Episode Details

Light as air, crunchy as a snowdrift, and somehow always disappearing from the kiddush table first—today we're talking kichel. On this episode of our daily Jewish podcast, we're biting into the sweet, eggy cookie that's less a dessert and more a cultural accessory. Is it a snack, a sponge for herring, or just an excuse to linger over schnapps after services? We'll explore its Eastern European origins, its starring role at weddings and synagogue socials, and how something so simple—basically flour, eggs, and sugar—became a nostalgic symbol of old-world Jewish life. Grab a piece (or three); this one's going to crunch.