Episode Details

Crumbly, sweet, and mysteriously addictive, today we're breaking into halva. On this episode of our daily Jewish podcast, we're exploring the sesame-based confection that looks like fudge, tastes like toasted sunshine, and sparks instant nostalgia from Jerusalem markets to American grocery aisles. Chocolate swirled or pistachio-studded? Dense and flaky or soft and creamy? We'll trace its Middle Eastern origins, its place in Sephardi and Mizrahi Jewish kitchens, and how crushed sesame seeds and sugar somehow became a candy with centuries of history behind every bite. Fair warning—this one might leave you reaching for another slice.