Are you a St. Louis barbecue enthusiast who’s already dusted off the grill and been busy perfecting your recipes to impress family and friends? How about showing off to the rest of the country? If that sounds exciting, we have just the event for you.

The 33rd Annual Kosher BBQ contest is coming this August to the barbecue capital of the world, Memphis, Tenn., and will take place at Baron Hirsch Congregation. This annual event promises a unique blend of tradition, community, and, of course, mouthwatering barbecue.

What is kosher barbecue?

Kosher barbecue is a fascinating intersection of two rich culinary traditions. For food to be considered kosher, it must adhere to the dietary laws of kashrut, which include prohibitions on mixing meat and dairy, the exclusion of certain animals like pork and specific methods of slaughtering and preparing meat. In the context of barbecue, this means no pork ribs or pulled pork, but plenty of delicious beef brisket, ribs and chicken. The careful attention to kosher laws ensures that the food is not only delicious but also prepared with the utmost respect and care for tradition.

The 33rd Annual Kosher BBQ Contest

The 33rd Annual Kosher BBQ Contest and Festival is more than just a cooking competition; it’s a celebration of community and culture. This year’s event will feature a variety of cooking categories, including beef brisket, beef ribs, chicken and beans. Participants will also compete for special awards for the best team names, themes and booths, adding a fun and creative element to the contest.

“You don’t have to be Jewish or keep kosher to join us. You just have to love barbecue and fun times,” said event chair Eric Mogy. “Our goal is to truly make this the world championships of kosher barbecue. We are the originators and there are similar events in other communities, but we want their best to come and compete against our best.”

With a range of activities, including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, pickle-eating contest, games and rides for children and food for sale by the Baron Hirsch sisterhood, there’s something for everyone.

Calling St. Louis Pitmasters

So, consider this an invitation to any of you barbecue aficionados to step up and represent St. Louis in Memphis. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a passionate home cook, this is an opportunity to showcase your skills on a national stage and experience the unique challenge of kosher barbecue.

33rd Annual Kosher BBQ Contest & Festival

When: Sunday, Aug. 25
Where: Baron Hirsch Congregation, 400 South Yates Road, Memphis
More Info: Any pitmasters interested in entering the contest can visit the Baron Hirsch website and click on the link at www.baronhirsch.org or contact Ira Lipsey at [email protected] with any questions.