Wine & Challah

Hi! I’m Ilana! I’m so happy you are here! My wonderful husband Daniel, and I are the Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Mizrachi Melbourne. I have a passion for educating others about Jewish history, culture, and tradition, I bring the wealth of knowledge and the Jewish experience to the table.

It is my absolute joy to share the beauty of our shared heritage, weaving together the small traditions with the grand tapestry of Jewish history. By delving into our delicious food culture and learning our history one bite at a time.

But why ‘Wine & Challah’? Well, it all stems from my role as the wife of a Rabbi, serving in an Orthodox Synagogue. Entertaining has long been a source of joy and responsibility in my life. Most of our gatherings revolve around Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and every menu I write starts with two essential elements: ‘Wine & Challah.’ These aren’t just items on a list; they represent the heart and soul of our celebrations, symbolizing warmth, tradition, and connection.

For me, cooking begins long before the oven is preheated; it starts in the planning phase. As I sit down to make lists and arrange my days, especially amidst the chaos of a busy schedule and numerous responsibilities, that is when cooking begins. Cooking involves planning, shopping, and finally, the act of physically cooking itself.

Thank you for being a part of the ‘Wine & Challah’ community, where food and tradition come together to enrich our lives.