Kashrut at Temple Sinai
Kashrut (i.e., "Keeping Kosher") is the way that Jews seek holiness through food and eating. In traditional kashrut, ancient laws interpreted from the Torah dictate foods and mixtures of foods that are forbidden. As a Reform congregation, Temple Sinai has developed policies for kashrut that acknowledge these ancient traditions and also embrace the ideals of choice and living in harmony with the modern world.
In deference to the Senior Kosher Café that operates at our Temple, we keep our kitchen kosher according to traditional standards. However, we do not observe traditional kashrut as a mandate for all Temple functions. We do seek meaningful and heartfelt holiness in the choices we make concerning food.
All food at Temple Sinai – whether served by the congregation itself, Temple auxiliary groups (Sisterhood, Brotherhood, youth groups, etc.), or by outside caterers – must follow these kashrut policies:
In addition, we offer these suggestions from the Union for Reform Judaism concerning food served in the Temple and at Temple events:
If you have questions concerning the ways in which we apply these policies and recommendations, please contact the rabbi.
In deference to the Senior Kosher Café that operates at our Temple, we keep our kitchen kosher according to traditional standards. However, we do not observe traditional kashrut as a mandate for all Temple functions. We do seek meaningful and heartfelt holiness in the choices we make concerning food.
All food at Temple Sinai – whether served by the congregation itself, Temple auxiliary groups (Sisterhood, Brotherhood, youth groups, etc.), or by outside caterers – must follow these kashrut policies:
- No pork or shellfish products.
- At a time when meat is being served, dairy products may not be served. When dairy products are being served, meat may not be served.
- It is permissible to serve dairy desserts following a meat meal as long as meat and dairy are not present on the table at the same time.
- During the Festival of Passover, leavened products (chametz) are not permitted at Temple functions or in the Temple building.
- These policies also apply to events sponsored by the congregation that are not in the Temple building.
In addition, we offer these suggestions from the Union for Reform Judaism concerning food served in the Temple and at Temple events:
- The holiness of communal meals is enhanced by the public recitation of appropriate blessings before and after the meal.
- The holiness of our meals is enhanced when we consider ethical choices in selecting foods that have not been produced by acts of injustice, by mistreating animals, or by despoiling the environment.
- The holiness of our meals is enhanced when we choose foods that are healthy for our bodies and healthy for our planet.
If you have questions concerning the ways in which we apply these policies and recommendations, please contact the rabbi.
