Temple Adat Elohim is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). As such, we take seriously our commitment to exploring our tradition anew in each generation – continuing the reforms that started in the desert thousands of years ago.

TAE is an open and welcoming congregation that honors Jewish communal traditions, values, and practices while respecting personal autonomy. This document on Jewish dietary practices (kashrut) seeks to provide a structure that will guide our congregation for synagogue functions but does not presume to dictate a home or personal practice for our members.

As is appropriate for a Reform synagogue, this policy is a creation of the congregation and is informed through a careful study of traditional Biblical and Rabbinic texts, responsa literature, and our own understandings of the needs of our community. By engaging in this process, we are following the lead of the Reform Movement and responding to our membership’s call for clear and comprehensive guidelines for synagogue practice.

We recognize that this policy will not establish a kashrut level that is sufficient for all. However, we believe that this policy honors the values and traditions of Judaism, allowing all who attend our events a level of comfort, and falls respectfully within the continuum of practices of the Reform Movement.

Over the millennia, the reasoning for dietary guidelines in the Jewish community has focused on both health and social consequences. However, a third motive guides us in this policy: The pursuit of kedusha (holiness). By observing certain basic dietary practices we affirm our connection with the Jewish people throughout the ages and around the world – a holy community that transcends time and space. By intentionally choosing, preparing, and consuming our food we become conscious of all of our actions – a holy self-awareness that strengthens our inner beings. By recognizing the gift of sustenance we acknowledge our blessings – a holy relationship that enhances our lives.

It is our hope that this policy will open doors for our community, confirming TAE as the progressive Jewish center for life-long learning, spiritual growth and connection.

All current contracts with the caterer (as of April 30, 2008) will be honored under the 1990 policy. All other guidelines will be effective 6 months after the Board votes for approval. (November 1, 2008). The final policy is printed in the TAE Directory, B'Nai Mitzvah handbook, and other publications. An educational component on kashrut will also be integrated into child and adult education programs.

The following policy applies to all food prepared at or brought to the TAE campus. This includes, but is not limited to, food served for events sponsored by the Temple and Temple affiliates, privately catered events, and food that is brought to the Temple for personal consumption.

• Pork products, shellfish products, or other foods prohibited by the Torah are not permitted.
• At TAE-sponsored events ³ and “Pot Lucks,” meat and dairy products ⁴ may not be served at the same meal. “Pot Lucks” will be announced as “meat” or “dairy”.
• At Private Events ⁵meat and dairy products may not be served or mixed in the same dish (i.e., no meat lasagna). Food must be clearly marked as “meat”, “dairy” or “pareve/neutral” and may not be served on the same table.
• Personal Meals ⁶ may include meat and dairy mixed for personal consumption.
• For Passover (in addition to the above guidelines), no food or drinks containing the following grains may be brought into the Temple: wheat, rye, oats, barley and spelt . Matzah or food made with matzah products (which are made from one of these five grains) may be brought to the Temple. Though not considered kosher for Passover by some communities, products made with corn, rice, beans and other legumes may be brought into the Temple.
• We encourage the following: using kosher wine; labeling all food as “meat”, “dairy” or “pareve“ (does not contain meat or dairy products); and, reciting appropriate blessings before and after meals. Auxiliaries and affiliates should also follow this policy off site.
• This policy does not require the following: a Kosher certification or Kosher meat; a Kosher supervisor; or, separate meat and dairy dishes and serving items.

¹ The previous policy was implemented in 1990.

² From the 1999 Platform of the Reform Movement: “We are committed to the ongoing study of the whole array of mitzvot (sacred obligations) and to the fulfillment of those that address us as individuals and as a community. Some of these mitzvot have long been observed by Reform Jews; others, both ancient and modern, demand renewed attention as the result of the unique context of our own times.”

³ “Temple Sponsored events” are defined as any event sponsored by Temple Adat Elohim or TAE affiliates. This includes, but is not limited to, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Mishpacha, Greatest Generation, and Youth Groups.

⁴ Meat is defined as beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, and duck. Dairy is defined as any milk product including butter, cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese. Fish, eggs, mayonnaise, and soy products are not considered a dairy or meat product but rather “pareve/neutral” and therefore can be mixed with dairy or meat.

⁵ “Private Events” are defined as events arranged through the Temple caterer.

⁶ “Personal Meals” are defined as food brought to the Temple for personal consumption by students, staff and guests.