Tasting Faith
Jews of India - Unveiling Stories, Sharing Recipes, and Preserving their Vibrant Legacy
Paushali Lass takes you on a fascinating journey exploring the rich heritage of the Jews of India through the life of Ann Samson. From the warmth and vibrancy of her early years in India, where faith and tradition thrived, to the challenges of building a new life in Canada, Ann’s story reflects the resilience of the Jews of India and the broader Jewish diaspora.
This book, written by both Paushali Lass and Ann Samson, highlights the balance between faith and adaptation, the importance of education in combating antisemitism, and the often-overlooked experiences of the “Jews of the East”. Through food, tradition, and personal narrative, it celebrates a legacy of endurance, the deep connection of Jewish people to Israel, and timeless recipes that beautifully blend local flavours while preserving Jewish identity.
Tasting Faith sheds light on a lesser-known Jewish community—one unfamiliar even to many in India and the Jewish diaspora. At a time when global antisemitism is on a sharp rise and the Jewish experience is often narrowly framed as ‘European’, it is vital to share the story of diversity of the Jewish diaspora. Highlighting the story of Indian Jews challenges misconceptions and counters the narrative that portrays Israel as merely a European colonial outpost. Their story underscores the deep and varied roots of Jewish identity worldwide. Their story reveals the rich diversity of Jewish identity worldwide. India stands out as a rare place where Jews lived for generations without major antisemitism. Yet, most Indian Jews eventually emigrated to Israel—not due to persecution but out of deep love for their ancestral homeland. Ann Samson, the book’s protagonist, recounts how, despite thriving in India, Indian Jews faced challenges in gaining recognition within the global Jewish community after moving to the West.
This book is more than a historical account—it’s also a culinary journey. Samson shares her life story, from her childhood in India to her experiences in Canada and the centrality of Israel to her identity. Together, the authors explore the food traditions shaped by the Bene Israel and Baghdadi/Mizrahi Jewish communities, featuring cherished recipes from Ann Samson, her family, friends and Paushali Lass—all honouring Jewish dietary laws.
Discover the exotic world of Indian Jewish cuisine and from the comfort of your own home by making dishes like:
- Bene Israel lamb curry
- Bene Israel coconut fish curry
- Masala chai
- Pooris for Yom Kippur
- Bamiya kubbah
Experience the essence of "Tasting Faith" through every flavourful bite.
Though scholars have written about Indian Jews and their cuisine, this book offers a unique perspective—that of someone who didn’t grow up Jewish yet feels a profound connection to the community. To the best of our knowledge, it’s the only work that intertwines the viewpoints of both Jewish and non-Jewish Zionists of Indian heritage, united by their bond with Israel and a love for preserving Jewish culinary traditions.
Meet the Authors
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PAUSHALI LASS
Paushali Lass is an intercultural educator, writer and international speaker of Indian origin, based in Germany. With a deep connection to Israel, Paushali’s work bridges Jewish and Christian communities, as well as cultures with a focus on education and faith-based initiatives. Passionate about culinary culture, Paushali likes to conduct culinary workshops that explore the intersection of food and culture.
Paushali is the author of Worth the Time: A Mom's Invaluable Investment in the Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Well-Being of Her Children. She lives in Germany with her husband and children, where she continues to balance her pursuit of sharing knowledge with commitment to community and family.
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ANN SAMSON
Ann Samson, born in November 1941, grew up immersed in India's rich Jewish heritage, blending Bene Israel and Baghdadi traditions. After earning degrees in psychology, and education, she moved to Toronto in 1966 with her husband, Solomon, where she overcame challenges in having her qualifications recognised. Ann became a respected educator, ultimately serving as principal of Timberbank Junior Public School and championing multicultural initiatives in the Scarborough Board of Education. She retired in 1998.
In 1977, Ann returned to India to explore the history of Indian Jewry, producing a white paper that raised global awareness of the community. She also participated in the First World Conference on the Jewish Family Heritage in Jerusalem, in 1981. Ann was a founding member and president of Congregation BINA in Ontario, has remained active in Beth David Synagogue, has led tours to India on Indian Jewish heritage to this day.
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One of Israel's best friends, and I am delighted to count her among my own best friends too, Paushali Lass, has decided to write another book, together with her colleague Ann Samson. It is a cookbook, a personal memoir, a history of the Jewish community of India, and an introduction to Judaism, all rolled into one beautiful tapestry that is as delicious as the recipes it includes. When you sit down with this book, it is like sitting down with a good friend. I am sure you will like it!
Gidon Ariel, CEO, Root Source
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Tasting Faith offers a deep and delicious understanding of Indian Jewish history, cuisine and culture, whilst also challenging the reader to ask probing humanitarian questions about immigrants, Jews and minorities.
Sarah Sassoon, Author of Shoham’s Bangle and This is Not a Cholent.
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tasting Faith, a captivating book that delves into the stories of various Jewish communities in India, exploring their cultures, faith, and struggles within the diaspora. What makes this book especially compelling is the collaboration between the central figure, Ann Samson - an Indian-born Jewish woman - and researcher Paushali Lass, who shares Ann's journey with deep compassion. I found the chapter on recommendations for a post-October 7th world particularly thought-provoking, as well as the exploration of Israel's centrality. I highly recommend this book for its personal insights and, of course, its wonderful recipes!
Alon Penzel, Author of Testimonies Without Boundaries: Israel: October 7th 2023
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Paushali’s multicultural upbringing in Kolkata, shaped by her faith and curiosity about Jewish culture, inspires a memoir cookbook that celebrates Indian flavors and honors Indian-born Jews. Through the stories and recipes of Ann Samson, a Jewish woman from Mumbai, she challenges certain narrow views of Jewish identity and experience, and counters misconceptions of Jews as European colonialists amid rising antisemitism.
Jennifer Abadi, Author of A Fistful of Lentils: Syrian-Jewish Recipes from Grandma Fritzie’s Kitchen, and Too Good to Passover: Sephardic & Judeo-Arabic Seder Menus and Memories from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
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It's so special to see two women of Jewish and Christian backgrounds from India coming together to bring alive the traditions and tastes of the Jews of India in a way that is so special. This as unique as it is an important work on the substance alone. But the partnership brings it to a whole new level. I wish there were more collaborations like this.
Jonathan Feldstein, President of Genesis 123 Foundation and editor of Israel the Miracle
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“I have witnessed Ann Samson (my Aunty!) move audiences with her vast knowledge and personal experiences. Her resilience and commitment to her beliefs have enabled her to thrive in the face of adversity. It’s high time her perspective is shared with the world. Paushali Lass has added a new dimension to Jewish storytelling. She not only elevates a Jewish voice from a community that is outside of mainstream representation, she is also spreading a call-to-action that is vital for the future of the Jewish People.”
Ariella Daniels, Jerusalem-based Canadian-born Jew of Bene Israel heritage, engaged in Israel advocacy and public diplomacy. (Picture of Ariella’s Malida plate can be found in chapter 7 of this book. Ariella continues the legacy of the Bene Israel Jewish community of India through culinary meet-ups in Jerusalem).
