For many belonging to the Jewish diaspora, understanding the holidays means lighting a menorah for Chanukah, maybe hosting a seder during Passover. But, if celebrated with an understanding of the storied customs behind the festivities, these occasions can be so much more than candles and matzah. Following the lunisolar calendar, James Beard Award–winning author Susan Simon and Zoe B Zak devote a chapter to each of the fourteen holidays. From Selichot to Rosh Hashanah, Purim to Pesach, every holiday has history, interpretation and foods, with kosher recipes that reimagine traditional dishes with flair.

More than a cookbook, The Cook and the Rabbi is a testament to the resilient versatility of the Jewish people and their traditions. With Zoe’s thoughtful insight and Susan’s inspired recipes, there’s no end to the ways you might celebrate the holidays and make your personal relationship with them uplifting, inspiring and deeply fulfilling. Chag Sameach!