, the Young Israel community chose to elevate that tradition with a cooking theme: a brand-new Purim cookbook featuring recipes contributed by members.
Rather than giving baskets of generic sweets, each mishloach manot was inspired by, and included ingredients from, the very recipes collected in the cookbook. It was a creative, heartfelt way to share food and stories this Purim.
Crafting the Cookbook with Community in Mind
“Using CreateMyCookbook was a truly enjoyable and seamless experience,” one organizer shared. “Carly was available to help with anything and everything, she really carried the project from start to finish.”
Community members responded enthusiastically. From beloved family favorites to creative modern dishes, each recipe reflected personal memory and communal connection. Seeing their recipes come together in a polished, professionally printed cookbook delighted contributors across generations.
Recipes that Reflect Fellowship
Over 50 recipes made their way into the book, from traditional challah and kugel to modern twists on family classics. What stood out most was the personal touch: each contributor knew their recipe would be shared with friends and neighbors during the holiday, making the basket, and the cooking experience, feel even more meaningful.
Bringing Purim to Life with Food
When Purim arrived, community members received their themed baskets filled with ingredients and goodies inspired by their own cookbook. The excitement was palpable: cooking becomes a celebration when the food comes from shared memories and friendships.
This approach added depth to the holiday; it wasn’t just about eating, it was about celebrating collective identity, stories, and recipes that connect generations.
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