Alumni Spotlight: Sophia Daniels ‘18

Sophia Daniels ’18 has always understood the power of gathering around a table. Today, she has turned that passion into a career, balancing work as a private chef with serving at Shmoné, one of New York City’s celebrated restaurants.

But long before Michelin-star kitchens and private dining events, Sophia’s inspiration began at home, around the Shabbat table.

“Growing up, I learned that time slowed down around Shabbat dinner,” she says. “We broke bread, caught up on the week, and spent uninterrupted time together.”

Reflecting on her time at Heschel, Sophia says the school played a major role in shaping both her Jewish identity and the path she ultimately pursued.

“My teachers and the entire Heschel community taught me to love my Judaism,” she says. “Now I get to share those values with others through cooking.”

That connection between food, hospitality, and Judaism only deepened when she got to college. Missing the familiar feeling of home-cooked Shabbat meals, Sophia began cooking for friends herself, eventually hosting weekly dinners for more than 20 people. What started as a way to recreate a sense of community soon became something much bigger.

“I joked that my dream job was basically hosting Shabbat for a living,” she says. “A friend responded, ‘Why not?’ That question completely changed my trajectory.”

Since then, Sophia has worked in some of the city’s most respected kitchens, including Gramercy Tavern and Shmoné. She credits the intensity of restaurant kitchens with shaping her confidence and work ethic.

“The restaurant kitchen is demanding and humbling,” she explains. “It taught me never to underestimate myself.”

Now, Sophia is especially excited about building her own private chef business, SodaEats, where she creates personalized dining experiences, cooks for special occasions, and helps clients bring people together through food. Launching the business is extremely exciting for Sophia. She says that “this venture brings everything full circle for [her].”  Cooking in home kitchens, which is where she truly learned to cook in the first place, under the expert supervision of her mother, who she describes as “the greatest chef [she] knows!”

For Sophia, the connection between Judaism and hospitality remains central to everything she does.

“Food is at the heart of Jewish culture and practice,” she says. “Judaism teaches us to welcome guests, gather around the table, and connect through meals. Those values are woven into my work every day.”

You can follow Sophia’s work at @soda.eats or reach her at contact.sodaeats@gmail.com.