Choosing a Kosher Caterer for your Function

Part of Jewish culture is a love of food. Some say that Jews love their food more than their drink! The meal is something to look forward to at a Jewish wedding or barmitzvah, and an opportunity to sample tantalizing culinary delights. Throwing a party is like show business, and to become a good host, and ensure all runs smoothly, it is recommended to hand the job over to a dedicated team of professional kosher caterers.

These “full-service” catering companies specialize in organizing wedding and barmitzvah parties and nothing else. They design and customize your function and manage every meticulous detail of your party from inception through to fruition. With the help of a specialized team, you have the opportunity to relax and let them make your doo an exciting, memorable and successful one.

What does the term Kosher mean?
In their most “biblical” form, Jewish Dietary Laws state:
Pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, catfish, sturgeon, and any shellfish, insect or reptile are non-kosher.
Other species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner to be kosher.
Meat and dairy products may not be made or consumed together.

A kosher food that is processed or cooked together with a non-kosher food, or any derivative of a non-kosher food, becomes non-kosher. For example, food coloring derived from a shellfish and used in a cake makes the cake non-kosher.

While Jewish Dietary Laws originated in the Bible (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 17), they have been codified and interpreted over the centuries by rabbinical authorities. Likewise, definitions of kosher have evolved in response to changes in the food industry, the Jewish People, and world culture.

As Jews lived in and adopted food traditions from different countries around the world and as different denominations of Judaism developed, Jewish definitions of kosher have become more varied over time. There are different Jewish ethnic cultures, different branches within Judaism, and various Jewish kosher certifying authorities in the United Kingdom that certify “kosher” based on rules that vary from each other.

Some Jews today consider Jewish Dietary Laws to be ancient health regulations that are no longer necessary as a result of modern methods of food preparation. Others are not knowledgeable about kosher laws. And others yet, who may view Jewish Dietary Laws as important but may chose not to observe them because of the added expense and inconvenience their observance can entail. However if you are planning your wedding at a United synagogue, they will not usually allow the chuppah to take place unless the wedding party itself is a kosher affair.

Whether you opt for kosher, or kosher-style (non-offensive) catering, you will find some venues have exclusive contracts with one or a selection of caterers, so this is worth checking out before you decide on a venue.

Hayley Lehmann is a Wedding Photographer Professional Wedding Photographer and School Photography.