By Barbara Lazaroff
Myself and Background
I am an American Society of Interior Designers commercial and residential designer, a restaurateur, businesswoman, community (and global) charity activist, and most importantly, a mother and now a grandmother!
I was born in the Bronx, New York to working-class parents, both of whom received excellent grades in school and could have pursued careers—my mother was interested in the sciences, my father possibly in law. Neither did so due to life circumstances and the birth of three children. I am the middle child with a brother two years older and another fifteen months younger.
My mother was very warm and loving, but her strong expectations and support were always present that each child would excel academically and give back to the community with time and whatever limited resources we had.
I was originally interested in the arts—drawing, dance, theater—but by the time I was at university, even while studying theater at NYU, I realized I needed to work, even with a scholarship and a loan. My position in a laboratory at Roosevelt Hospital in NYC stimulated my interest in the sciences, and I began taking courses at Berkeley University and Hunter in NY, and after moving to LA, at Northridge in biochemistry and experimental psychology. I pursued this area for four years until meeting my former husband and partnering to start a food business, then designing and helping to operate the first Spago in Hollywood in 1982. Over 43 years later, the brand continues to grow, and we have created many charitable organizations and events directed at helping alleviate hunger and support cancer-related as well as other health-related causes. Additionally, I have worked to elevate young girls and women in every area of life, utilizing my design skills and other means. In these many years, as an ASID designer, I have created many restaurants and helped remodel the Aviva home for at-risk girls.
How I Became Involved with Mazon/Inspiration for Seder
I had always enjoyed the tradition of Jewish holidays with my family as a child. Even though I don’t believe I ever graduated to the adult table before my father’s parents passed away, the tradition continued, but sadly less consistently as we became older. I moved to the West Coast at 21/22, so family gatherings became sporadic. I thought, what if I create a yearly gathering of my own and do it for all my friends, many of whom were not Jewish? A coming together of good people for a good cause. The interfaith Spago Seder was born, and this year will mark 41 years of people from many faiths and varied cultural backgrounds sitting down to break matzah for Mazon, helping to feed the hungry in our communities.
I learned about Mazon through my now-late neighbor I called “Good Neighbor Sam.” He was organizing his grandson’s Bar Mitzvah and mentioned how he was calculating a percentage of what he was spending on the event to contribute to Mazon. I asked him a few more questions and then researched Mazon. I immediately thought what a fitting charity for the seder. I am extremely proud to be associated with this organization that has been feeding and supporting families and individuals for over 40 years. I feel our goals are aligned; Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger was inspired by the mission to end hunger among all faiths and backgrounds in the US (as well as Israel), and our seder has reflected that goal by hosting Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and atheists! People who come together to share a fabulous meal, uplifting music, and enjoy each other’s company, all to support others.
Why Is It Important Personally?
It is a tangible way I can give back, knowing through my efforts and my staff we can make a difference. There were families in my neighborhood who always had less, and even though we didn’t have an abundance, my mother always shared and made us realize the importance of caring for others. In a way, I suppose I honor my mother’s loving heart. She, my dad, and my aunt had an opportunity to make the seder plates one year. The Spago Seder always had a deeper dimension when my family was able to be here. My sons always enjoyed it and often brought friends as well. We have some warm and amusing experiences, photos, and videos from the various seders.
Over 40 Years: What Am I Most Proud of Regarding Contributions to Mazon and the Impact of the Seder?
The purpose of the seder is to help demystify Jewish traditions; to educate and allow everyone to share the joyous seder tradition of family and freedom, and to pass forward the history of the Jewish exodus and liberation from slavery. We expand on this tradition by including all people in the importance of working towards freedom and empowerment for all people, everywhere. There are sadly so many who are restricted, persecuted, tortured, and murdered because of their religious beliefs, traditions, country of origin, gender, or sexual orientation. We want everyone to feel welcome and to know they can make a difference in their community here and globally.
The Seder hopes every year to raise funds to help Mazon in their mission, but the other purpose is to bring awareness of the organization to many who might not be aware of its ongoing significant work. Last year, four TV stations were present, and there was also print and radio coverage. I know this has led to others donating and hopefully thinking, as Good Neighbor Sam did so many years ago, to set aside funds as they celebrate a wedding, bat or bar mitzvah, a baby or wedding shower, a birthday, or an anniversary and share their good fortune.
Why Is Mazon’s Mission Important to Me?
No one should have to experience hunger or food scarcity. Of course, many do all over the world due to their geography—urban, rural, and remote—or the devastation of war, homelessness, or isolation (as with many elderly). As a mother, I cannot imagine the anguish of not having enough to feed your children, and yet that is sadly so prevalent. Even my own mother revealed to me that some nights she would eat very little because there wasn’t always enough for us all. When I in turn told her that at university I too was often without enough to eat, she was upset.
I will never forget my mother’s revelation, especially knowing how much food we have at the restaurants. Food is a basic need; there is enough for all. We need to work towards healthy food equality for all. (I am involved with other food organizations as well. We created the American Wine and Food Festival for Meals on Wheels, which raised tens of millions over 28 years, though the event is no longer running. I also raise funds for No Kid Hungry.)
What Would You Bring to Mazon’s 40th Party?
Well, the matzoh ball soup is difficult to transport! So I would probably bring a selection of our Executive Pastry chef’s Seder desserts: colorful assorted flavored French macarons, flourless chocolate cake bites, coconut macaroons, matzah toffee crunch (some of the other desserts don’t transport as well), and of course, the famous Spago matzah made in our wood-burning ovens!