Academics are always asking each other what the other is currently working on. Like any good researcher, I attempt to answer that question as simply and concisely as possible, not because those who ask it are unwilling to listen or are unable to understand but more out of sympathy for the inquirer. In fact, I was told early on that a researcher should be able to reduce their topic to one or two phrases at most and that this is a sign of true scholarship. Well, I am not sure of that, but out of consideration for others I did attempt to answer as concisely as possible. Lucky for me, I could break my subject down even into one word – food. This often got the attention of the inquirer and prompted follow-up questions including, “Why food?” The answer to this question has many layers: (1) I have an interest in the daily lives of ancient Judahites and Israelites, both textually and archaeologically; (2) I have found there to be a deficit in this area of research; and (3) I am an admitted foodie.

But it is a fourth reason, which I believe is connected to the third one, that has stimulated my thinking further. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home that placed a high value on quality family time and the expectation that all members be present at, and participate in, the evening meal. Yes, we were one of those families that ate dinner together every night sitting around the kitchen table.