NEW BOOK

Paushali Lass takes you on a fascinating journey exploring the rich heritage of the Jews of India through the life of Ann Samson. From the warmth and vibrancy of her early years in India, where faith and tradition thrived, to the challenges of building a new life in Canada, Ann’s story reflects the resilience of the Jews of India and the broader Jewish diaspora.

This book, written by both Paushali Lass and Ann Samson, highlights the balance between faith and adaptation, the importance of education in combating antisemitism, and the often-overlooked experiences of the “Jews of the East”. Through food, tradition, and personal narrative, it celebrates a legacy of endurance, the deep connection of Jewish people to Israel, and timeless recipes that beautifully blend local flavours while preserving Jewish identity.

Tasting Faith sheds light on a lesser-known Jewish community—one unfamiliar even to many in India and the Jewish diaspora. At a time when global antisemitism is on a sharp rise and the Jewish experience is often narrowly framed as ‘European’, it is vital to share the story of diversity of the Jewish diaspora. Highlighting the story of Indian Jews challenges misconceptions and counters the narrative that portrays Israel as merely a European colonial outpost. Their story underscores the deep and varied roots of Jewish identity worldwide. Their story reveals the rich diversity of Jewish identity worldwide. India stands out as a rare place where Jews lived for generations without major antisemitism. Yet, most Indian Jews eventually emigrated to Israel—not due to persecution but out of deep love for their ancestral homeland. Ann Samson, the book’s protagonist, recounts how, despite thriving in India, Indian Jews faced challenges in gaining recognition within the global Jewish community after moving to the West.

This book is more than a historical account—it’s also a culinary journey. Samson shares her life story, from her childhood in India to her experiences in Canada and the centrality of Israel to her identity. Together, the authors explore the food traditions shaped by the Bene Israel and Baghdadi/Mizrahi Jewish communities, featuring cherished recipes from Ann Samson, her family, friends and Paushali Lass—all honouring Jewish dietary laws.

Discover the exotic world of Indian Jewish cuisine and from the comfort of your own home by making dishes like:

- Bene Israel lamb curry

- Bene Israel coconut fish curry

- Masala chai

- Pooris for Yom Kippur

- Bamiya kubbah

Experience the essence of "Tasting Faith" through every flavourful bite.

Though scholars have written about Indian Jews and their cuisine, this book offers a unique perspective—that of someone who didn’t grow up Jewish yet feels a profound connection to the community. To the best of our knowledge, it’s the only work that intertwines the viewpoints of both Jewish and non-Jewish Zionists of Indian heritage, united by their bond with Israel and a love for preserving Jewish culinary traditions.