On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover the joy of vibrant, globally inspired Jewish cuisine with 52 Shabbats by Faith Kramer—a beautifully crafted, award-winning cookbook featuring over 70 mix-and-match recipes that honor Shabbat traditions year-round while offering fresh, exciting twists.
52 Shabbats
As Passover approaches, families prepare to gather for the Seder, seeking ways to balance deep-rooted traditions with fresh, inspiring interpretations of classic dishes. The cookbook 52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen by Faith Kramer delivers exactly that opportunity. While centered on weekly Shabbat meals, its diverse, globally influenced recipes make it an exceptional resource for elevating Passover cooking with meaningful yet exciting flavors.



Embracing Tradition with Worldwide Inspiration
Kramer, a food writer and recipe developer focused on Jewish diaspora cuisines, history, and customs, brings together over 50 main recipes designed to anchor festive menus. These are complemented by more than 20 additional dishes for sides, accompaniments, and desserts. The book weaves in concise essays exploring food traditions and histories from Jewish communities around the world, alongside clear explanations of Shabbat rituals.
Recipes are thoughtfully organized by season, with mix-and-match pairings that encourage creativity. Easy substitutions are provided throughout, ensuring accessibility for various lifestyles, dietary needs, and levels of observance. This flexible approach makes the collection welcoming to both experienced Shabbat hosts and newcomers, Jewish or otherwise.
Why It Shines for Passover
Although dedicated to year-round Friday night dinners, 52 Shabbats aligns naturally with Passover through its emphasis on Sephardic, Mizrahi, and other global Jewish foodways. Many recipes incorporate ingredients and techniques that suit holiday restrictions while avoiding leavened products and embracing bold seasonings, fresh herbs, and innovative methods.
Kramer reimagines familiar elements with international twists, encouraging cooks to draw connections between family customs and the broader Jewish historical experience. Passover’s themes of memory, storytelling, and shared meals find fresh expression through these dishes, which highlight how Jewish communities worldwide have adapted their cuisines for celebrations.
Helpful guidance includes notes on ingredient adaptations, such as considerations for kitniyot, allowing users to tailor recipes to their specific Passover practices.
Highlighted Recipes for Holiday Tables
The book features a range of dishes suited to Passover and beyond, including:
- Sweet and Tart Silan Roasted Carrots with Lentils
- Iraqi-Israeli Vegetable Pickles
- Tamarind Okra or Zucchini
- Matzo Ball and Pozole Chicken Soup
- Pomegranate Molasses Brisket
- Ethiopian-Spiced Pot Roast
- Winter Borscht with Lamb
- Falafel Pizza with Feta and Herbs
- South Indian-Inspired Fish Cakes with Coconut-Cilantro Chutney
- Chocolate and Cookie Truffles
- Mango and Cardamom Mini Cheesecakes
These options span vegetable-forward sides, hearty mains, and elegant desserts, offering vegetable-rich accompaniments alongside proteins infused with spices from Ethiopian, Iraqi, Indian, and other traditions.
Recognition and the Author’s Expertise


52 Shabbats has earned acclaim, including a Gold Winner in the Cooking category at the Foreword Reviews INDIES Book Awards and a Silver Winner in the Cookbook category at the PubWest Book Design Awards.
Faith Kramer draws from her extensive work as a columnist for the j., the Jewish News of Northern California, where she contributes monthly pieces on food and cooking with original recipes. She has taught cooking classes, presented on Jewish customs and holidays, and led food-focused walking tours exploring cultural, economic, and geographic influences. Her contributions appear in books such as Knish: In Search of the Jewish Soul Food and One Big Table, among others. She resides with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For anyone looking to infuse Passover—or any gathering—with vibrant, heritage-rich flavors, 52 Shabbats stands out as an inspiring, practical, and beautifully crafted companion.
Find more from Faith Kramer now:
Apple Book: https://apple.co/4uDKoVC
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4186KRh
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/47pnYxp
Website: www.FaithKramer.com
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