In addition to the countless sad stories and heartbreaking photos coming out of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina hit over a month ago, a plethora of random facts about that city have emerged. And some of them don’t have anything to do with the tragic effects of Hurricane Katrina.
One bit of information that has passed across my radar screen since New Orleans has been on the front pages is that the Crescent City had three (THREE!) kosher restaurants.
I grant you that New Orleans is one of America’s most beloved meccas of distinctive and delicious food, that it has herds of tourists at all times of the year and that it’s likely that there are more than the average number of “foodies” among its residents.
But still, New Orleans’ Jewish population was estimated to be only about 12,000.
So my question is this. If New Orleans could support three kosher restaurants with just 12,000 Jews, why can’t Milwaukee, which is home to twice as many Jews, not support even one?
There have been attempts, albeit short-lived, and one recent promising proposal, but, according to reliable sources, that one is not going to materialize.
And, by the way, I intend no disrespect for the Kosher Oasis, the kosher café in the Jewish Home and Care Center. But I’m talking here about a full service restaurant that offers dinner five or six nights a week.
Besides, the Oasis, which serves dinner only on Wednesday nights, is closing soon for the JHCC renovation and will be out of commission for about two years.
Whether or not one observes kashrut, it is apparent to me that if the Jewish community in Milwaukee is to thrive as a diverse, vibrant Jewish center, we must have all of the institutions and services needed for all kinds of Jewish life.
Whether or not most American Jews observe the laws of kashrut — and we all know that most don’t — a healthy Jewish community needs at least one full-service restaurant where all Jews can be comfortable eating, regardless of their level of observance.
We have Jewish schools, libraries and other centers for adult Jewish learning, mikvahs and a community center. Why don’t we have a kosher restaurant?
One former kosher restaurant owner I spoke with recently feels that it is impossible for a restaurant to survive in Milwaukee if it has to be closed on Shabbat, when most Milwaukeeans eat out.
But what if my fantasy kosher restaurant offered really excellent, interesting food that all kinds of people would enjoy and seek out? What if it offered the Middle Eastern food so beloved by Israelis? Or ethnic vegetarian food from India, or China, or around the world?
What if it was located in a beautiful setting, or was known for its fabulous desserts?
Maybe it could focus on lunch and brunch instead of dinner and thereby not rely so heavily on the profits of the Friday night and Saturday crowd. Maybe it could have live music. Maybe it could be owned by non-Jews and therefore could stay open on Shabbat.
With imagination, creativity and a little daring, as well as the support of the whole Jewish community, this dream could be a reality.
Though Jewish life in Milwaukee is rich and lively, an excellent kosher restaurant would add immeasurably to the life of our community. Is there anyone out there to take on this challenge?
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