Access’ Tuscan Summer Shabbat brings a taste of Italy to Cincinnati

Tradition. Tradition. Tevye sang about it. The Rambam wrote about it. And now Access has added a new twist to it with its Got Shabbat dinner series which focuses on a different country every quarter. It showcases the special culture, customs and cuisine that are unique to each one.

Next up is a Tuscan Summer Shabbat, where participants will get to bid arivaderchi to America for the night and experience the flavor and flare of Italy without ever leaving Southern Ohio. It takes place on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at The Art of Entertaining in O’Bryonville. This event is open to Jewish young professionals, 21-35 and is free with advanced reservations. Non Jewish significant others are always welcome.

Tuscan Summer Shabbat offers a perfect chance for guests to wind down their work week with other Jewish YPs while they enjoy an Italian wine tasting and four-course gourmet dinner prepared by top chefs in an open view kitchen, and a chance to dine in an outdoor trattoria-style setting.

“I love the Got Shabbat events because they combine an international theme with a Jewish tradition giving them a unique twist,” explains Rachel Feldman. “My family didn’t celebrate Shabbat when I was growing up but after attending a few Access Shabbat dinners, I discovered that I really like it and definitely plan to make a regular practice of it when I have kids of my own someday.”

Access has hosted four other international Got Shabbat events to date, including Mexican-Style Shabbat, CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat, Israeli Wine and Dine Shabbat and an Indian Summer Shabbat. “Whenever we would conduct a focus group the idea of a multi-cultural party would inevitably come up,” explains Rachel Plowden, Access Program Manager. “We decided that instead of a one-time event, it would be way more fun to focus on a different country every few months, and use it as a really cool backdrop for a Shabbat dinner! These dinners give our guests a chance to experience Shabbat in a whole new way!”

Tuscan Summer Shabbat is the last in the international Got Shabbat series. However, this coming November, Access will bring the fun back to our own shores when it introduces a brand new series entitled, The United States of Shabbat, focusing on the iconic tastes and traditions of our own country’s many unique cities and regions.

First in the series will be Cincy Shabbat, a tribute to the Queen City’s rich Jewish legacy which will be held at Plum Street Temple, one of the most famous Temples in the U.S. and around the world. It will include an optional pre-dinner Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, Senior Rabbi of Isaac M. Wise Temple, and a Shabbat dinner featuring cuisine from some of Cincinnati’s most popular restaurants.

Space for the Tuscan-style Shabbat is limited to the first 200 people and is already filling up quickly.

Reservations are mandatory and will be given on a first come, first served basis. To RSVP, or to learn more about this event, please consult the Community Directory listing in this issue for Access’ contact information.