This is on Beings Unheard Cut. I'm Christa Tippett. You're listening to my unedited conversation with Dan Barber.

He is co-owner and executive chef of two restaurants, Blue Hill, New York, and Blue Hill at Stone Barnes.

I spoke with him on November 5, 2010, in a live event at Congregation Beth Elzetic in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This interview is included in our show, Driven by Flavor. Download the MP3 of that produced show at onbeang.org.

Good evening, everyone.

I am Sandy Sassow, a rabbi of Congregation Beth Elzetic, and personally, and on behalf of my husband, Dennis, I would like to welcome you to our synagogue and to the opening event of the 2010 Spirit and Place Festival.

I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to all of our viewers who are now watching on Beings Live video stream online.

Before we proceed, let me ask all of you to check your cell phones and make sure they are turned off.

And let me also ask you not to use any flash photography during the program here in the sanctuary.

While it seems appropriate to have the opening of this year's Spirit and Place on the theme of food in a synagogue.

For, as you know, food is central to Judaism.

In fact, someone has suggested that you could summarize almost all the Jewish holidays in the following fashion.

They wanted to kill us. We survived. Let's eat.

There are many who have made this signature event of Spirit and Place possible.

Beth Elzetic, through its Allen and Linda Cohen Center for Jewish Learning and Living, is pleased to sponsor this program in partnership with Spirit and Place, WFYI and Butler University's Center for Faith and Vocation.

We extend a special word of thanks to Patatue Inc. and owner Martha Hoover for invaluable contributions.

And also a special word of thanks to Sherry Lip Levine, Program Director of Beth Elzetic, who attended so many of the details for tonight.

Many others have worked hard to bring about this evening's event. Their names are in your program. I hope you will take a look at that.

We owe them our deepest appreciation. We are especially proud that this event will kick off our city's participation in the tap water project.

Beginning tonight and through November 14th, participating restaurants will invite you to pay $1 for your glass of tap water.

To help support UNICEF's efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

Information on the restaurants involved with this project can be found in your program. And we do hope you'll support this important program in our city.

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