Pickles are very non-political. They don't take a side. They are just yummy and everyone likes them whoever they are.
— Mendy Margolin, aka "Rabbi Pickle"
Jewish Culture Fest Celebrates Connection … and the Pickle
The festival celebrated Jewish culture - and its pickle workshop reminded people that a sense of connection can arise from something simple, direct, non-political, and downright tasty
Click on the image to watch short news video about the fest and the pickle workshop
09 August 2026 – HYANNIS, MA – The second annual Jewish Culture Fest joined the array of Cape summer fetes with a celebration of Jewish culture.
What is the Cape Cod Jewish Culture Festival?
Outside bands played and people devoured NY Deli style sandwiches, falafel, knishes, and more – from NYC’s Mendy’s Kosher Delicatessen. They sipped kosher wine and enjoyed locally made sweets.
Local vendors showed Judaic arts, pottery, and glassware. One tent even let people sign up for a mitzvah, or a good deed. Children’s crafts, face-painting, and a bouncy house rounded out the equation.
What was the pickle workshop?
Meanwhile, indoors and away from the sweltering sun, a pickle workshop reminded people that a sense of connection can arise from something simple and direct.
Yes, you heard that right. Mendy Margolin, pickle expert extraordinaire aka “Rabbi Pickle,” literally travels the world teaching the art of fermented cucumbers, along with a bit of Jewish culture and tradition. He has roamed from California to Australia — and now to Cape Cod.
On a steamy Sunday in August, the cooling crunch seemed a perfect pairing for the fest — and its message of connection and celebration.
What happened in the workshop?
Turns out the quintessential New York “fresh pickle,” the Jewish half sour and the dill share the same beginning: a little kosher salt, some pickling spice, a head of garlic, water, dill, and fresh cucumbers.
Anyone can make them and everyone can enjoy them.
“Pickles are very non-political. They don’t take a side. They are just yummy and everyone likes them whoever they are,” he said as the first of several packed workshops wound to a close.
Dozens of people happily chatted as they held containers of packed soon-to-be pickles. The pickle, it seems, might just hold the key to reminding us all how to celebrate the simple tastes we can all share.
Does Cape Cod have a Jewish population?
Cape Cod has a larger Jewish population than most people realize, said Rabbi Yekusiel Alperowitz, director of Chabad of the Cape and Islands. The Chabad movement represents the largest Jewish education and outreach network worldwide.
He said there were multiple congregations of different affiliations on the Cape and the festival wants to celebrate Jewish life on Cape Cod and the Islands for year round, seasonal residents, and visitors.
“The whole purpose of this festival is to be a celebration of Jewish culture and to bring the Jewish community together — and again not just Jewish community but members of all faiths to celebrate together,” said Rabbi Alperowitz.
“The festival, it helps us embrace each other and realize we are all part of America culture and American society,” he said, “And we all need to support each other.”
For more information:
Cape & Islands Chabad website
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