BOISE BENCH, Idaho — Neighbors from across the Treasure Valley gathered at Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel for the first full Deli Days festival since before the pandemic, marking 40 years of tradition in Boise.
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The festival featured live music, dancing, activities for kids, and kosher-style favorites including pastrami, corned beef, and homemade baked goods served by volunteers.
Ruby Kinberg, president of the congregation's teen group, said the event holds special meaning for young members of the community.
"Just having a place where we get to do this Idaho Jewish festival is so cool."
Kinberg has been attending the festival since she was young and said events like Deli Days help carry the congregation's history forward.
"We get to see the generations that come before us, and now we get to carry on the legacy."
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She said the community the festival builds goes beyond religion.
"It's not fully just a religion because when you're part of the Jewish community, you make family with the people you meet."
Danielle Brand-Lemond, director of engagement at Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel, said the event is also a way to teach younger generations about the value of giving back.
"I really want them to learn that giving into a community, it gives you so much in return."
Brand-Lemond said the community's response to the festival exceeded expectations.
"I am floored at how many baked goods we sold out of today. So that's really a testament to our neighbors showing up and also our really talented bakers in our community."
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the historic synagogue, which holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating synagogue west of the Mississippi.
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Rabbi Johanna Hershenson said serving this congregation carries a deep sense of meaning.
"Being a rabbi here is really very special. I love the history of this congregation that it has been here for so long."
Hershenson explained the cultural significance that delis have long held in Jewish life.
"And so the deli became like a secular synagogue. It's a place you went for Jewish culture because a lot of these Jews maybe weren't so religious as the previous generation had been."
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