Keeping Kosher at Beth Israel Center

 

These kashrut rules apply to all events happening on Beth Israel Center property, whether private parties or synagogue sponsored events. Beth Israel Center’s Rabbi is our mara d’atra and rules on questions of kashrut at Beth Israel Center (BIC).

Click here for a list of hechshers recognized by Beth Israel Center.

Food Prepared On Site

All food prepared in the BIC kitchens must be strictly kosher, conforming to the standards of the Conservative Movement.

  • All events are either fleishig (meat) or milchig (dairy) – both meat and dairy are not served at any one event.

  • Click here for a list of the hechsher symbols we accept in the building at BIC.

  • Prepared items, including baked goods, must have a hechsher

  • Fresh items (uncut fruits and vegetables) and other specified products do not require a hechsher

  • Frozen uncut fruits and vegetables do not require a hechsher.

  • Cheese is permitted if it has a hechsher or if the label states that it is 100% cheese (no added herbs, vegetables, etc.) and made with microbial or vegetarian enzymes/rennet.

  • Food preparation must be done under supervision of the Rabbi or the Rabbi’s designee (a BIC-recognized mashgiach)

  • All food brought into Beth Israel Center must be checked in by a staff member.

 

Home-Prepared Food

Home-prepared food may be brought into the building and eaten only on the lower level or the top floor — not on the main floor.  

All home-prepared food must be pareve or dairy. No meat. (Kosher species of fish are OK.)

  • Home-prepared foods must be made with kosher ingredients.

  • Purchased (commercially prepared or baked) items must have an approved hechsher. Click here for the list of approved hechshers.

  • Fresh items (fruits, vegetables, eggs) do not require a hechsher.

  • Cheese does not require a hechsher if the label states that it is 100% cheese (no added herbs, vegetables, etc.) and made with microbial or vegetarian enzymes/rennet.

  • Pots/pans/dishes/silverware used at home to prepare potluck foods need not be kosher.

  • Serving utensils will be provided by BIC.

  • Foods may not be purchased, prepared or brought into the synagogue on Shabbat, Yom Kippur (e.g. for a break-fast) or any holiday that coincides with Shabbat.

  • Home-cooked foods may not be reheated in any BIC oven.

  • Attention to safe food handling practices is essential, including attention to proper refrigeration/heating and to the amount of time that food is set out.

 

Other

  • Food prepared in another certified kosher kitchen (such as a kosher restaurant) may be brought into the building with prior approval of the Rabbi.

  • Wine requires a hechsher but does not need to be mevushal.

  • Most liquors do not require a hechsher. Direct questions about specific liquors to the Rabbi.

  • Strictly kosher foods (excluding home-prepared food) may be reheated on Shabbat in an oven that was turned on before Shabbat begins (at candle lighting time on Friday or 6:00pm, whichever is earlier) and is no hotter than 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • No lights or appliances may be turned on or off on Shabbat (Friday night or Saturday) except by non-Jewish employees of Beth Israel Center or its service providers (e.g., caterers, custodians).

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ALSO: While this is not related to kashrut, nuts are not allowed at Beth Israel Center on the lower level or the third floor or during Shabbat kiddush. Nuts are allowed only on the main floor and only during programs that children are not expected to attend. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy.