When I began my kosher food blogging journey in 2011, social media was evolving into a powerful tool for fostering connection, sparking curiosity, and inspiring creativity. Back then, Instagram was a year old, Facebook was still king, and Pinterest was revolutionizing how people discovered recipes. For me, it became a window into the world of kosher cooking beyond my own kitchen—a way to share, learn, and grow. Now, more than a decade later, social media has not only shaped my career but also helped me build a thriving community. However, along the way, I learned an important lesson: the key to lasting success is staying grounded and authentic.

Here’s my story—and the tips I’ve gathered along the way for anyone navigating the delicate balance between growing an online presence and staying true to yourself.

The Early Days: Finding My Voice

When I first began blogging, my goal was simple: to share kosher recipes that bridged tradition and creativity. I wanted to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and have more fun in the kitchen! Social media offered me a stage to connect with others who shared my passion for food. From sharing my Savtah’s peanut brittle recipe to experimenting with funky dishes like my dairy free rainbow layer cake, I started to carve out a niche in the kosher cooking space.

As my audience grew, so did the opportunities. Brands started to reach out, my recipes were going viral, and my content started to reach people I never thought I’d connect with. But with growth came pressure: to always post, to make my photos look “perfect,” to stay on top of trends. It was easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s when I realized that the only way to keep this sustainable was to focus on authenticity—sharing what I loved, not just what I thought would “perform well.”

Recipe Writing: Build Trust, Not Perfection

One of the pillars of my career has been recipe writing, and social media taught me the importance of clarity and trust. People who follow you want recipes that work. They want to feel like they’re in the kitchen with you, confident that they can recreate what they see on the screen. 

Tips for recipe writing: 

1. Be Specific: Use precise measurements, clear steps, and helpful notes. If you always use large eggs or kosher salt (like I do), say so upfront.

2. Test Thoroughly: A recipe isn’t just a post; it’s a promise. Make sure it delivers every time.

3. Tell a Story: Add a personal touch. Share why this recipe matters to you or how you’ve made it your own. This helps connect your audience to the dish—and to you. 

Food Photography: Imperfect Perfection

Let’s talk about food photography. Social media thrives on visuals, but over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not about making the food look perfect—it’s about making it look delicious. When I first started blogging, my pictures were actually not great, not great at all! But I posted them anyway and as I posted more, my photography got better. My photos still aren’t perfect and they’ve never been perfect, but they’ve definitely come a long way since the beginning.  

Tips for food photography:

1. Natural Light Is Your Best Friend: A bright, diffused window light brings dishes to life.

2. Keep It Simple: Don’t clutter your shot. Let the food be the star.

3. Invest in Props: Neutral plates, textured linens, and wooden boards can elevate a photo without overwhelming it. 

And here’s my golden rule: don’t let a failed photoshoot ruin your day. Your audience will connect more with real food than with a “perfect” aesthetic. Don’t wait until your photos are perfect to start blogging, or you will never start blogging! 

Creating Community: Connection Over Competition

The best part of social media has been the community I’ve built—home cooks, food lovers, and fellow creators who inspire me every day. But creating a community takes intention. It’s not just about posting; it’s about engaging.

Tips for community building:

1. Respond to Comments: Show your audience that you value their time and input.

2. Share Their Wins: Don’t wait for someone to tag you or share your posts before you start sharing theirs. If you love something, share it! And do it because you love it, not because they will owe you something when you do. 

3. Collaborate, Don’t Compete: There’s room for everyone. Partnering with others can introduce you to new audiences while strengthening relationships. We grow better when we grow together!

Staying True to Yourself

The biggest challenge in growing a career on social media is resisting the pressure to constantly compare yourself to others. Remember that each of us has different goals, we started in different places, and you never know what someone else is dealing with beyond what they are posting. Over time, I’ve realized that authenticity beats algorithm-chasing every time. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to pivot. What matters most is staying aligned with your passion.

For me, that passion is teaching people about Judaism and bringing them together through food—kosher food that honors tradition while inviting creativity. Social media has been the platform, but the real connection happens when someone messages me to say, “I made your recipe and my family loved it.” That’s what keeps me grounded and inspired.

Social media is a powerful tool for growth, but it’s also a double-edged sword. Use it wisely: focus on connection, prioritize authenticity, and never forget why you started. As you share your journey—whether through recipes, photos, or stories—you’ll find that the most fulfilling success comes not from the numbers, but from the relationships you build along the way. For anyone embarking on their own blogging journey, remember: your voice, your vision, your heart, and your values are your greatest assets.