Congregation Beth El is thrilled to announce that best-selling and award-winning author Joan Nathan will be the featured guest speaker for the 2024 Milton "Mickey" Kramer Scholar-in-Residence program. This three-day event, open to the public, will take place from Fri., March 15, through Sun., March 17, at Congregation Beth El located at 422 Shirley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517.

Nathan is the author of twelve books, including Jewish Cooking in America and The New American Cooking, both of which won James Beard Awards and IACP Awards. She is a frequent contributor to The New York Times and Tablet Magazine and has appeared as a guest on numerous radio and television programs including the Today show, Good Morning, America, and The Martha Stewart Show.

The Scholar-in-Residence weekend promises a rich array of topics and flavors for attendees. Friday's festivities kick off at 5:45 p.m. with a Rock Shabbat service, followed by an Israeli-themed Shabbat Dinner featuring recipes from Nathan’s collection. At 7:30 p.m., attendees will have the privilege of hearing Nathan share insights into Jewish traditions and cuisine, setting the stage for an enriching weekend.

Saturday morning's agenda will include a 9:00 a.m. Torah Study followed by a 9:45 a.m. Shabbat Service that delves into the captivating history of Jewish cooking in America. Nathan, acclaimed for her research in this area, will share stories and recipes from her best-selling, culinary classic cookbook Jewish Cooking in America. The morning will culminate with a Kiddush Luncheon highlighting additional Nathan recipes.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday, March 17, with a 9:00 a.m. brunch, providing attendees with a chance to interact with Nathan personally. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into her upcoming cookbook, "My Life in Recipes: Food, Family & Memories," which journals her personal discovery of Jewish cuisine from around the world. It is slated for release on April 9, 2024. More information may be found at Penquin Random House.

Attendance for each day of the event requires RSVPs. Meal RSVPs must be received by Friday, March 7th. Ticket prices for Friday’s Shabbat dinner are $18 for adults, $8 for children aged 6-13, or $45 for a family. The Saturday Kiddush and Sunday brunch are sponsored and will be free of charge for those attending the services. All meals for the weekend will be prepared by Beth El’s Sisterhood and other dedicated volunteers.