“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard.

In the last week or so, there has been a drop in temperature and a more serious feeling in the air.  I am assuming it has to do with the conclusion of Yom Kippur, but I feel there has been a switch that is quite dramatic.  

It could have to do with me now having children and thinking about their future. In the past, the high holidays were really about my wife and me. The two of us make a really great team, so when thinking about life and the opposite, I always know both of us will continue strong no matter what happens in our world and the world around us.  

Children change everything, for the better, but as parents, that comes with great responsibility. During the high holidays and weeks that preceded them, I could not help but think about how badly I wanted to see our family grow together. My wife and I spoke about this last Shabbat after the kids went to bed, how blessed we are and that this time of the year is where we really look at life and pray that we are sealed for another great year. This is not done in a doomsday type of way, but the reality of life and curveballs that are thrown to us on a daily basis. It has been a long time since I have really thought about my life in this way but it is obviously important to reflect and really focus on the priorities. There is no point in avoiding the inevitable future and we need to face the most difficult questions in life, head-on, to truly be happy and work on our life’s mission. Why wait until it’s too late?  

That seriousness is also being felt at the GCI by JNF. Demolition is starting, pre-applicants are sending in their submissions, podcast and video series deals are being inked, partnerships are being formed, and a lot of behind-the-scenes grind work which ranges from selecting equipment to updating our website. 

We have been getting a lot of questions about our flagship program and we are extremely pleased with the diversity of participants. While we expected applicants to be from Israel or the United States, we did not expect such an amazing global presence. We have applicants from Egypt, Georgia, and Brazil, all through organic channels. We have a great mix of men and women as well as different age groups. This has been a great start and I look forward to seeing more pre-applications coming in between now and the end of the year. If you are interested in applying, click here for more information.

This is a difficult work month with all the holidays but so far, we have accomplished a lot and we are looking to getting more pieces of the puzzle together by the end of this month. We were disappointed that the JNF National Conference was canceled in Israel but understand with all that is happening in the world during covid times, that the conference needed to be held virtually. Take a look here for information about the conference.

Last, I want to thank you all, the supporters of The Galilee Culinary Institute by Jewish National Fund. This is all for you. We are not creating the greatest culinary institute and experiences for ourselves, but for you. We aim to transform culinary education, transform the students and enthusiasts that interact with us, transform the North of Israel, and to transform the narrative of the region from separateness to inclusiveness. Thank you for joining us on this amazing journey.

L’chaim (To life)

Nathan