Rabbi, psychologist team up for Kabbalah cafeRabbi, psychologist team up for Kabbalah cafe

Ron Ruggless

FORT LAUDERDALE Fla. A cafe steeped in Kabbalah, the Jewish mysticism, opened here March 1, with a menu that includes organic items and even an informal psychological counseling session.

The 52-seat Café Emunah offers lunch and dinner as well as what the operation describes as a "chic kabbalistic lifestyle lounge and tea bar." In recent years, Kabbalah has attracted such celebrity followers as Madonna, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.

The $1.5 million Café Emunah project was created by psychologist Marla Reis and Rabbi Moshe Meir Lipszyc.

The founders say Emunah, which means "faith" in Hebrew, features an environmentally sensitive décor with art, natural woods, large open windows, frosted glass, muted metals, recycled plastics and ergonomic chairs.

"Emunah's philosophy is to offer a haven for the senses," explains co-founder Reis, "We are designed to appeal to diners of all beliefs and faiths. We cater to those individuals who believe in living consciously and welcome those who want to learn how to incorporate this consciousness into their lives."

The menu includes "biblically influenced dishes" such as "inspired miso soup", "genesis salad" and "enlightened encrusted salmon cakes." A sushi menu titled After The Flood presents innovative sushi rolls including Rabbi Rolls. Garden-direct whole leaf organic teas are proudly served to diners accompanied by electronic sand timers. Most entrees are offered in half and full portions ranging from $11 to $28.

Reis, a practicing psychologist, is offering Emunah's "side dish" of table talk, where she will sit at diners' table and offer an informal counseling session.

"Consider a session at Emunah a casual conversation with a professional source," explained Reis. "We'll be the first to mainstream and commercialize informal sessions – it's the quintessential coffee (or tea) talk."

Emunah's organic restaurant-tea bar-sushi bar-library lounge concept adheres to ORB (Orthodox Rabbinical Board) supervision.