Shared Plates and Values

Chef Ting brings nourishment to the MVHC

Chef Ting has both a professional and personal relationship with the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. This relationship is rooted in shared values, including community, inclusion, and cultural expression. Although not a member, she plays an important role at MVHC. At Chef Ting’s first Shabbat meal, the attendance numbers jumped from 18 to 120 attendees. The overwhelming response led to many more Black Joy Kitchen catered dinners following services. Chef Ting is now a regular collaborator for the MVHC events and is in daily contact with MVHC leadership.

Chef Ting is the co-founder of Black Joy MVY and Black Joy Kitchen. Through exciting events, delicious meals, and more, the company creates opportunities for members of the African diaspora on the Vineyard to connect, find meaning, experience joy, and expand their social capital. The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center has had the amazing opportunity to partner with Chef Ting for events like Shabbat dinners and many holiday celebrations. Chef Ting’s Black Joy Kitchen, provides soulful food that nourishes the body, soul, and spirit.

Working with Chef Ting has been invaluable to our celebrations, and we are grateful to be able to offer her a new community on the island. Chef Ting said that the environment of MVHC has been very welcoming to her, sharing that “it makes such a radical difference to be welcomed in truly.” She noted that this is something she has not always felt in other Jewish spaces. The inclusivity of MVHC, how we value her identity, as well as embrace and accept her culinary philosophy makes the MVHC a safe place for her.

Similar to our mission at MVHC, Black Joy MVY strives to build a welcoming and empowering community for all people

 on the Vineyard. Chef Ting fosters these communities through the interesting and eclectic dishes she cooks. Our similarities make this partnership meaningful and natural.. We are so lucky she is a part of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center family.

We are excited to share two more opportunities to eat a meal by Chef Ting at our  Soup in the Sukkah event on October 10th and our Jazz Brunch in the Sukkah on October 12th. We hope to see you there.