I have invited new friends of mine for Christmas dinner. They are here from another country and I thought it would be nice for them to see an "American" Christmas. They are Jewish and don't keep strictly kosher but do observe 'unclean' and no meat with dairy.
As the hostess, should I cut the traditional dairy products out of my meal/offer an alternative. Or - say this our tradition - enjoy.
I don't want to offend them or confuse their children. Any suggestions?
2006-11-29 14:52:40 · 15 answers · asked by KATIE747 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You should respect the religious sensibilities of your guests.
There should be food for them which does not have pork or shellfish, and which does not mix meat and dairy.
One good idea is to let them know about the different foods you will be offering so that they can resolve any issues with their children ahead of time.
2006-11-29 15:00:48 · answer #1 · answered by Ecks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since I doubt you could even turn your kitchen into a completely kosher one in time , they will not expect you too. Just make sure there are dishes that they can eat that do not combine meat and dairy. Keep veggie cheese platter together. Pepperoni on another dish. Maybe keeping meat and dairy on separate serving tables is enough. Do not be afraid to ask them -give them your menu. Ask them how you can accommodate them. Is this Christmas Eve because many Italians go meatless on the Eve? There are lots of Great recipes. You may want to avoid shellfish though.
2006-11-29 15:06:37 · answer #2 · answered by CAE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are aware they are attending a non-Jewish home for a non-Jewish holiday. I think they expect you to serve what you normally serve. Now, if the only option were a pork loin stuffed w/ bacon and shrimp... well, at least choose something they can eat! But there's no reason they can't eat turkey, lamb, beef roast, or whatever else you serve. Just avoid shrimp, pork, fish w/o scales and they can do the rest themsleves by choosing to take or not take dairy with the meat you serve. YOu can even serve a ham, if you usually do...just be sure there's anotehr option as well.
And I would encourage you to still ask the blessing before the meal in Jesus' name. Don't forsake your beliefs for theirs.
2006-11-29 15:00:52 · answer #3 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should offer something that they feel comfortable eating... unless they have told you that they *want* to have your traditional meal with no worries about their diet choices. You can ask them what kind of entree they would like to have, and get some suggestions on how to keep it kosher. If you at least have that, and a variety of side dishes, I am sure they will find plenty of food that they can enjoy :-)
2006-11-29 14:57:20 · answer #4 · answered by Heidi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would try to serve a dinner they'd be comfortable eating. You still have lots of stuff you could serve and keep everyone happy.If you have questions about what to serve, call a Rabbi at a local synagogue. I think he'd be delighted to help. It's nice of you to invite them, and I'm sure they appreciate the fact that you don't have a lot of Kosher experience. It'll all be cool, have fun and Happy Holidays, both Christmas and Hannukah, to you and your friends.
2006-11-30 09:06:00 · answer #5 · answered by michaelsmaniacal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just don't serve dairy dishes with meat dishes. No sour cream on the potatoes if you have chicken or beef, etc. No pork. Just try to make them comfortable. Chances are they will just avoid the foods they know they should not eat.
2006-11-29 14:56:32 · answer #6 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell your jewish friends that you think it would be fun to learn their traditions. Ask them how they do their holidays because you need some pointers to do a Christmas/Jewish holiday combined. Take their pointers when they visit. Most important, ask them if they'll feel comfortable with this idea.
2006-11-29 23:49:37 · answer #7 · answered by phantom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask them what kind of foods they do and do not eat. Jewish people differ considerably on what foods they will eat. One person will eat shrimp, but not a cheeseburger; another will eat the cheeseburger, but not shrimp.
If you are truly looking not to offend, leave prayers involving Jesus for another time.
2006-11-29 15:49:26 · answer #8 · answered by fcas80 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's nice of you to be sensitive to your friends' dietary preferences. While you may not want to change your menu entirely, maybe you could prepare a couple of dishes that you know your friends would be comfortable eating. Perhaps you could ask them this question and see what they think you should do. I'm sure they'll appreciate your respect.
2006-11-29 16:09:56 · answer #9 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have Buddhist friends who are strictly vegetarian. When they come over, I just make sure that there are plenty of dishes that they can eat and then I explain what is in all the food so that they can choose for themselves.
2006-11-29 14:57:47 · answer #10 · answered by Abby L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