Blacks and Jews share a complex history of oppression, struggle and solidarity. Historically we’ve shared moments of collaboration and both communities have been subject to discrimination. Together we will face the challenges in our fight for equality and justice for all. By breaking bread and sharing our stories, we will educate, unite, and restore allyship between both communities.
Why our Mission is Important
By breaking bread and sharing our stories, we will educate, unite, and restore allyship between both communities.
Challah and Soul was founded by Judi Leib and Shonda Isom Walkowitz. Brought together by Hadassah of Southern California. When Judi and Shonda met they immediately had mutual goals; helping both communities through love, understanding and food. Initially, we thought we would host a lunch with ladies to exchange ideas. The more we shared the idea with people, the more enthusiasm we found for the project. Ultimately, we founded our non-profit and now have numerous events planned.
Meet Judi and Shonda, Founders of Challah and Soul
From Shonda’s core belief, that no person should go hungry, she founded Buck’s Happy Farm in the Lucerne Valley, which is a desert. She asked the question “Can I grow food in the desert?” Shonda, eventually, was able to turn sand into soil and begin successfully growing food in the desert. Shonda is passionate about helping people. She turned that passion into a 21 year career teaching, in notable Temples, like Temple Judea and and helping young children. Her passion shifted from the classroom to the farm and now to Challah & Soul.
Judi Leib
Shonda Isom Walkowitz
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Joe Feinberg
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Board of Directors
Rhonda Feinberg
Ira Handelman
Jan Perry
Bio
Bio
Bio
Bio
Robbie Gershkowitz
Bio
Joe Feinberg
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Board of Directors
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The Feinberg Family Foundation is a loyal and generous supporter of many worthy charities. Joe with his wife Rhonda, goal is Impact Philanthropists concentrating in two areas. Underserved Communities along with Medical Healthcare & Research through Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. We are fortunate to be able to help in many ways and take we take Pride in what we do. It’s much more than sending a check we donate our time, knowledge, decades of experience, and assist other 501 C-3’s to progress as a team create a better world.
Rhonda Feinberg
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Board of Directors
The Feinberg Family Foundation is a loyal and generous supporter of many worthy charities. Joe with his wife Rhonda, goal is Impact Philanthropists concentrating in two areas. Underserved Communities along with Medical Healthcare & Research through Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. We are fortunate to be able to help in many ways and take we take Pride in what we do. It’s much more than sending a check we donate our time, knowledge, decades of experience, and assist other 501 C-3’s to progress as a team create a better world.
Back
Ira Handelman
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Board of Directors
Ira Handelman is a government relations, public affairs, and community outreach consultant. He is active in the Jewish Community and a Board Member of the American Jewish Committee, a member of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and an Advisory Board Member of the Progressive Zionists of California.
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Jan Perry
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Board of Directors
Jan Perry is the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization at the forefront of Los Angeles’ response to the homeless crisis. She concurrently serves as Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that promotes infrastructure development, where she recently led formation of critical union alliances essential in developing a $300M Southern California port infrastructure initiative to leverage renewable energy sources.
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Robbie Gershkowitz
Judi came to Challah and Soul with 40 years of food service experience. She has worked in every aspect of the food business and has always loved food history. When Challah & Soul started to take shape, she felt compelled to point out the common origin stories of so many Black and Jewish foods. Judi has truly found a purpose and passion in bringing many cultural communities together starting with food.
Board of Directors
Robbie Gershkowitz has been an active member of the Jewish community in the San Fernando since high school. By profession, she is a Corporate Tax officer and Adjunct Professor of Accounting at USC. Judaic values dictate continued learning to grow, Repairing the World (Tikun Olam) and inclusivity. This organization encompasses all these values in a beautiful way.
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Both communities have a distinct culinary traditions. Both cultures are avid users of spices, have rich and hearty flavors, and a focus on comfort foods. Fried foods are also a focus of both cultures. To name a few traditional black foods: Gumbo and jambalaya, Fried chicken, Collard and Mac & cheese. To name a few traditional Jewish foods: Matzo ball soup, Latkes, smoked and cured meats like brisket, smoked salmon and pastrami.
Why food is an important unifier between Black and Jewish Cultures
Check out our Instagram that features a collection of recipes that explore the intersection of Black and Jewish foods
How to Get Involved with Challah and Soul
Volunteer at our events
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unisex heavy cotton tee
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Unisex Twill Hat
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