Surrounding Community

Celebrity Chef Brings Evening of Food, Laughter, Jewish Tradition to Temple Israel

  • November 2026
  • Temple Israel of West Palm Beach
Rabbi Carlie Daniels and Rabbi Ryan Daniels with Jake Cohen signing cookbooks

More than 150 guests gathered at Temple Israel of West Palm Beach last month for an entertaining evening with New York Times-bestselling cookbook author and celebrity chef Jake Cohen. The event was part of Temple Israel’s Simply Jewish series, which brings engaging voices and fresh perspectives on Jewish life, culture, and identity to the Palm Beaches.

Known for his approachable recipes, humor, and modern take on Jewish cooking, Cohen shared stories about his passion for food and the role Jewish traditions have played in his life. Guests enjoyed a demonstration of his challah recipe, along with a lively conversation and audience Q&A moderated by Rabbi Carlie Daniels.

“Jake has such a wonderful way of connecting people through food and celebrating Jewish traditions in ways that are accessible and relevant,” said Daniels. “It was especially meaningful to see so many people come together to share in that experience, enjoy a few laughs, ask questions, and celebrate Jewish life through one of our favorite customs — food.”

Photo credit: Coastal Click Photography

Juliana Kohl Gendelman and Iris Kiner at the Simply Jewish event
Juliana Kohl Gendelman, Iris Kiner
Alyson Seligman and Cathleen Ward holding Jake Cohen’s cookbook
Alyson Seligman, Cathleen Ward
Jake Cohen demonstrating his challah recipe beside Rabbi Carlie Daniels
Jake Cohen, Rabbi Carlie Daniels
Carol Safran, Peter Eckstein and Nancy Horowitz at the reception
Carol Safran and Peter Eckstein, Nancy Horowitz
Marty and Karen List with Jenna and Braden List at Temple Israel
Marty and Karen List, Jenna and Braden List