Dylan Maysick

Dylan describes himself as a maker: someone who enjoys making food, music, art--and a difference in the world.  

As the co-founder of Diaspora Dinners, Dylan hosts pop-up dinners and offers cooking workshops exploring the food and history of the Jewish diaspora. Exploring Jewish cuisine is a passion for Dylan, who became interested in Jewish learning when he met Rachel, now his wife. He cooks often for Jewish events and organizations and is involved with culinary programming at Congregation Rodfei Zedek.  

Dylan seeks out ways to pursue food justice, whether by donating food to charities or building a local community of food enthusiasts for Shabbat and holiday meals.

He also enjoys attending services at Mishkan Chicago, where he and his wife are Builders. 

AGE:
34

PRONOUNS:
he/him/his

PRIMARY GIG:
I split my time between two jobs. By day I work as an insurance agent, focusing on employee benefits for small to midsize businesses. Whatever extra time I can free up goes toward my catering/cooking class project, Diaspora Dinners, which explores the food of the global Jewish diaspora.

ON THE SIDE:
I contribute some art and design work to my wife's Judaica company, Bat Sarah Press.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I have an exceptionally high vertical leap.

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Marv - the taller burglar in home alone. Is that a celebrity in 2023? I'm not sure, but I've been compared to him. In the early aughts I looked like Napoleon Dynamite and would again if I were to stop cutting my hair regularly.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
My children - they are growing up to be kind, joyful, funny people. Whatever I've contributed to their being such lovely people is what I'm most proud of.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Almost no one remembers Millard Fillmore and he was a US President. There is a near zero chance that history will remember your name or accomplishments so try to live a good life, rather than striving for an impressive life.