In Their Telltale Purple Aprons, Micah Cooks Cater Events and Raise Money for Temple

Which brownies are the best? The classic gooey ones? Elka's peppermint-iced morsels? Sheri's over-the-top-with-cranberries?

For the epicures, gourmands and simple lovers of food among the Temple Micah Cooks, it's a question of biblical proportions.

The Cooks, distinguished in their smart, purple aprons and unified in their love for cooking, have catered numerous events at Micah over the years.

The Cooks leapt into action 15 years ago to raise money for a kitchen/classroom in the then-new building. Since then, they have built the kitchen (twice!) while also paying for furniture and cabinets throughout the synagogue.

Micah Cooks are not simply the overseers of a giant bake sale; rather, they do events for temple members who otherwise might hire conventional caterers. For a reasonable cost, the Cooks plan execute events and donate the proceeds to the temple. Some prepare food at home, while others cook in the temple kitchen, serve and clean up.

The Cooks have catered more than 100 b'nai mitzvah luncheons and kiddishes, weddings, dinners and birthdays with menus as diverse as vegetarian, traditional Jewish and fusion. In the process, they have practiced teamwork and spirituality in the kitchen. (They've even been known to say a little prayer over the aprons.) Working together on events offers a time to bond with old friends and new, creative juices flowing. They frequently are asked whether they cater out of town or share recipes.

Congregants who are planning simchas or seeking ways to expand their involvement in Temple Micah are encouraged to contact Micah Cooks, chaired by Adrienne Umansky and Judith Capen.

The group is open to new members and welcomes anyone who likes to shop, cook, bake, clean, decorate, tend bar, arrange flowers or otherwise display creativity in the kitchen. Children may join as well as adults of any age.

Micah Cooks cater events for 75 people or more at the temple, and but not off-site. The group accepts just one event a month and books early.

Micah Cooks have a long list of temple projects they hope to fund, so they need the support of all members. For more information, contact Umansky through the Temple directory.