It’s back! Deli Day returns April 30

Deli Day will return. And it promises to be bigger and better.

The Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood is bringing back what was once a long-standing tradition in Dothan - Deli Day. This year’s event, which will feature a New York-style kosher corned beef on rye sandwich, will be held Thursday, April 30, in Temple Emanu-El’s Social Hall from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per order and include the corned beef sandwich, kosher pickle, a bag of chips and a chocolate chip cookie. Based upon the overwhelming success of previous events, pre-orders are strongly recommended. Soft drinks and bottled water will be available for purchase. Ticket holders can eat their meal in the Temple Emanu-El Social Hall, 188 N. Park Avenue, or they can pick them up as a carry out.

For an order of eight or more sandwiches, the Brotherhood will deliver. Checks should be made out to Temple Emanu-El.

The pre-order deadline is April 23. Orders can be placed by calling Temple Emanu-El, 792-5001, or by email to .

“We’re back,” proclaimed Rob Goldsmith, president of the Temple’s Brotherhood. “Everybody’s tickled. Our friends in this great community wanted us to do this.”

While Deli Day serves as a fund-raiser for many of Temple Emanu-El’s community projects, it also provides an opportunity for fellowship among the membership.

“Inside the congregation, it is a lot of fun, and a lot of work,” Goldsmith continued. “It’s also a multi-generational project. Everybody has their job to do.
“Other places have contracted out (to restaurants, delis, etc.). We don’t. There is a value to do it together. That’s an important piece of it.”

The Temple Brotherhood’s goal is to sell 1,000 sandwiches, which, says Goldsmith, is an obtainable goal.

“The demand seems to be there for it,” Goldsmith continued. “I’ve been thrilled about the community support and the help from our vendors.”

Max’s Deli in Birmingham is supplying the deli-style corned beef, kosher pickles and the condiments. Atlanta Bread Company is supplying the Jewish rye bread.

“The hardest part of the project was finding good quality corned beef,” Goldsmith noted. “I looked at Atlanta, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Montgomery. Max’s Deli was by far the most responsive to what we wanted.”

And the sandwiches have been tested and approved.

“We have had some families who have eaten at Max’s,” Goldsmith continued. “And, the deli sent some samples of the corned beef to us to try. We’re pleased with what we received.”

Instead of waiting for the corned beef to be shipped, Goldsmith said members of the Brotherhood will drive to Birmingham on April 29 to pick up it up. That, he says, should ensure its freshness.
Members of the Temple Emanu-El congregation will assemble the sandwiches on site April 30 and will be ready for their first patrons at 11 a.m.

“I don’t think we can emphasize enough that people should get their tickets in advance,” said Leon Minsky, a member of the Temple Brotherhood. “Then, on April 30, they can come in and eat or pick up their order as a take-out.”