Once a year, Wichita gets the opportunity to feast on Jewish deli fare like matzah ball soup, challah bread and corned beef sandwiches. The 2026 opportunity happens this weekend at the Wichita Jewish Community Center, 1850 N. Woodlawn.
Deli Day, an event by Congregation Emanu-El that’s now in its 60th year, offers plenty of culinary reasons to visit, including full Jewish meals and a la carte baked goods for sale. But, said co-chair Keith Pickus, the event also will give locals the chance to meet the congregation’s new rabbi and to get a rare peek inside the center.
“It’s our way of welcoming the community into our building,” he said. “We’re so security conscious, and we have to be. This is a fundraiser for us, no doubt about it. But what’s equally important is that folks from Wichita come in and see us.”
This year’s dinner happens from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. People who buy $25 tickets at the door will each get a full meal that includes a choice between beef brisket with challah bread or a corned beef sandwich on rye. Meals also include a potato side dish, a cup of matzah ball soup, tomato cucumber salad and choice of apple strudel or brownie for dessert.
Visitors can choose to dine in or carry out their meals. Those who stay can get a tour of the sanctuary led by rabbi Jonathan Cohen. The new rabbi replaced the congregation’s rabbi of 30 years, Michael Davis, who retired and relocated last year. Cohen started in August…