About Our Brand
Hi, I’m Jon Israel — a chef, baker, home bakery owner, full-time high school English teacher, and proud father of three school-aged children. Life is wonderfully full, and I pour that energy into everything I do — from the classroom to the kitchen and back home again.
My love for baking began in childhood, learning side by side with my grandmother, Ruth, a Jewish immigrant from Romania. Her kitchen was always warm, fragrant, and full of life — a place where tradition, love, and resilience were passed down through every dish. Ruth taught me how to bake with care, patience, and pride, and those early lessons continue to guide me in every batch of cookies I make today.
On my father's side, I draw deep inspiration from my Sephardic roots. My family is originally from Israel, and many of my relatives have worked in the food industry for generations. Their bold flavors, vibrant spices, and love for gathering around the table continue to influence the way I cook — especially when I bring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean touches to both sweet and savory creations.
Creativity has always had a place in my life. My mother, an art teacher, inspired me to see food as a form of expression. Where she worked with brushstrokes and clay, I found my artistry in flour, butter, and sugar — crafting cookies and confections that tell a story and evoke emotion. That same spirit of creativity led me to become a high school English teacher, where I help young people find their voice and connect with the world around them.
Teaching keeps me grounded and inspired. Baking allows me to create and share joy. And being a father reminds me daily of the importance of love, patience, and showing up fully in all that I do. My kids are often my most enthusiastic (and honest) taste-testers — and my biggest motivation to keep creating.
But this bakery is about more than cookies. Giving back is a core part of my mission. One of the main reasons I started selling my baked goods was to support causes I care deeply about — especially helping children affected by hardship. A portion of proceeds from Chef Jon Israel goes directly to the Israeli Children’s Fund, a charity that provides critical support to children in Israel who lost one or both parents in the tragic October 7th attacks. It’s my way of honoring my heritage and using what I love — baking — to make a real difference in the lives of others.
At Chef Jon Israel, everything is made from scratch in small batches — rooted in tradition, guided by family, and crafted with purpose. Whether you're ordering for a celebration or just treating yourself to something comforting, I’m honored to share my kitchen — and my cookies — with you.
Thank you for being here. And thank you for helping me bake for something bigger.
— Jon
Make a Donation to The Israeli Children's Fund
E-Mail: chef.jon.israel@gmail.com
Make a donation
On October 7th, 2023, a devastating attack by Hamas terrorists resulted in the loss of many Israeli civilians and left hundreds of children orphaned. The Israeli Children’s Fund (ICF), also known as Atufim B'Ahava, was founded with the mission to provide these children with the support they need to rebuild their lives. The ICF supports more than 470 children, from infancy to 25 years old, who lost one or both parents during the attack. Many of these children have endured profound trauma—losing parents, siblings, and homes. Some are still displaced within Israel.To address these challenges, the ICF focuses on three main pillars: Financial Empowerment, which allocates funds to recovery, education and life milestones per child to secure their future; Comprehensive Support, acting as a central hub, connecting children and families with vital resources, government benefits and aid programs; and Tech-Driven Impact, leveraging technology such chatbots and digital hubs to streamline access to resources and opportunities.
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