Kashrut at CBI

Kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws, governs which foods are permissible and how they must be prepared. Rooted in the Torah, these laws are a way to maintain spiritual discipline and root ourselves in Jewish identity and tradition. Observing kashrut not only enhances the sanctity of meals but also fosters mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for the food we consume. 

At CBI we are guided by the rulings of the Conservative Movement's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) and a shared commitment to ensuring that any member of our community should feel comfortable eating together. The following are the policy guidelines we have adopted. Please consult Rabbi Greenwald with any specific questions. 

Please also note that the following rules are different for Passover, when additional requirements are in place. 

Food Cooked in the CBI Kitchen

The CBI kitchen is kosher, under the supervision of Rabbi Greenwald as mara d'atra (halakhic decision-maker for the community). All products entering the kitchen (except those below) require a heksher (kosher certification). Products that do not require a heksher are:

• Fresh or frozen fruits & vegetables
• Unprocessed grains (rice, couscous, quinoa, etc.)
• Milk, coffee, tea, sodas, beer, and liquor
• Raw fish (from a kosher species)
• Eggs
• Sugar, salt, spices

In keeping with CJLS rulings, cheese may be used without a heksher; however, when possible, cheese made with non-animal (“vegetable-based” or “microbial”) rennet is strongly preferred. Wine for ritual use (kiddush) should be kosher-certified, otherwise, any US-made wine may be used without certification. Food for Shabbat may be reheated on Shabbat, but should be fully cooked prior to the start of the Sabbath.

CBI's cooking and serving dishes, utensils, and linens, including all platters, plates, and silverware – may only be used with food produced in CBI's kitchen, brought in by a certified kosher or vegan caterer, or bearing a heksher, and should be kept strictly separated between meat and dairy foods. 

Food Brought to CBI

CBI community meals, including kiddush lunches, often utilize outside catering. Acceptable caterers must be either certified kosher or completely vegan. For a list of approved caterers, please speak with Samantha Brown, our Executive Director.

Bagels, donuts, and other bakery items may be brought in from an unhekshered restaurant, provided we have verbally confirmed that the baked goods only contain only vegetarian ingredients. Items should be whole (not sliced) when taken from the store. These items should be served on disposables and may be eaten both inside and outside the building.

CBI youth programs (including Religious School and CDC) can bring in cheese pizza from an unhekshered restaurant. Outside pizza can only be served on disposables and must be eaten in the Courtyard, Youth Lounge, FLC, or classrooms – and may not be served or eaten in the Social Hall or taken into the Kitchen.

Potluck events at CBI may include pescatarian/vegetarian food cooked in any kitchen. Potluck food should be eaten in the Courtyard, Youth Lounge, FLC, or classrooms and utilize disposable dishes. Potluck items should not be reheated in CBI's kitchen without permission from Rabbi Greenwald. Instructions for any potluck should clearly state that all items must be pescatarian/vegetarian and CBI staff should monitor and immediately remove any item that does not follow those guidelines.

Bagged lunches or snacks, brought to be eaten by children at the CDC, Camp B'nai Ruach, or Religious School, must be pescatarian/vegetarian and should be eaten in the classrooms or outdoor spaces, not the social hall.

Sponsored Events Held Outside the Synagogue

CBI-sponsored events taking place in members' homes (ShabbatShaHome meals, USY Shabbat Club, etc.) may serve pescatarian/vegetarian food from any kitchen regardless of kosher status. If the kitchen is kosher, certified meat can be served. The kosher status of the kitchen should be clearly disclosed to those participating. Non-kosher meat should not be ordered or consumed at offsite USY or Camp B'nai Ruach field trips or other CBI-sponsored community events.

CBI's Kashrut Policy has been reviewed by Rabbi Greenwald and the Ritual Committee. For further questions, please contact the Rabbi.