Hadassah Chicago-North Shore (CNS) hosted Hadassah food guru Shannon Sarna — spokesperson for Every Bite Counts: Hadassah’s Nutrition Program and food editor for The Nosher and Kveller.com. At the July 12 event, “The Dynamic Cuisine of Jerusalem,” Shannon’s live cooking demonstration included shakshuka and a pomegranate limonana granita. Moderators Leah Polin and Judi Steinberg guided Hadassah CNS members through a culinary tour of Jerusalem with audience members sharing memories of the sights, sounds and smells of Jerusalem’s vibrant and fast-growing food culture along with tips on their favorite Jerusalem restaurants.
“I really love cooking before a live audience and talking about the cuisine of Jerusalem,” said Shannon, who lives in New Jersey with her husband and two young daughters, “The members’ interest in the program and the audience questions made my experience so memorable. I am honored to share this heart healthy journey with Hadassah and their members as we cook our way to a healthier and more delicious life. I look forward taking Hadassah’s Every Bite Counts programs to many more regions and chapters. Truly, Every Bite Counts!”
Hadassah CNS Executive Director Ronna Ash enthused, “Despite an incredibly powerful electrical storm system, including torrential rain, high winds, floods and power outages, we were able to deliver an exceptional Summer Camp program with Shannon Sarna. Shannon was outstanding; warm, personable, bright, articulate, knowledgeable and a delight to everyone. The lively dialogue between Shannon and our team resulted in an interesting, informative and delicious Hadassah morning for all. Shannon is an asset to Hadassah in her capacity as food/nutrition guru and this was truly a powerful and informative program.
Moderators Leah Polin and Judi Steinberg were thrilled with the audience’s response to Shannon: “This program was both educational and entertaining, and surely everyone took away facts they never knew about Jerusalem while at the same time enjoying an excellent cooking demonstration. Someone else mentioned it was like watching a professional cooking show on TV. The audience participation was wonderful, and Shannon Sarna is an excellent spokesperson for Hadassah, for Israel and for healthy cooking and eating. A four-star program!”
Shannon Sarna’s columns and recipes have appeared nationally and her first cookbook, Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More, comes out in September. For Hadassah, Sarna appears in Every Bite Counts cooking videos throughout the year and writes a monthly Every Bite Counts column with heart-healthy recipes.
Every Bite Counts is the third phase of Every Beat Counts: Hadassah’s Heart Health Program®. In 2016, Hadassah Medical Organization’s (HMO) Heart Institute opened Israel’s first Heart Valve Disease Clinic, and HMO’s Linda Joy Pollin Wellness Center continues to raise awareness about women’s heart health among Jewish and Arab women. This Hadassah Chicago-North Shore event was part of its 2017 Summer Camp of cultural and educational programs.