The Bittersweet History of Chocolate and Jews

Jews and chocolate first met in 1492, when Spanish royals Isabella and Ferdinand signed the Alhambra Decree and the Jews were forced to leave the kingdom of Spain. Displaced Jews established flourishing communities in the areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America that were under Dutch and English control. After cultivating positive relationships with native peoples who taught them how to process cacao and extract vanilla from beans, Jews began exporting the new products to factories in Europe. This multisensory history program is hosted by award-winning cookbook author Sheilah Kaufman. Come prepared to eat chocolate and enjoy happy hour drinks.