like German-born Zadoc Staab, who with his brother Abraham, came to Santa Fe in 1853 to work with their cousins the Santa Fe Spiegelberg brothers." The Jewish population remained an intimate group during those early years; and although limited in numbers, its members made significant contributions not only to the business community but to the arts as well. "Music and the arts were expressions of their European backgrounds," writes Tomas Jaehn in Jewish Pioneers of New Mexico. "Their grand, architecturally stylish homes became centers of the region's social and cultural activity." Stories of some members of Santa Fe's historic Jewish community were told in an exhibi- tion, "Jewish Pioneers of New Mexico, 1821-1917," that ran continuously from October 2000 to December 2004 at the Palace of the Governors. Multiple places of religious obser- vance serve Jews in Santa Fe today. But surprisingly, the first Jewish place of worship was not erected until the early 1950s: Reform congregation Temple Beth Shalom. Jeannie Weiner of West Bloomfield, author of the 2009 novel Santa Fe Sister PLACES TO EAT Geronimo 724 Canyon Road (505) 982-1500 www.geronimorestaurantcorn Inside this classic territorial-style adobe structure, once home to wealthy landowner Geronimo Lopez (allegedly his spirit haunts the restaurant), you will find one of the loveliest dining interiors around. Voted "Most Popular Restaurant in New Mexico" by Zagat's from 2000-2004. The Pink Adobe 406 Old Santa Fe Trail (505) 983-7712 www.thepinkadobe.com A legendary spot once owned by a local notable, the late Rosalea Murphy, this 300-year-old adobe struc- ture is a staple for politicos, celebrities and artists. With its Dragon Room bar across the way offering small bites and other menu items, the restaurant serves a combination Cajun/New American fare. Nostrani Ristorante 304 Johnson Street (505) 983-3800 www.trattorianostrani . corn A regular stop for actor Tommy Lee Jones when he is in town, this highly revered restaurant was named "one of the top 50 restaurants in the U.S." by Gourmet magazine. With a menu featuring seasonal Northern Italian cuisine and a superb wine list, this place is an epicurean's delight. (iUniverse; $16.95) and one of three Jewish girls in her class at the temple, remembers the time when the edifice did not yet exist. "The small community of Jews in Santa Fe, prior to the building of the temple, met in various homes for Sabbaths and holidays and had a few Purim parties at Palen Hall (the Episcopalian church social hall)," she said. "When the temple was built, some Jews from Los Alamos joined us, and people from Taos came for the High Holidays." Today, the number of Jewish families in Santa Fe has increased. It is dif- ficult to determine the exact size of the Jewish population of Santa Fe (including Hispanic Americans descended from converso families who are newly redis- covering and embracing their Jewish roots), but estimates run at around 5,000, according to a 2008 survey commissioned by the Santa Fe Arts Commission. Temple Beth Shalom now counts around 350 families as congrega- tion members, including people like Philadelphia-native Harry Shapiro, now approaching his 20th year as a Santa Fean. Cafe Pasqual's 121 Don Gaspar (505) 983-9340 www.pasquals.com This is an absolute must for at least one meal while in Santa Fe. True to its Web site description, "Cafe Pasqual's has been serving emphatically flavored cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of New Mexico, Old Mexico and Asia," dedicated to using fresh, seasonal organic and naturally raised foods. Harry's Roadhouse 96B Old Las Vegas Highway (505) 989-4629 A local favorite, the slogan reads "A Square Meal Every Time!" Harry's offers good, decently priced comfort food and lighter fare, along with great margaritas. Genial atmosphere. Located about a 15-minute drive outside of the city, but well worth the trip. THINGS TO DO Recreational Activities Historic Walks of Santa Fe (Jewish History Tour with Joel Stein) (505) 986-8388 www.historicwalksofsantafe.corn iScoot Santa Fe (Scooter Rental) 312 Read St. (505) 577-5048 www.iscootsantafe.com The well-known restaurateur estab- lished local favorite Harry's Roadhouse. This modern-day Santa Fe classic is a staple for those "in the know" and boasts the worthy distinction as the only place in town to get latkes and brisket. Latkes aside — Harry's Roadhouse is simply the beginning of the list of great places to eat, things to do and places to see in Santa Fe. Jeannie Weiner offers her sugges- tions. "Even if you are not a museum per- son, walk along Canyon Road and check out the galleries," she says. "At the end of the road is the largest adobe building in the world, El Rey Church." Next, she says, "head to Museum Hill. Be sure to go to the Wheelwright Museum to see one of the few museums about Indians that they have created themselves — very factual and lovely displays." Weiner says renting a car while in Santa Fe is a good idea because there are many short day trips to be enjoyed, like Georgia O'Keeffe's Abiquiu home and studio, the old mining towns of Madrid and Cerrillos and the healing land at Chimayo. Taos, N.M., is about a two-hour drive. Weiner also suggests attending the Indian Market if you're there in August and the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera, whose season runs July-August. "Visit the oldest church in the country (San Miguel Mission), then stop in for a drink at the Pink Adobe across the street," she says. "Also check out the Hebrew inscription at the Cathedral [Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi] down- town, which speaks of the great rela- tionship between the Jews and Catholics historically." In any case, whether you visit Santa Fe to discover years past or to explore what is happening now, the richness and flavor of this wonderful "city different" is worth a visit. ■ A series of special events inspired by the 400th anniversary of the founding of Santa Fe as the capital of the New Mexico Province continues throughout 2010. For more information, go to www.santafe400th.com . Broken Saddle Riding Company (Horseback Riding) (505) 424-7774 Cerrillos, N.M. www.brokensaddle.com Open year-round for horseback riding * Madrid, an old mining town and artist community, is 10 minutes away. The Reel Life (Fly Fishing) Sanbusco Market 500 Montezuma Ave. (505) 995-8114 (877) 733-5543 www.reellifesantafe.com Black Mesa Golf Club (Golf) 115 State Road 399, Espanola (505) 747-8946 www.blackmesagolfclub.com SHOPPING Packard's on the Plaza (Jewelry, Silver Goods) 61 Old Santa Fe Trail (505) 983-9241 (800) 648-7358 Ortega's on the Plaza (Jewelry, Belts, Accessories) 101 West San Francisco Street (505) 988-1252 (505) 819-0603 Santa Fe Dry Goods (Clothing, Jewelry, Accessories) 53 Old Santa Fe Trail (505) 983-8142 wvvvv.santafedrygoods.corn O'Farrell (Hats) 111 East San Francisco St. (505) 989-9666 www.ofarrellhatco.corn Back at the Ranch (Handcrafted Cowboy Boots) 209 E. Marcy St. (505) 989-8110 (888) 96BOOTS www.backattheranch.com TREAT YOURSELF Nidah Spa at Hotel Eldorado Resort and Spa (505) 988-4455 www.eldoradohotel.com The Spa at La Posada Resort (505) 954-9630 wvvw.laposada.rockresorts.corn Inn and Spa at Loretto (505) 984-7997 www.innatloretto.com Ten Thousand Waves (505) 982-9304 www.tenthousandwaves.com continued on page P12 JN platinum • MARCH 2010 • P 1 1