Samantha Ellis shares the story of growing up in London as the daughter of Iraqi Jewish refugees and how language, food, and memory helped shape a strong sense of identity in a world that often didn’t understand it. From rediscovering her heritage through writing, to reflecting on what gets passed down (and what doesn’t), Samantha invites us into an honest and powerful conversation about exile, legacy, and the things that hold us together.
Samantha Ellis is a writer and playwright based in London. Born to Iraqi Jewish parents, Samantha explores themes of identity, loss, and cultural preservation in her work — most recently through her powerful memoir, Chopping Onions on My Heart.
Short definitions and terms referenced in this episode:
Judeo-Iraqi Arabic: A historically spoken dialect of Arabic used by Jews in Iraq; now highly endangered
Black eggs (brown eggs): Eggs slow-cooked overnight with onion skins, often served for Shabbat
Rosh Hashanah Seder: A New Year ritual practised in some Mizrahi communities, involving symbolic foods and blessings
Sofér: A Jewish scribe who writes and repairs Torah scrolls
Explore past episodes that also reflect on language, memory, and identity:
S1E6 - Other within the Other with Carol Isaacs
S1E7 – Identity is Overrated with Ophira Gamliel