Corned Beef and Camaraderie: The History of the Jewish Deli in Chicago

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Corned Beef and Camaraderie:
The History of the Jewish Deli in Chicago
presented by Ted Merwin

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
8:00pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific

Ted Merwin, Ph.D., Senior Writer for the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), author of the National Jewish Book Award-winning book, Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli, and long-time collector of Chicago deli memorabilia, will trace the fascinating, untold history of the delis of Chicago. This entertaining, multimedia presentation features clips from films, TV, music, and stand-up comedy routines that demonstrate the central place of the deli in the Jewish community in Chicagoland from the immigrant generation to the present. This talk draws on decades of archival research and avid collecting of menus, vintage photos, neon signs, and light-up clocks from now-shuttered Chicago delis in both the city and suburbs.