Well, it has been a whirlwind couple of weeks! After running Hannah’s Kitchen for almost 10 years on my own, it’s time for a new chapter. This next step is both exciting and a little scary—but what’s not scary is bringing on Mordechai Bates as a partner. Having him join feels like such a relief and like things are truly working out the way they should.
Mordechai and I have worked together for years through his business, Quickosher. We’ve always been supporters of one another, and the idea of having someone to share the responsibility of running things feels wonderful. It means I can focus on growth and expansion in ways I never could on my own.
On top of that, my original chef rejoined the team about four months ago, and it has been such a gift to have her back. These changes remind me how much of what we do really is about community—working together, supporting one another, and celebrating the strength of Milwaukee’s Jewish community.
Of course, life doesn’t slow down. I may have taken a chance booking a trip to Florida with my kids for a friend’s daughter’s bat mitzvah—probably not the best timing, but back in May it seemed perfect. You know what they say: we make plans, and God laughs. So in between preparing sample menus for a meal of consolation, sending out meals for traveling businesspeople, and getting ready for Shabbat, I’m also packing for Florida!
While I was away, we had such a busy week, and I am so thankful for my team’s support. We were at Flower Fest by Flowers for Dreams, which we always love collaborating on. At the same time, Gigi’s Playhouse hosted a fashion show at the Harry and Rose Samson Family JCC, and we happily opened the café for the event. We also had the joy of being part of the BPN event for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, and my own synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, hosted a beautiful Shabbat dinner following Shabbat in the Round.
Getting our food out into so many corners of the community truly shows the beauty of the mosaic that makes up Milwaukee’s Jewish life. It is such a privilege to be part of it.
A huge thank you to Nekida Clifton for holding down the fort, along with Carlos Cecil, Shannon Cecil, Beth Bell, Carrie Van Dyke, Mandy Schenn, Ashlee Bishop, Yitzy Forbes, Amanda Christensen, Felicia Pfiefer, and Emma Jean Brown. I could not do all that we do without you!
Going into this new venture, my biggest concern is making sure everyone knows—it’s still me and my team. In many ways, I don’t love being the center of attention, but it’s been the easiest way for people to know who’s behind their event. That’s why the new name means so much: it reflects the truth that Milwaukee’s Jewish community is a mosaic—made up of so many different kinds of Jews. Together we create something beautiful, precisely because of our differences.
My hope is that this next chapter continues in that light. And as always, please reach out—whether with feedback, ideas for improvement, or even just positive notes. Hearing from you helps me learn and grow, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.
