Kashrut Guidelines
Kashrut Guidelines
Kashrut Guidelines
POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING KASHRUT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE SYNAGOGUE*
The observance of kashrut is one of the basic tenets of Conservative Judaism. To this end, all events sponsored by Congregation B’nai Tzedek shall follow the guidelines of the Conservative movement as articulated in this document.
Food served at all events held at the synagogue, whether sponsored by B’nai Tzedek or not, shall either be prepared in the synagogue’s kitchen by a caterer or an auxiliary organization of the synagogue (Sisterhood, Brotherhood nursery or religious school, etc.). Such preparation must be done with the absolute assurance that the observance of kashrut is uncompromised, or purchased from an approved kosher vendor.
For synagogue-sponsored events held by any organization, auxiliary group or committee affiliated with B’nai Tzedek that are held outside the facility, the following guidelines shall govern our policy:
1. It is preferable for events to be held in a restaurant that has been certified as kosher by the Orthodox Rabbinical Council or by the Metropolitan Rabbinical Kashrus Association (Metro-K) or to be catered by one of the synagogue’s approved caterers. When eating in a kosher establishment or in a facility in which a kosher caterer is catering the meal, it is permissible to eat any food item that is served, whether dairy or meat.
2. If food is to be served at a restaurant or other location (i.e., a member’s home, bowling alley, country club, sporting facility, etc.) that has not been certified as kosher per the authorities stated in item 1 above, the hosting committee or auxiliary group of the synagogue shall be required to abide by the following conditions:
a. No meat, chicken or meat/chicken by-products whatsoever shall be served or offered as part of the meal, unless the food has been purchased from an approved kosher caterer or establishment, such as Moti's Market or Shalom and is sealed with the tape and “hechshar” (certification from a recognized mashgiach that the food has been prepared in accordance with the laws of kashrut). The platter should remain sealed until the time that the food is to be served.
b. It is permissible to serve/consume food from the following groups:
i. Dairy (i.e., cheese, butter, milk, etc.)
ii. Vegetarian (i.e., all vegetables, fruits, grains and pastas)
iii. Pareve (i.e., eggs, fish and other food types that contain neither meat nor dairy by-products
iv. Salads (no meat or chicken)
v. Fish products: The only type of fish that may be served and consumed is that which is kosher; i.e., those that have fins and scales. No shellfish of any type is permitted. These include, but are not limited to shrimp, lobster, clams, oysters, scallops, etc. and crustaceans.
c. A copy of the proposed menu must be emailed to the Executive Director at least five days in advance of the event to ensure compliance with all of the guidelines stipulated above.
Please contact Rabbi Weinblatt (301.299.0225 ext. 309 or by email at potomacrebbe@cbtpotomac.org) prior to scheduling your event should you have any questions with respect to this policy.
*Please note: under no circumstances may items be purchased for meals outside the synagogue on Shabbat or Jewish holidays, as business transactions may not be conducted at this time.
Sat, April 27 2024
19 Nisan 5784
This Week at CBT
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Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024
Monday, Apr 29th (All day)
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Thursday ,
MayMay 2 , 2024
Thursday, May 2nd 7:30p to 9:00p
Join us to hear Rabbi Weinblatt’s personal reflections on his 45 years as a rabbi as he is interviewed by award-winning video producer, Arty Berko. In addition to founding Congregation B’nai Tzedek, Rabbi Weinblatt has served as: • Founder of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition • President of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America • Director of Israel Policy and Advocacy for the Rabbinical Assembly, • Head of the Jewish National Fund’s “Rabbis for Israel” • President of the Washington Board of Rabbis • Chair of the National Convention of the Rabbinical Assembly twice • Chair of the prestigious Annual Israel Bonds’ Ambassador’s Ball in D.C. with Symcha • Adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. • And so much more! Arty Berko has spent more than 35 years in broadcast and investigative journalism working for major news organizations like CNN, NBC News and ESPN. During his time at ESPN (27 years), Arty covered many major sporting events and breaking news stories around the world including 12 Olympic games. He was also fortunate enough to be recognized with multiple National Sports Journalism EMMY Awards, a Peabody Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award. You won’t want to miss this fascinating interview! RSVP below. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024
Shabbat, May 4th 9:30a to 12:00p
Join us for services to celebrate Liane Aaron's 25 years of dedication to CBT. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024
Shabbat, May 4th 11:00a to 12:00p
Bring your preschoolers to dance and sing and welcome Shabbat! -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024
Shabbat, May 4th 12:30p to 1:30p
These brief and informal study sessions generally are lay-led and are held on the first Shabbat of each month, excluding the summer, approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of services. The topic each month is the Parashat for the following week. During the study sessions, everyone has a chance to weigh in and express their views on moral, ethical and societal issues. Those attending enjoy the comradery, passion and enthusiasm of their fellow Torah students. Schedule for Post Shabbat Service Study Sessions 2023 – 2024 (5783 – 5784) Date Parashat – Following Week Citation/Location Leader Sept. 2, 2023 Nitzavim + Vayelech Deut. 29:9 – 31:30 Eric Raps Oct. 7, 2023* Bereshit Gen. 1:1 – 6:8 Stan Beder* Nov. 4, 2023 Chayei Sara Gen. 23:1 – 25:18 Dec. 2, 2023 Vayeshev Gen. 37:1 - 40:23; Num. 7:18 - 23 David Lowe Jan. 6, 2024 Vaera Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 Deborah Fox Feb. 3, 2024 Mishpatim Ex. 21:1 – 24:18; Num. 28:9 -15 Mar. 2, 2024 Vayakhel Ex. 35:1 – 38:20; 30:11 – 16 Apr. 6, 2024 Tazria Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 Rabbi Betsy Roth May 4, 2024 Kedoshim Leviticus 19:1 – 20:27 June 1, 2024 Bamidar Numbers 1:1 – 4:20 Carol Greenwald * The Torah study session on Oct. 7th will be held in the courtyard, and under the outside overhang if there is inclement weather. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Congregation B’nai Tzedek as we pay tribute to the memory of the 6 million Jews tragically lost in the Holocaust. Together, we will honor their enduring legacy through the voices of second generation survivors, a memorial ceremony and discussion. -
Tuesday ,
MayMay 7 , 2024
Tuesday, May 7th 5:30p to 7:30p
5:30 pm BBQ Dinner 6:30 pm Shabbat Under the Stars Celebrate the start of summer with CBT and wish our Shaliach, Ido, farewell! Dress casually for a fun, family-friendly Shabbat experience. Popsicles will be served in honor of the June birthdays. Register below. Early Bird Pricing: $15/adults $10/children through June 3rd After June 3rd: $18/adults $12/children Free to any CBT member who brings a prospective family! This event is generously subsidized by the Frances and Alvin Duber Family Fund. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 8 , 2024
Wednesday, May 8th 7:30p to 9:00p
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Thursday ,
MayMay 9 , 2024
Thursday, May 9th 7:30p to 9:00p
Join Rabbi Weinblatt for the remainder of his inspiring and heartwarming series about Jewish humor, Jewish music, Jewish languages and more. Previous attendance not required. -
Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024
Friday, May 10th 11:30a to 12:30p
Join Hazak for their May get-together. Lunch will be served. Details to follow. $10/person. RSVP below.