Visiting a Kosher Home

What can I bring?

Shabbos Table: (source)Have you been invited to a kosher home and want to know what you can contribute to show your appreciation? People with a strictly kosher home know how challenging that can be, so most do not expect anything in return. But understandably, many guests do not want to show up empty handed. So what can you bring that your hosts will appreciate?

Shabbos Concerns

If you are invited for a Shabbos/Shabbat/Sabbath meal, then that adds a layer of complication. As a general rule, if you intend to bring a gift for a host that is strictly Sabbath observant, try to give it to them before sunset or candle-lighting time on Friday evening. There are a few reasons for this:

• One can only give and receive gifts on Shabbat that are intended for use on Shabbat. So, for example, it would not be permitted for your hosts to receive a gift of a pen or screwdriver set, since they could not use them on Shabbat.
• Plants cannot be watered on Shabbat.
• Carrying things outdoors in certain areas is prohibited on Shabbat.
• Some types of packages cannot be opened on Shabbat. On the other hand, your hosts might not be able to accept food items if they are already opened.

(Similar rules apply on some of the holidays as well.)

Here are some ideas:

Non-food items

You can alleviate kosher concerns altogether by bringing something other than food.

A card. Just write your "thank you" inside and you will get your point across just fine. If it is Shabbat by the time you get there, don't seal the envelope.

A toy for the kids. If it is Shabbat by the time you get there, remember that the gift wrap or package itself might be difficult or impossible to open on Shabbat. Also, they might not be able to accept the gift if it is not usable on Shabbat, such as electronics or musical instruments.

Flowers. This is a customary Shabbat gift, since it is traditional to decorate the house with flowers in honor of the Sabbath. If it is Shabbat by the time you get there, it will not be permitted to place the flowers in water, but here is what you can do:

• Bring a potted plant or flowers already in water
• Have the host place them in a dry vase. They will probably do fine until Shabbat is over.

Beverages

Wine. Wine is a traditional Shabbat gift, since it is certainly something that people need and use on Shabbat. However, if your guests keep strict kosher, then the wine must bear a reliable kosher certification. You should also check with your hosts to see if they prefer that wine is mevushal (cooked). If the wine is mevushal, it will typically say so on the label.

A lot of the kosher wine that is readily available is a syrupy-sweet type that doesn't suit everyone. Other types of wine are available in areas with a more substantial Jewish population. Huge varieties of kosher wine are also available online.

Some wine bottles can be opened on Shabbat without difficulty. Others are problematic, so it is best to bring it before Shabbat if possible.

Beer. If you know that your hosts are beer drinkers, then a six pack isn't a bad idea. Some beer has kosher certification. Many types of beer, however, do not need certification. Check with your hosts to see what they prefer. Opinions vary about opening cans on Shabbat, but glass beer bottles are not usually a problem.

Soft drinks. Many major brands of soft drinks are kosher, even if they do not say so on the label. Some people do not permit opening plastic soda bottle caps with a ring seal on Shabbat. As mentioned above, opinions vary about opening cans. Old fashioned glass bottles with a metal bottlecap are not usually a problem. As always, check with your hosts about what brands they accept as kosher and what types of containers are Shabbat-safe.

Packaged foods

If you bring any kind of food item, make sure that it bears a reliable kosher certification. Ask your hosts about which kosher symbols they accept.

Unless you coordinate otherwise, you should also make sure the food you bring is also neither meat nor dairy. Meat status is usually obvious. Dairy status is indicated next to the kosher symbol, usually with a letter D or the word "Dairy."

Do not open the package before you arrive. If you are coming for Shabbat, it is best to arrive well before sunset, because some packages cannot be opened on Shabbat.

Fresh fruits or vegetables

Raw, whole fruits and vegetables don't usually need kosher supervision. However, do not do any preparation, such as cutting or peeling. (Washing is usually OK.) That makes fruits and vegetables that don't need preparation a particularly good idea, such as apples, oranges, or grapes.

Depending on the type of produce, your hosts might need to prepare the food in a certain way or check for bugs. In some cases it is necessary to prepare the food before the Sabbath begins.

Your friendly smile

Bringing a gift can be tricky, especially on Shabbat. Most likely, your host is not expecting you to bring anything and will be happy just to have you around. You can always stick a thank you card or gift in the mail and brighten their day later in the week.