We're planting the seeds for something special at this year's conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana (August 10-14, 2025), and we need your help to make it grow!
Where Jewish Heritage Meets Johnny Appleseed
Did you know that Fort Wayne, Indiana is the final resting place of the legendary Johnny Appleseed? Born John Chapman in 1774, this American folk hero spent decades traveling the frontier, planting apple nurseries across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and beyond. While he's often portrayed wearing a cooking pot as a hat (did he really do that?), Johnny was a nurseryman with a vision—creating orchards that would sustain generations to come.
Much like Johnny Appleseed cultivated trees that would bear fruit for future generations, we as Jewish genealogists cultivate our family histories to preserve them for those who follow. Both endeavors are about roots, growth, and leaving a meaningful legacy.
Introducing the IAJGS Heritage Apple Cookbook
To celebrate this delicious connection between our conference location and our genealogical mission, we're creating a Heritage Apple Cookbook to be available for conference attendees. And this is where YOU come in!
We're seeking apple-based recipes from our IAJGS community worldwide. Whether it's your bubbe's legendary apple cake, your family's special Rosh Hashanah apple kugel, or a contemporary creation you've developed with your children, we want to include your apple-themed culinary heritage.
Recipe types we're looking for:
- Traditional Jewish apple dishes
- Family heirloom recipes
- Apple appetizers
- Apple-based main courses
- Apple breads and pastries
- Apple desserts
- Any creative dish featuring apples!
Share Your Story Along With Your Recipe
Food carries our histories and connects generations. When submitting your recipe, please include a brief paragraph (<100 words) about its origins in your family:
- Who created or passed down this recipe?
- What occasions was it traditionally served?
- How does it connect to your family's heritage?
- Any special memories associated with this dish?
These stories will transform our cookbook from a simple collection of recipes into a tapestry of Jewish culinary genealogy!
How to Submit
Submit your apple recipe and family story using our online form: https://form.jotform.com/242123963447054
Questions? Contact recipes@iajgs2025.org.
Plant Your Family's Culinary Legacy
Just as Johnny Appleseed understood that planting seeds today creates nourishment for tomorrow, sharing your family's recipes ensures that these culinary traditions continue to flourish. By contributing to our Heritage Apple Cookbook, you're helping preserve an important aspect of Jewish family history that often goes undocumented.
We can't wait to see—and eventually taste—the diverse apple traditions from our worldwide IAJGS community!
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." — Attributed to Martin Luther
Happy recipe hunting in your family archives!
