Last month, Adrianne Royes invited Tidewater’s Shinshinim, Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk, as well as a few friends, to spend an evening together filled with Israel culture and cuisine.
“A fun time was had by all. Guests were thoroughly pampered by our Shin-chefs with Israeli appetizers, a main dish of shakshuka, Israeli salad, tahini, and bread, followed by biscuit cake for dessert – all prepared and served by the girls,” says Royes.
During and after dinner, questions were answered, and a discussion of Israeli happenings took place. “The evening ended with smiles on everyone’s faces,” says Royes.
“We had the wonderful opportunity to bring the taste of Israel, and a bit of its spirit, into the home of these amazing ladies. Together, we prepared authentic Israeli food, shared stories, laughed, and even discussed current events in Israel,” says Patyuk. “It was an especially meaningful day, as it coincided with the release of Eden Alexander, an American Israeli citizen who had been held captive for 584 days by Hamas.”
Between the spices and the warmth around the table, it was an evening of connection, culture, and joy. “We left with full hearts (and with full stomachs), grateful to share this evening with these lovely Tidewater community members,” says Hartman.
To learn more about the Shinshinim program and opportunities to get to know Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk, go to JewishVA.org/Shinshinim or contact Nofar Trem, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Israel engagement manager, at NTrem@ UJFT.org.