Episode 3

Culture Diaries: Episode 3

By: Holden Ellenberg

Dear New Yorkers,

Welcome back to Culture Diaries, where food is our passport and culture is the journey. 

For those who are new, Culture Diaries is a series where I, a NYC high schooler, explore the city’s cultural diversity through the eyes and stomachs of my peers. Each episode features a student, their background, and the restaurant of their choice that reminds them of home or their heritage. With one guiding question—Where do you find your culture in NYC?—this journey aims to celebrate the diversity that defines our city.

This time, I was joined by Brooke Goldberg, a classmate and friend whose Eastern European roots are celebrated through Jewish tradition. We took a trip downtown to Essex Market, where Brooke introduced me to Davidovich Bakery, a small storefront between vendors and filled with bagels and pastries.Bagels are so embedded in New York culture that it’s easy to forget where they come from. Originating in the Jewish communities of Poland as early as the 17th century, bagels were brought to NYC by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 1800s. Over time, they’ve evolved from a cultural staple to a citywide obsession, but for Brooke, they’re still much more than a breakfast item.

Brooke shared stories of how her family embraces Jewish traditions through food and togetherness. “Bagels bring back so many memories, from family holidays to occasional treats after Hebrew school or synagogue.” And as a member of the Jewish community I can relate to all of the fun traditions and holidays that bagels are a part of. And it’s true—Jewish food is often layered with meaning. From challah on Shabbat to matzo ball soup on Passover, each dish is rooted in the perseverance of the Jewish Community. 

Here's a task for you: ask your Jewish friends how they eat their bagel. Lox and cream cheese? Toasted with butter? Or maybe they’re simple and prefer it plain. 

After hearing Brooke’s stories, it was time to experience it for myself. She led me to the counter at Davidovich where she ordered her go to. This was a new spot for me, but I always love to add new spots to my list.

Now it’s my turn to try it out…