Inquisitorial Indigestion: Issues of Flavor and Identity in Early Modern Spain

In this session we will explore the various transformations to Sephardic Jewish food and life that occurred at the end of the 15th-century with the onset of the Spanish Inquisition. We will explore how certain ingredients and specific dishes came to be associated in the early modern Spanish imagination with Jewish identity, as well as how food becomes central to the preservation and expression of converso and New Christian identity. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own “converso salad” featuring fresh greens, radishes, mint, and a light dressing. Come ready for a session for all of your senses - taste, touch, smell included!

Tickets are available for just this session, or bundle tickets for an 18% discount!

Please note, this class is not eligible for discount codes. If the ticket price is cost prohibitive please reach out to us!

Sara M. Gardner is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies at the University of Minnesota. Her work focuses on the culinary heritage and cultural identity of the Sephardic Jews. Previously, she served as the Collaborations Manager for the Jewish Arts Collaborative and the Associate Director for Young Adult Programs at Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts. From 2016-2017, Sara lived and researched medieval Sephardic culinary heritage in Spain as a Fulbright Graduate Research Scholar. She has presented her work at various international conferences, including the Modern Language Association, the Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery, and the Dublin Gastronomy Symposium. Sara is also a published cookbook author; her first cookbook is entitled The Rosh Hashanah Seder Cookbook: Stories and Recipes from the Reform Jewish Community of Madrid (2018). When she's not in the archive or writing her dissertation, Sara loves to paint watercolors, FaceTime with her niblings, and to experiment with Jewish diasporic flavors in her kitchen.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.