L’chaim! New York City is gearing up to host The Great Nosh, a brand-new Jewish food festival promising to be a feast for the senses. this one-day event, billed as New York’s biggest picnic, will transform Governors Island on Sunday, June 22, into a vibrant hub of culinary delights and cultural experiences.

A Culinary Collaboration of Epic Proportions

The Great Nosh will feature food and beverages from iconic Jewish restaurants across the city. Attendees can anticipate intriguing and unexpected culinary collaborations,including:

• Thai Diner x Katz’s Deli
• Gertrude’s x Dhamaka!

Beyond the food,the festival will offer cultural activities such as jewelry-making with Susan Alexandra,the Lower East side’s celebrated beading queen.

the vision Behind the Nosh

The Jewish Food Society presents The Great Nosh, co-sponsored by organizations including UJA Federation New York, Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and Pershing Square Philanthropies. Naama Shefi,the nonprofit’s founder,drew inspiration from her childhood experiences on a kibbutz and new york’s abundant outdoor spaces.

I love our city’s community gardens and parks and wanted to recreate this type of magic on a larger scale. Jewish culture and NYC food are so deeply intertwined. The Great Nosh is a new space that celebrates that history and connection, where we can step out of our daily routine and enjoy good food, wine, music, art and relaxed time with friends.
Naama Shefi, Founder, Jewish Food Society

A Five-Hour Brunch Extravaganza

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Great Nosh will offer a five-hour brunch festivity. Expect pop-ups from iconic New York establishments, interactive culinary demos, and live music. A Grandmas Tent, hosted by Gail Simmons and chef Pati Jinich, and a wine bar by The Four Horsemen will also be featured.

Culinary Friendships and Unexpected Creations

The festival promises a unique culinary experience through collaborations that blend diverse flavors and traditions.

All 12 pop-ups celebrate friendships within the culinary community and many feature unexpected creations drawing on NYC staples that will introduce a completely new take on these dishes.
Naama Shefi, Founder, Jewish Food Society

One such collaboration involves Zoe Kanan of Elbow and Sunny Lee of sunn’s, who are creating a vegetable-forward banchan bialy with smoky eggplant and zucchini.

I love how Sunny and Zoe represent their mutual appreciation of Jewish traditions and are bringing to life Korean and Jewish flavors in the most flavorful and thoughtful way.
Naama Shefi, Founder, Jewish Food Society

More Culinary Highlights

Other highlights include:

• A special “schnitz & chips” with tahini ketchup and amba by Laser Wolf’s Mike Solomonov and Ed Szymanski from Dame.
• Ice cream treats by Russ and Daughters and Morgenstern’s.

Celebrating Jewish Culture and Community

The Great Nosh aims to foster connection, understanding, and joy through a celebration of Jewish culture.

I’m proud to live in a city with such rich and vibrant Jewish history and culture that is part of the city’s fabric. Now, more than ever, it’s important to come together and celebrate Jewish culture in a way that fosters connection, understanding, and joy. The Great Nosh is about pride, resilience, and sharing heritage in an open and welcoming way. It’s a chance to reinforce the power of community and to invite all New Yorkers to engage with Jewish food and culture in a dynamic and celebratory setting.
Naama Shefi, Founder, Jewish Food Society

Shefi hopes the festival will inspire guests through the diversity and creativity of Jewish culinary traditions.

I hope that our guests will get inspired by the diversity and the creativity of the many culinary traditions, old and new, showcased at The Great nosh.
naama Shefi, Founder, Jewish Food Society

Event Details

Tickets to The Great Nosh cost $36 via Eventbrite and include a picnic blanket, reusable utensils, and complimentary water. All concessions will be available for purchase via credit card. The event is open to all ages.