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Santa Barbara Jewish Federation Matzo Ball Soup Initiative

Etty’s Jewish Deli and Bakery, inside the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, is offering free meals to victims of the Los Angeles-area fires.
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January 30, 2025
INGRID BOSTROM PHOTOGRAPHY

Thanks to donations from three local families, Etty’s Jewish Deli and Bakery, inside the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, is offering free meals to victims of the Los Angeles-area fires.

Anyone who has been displaced can come to Etty’s for a bowl of matzah ball soup, a deli sandwich and homemade rugelach. “Our commitment to building community and supporting those in need — whether with a helping hand or a bowl of healing soup — extends far beyond our local boundaries,” Samantha Silverman, executive director of the Adam Bronfman JCC, told the Journal. “Our hearts ache for our neighbors in LA.”

She added, “Though it may be a small gesture, we felt that sharing warm bowls of comfort was a meaningful way to support those impacted by the immense devastation of the fires.”

The idea for the initiative, sponsored by the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation, The Lucky One Foundation and The Little One Foundation, came from three local friends: Lily Hahn Shining, Mindy Budgor and Belle Hahn.

Devastated by the catastrophic fires, they wanted to do something that would be an immediate comfort and help to the evacuees, seeking refuge in Santa Barbara. “Chicken soup has been cherished as ’Jewish penicillin,’ a timeless remedy believed to be the best cure to all of our woes,” Kandy Luria-Budgor told the Journal. “Beyond this, chicken soup has the added benefit of being good for the soul.” 

At the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Etty’s Jewish Deli & Bakery and Irma’s Kitchen are a coveted part of the center for the community at large. 

“The matzah ball soup program will be ongoing for at least six weeks post the LA fires,” Luria-Budgor said. “It will continue throughout the year to offer chicken soup to seniors, and for the “Shmooze room” which occurs once a week for senior citizens in Santa Barbara.”

“It feels good to be able to give back to the LA community which has been through so much recently, and to be able to nourish them with some Jewish soul food,” Doug Weinstein, the chef at Etty’s Jewish Deli and Irma Kitchen, told The Journal. 

While the chef insists that Etty’s Deli matzah ball soup recipe be kept a secret, their recipe for sweet and sour cabbage soup is below.

To reserve your meal, call 805.957.1115. Offer is valid Monday through Friday until February 7. The foundation is located at 524 Chapala Street in Santa Barbara.

Etty’s Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 Tbsp sweet paprika

1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), core removed and thinly sliced

3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

1 bay leaf

8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp brown sugar

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (about 4 to 5 quarts) over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add the garlic, tomato paste and paprika, stirring well. Cook for another minute.

Add the cabbage, carrots and bay leaf to the pot. Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, vinegar and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 25–30 minutes.

Add the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning or add more sugar if desired.

Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and freshly ground pepper.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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