Culture

GoleMeal

About this project

GoleMeal is not a theater project but a gastronomic journey into Jewish cuisine. Golem Theater employees prepared a three-course meal once a month, most often combining Middle-Eastern and/or European Jewish courses. After ordering online, the completed menu was either home-delivered or picked up on-site. This way the theater did not only generate an income but managed to stay in touch with its audience when it could not open due to state restrictions. After the opening of Golem Center, the project continues, where we welcome our current audience and anybody interested in Jewish gastronomy and performing arts.

Why is it important?

The operation of Golem Theater stopped on March 11, 2020, with the closure of all theaters. The income from ticket sales, which provided a steady income in the theater's budget, was reduced to zero that day. The project responded to this situation, and it soon turned out that the theater did not only manage to survive but could also change. Members of the theater learned a new profession – baker, cook, shop manager – in certificate courses, and it managed to build a support group of several hundred people besides the already existing audience.

Why is it special?

The project was short-listed in the Social Enterprise category in the 2021 Civic Awards. No Jewish nonprofit organization has ever attempted anything even similar that would make the project innovative. Furthermore, it has become a team-building program and not only for Golem Theater. The volunteers have become serious donors, for instance, they purchased a seat in the center or became permanent volunteers. During this period, even one of the Reform congregations ordered its Seder dinner and plate from this kitchen. With this initiative, the theater was able to set a new standard within the theater community in addition to the Jewish community. The success confirmed us to continue organizing the canteen every month even after the opening of Golem Center.