Chinese Chef, Black Director of Dietary Services in Charge of Kosher Meals for Aged

A Chinese chief chef and a Black director of dietary services are in charge of preparation of kosher meals for the 320 residents and 150 part-time and full-time employes of the Jewish Home for the Aged of San Francisco. Chief chef Bill Yee, assisted by three Chinese aides, and Mabel Schine had previously worked together at a local hospital. The facility also has a Filipino business manager, Zoilo Inacay. The 55-year-old chief chef was hired for the job six years ago to replace the cook who retired after 20 years in the post. “We trained Mr. Yee in the art of kosher cooking,” executive director Sidney Friedman told the San Francisco Jewish Bulletin. A typical Sabbath meal includes a quarter chicken for each resident, plus chicken noodle soup, fresh vegetable, kasha, challah, kosher wine and tossed green salad. A number of the residents are on special diets which adds to the work of the kitchen staff. The business manager said that the Chinese staff was so dedicated “it’s often hard to get them to go home after their shifts.”