Rules for Pot-Luck Dinners

In response to an interest from the congregation, the Adat Reyim Board has established a policy to permit Pot-Luck meals at synagogue functions. This will enable members to gather together for haimesh community meals without the costs of catered dinners.

At the same time, we want to maintain a respect for our tradition and the sanctity of the synagogue. Therefore, these rules must be followed carefully. A Mashgiach will be on duty for these events. However, since food preparation will take place in the home, the entire congregation will be counting on the good faith of each participant in accepting personal responsibility for following the guidelines.

The kitchen will remain strictly Kosher. Therefore, it will be locked throughout the event. Event planners must make sure there are adequate paper good supplies, tea and coffee equipment, etc., set out in advance. Serving trays and silverware from the kitchen may NOT be used. Extra paper goods will be stored in the building, outside of the kitchen.

The events will take place in the education wing. Clean-up must be completed within that area. Garbage will be taken directly to trash bins outside. Leftover food will be taken home or thrown out, but not brought into the kitchen.

Food will be DAIRY or PAREVE. It must be brought in a brand new disposable serving container along with new disposable serving utensils. PLEASE CHECK INGREDIENTS IN PREPARED FOODS CAREFULLY.

DAIRY food includes milk, yogurt, cheese, etc., or any food that contains dairy ingredients, such as dairy whey.

PAREVE foods are those that contain neither milk nor meat ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, oil, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or herbs. Some foods, which may appear PAREVE may contain other ingredients such as prepared vegetable soup with beef base. Again, please read ingredients carefully.

FISH IS PAREVE and is acceptable as long as it is a type with fins and scales. Permitted fish include tuna, salmon, halibut, flounder, herring, and carp. Eel and catfish are forbidden along with shellfish, such as lobster, shrimp and crabs.

NO MEAT OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED, even if the meat is Kosher. These will be dairy-only dinners.

Participants from Kosher homes will have the option of sharing with other congregants who keep Kosher homes or eating only food they have brought from home.

The success of these dinners depends upon the cooperation of all participants. We hope to enjoy the community spirit of potluck dinners while maintaining respect for our traditions.

These rules may be used only for synagogue-related events, not when the building is rented.

Policy on Food Brought In

All food products brought into the synagogue sanctuary must be kosher.

Members are not allowed to bring food from home or elsewhere into the sanctuary, unless the kashrus has been verified by one of the synagogue's mashgihim.

The rules for pot-luck dinners held in the back classrooms are less stringent. See the instructions below for the pot-luck dinner rules.