About the Exhibition
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.
Donor Support
The exhibition and its related educational programs are made possible by generous support from the following donors:
Maurice Amado Foundation
Barbara Timmer and Catherine Benkaim
Terri and David Bloomgarden
Stephanie and Harold Bronson
The Keston Family in Memory of Michael Keston
Gloria and Richard Pink
Skirball Cultural Center Volunteer Service Council in Honor of Frances Fisher
Media sponsor: