This month, a group of six lucky participants gathered to try their hand at making bagels during a one-of-a-kind workshop at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine.

Led by University of Maine at Augusta professor and self-proclaimed “bagel emissary” Robert Bernheim, the event was a fascinating dive into culinary arts and personal history. Robert shared stories from his journey connecting with his family’s Polish roots, weaving together the cultural significance of bagel making with what he calls “bagel diplomacy.”

Participants were captivated by the entire hour of storytelling, describing it as an “amazing learning experience” that resonated across generations. The hands-on baking portion added a warm and flavorful touch—everyone left with a dozen delicious bagels, perfect for a celebratory post-Passover brunch.

The group left inspired, still buzzing about the experience days later. One participant remarked, “Highly recommend offering this again for more people to experience.”



We hope you’ll join us next time for this unique blend of baking and cultural exploration.