More Than Food: Why I Choose to Be a Jew Every Day

This week, we had the pleasure of being part of the Annual Meeting for the Harry and Rose Samson Family JCC. Listening to Mark Shapiro speak at his 20th annual meeting was deeply inspiring. He began by introducing himself using his full Hebrew name, along with those of his parents, wife, and children. He spoke with pride and conviction: he is a Jew every day, and he chooses to be one.

That resonated with me on every level — because I am, too.

I am Hannah Sattler. In Hebrew: Chana B’lumah bat Devorah.
And just like Mark, I am a Jew every day, and I choose to be a Jew.

That choice is at the core of who I am and why I’ve built this business — not just to serve food, but to serve community, to celebrate identity, and to nourish connection.

I’ve been shaped by this community from the very beginning: starting at JFCS Preschool, growing through MJDS, thriving in BBYO as a teen and later as an advisor, volunteering with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, and engaging deeply with Congregation Beth Israel before its merger with Beth El. Each of these experiences instilled in me values that carry into everything I do — personally and professionally.

Running a food business can be exhausting, especially while raising three kids as a single mom. But I’ve had conversations that remind me how lucky I am to work in a field that fulfills me. Not everyone gets to feel that. I don’t take it for granted.

In recent years, especially the last 4–5, as I’ve seen a rise in misinformation and Jew hatred (a much more honest term than the softened “antisemitism”), I’ve found myself speaking up more — for my people, for truth, and for the values I hold dear. We are a small people, less than 1% of the global population, yet our contributions to humanity are profound.

Being a proud Jew doesn’t mean agreeing with every decision made by Israel’s government or every action by any Jew. It means recognizing the beauty, compassion, intellect, resilience, and joy that define our people. We are not just a religion — we are a people.

In the last 18 months, I’ve immersed myself in books, articles, and education to better understand Israel, our history, and the root of the hatred we’re facing. Because if I’m going to be a proud Jew, I want to be an educated one. We have always been a people who treasured education, history, and humanity, long before those values became mainstream.

Our people deserve better than the rising tide of hate and distortion the world is again throwing our way. And yes, it makes me mad. As I posted on my personal page this week:

“Be the Denmark in today’s world.”

If you don’t know why I say that — look it up. And know that this message is for everyone, regardless of religion, race, or nationality. When we stand up against extremism, hatred, lies, terror, torture, rape, antisemitism, sexism, and violence — not just when it affects our own, but for all people — we stand a chance to overcome it.

But if we only speak up when our own are hurt, we lose.

So be the Denmark in today’s world.
And inspire others to follow.

I am Hannah, חנה בלומה בת דבורה, I am a Jew everyday and choose to be a Jew everyday