Melinda Strauss

Yesterday, we were honored to welcome 160 extraordinary Israeli athletes representing our grantee, @shalvacenter, to UJA and hear their incredible stories of determination and resilience. As they prepare to take on the TCS NYC Marathon this Sunday, our CEO, Michael A. Kay, has one message for @team.shalva: “Because we can surely achieve it.” Read his full message at the link in our bio.

L'Chaim! A little Hebrew. A little history. And two hopeful Jews bursting into song. - Hoodie @sweetpoppylane

Behind our new sculpture, Rooted: A Testament to Jewish Resilience, is a story of connection, solidarity, and strength. We spoke with curator @shlomi_rabi about UJA’s Hostage Tag Project culminating in the installation, and the vision that brought thousands of hostage tags together to honor our community’s resilience. Read the full conversation at the link in bio.

The greatest Jewish block part on marathon day, come join your friends and family as we cheer on over 200+ Nice Jewish Runners racing the iconic New York City Marathon🎉 NJR NYC Marathon Cheer Zone will be fired up at mile 23.5 (runner's left) ready to celebrate and push you to the finish line If you're not racing, you're cheering🥳 Be sure to RSVP using the link in bio See you soon NJR💙💙 📸 @brianfbenton

Do you consider yourself an “Oct. 8 Jew”? A Jew who woke up the next morning feeling different? A Jew who lost friends because you stand with Israel? A Jew who realized you wanted to make more Jewish friends and get involved in Jewish life? A Jew who decided to start using your voice?⁠ ⁠ Oct. 7 changed something in all of us.⁠ ⁠ It’s been three years since thousands of terrorists attacked communities in southern Israel. Three years since Jewish people around the world woke up to horrifying news and realized we were no longer the same people we had been the day before.⁠ ⁠ For some, that meant going to synagogue or lighting Shabbat candles for the first time. For others, it meant putting on a Star of David necklace, learning more about their traditions, finding a Jewish community and deciding to visit Israel.⁠ ⁠ And for a lot of people, it meant talking publicly about their heritage, religion and how the world viewed both them and the State of Israel.⁠ ⁠ Read more in the link in our bio. ⁠ ⁠ 📸: Miriam Alster, Flash90

The brand is @geltpop and they sent this to me as an early Chanukah present so thank you!! And I loooooove seeing brands make Jewish Chanukah calendars! This is not an advent calendar, tho it’s definitely inspired by them 🕎 I hope we see more of these calendars from brands!!!

Eight years ago today, eleven members of the Tree of Life synagogue were murdered in the deadliest attack against Jews on American soil. The Tree of Life shooting irrevocably changed the city of Pittsburgh and the American Jewish community, and the lives of the families and friends of those killed. May their memories forever be a blessing.

**GIVEAWAY! Eight nights of Chanukah. Eight gifts. One winner.** We're celebrating Chanukah with a giveaway! Melinda Strauss and Salt Sparkle Shalom are giving away the complete **Eat Jewish for Eight Nights** gift set, a $195 collection inspired by Melinda's *Eat Jewish* cookbook and created together with Salt Sparkle Shalom. Eight individually wrapped gifts, including an oversized canvas tote, hand-stamped jewelry, Shabbat and home accessories, and plenty of challah-inspired goodness. **Here's how to enter:** 1. Follow @SaltSparkleShalom and @therealmelindastrauss 2. Like this post 3. Tell us your favorite Jewish food in the comments! **WANT MORE ENTRIES?** Share this post to your Instagram Story and tag both accounts for one bonus entry **every day you share!** That's it. Although we're fully expecting some arguments about kugel. Giveaway closes Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. One winner will be randomly selected and announced November 2. Open to US residents ages 18+. No purchase necessary. Shipping included. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be contacted directly by @SaltSparkleShalom. Beware of impersonator accounts. #SaltSparkleShalom #EatJewish #MelindaStrauss #ChanukahGiveaway #HanukkahGiveaway #JewishGifts #JewishFood #JewishJoy #Chanukah2026

