How do I know if she's Kosher??????

Question

Okay, so I have this voice teacher, who's Russian and Jewish. In her early 40's. Long story short; she nearly saved my life. So I really want to bake her brownies in thanks. I just don't know if she only eats Kosher foods. I know that she does celebrate pretty much all the Jewish holdiays, but she doesn't seem TOO religious. She doesn't wear a Star of David necklace that I see a lot reform Jewish people my family and I know. She I don't think she's Orthodox because she doesn't always wear long skirts. She barely wears skirts. Once I saw her at this Italian restraunt and she was eating normally there. So any ideas? Is it a good idea to bake her the brownies? I'm about 80% sure she does NOT eat ONLY Kosher foods.

Thanks a ton! (Sorry if I offended anyone in any way.)

Thanks again!

Answer 1

I have a son, two daughters, and a sister who are school teachers. I can guarantee you that she will appreciate the brownies even if she does not eat them herself. I don't recall anything that would make brownies not kosher either.

Answer 2

Why don't you ask her if she observes the Jewish faith very strictly? I don't think it's rude. It not only shows that you respect her but it also allows you to be more in tuned to individualized cultures. She may be Orthodox or plain Jewish but perhaps does not practice the faith in that way when it comes to food. Just ask the woman and don't assume. It's always safer. This way you can make kosher stuff for her and that won't offend her if she turns out to do the kosher thing on a strict scale. good luck.

Answer 3

Is there a way to make kosher brownies? When in doubt, I say make them kosher so you don't have to worry about it... or maybe get her something that's not food. Don't worry about offending anyone, I think it is very kind of you to give her a gift in appreciation for all she has done.

Answer 4

First of all, you could ask her. If you don't want to do that, why not be on the safe side and make Kosher brownies like the one I found at http://kosherfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/brownies_gooey.htm :

Kosher Double Chocolate Gooey Brownies (parve)
From Giora Shimoni,
Your Guide to Kosher Food.
Years ago my cousin served this as the Sabbath lunch dessert. It is easy to make, can be served after a meat meal (it is parve), and loved by children. I suggest adding this Double Chocolate Gooey Brownie Recipe to your Shabbat dessert recipe collection.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
5 eggs
1 cup oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup chocolate chips (pareve)
PREPARATION:
1. In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients except chocolate chips together.
2. Pour into a 9x13 inch pan.
3. Top with chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.

Or from http://kosherfood.about.com/od/passoverdesserts/r/brownies.htm :
Brownies (Pareve, Passover)
From Paula Levine Weinstein and Julie Komerofsky Remer
During the week of Passover, you can depend on this simple, dependable recipe for Passover Brownies to give your kids a treat they will enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
12 oz. chocolate chips (pareve)
6 eggs
3 sticks margarine (pareve)
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. cake meal
3/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. instant coffee granules
PREPARATION:
1. Melt chocolate and margarine.
2. While still hot, add coffee granules.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and salt. Add chocolate mixture, and then add cake meal.
4. Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Pour batter into pan.
5. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes.

NOTE:
For the brownies to be pareve and kosher for Passover, all ingredients must be pareve and kosher for Passover.

Answer 5

Why would this offend anybody?

I've been around jewish folk; for most kosher means:

* Not eating certain animals like pig or shrimp
* Not eating meat products and dairy products in the same meal.

That's pretty much it. You should be fine.

Now, super-ultra-conservative jews have freaky rules - but she really doesn't seem to be one of them.

Answer 6

most of the time when we have kosher foods its for special holidays and parties, because its VERY important to listen to torah (it is in my family at least :) But it doesnt really matter, i dont think you would everytime go out ask "is this kosher!!!?" even if she is strict on the torah, she will probably appreciate it anyway, even if she couldn't eat it.

its the thought that counts! :)

Answer 7

She probably isn't kosher if she was in a resturaunt. The meat is probably cooked on the same stove/pans that the pasta or other things are made in...so she probably is not kosher.

Just ask..she probably will not be offended...

Answer 8

Ask her first in a nice way. For example, ask her what her favorite foods and deserts are. Listen to what she tells you. Make something that she would really enjoy, but keep it a surprise. Remember it's the thought of doing a kind deed that really counts.

Answer 9

I think as long as its not straight out against their religion(unclean foods like pork etc), most Jews will eat it. Just bake them and bring them to her, and mention that you weren't sure if she would only eat kosher etc, but you made sure to not include any restricted ingredients, and she'll tell you so you can know for future reference.

Answer 10

i think the best thing to give her would be kosher hotdogs. kosher food is made in a certain way and not to offend but it is a must if they will only eat kosher.