“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli
More than a place to get a meal, the Jewish deli is a community forged in food. “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli explores how Jewish immigrants, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe, imported and adapted traditions to create a uniquely American restaurant. The exhibition reveals how Jewish delicatessens became a cornerstone of American food culture, and how delis served as a lifeline for many Holocaust Survivors and refugees who came to the United States.
Get a taste of deli history through neon signs, menus, advertisements, uniforms, photographs, and film and TV clips. Plus, spark and share your own deli memories with fun photo ops and interactives!
Deli delights from Chicagoland’s Once Upon a Bagel will be available for purchase at the Museum during lunchtime on Free Fridays, the last Friday of every month, through the end of 2023.
exhibition-related programs“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli is organized and circulated by the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California.
Illinois Holocaust Museum’s presentation of “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli is made possible with generous support from:
Presenting Sponsor
Supporters
Lester & Edward Anixter Family Foundation
Golder Family Foundation
Lindsey A. Lopatin and the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundations
Contributors
Mitchell Kaufman in memory of Danny Wolf
Paul Langer and Judith Frank
Additional Funders
Eli’s Cheesecake
Mark and Michelle Grossmann and Katten
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Carol and Larry Levy
Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen
Mark and Lisa Pinsky
Photo credits: Kathleen Hinkel