Coffeehouses have played an important role in Jewish history, serving as a third place, where community members met outside of their homes and synagogues. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century politics, literature art, theater and media were all discussed over coffee. These cafes lasted until the World Wars and the rise of communism, something that was associated with Jews, who were known to discuss some of these ideas in the various coffeehouses they frequented.

In Pittsburgh, a coffeehouse opened in 1991—the first modern café in the city. The Beehive transformed the South Side from a neighborhood caught in the shadow of the steel mills and helped East Carson Street become home to the city’s artistic community. A new generation, Gen X for short, found a safe place to experiment in the visual, written, musical and performance arts. Artists gathered at the Beehive. The café’s two Jewish owners soon opened a second location in Oakland. Along the way, a scene developed that would shape the 1990s.

Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle writer David Rullo’s new book, “Gen X Pittsburgh: The Beehive and the 90s Scene” documents the iconic coffeehouse and its contributions to the city of Pittsburgh. Join us in the Temple Emanuel library to celebrate the launch of Dave’s book and hear more from the author!

RSVP to [email protected].