A May 14 Balabrunch & Literary Talk

Shira Horn

The Jewish Communities of Florence, Siena, Livorno, and Pisa are continuing their Balabrunch series this Sunday, May 14 at 11:15 am at the Great Synagogue of Florence on via Farini 6, in Sala Sadun.

The Mediterranean-Middle Eastern brunch menu includes eggplant stew with bulgur, spinach dumplings with cinnamon, tuna bruschetta with herbs, fried cauliflower with chermoula sauce, golden tabbouleh with mixed vegetables, stuffed bourikas with cumin spiced potatoes, haminados style eggs, bean hummus with tahini, and a surprise dessert, all prepared by Jean Michel Carasso and Michele Hagen.

The brunch will be followed by a talk in English (free admission) with Italian translation about contemporary issues — both interpersonal and personal — by Israeli Shifra Horn, author of five best selling novels including Ode to Joy.

Other events later this month include Uncovering the Florentine Ghetto Through Memory and History, a guided tour though the Jewish neighborhood of Florence starting with the first settlements and finishing at the demolition of the ancient Ghetto in 1888 on May 18 (5 pm) and May 21 (11 am).

Balabrunch costs €10, while guided visits of the Synagogue start at 2 pm for brunch guests at reduced price of €5. To make a reservation and learn more about the community email sinagoga.firenze@coopculture.it or sandra@firenzebraica.it.  (tessa lucia debole)