B*Mitzvah Kiddush FAQ
Mazel tov on your upcoming b*mitzvah! It’s our custom at CBST for the family of the b*mitzvah student to provide the kiddush lunch to our full community on the day of the simcha. Some helpful and general information is summarized below.
For folks with upcoming b*mitzvah dates, please read carefully below and fill out the kiddush lunch request form here.
What does that look like?
A kiddush lunch in Evan Wolfson Hall following the service, with additional seating in the adjacent rooms on the lower level based on headcount.
The menu is a set bagel schmear spread from Ess-a-Bagel, as well as pizza for the kids (when Limmud is in session). See menu below.
If you would like to personalize and plan a menu, you have the option to hire an outside caterer.
Please note: All catering must follow our kashrut policy. We also have a short list of caterers we recommend (see below).
What is the timing of the Kiddush?
The kiddush occurs directly following the end of services and runs from approximately 12:15 to 2:30pm. The building closes to the public at 3:00pm.
Where does the Kiddush take place?
The catering spread will be available in Evan Wolfson Hall.
There is limited seating in Wolfson. Based on the headcount, we will set up additional seating in the adjacent rooms.
How many people are to be included?
The kiddush will include attendees of the main service, children in Limmud classes (if in session), and your invited guests.
On an average Limmud and Liberal Minyan Saturday without a b*mitzvah, we estimate 80 people for the kiddush. Therefore, expect approximately 80 attendees in addition to any guests you invite who do not typically attend CBST services.
What is the cost of the kiddush sponsorship?
It’s our custom for the family of the b*mitzvah student to provide the kiddush lunch to our full community on the day of the simcha.
If you are opting for the Ess-a-Bagel package, we will bill you for the catering cost and provide a payment link or add to your monthly statement.
For planning purposes, a general estimate for Ess-a-Bagel is approximately $25-$30 per person.
We will need the final headcount for ordering purposes on the Monday before your date. A final cost will then be calculated.
If using a different caterer, you will pay that caterer directly.
What do I need to do now? Next steps?
Please fill out this form at least two weeks prior to your b*mitzvah date. We need to know your guest count and catering plan (Ess-a-Bagel or a different caterer of your choosing).
If you are sharing a date with another student/family, please coordinate with each other on your catering plan and guest count. Only one form is required per b*mitzvah date, even if shared by two families.
Can I host a dinner or private party?
Of course! CBST is available to rent at member rates for a dinner on Friday night or a private party after the kiddush lunch. And many other times, as well!
Your b*mitzvah kiddush lunch is a community affair, open to anyone attending services, and therefore a public event that does not require you to pay space use fees. If you want to stay later than 3:00pm and into the evening, we can arrange for a private rental.
Questions?
Please fill out the form linked above and direct any additional questions to operations@cbst.org
Kashrut Policy
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) maintains a kashrut policy that respects the tradition of kashrut, its intentions and its values, and seeks to maintain the sacred purpose of dietary laws without placing undo hardship on our membership. CBST’s kashrut policy reflects the norms of our rabbis and congregation, but is different than a halachic interpretation of kashrut laws.
Ordering Food from Outside Establishments, Restaurants, and Caterers for CBST events and services – CBST employs a kashrut policy that is based on the premise of “Kosher by Ingredient”. That is, as long as dishes are dairy (hot or cold), fish (having fins and scales), vegetarian, or parve (containing neither meat nor dairy), they may be ordered from any establishment and do not require a hechsher. Meat items must be ordered from a kosher establishment only and must have a hechsher. Meat and dairy food products must never be served at the same time or in the same dish. Preference should be given to kosher establishments. With respect to wine: Kosher wines are used for liturgical purposes. Any wine is acceptable for non-religious purposes.
Use of Kitchen – In order to maintain kashrut, CBST-owned kitchen implements may be used for food brought into the Synagogue only if that food is in line with the CBST kashrut Guidelines. Implements, utensils, and vessels marked “dairy” may be used on items that are dairy, vegetarian, fish, or parve, regardless of hechsher. Implements, utensils, and vessels marked “meat” may only be used for items that have a hechsher on them (meat or parve). Outside groups are to be supervised if they wish to use the kitchen and are expected to observe all CBST policies for ordering, bringing food into the premises, and using the kitchen. These guidelines are also employed for off-premises, Synagogue-sponsored events.
Bringing Food from Personal Kitchens for CBST communal events and services – Food from personal kitchens may be brought into CBST provided CBST’s Kashrut and nut guidelines are followed. Dairy, vegetarian, and parve items (hot or cold) may be brought in from any kitchen. Meat items may only be brought from homes with a kosher kitchen, according to halachic standards.
Individuals Bringing Food into the Synagogue for Individual or Group Purposes – Individuals may not violate CBST guidelines.
Food items containing Meat and food items containing Dairy may never be served at the same time or the same meal, including dessert.
There are no time restrictions concerning serving dairy at the Oneg Shabbat when a meat meal will be served on the same evening.
During Pesach, all food items must contain a hechsher l’pesach. No outside food may be brought into the synagogue.
Recommended Caterers
Simply Divine (Judy Marlow) Hi-End Kosher
917 553-7510
jmarlow@simplydivine.com
www.simplydivine.com
Butterfield Catering (Lorrie Ader) Regular Caterer, familiar with Synagogues
lorrie@butterfieldmarket.com
P. 1 (212) 772 8782 ext. 1
BUTTERFIELDMARKET.COM
Certe Kitchen Regular Caterer, familiar with Synagogues
20 West 55th Street New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212)397-2020
tatiana@certenyc.com
Bonnie: BALTHOLZ@certenyc.com
Amish Manhattan Farmer’s Market (Sam) Everything
731 9th Avenue New York, NY 10019
P: 212.245.2360
http://amishfinefood.com
amishfinefood@msn.com
Fairway Market (Sharlene) Everything
731 9th Avenue New York, NY 10019
P: 888-521-1824
restaurantcateringsystems.com/fairwaymarket
fairwaycatering@wakefern.com
Milk & Honey (Avi) Simple Kosher
212-764-4400
catering@milknhoneykosher.com
www.milknhoneykosher.com