154 Savor! A Sephardic Experience of Food & Music

Today, we have two special guests on our podcast: musician Sarah Aroeste and chef Susan Barocas. They share a unique connection as Sephardic Jews, with roots tracing back to an ancient Macedonian town. Sadly, during the Holocaust, nearly the entire population of that town was lost - a shocking 98%, in fact - an event that shaped who they are today, in 2023.<br />Both Sarah and Susan are passionate about preserving Sephardic culture. They delve deep into historical records, oral traditions, and stories. Together, they're on a mission to curate and share this rich heritage with all of us. But what makes their "Savor! project unique and truly remarkable is how they express this shared passion differently.<br />The "Savor" experience is, all at the same time, an album filled with Sephardic songs, all about food and in the Ladino language. It's also a collection of recipes that go hand in hand with each song. Plus, they've created videos featuring female chefs and home cooks who demonstrate how to make these recipes, all while discussing their personal connection to food and Sephardic culture.<br />As we approach the Jewish High Holy Days, I’m thrilled to have Sarah and Susan here to discuss Sephardic history and heritage. As you’ll hear, they teach me so much, not only about Sephardic culturebut also about the profound role of food and music in preserving culture, tradition, history, values, and stories. I want to express my gratitude to Susan and Sarah for joining us today, and - as always - thank YOU for being a part of this conversation! Highlights A concept album: How the Savor project of pairing Sephardic recipes & songs began  Sarah and Susan’s shared heritage in Bitola (formerly Monastir) in Northern Macedonia, where 98% of the town was exterminated in the Holocaust The distinctions among Jews (Sephardic vs. Ashkenazi) are a modern construction When & how did the lineages and stories of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews  How the geography, language (Ladino), and music of the Sephardics developed The core elements of liturgy and customs that unite all Jews The effects of the multi-century Spanish Inquisition on the entire Jewish populations, especially Sephardic Jews The Holocaust was deadly for Sephardic Jews as well Sarah’s story: “Music was my life.” How Sarah pivoted from classical opera to performing as a Ladino singer. How did Sarah and her mentor uncovered and created Ladino music No such thing as “authentic” or “traditional” Sephardic music or recipes Sopa de Ajo: Allium Soap - Why Sarah chose it Alliums and the Inquisition Susan’s story: Her father as teacher How Sephardic cooking spread to and melded with the rest of the world’s cuisine How to prepare garlic until it’s “mellow, sweet, and flavorful” Susan’s tips for preparing leeks