Unlike the synagogue, the house of study, or the delicatessen, the café is rarely considered a Jewish space. However, argues a scholar of Judaic studies, coffeehouses profoundly influenced the creation of modern Jewish culture from the mid-19th century.

Shachar Pinsker, professor of Hebrew literature and culture at the University of Michigan, will discuss his new book on the subject, “A Rich Brew: How Cafés Created Modern Jewish Culture,” in a free public presentation Monday, October 15.

His lecture will uncover a network of interconnected cafés that were central to the Jewish experience in a time of migration and urbanization — in Odessa, Warsaw, Vienna, Berlin, New York City, and Tel Aviv. Dr. Pinsker will also sign copies of his book after his talk.

The event is set for 7 p.m. at Mazal Tov kosher restaurant, 1653 Ouellette Avenue, and is sponsored by Assumption University as well as the Windsor Jewish Community Centre.

Admission is free but seating is limited; RSVP to 519-973-1772, ext. 221, or judy@jewishwindsor.org.