It’s your last chance to see “Rooted” - the public art installation in commemoration of October 7th closes on Sunday, October 25th. Make sure to stop by for a moment of reflection and to contribute your hostage tags, pins, and ribbons to the communal tree trunk structure. Plan your visit at the 🔗 in bio. "Rooted" is presented in partnership with the UJA-Federation of New York. Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography #MJHNYC

Recently, our staff visited Rooted: A Testament to Jewish Resilience at @museumjewishheritage and heard from curator @shlomi_rabi about how this powerful art installation came to life.   For 843 days, we wore hostage tags and pins close to our hearts. During our visit, we placed them among thousands of others in the sculpture’s roots, turning personal symbols of hope and solidarity into a lasting tribute.   See Rooted for yourself at the museum through October 25.

Recently, we were honored to convene more than 70 pastors and rabbis from across New York City at the @museumjewishheritage to strengthen ties between Christian and Jewish communities. Through our support of @eagleswingsintl, we’re helping foster interfaith connections through a series of gatherings culminating in a trip to Israel. At a time when antisemitism is on the rise, coming together across faiths to listen, learn, and stand united against hate matters more than ever.

If you didn’t already know, Zach started his own TikTok account, @zach.in.il, and I LOVE getting to watch his journey in Israel! 🥹🇮🇱 He shared this story right before Yom Kippur started, and I just love it so much! Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It’s a day of atonement, reflection, and repentance, when we pray to G-d and hope to be sealed in the Book of Life. But here’s something I think a lot of people don’t realize: Yom Kippur isn’t actually a sad day! It’s an incredibly special day to connect with G-d, reflect on who we are, and think about who we want to become in the year ahead. G’mar Chatima Tova (גמר חתימה טובה): This means “A good final sealing.” May your name be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year!

Before Yom Kippur, it’s customary to give to charity and help make sure families have food on the table. Thank you SO much to everyone who gives when they can! Your generosity means so much to me and to the families @leket_israel helps every day. 🤍 🤝Leket Partner

Just ahead of Yom Kippur, we wish you and yours a restful Shabbat — and may we all be sealed in the Book of Life for a healthy and peaceful year. #ShabbatShalom and #GmarChatimahTovah.

What a sweet start to the new year! 🍎🍯 We LOVE seeing how our partners — including @suffolkyjcc, @hillelofstatenisland, @guraljcc, @hofstrahillel, @jccrp, @shamesjcc, @jccofstatenisland, and @metcouncil — celebrated Rosh Hashanah. From dipping apples in honey to volunteering, baking, and more, our community came together to make the start of 5787 one to remember. #MissionMonday 💙

Apple Cider–Roasted Chicken Recipe in EAT JEWISH  serves 6 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 3 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon black pepper 8 cloves garlic, peeled 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped 1 large onion, chopped 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs  1 Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C/gas 6) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2 In a large bowl, add the apple cider, olive oil, mustard, honey, salt, thyme, and pepper; whisk to emulsify. 3 To the baking sheet, add the garlic, carrots, sweet potato, and onions. Add the chicken and the apple cider mixture. Using your hands, make sure everything is evenly coated and spread in an even layer. 4 Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil. Roast until the vegetables begin to soften, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and, using a spoon, baste the chicken with the juices in the pan. Continue roasting, uncovered, until the skin of the chicken is golden brown and crispy and the vegetables are browning around the edges, about 45 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a heatproof surface and let the chicken cool slightly, about 10 minutes. 5 Using tongs or a wide spatula, transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter or individual plates, topping the chicken with the juices from the pan.

As we enter 5787, our CEO shares a reflection on Rosh Hashanah's call to true teshuvah, renewal, and change. At a time of rising antisemitism and profound challenges for our community and Israel, may this new year bring hope and the courage to grow. Wishing you and yours a year of good health, happiness, and peace. #ShanahTovah 💙 Read more at the link in our bio.