This week and next, PBS is airing a 3-part series called “The Jewish Americans,” covering everything from the country’s earliest Jewish settlers to the experience of being Jewish in contemporary America.

Chef and Rabbi Gil Marks (author of The James Beard award-winning Olive Trees and Honey) is featured on a segment that addresses the question “what makes food Jewish?”  Unfortunately, it was cut from the final series ( he’s in good company - portions of Tony Kushner, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Mandy Patinkin’s segments and are also listed among the outtakes.)  But all footage (including Rabbi Marks) is available online for your viewing pleasure here.

Check PBS’s broadcast schedule to find out when The Jewish Americans is playing in your area.