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“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli

Special Exhibitions Gallery
October 22, 2023 - April 14, 2024

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!

“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

Once Upon A Bagel Family of Restaurants

 

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

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