Take a delicious bite into the history and culture of Jews in America. Exploring how American Jews imported traditions, adapted culture, and built community through the experience of food, “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli reveals how delicatessens became cornerstones of American Jewish food culture during the past century, evolving from specialty stores catering to immigrant populations into the beloved national institutions they are today.

By sharing the history of deli, the exhibition traces the larger arc of the Jewish experience in the United States during the twentieth century. On view will be neon signs, menus, advertisements, fixtures, packaging, photographs, and clips of deli on the big and little screen, plus fun photo opps and interactives to spark your own memories of deli. Watch for a special focus on some of your favorite LA establishments!

Go behind the scenes! As we wait for the Skirball to reopen, take a virtual road trip to some of the country’s great delis with co-curators Cate Thurston and Laura Mart in Discovering the Jewish Deli.