‘Hugs and Knishes’ on PBS dishes on Jewish food
Matzoh ball soup is one of the traditional Jewish recipes explored in "Hugs and Knishes," a film by Long Island native David Anton airing on PBS in December. Credit: iStockphoto / Lauri Patterson
Long Island’s Jewish community is featured in a new film airing on PBS this week. “Hugs and Knishes: A Celebration of Our Jewish Foods and Traditions” was produced and directed by Great Neck native (and current resident of Old Bethpage) David Anton, who explores his own background (three generations of Antosofsky rabbis and cantors) as well as those of other Long Islanders.
Rita Trokenheim of Plainview extols her mother’s stuffed cabbage, Filmore Peltz of Massapequa demonstrates the matzoh brei that his grandchildren clamor for, former Hofstra University professor Sam Toperoff relives the childhood embarrassment of bringing a lunch of chopped liver to school, and Michael Barcham, manager of Ben’s Kosher Deli and Restaurant in Carle Place, recalls his discovery of where tongue actually comes from.
Actors Fyvush Finkel and Tovah Feldshuh and former New York City Mayor Ed Koch are also on hand to dish the schmaltz.
The hourlong “Hugs and Knishes” airs Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. on WLIW21 and on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9 p.m. on Thirteen.
