GOLDA Gang,
Last week I went to the launch of Russ & Daughters’ West Elm collection at their Lower East Side cafe, where I got to see the delightful tableware and accessories line they’re serving up together. I last chatted with fourth-generation owners Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper a year ago, when they published Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing, a cookbook slash family history of the iconic New York City establishment. I caught up with them about this latest expansion, and what it means for their Jewish family business to partner with a major mainstream brand like West Elm. Niki marveled that it all began right outside on Orchard Street, where over a hundred years ago Joel Russ started selling herring from a pushcart.
The Russ & Daughters + West Elm collection
This collection is haimish chic: a mix of old-school charm and thoughtful modern touches. Here are my favorite items, plus your first reminder that Hanukkah is early this year :)
This serving dish manages to be funky while also being sturdy and elegant, a rare feat. Josh suggests serving a whole whitefish on it, like the illustration, but I can see it looking great piled high with any main dish.
Fun and elevated, and 100% cotton.
I love these (they have them in a bagel and challah version) because they double as serving pieces and a cutting board.
This is genius. I’m always digging around for matches when it’s time to light the Shabbat candles, and this challah-illustrated ceramic matchbox holder not only organizes the ritual, it elevates it.
Festive and functional. Dayenu.
Jessica Siskin joined me and my co-hosts—novelist Esther Chehebar and Rabbi Diana Fersko—on our podcast GOLDA Girls to talk about her new novel Looks Perfect, which comes out tomorrow. The book tells the story of fashion designer-turned-influencer Stella Lerner, and is really about “the different between being looked at and being seen.” The story unfolds over Fashion Week, which Jessica explains often falls at the same time as Rosh Hashanah, a tension that’s captured in the book.
Listen to the episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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October 14, 2026 — New York City + virtual: I’ll be in conversation with Matti Friedman, at 92NY. 8 p.m.; tickets here.
October 19, 2026 — New York City: I’ll be interviewing Rabbi Rachel Ain for the launch of her book, Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead, at Sutton Place Synagogue; 7 p.m.; register here.
October 20, 2026 — New York City: I’ll be interviewing Dr. Katie Davis about her new book, Actually, You’re Fine, at WTHN Upper East Side. 6:30 p.m.; register here.
Want to bring me or GOLDA to your community? Get in touch at [email protected] to learn about my event moderating plus our signature shoppable salons, curated conversations, and more.
Stay GOLDA,
Stephanie
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