Kosher neighbor

[Anonymous]

We have a neighbor family in our apartment that is orthodox and only eat kosher. Our kids play together outside and they’ve had us over to their place for dinner. I would like to invite them over, but am unsure about the food. Is it even an option to invite them for dinner? Would it work if I order food from a Jewish restaurant vs cooking something myself? Or is it a problem if my kitchen/house is not kosher? If we just invite for a play date instead, can I buy and serve packaged snacks labeled kosher? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I would ask them what would make them comfortable. If they are very strickly kosher, it probably means bringing in kosher foods and eating on paper plates etc.

[Anonymous]

I would keep it to play dates and ask the neighbors if packaged, kosher food is sufficient. I have friends who keep kosher and it’s a big deal. I could never invite them to dinner, even though we are friends.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it. Your kitchen is not kosher, you don't have two sets of dishes for meat and dairy, just ... don't. You can order pizza from a kosher pizza place (it won't taste good) and serve it on paper plates.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, you'd have to ask them. There are varying degrees of how strict people are about kosher laws. I have a kosher friend that I host all the time (just have to serve vegetarian food), but your neighbors may be different.

[Anonymous]

Yep OP ask them.

Many orthodox families would do paper plates and food from a kosher restaurant.

Many others will eat off your plates and you just serve like eggplant parm or veggie laz or salmon and veggies and brown rice.

No milk and meat at same meal.

Please ask them. I am sure they will be thrilled at the invitation and that you are kind enough to be a great hostess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would ask them what would make them comfortable. If they are very strickly kosher, it probably means bringing in kosher foods and eating on paper plates etc.

This. Keeping a kosher kitchen is very strict.

-best friend growing up kept kosher

[Anonymous]

You sound lovely. Ask them

[Anonymous]

Op here, thanks so much for the insight.

[Anonymous]

Definitely ask them. If they’re super strict, it would be difficult (you’d have to order from a kosher restaurant, eat off paper plates, etc.). But I’ve known a number of families that kept kosher in the home yet were less strict when out and about. I’m sure they’d be thrilled by the invitation and would tell you what would work best for them.

[Anonymous]

Kudos to you for trying to figure out a way to accommodate. I agree that im sure they would appreciate the ask

[Anonymous]

I think they will appreciate the invitation and there is a huge range of what people who “keep kosher” will do in someone else’s home. But entirely possible that they will decline.

[Anonymous]

If they're Orthodox, chances are you can't cook for them. Some other kosher people would eat, basically vegetarian style out of the house. But ask. They might have a solution - ordering kosher food and eating on paper plates might work for them. Maybe just drinks or dessert, which would be easier to ensure is kosher. They're used to navigating this and won't be insulted that you can't accommodate their food needs.

As for play dates and snacks, individual packs of food labeled kosher might work, like cookies, or chips.