Sue Fishkoff

Sue Fishkoff is an author and expert on Jewish culture, identity, religious practices, and food. She is editor emerita of J.: The Jewish News of Northern California. Fishkoff is known for her book on the proliferation of Jewish food in America "Kosher Nation."

Fishkoff is a prominent American journalist and author known for her insightful writing on Jewish culture, identity, and religious practices, with a particular emphasis on kosher food. Her work explores the intersections of tradition, modernity, and spirituality within Jewish life, often through the lens of what people eat and why. As a longtime observer and chronicler of Jewish foodways, Fishkoff has brought depth and nuance to topics that extend beyond the plate, delving into the cultural significance of kosher dietary laws and their evolving role in contemporary Jewish identity.

Fishkoff gained widespread recognition with her book "Kosher Nation," in which she investigates the booming kosher food industry in America. Through interviews, field research, and historical context, she paints a vivid portrait of how kosher food has moved from a niche religious practice to a billion-dollar industry that appeals to a wide variety of consumers, including vegetarians, Muslims, and those seeking food safety assurances. Her writing captures the complexities of maintaining religious observance in a modern, industrialized food system and highlights the unexpected alliances and tensions that arise along the way.

Her work stands out for its ability to make Jewish cultural topics accessible and engaging to a broad audience, both within and outside the Jewish community. Fishkoff’s writing is marked by a journalistic clarity and a deep respect for the subject matter, which allows her to portray both the devoutly religious and the culturally curious with equal fairness. Her career has included positions at leading Jewish publications, and her essays and features often explore broader themes of identity, community, and continuity in the face of changing times.

Through her essays and reportage, Sue Fishkoff has become a vital voice in the conversation about American Judaism and the role of food in shaping and reflecting communal values. Her work continues to inspire thoughtful consideration of how ancient traditions adapt to modern realities, and how something as seemingly simple as a kosher label can carry layers of cultural meaning.