In the spring of 2024, I was a fairly new member of the congregation and a fellow microbiome scientist, beer and coffee afficiando Michael had recently introduced me to manual espresso through the gift of his old Flair as he’d just upgraded to the newly released Flair 58. He had also begun discussions with our Food Committee about getting one for the shul as he had the notion it could be Shabbat-friendly and we spit-balled about the dream of sitting with fine espresso on Shabbat, discussing, dissecting, and debating convention Jewish wisdom and texts.

Then one kiddush as a few of us stood around enjoying a fantastic meal prepared by Lymone Catering, we were lamenting the contrast with the bland, day-old Maxwell House percolator coffee that is a staple of many shuls. For me, that bad coffee was the final straw that spurred me into action: it was time to make it happen. I searched out the Rabbi and proposed our idea- Espresso & Exegesis. Michael would educate me and others at the shul about espresso and prepare the protocol and I would organise and lead the exegesis.

Like many of our projects, this effort grew and Michael began proselytizing to members of other shuls as he travelled around the country for his work. This prompted me to create this site as way to enable access to the information we were assembling and provide a digital gathering point for interested communities. We’re still early in this journey, but if our efforts can improve the lives, and palates, of Jews across the country while chemically and philosophically engaging their minds, it will be worth it.