Temple Emanuel Sinai

🍽️ When We Break Bread Together

Temple Emanuel Sinai Food Guidelines

Food is central to Jewish tradition and culture. It can enhance our experiences, bring joy and comfort, and help us build and strengthen community.

These aspirational guidelines are designed to support the sharing of food at public events in our diverse Reform Jewish community. They provide flexibility for individuals to meet their own dietary needs while respecting communal norms.

Unless otherwise specified, these guidelines apply to shared food served at public events on the TES campus. All guidelines are observed on an honor system.

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General Guidelines

• Temple Emanuel Sinai does not have a kosher kitchen.

• Pork and shellfish are considered inappropriate and should not be consumed on the TES campus, even privately.

• Combining meat and dairy in the same serving dish is inappropriate for public events where food is shared.

• Public events may include meat, dairy, vegetarian, and fish dishes at the same meal. At these events:

  • Dishes containing meat must be kept separate and clearly labeled as meat.

  • All other dishes should be labeled as dairy, vegetarian, or fish, as appropriate.

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Labeling & Allergens

• All food served at public events should be clearly labeled with ingredients, especially common allergens (e.g., nuts, dairy, gluten, soy).

• While every effort will be made to label food correctly, TES is not liable for labeling errors or for the contents of food that is unlabeled.

• Individuals with severe allergies, traditional kashrut observance, or other dietary restrictions are encouraged to exercise personal caution.

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Passover Guidelines

During Passover, all of the above guidelines remain in effect, with additional considerations:

• Leavened grain products and the five biblically prohibited grains—wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and oats—are not permitted.

• In alignment with Sephardi tradition, kitniyot such as rice, beans, corn, and buckwheat are allowed.

• Temple Emanuel Sinai observes Passover as a seven-day holiday.