op here - thanks everyone this is a great list. I’m actually part ashkenazi and part Sephardic so interested in both plus Israeli cuisine as well.

The recipe section of imamother.com is public and has many excellent recipes.

For orthodox Jews the classic is Spice and Spirit

If you are ok with online resources Tori Avey is a great source. I'm not Jewish and my mother in law loves everything I make from her site (and she doesn't like me so she's not being nice)

https://www.amazon.com/Sababa-Fresh-Flavors-Israeli-Kitchen/dp/0525533451

https://www.amazon.com/Zahav-Israeli-Cooking-Michael-Solomonov/dp/0544373286/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=0544373286&psc=1

These are our goto's- fantastic recipes!

Balabosta!

My two go-tos in terms of practical everyday and holiday dishes are World of Jewish Cooking from Gil Marks and The Essential Jewish Cookbook from Marcia Friedman. I also love the Book of Jewish Food from Claudia Roden but it can feel a little overwhelming as a starter book.

joan nathan, paula shoyer, sharon sarna (baking cookbook and https://www.myjewishlearning.com/the-nosher/).

Joan Nathan is the doyenne of Jewish cuisine. She has over the years amassed Jewish recipes from all corners of the world, including those of tiny Jewish communities like the one in southern India.

In recent years I'm finding some lovely Israeli cookbooks - like Sababa by Adeena Sussman - that provide a fresh take on what we consider "Jewish" food.

Anything by Joan Nathan. Jewish Cooking In America and King Solomon’s Table (Oh those artichokes !) are favorites. Jewish Cooking In America is probably closer to what I’d call both basic and essential.

OP, I'm going to assume you mean Ashkenazi/Eastern European Jewish cooking brought to the United States. Because there are many different Jewish cuisines.

Some cookbooks I have liked are The Essential Jewish Cookbook and Joan Nathan's Jewish Holiday Cookbook.

I didn't grow up in a very traditional home but now that my DCs are not babies anymore I find myself wanting to create traditional holiday meals/menus and cook more Jewish foods in general. Does anyone have a good basic or essential Jewish cookbook?