INTRODUCTION:

It seems like pumpkins, pumpkin flavors, and images of pumpkins are everywhere in fall. Every year, more and more stores and restaurants are introducing pumpkin flavored foods and beverages. This program helps you lean into pumpkins and turn it into a pumpkin flavored gathering with a Jewish twist. 

MATERIALS:

• Pumpkin flavored food and drink 
• Resource sheet for all things pumpkin (below)
• Recipes and food ideas 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (~30-90 minutes): 

• To set the stage, lean into all things pumpkin. Encourage people to come dressed in orange, pumpkin sweatshirts, or fall flannel. 
• You can prepare all of the pumpkin foods yourself, or you can distribute pumpkin recipes and ask participants to bring a dish to pass. 
• Pumpkin facts are put on cards on the table so that people will learn about them. 
• Before food is served, use one or two of the texts/questions on the resource sheet and have a discussion about how pumpkins are incorporated as symbols in Jewish life. 
• Meal is served and pumpkin stickers are distributed so that guests can vote on their favorite pumpkin flavored delicacy by sticking a sticker on a card in front of each dish. 

Pre-Program Prep

• Prepare for program
• Invite participants to come in pumpkin, orange or flannel themed clothes. 
• Make pumpkin dishes or distribute recipes. Trader Joes is a great source for all thing pumpkin food, so maybe check out reviews of products and inspiration there.  
• Print facts about pumpkins. 
• Set out cards in front of each dish and have pumpkin stickers handy. 
• Mini pumpkins on table as décor. 
• To include a Tikkun Olam element, purchase cans of pumpkin pie filling to use as decoration and then donate to a food pantry after dinner. 

Jewish Content

• Discussion using texts/questions about pumpkins in Jewish life (10ish minutes) 
• Distribute pumpkin stickers 

Eating, Schmoozing, and Voting

• Encourage guests to try new foods and put a pumpkin sticker on the card in front of the foods they like the best.  

Food Suggestions