Kashrut

For matters of the body (making sure everything is kosher)

As a Jewish organisation, consideration for the cultural requirements of our clients, residents, staff, volunteers, families and friends is integral.

Providing not only quality, healthy and nutritious food but also a fully kosher menu is an essential component of all Jewish Care aged care residences, and at all our functions and formal events.

Many of our senior clients have maintained Kashrut observance their entire lives. That they can maintain their observance when they are at their most vulnerable and least able to manage themselves is a great relief to them and their families and contributes significantly to their quality of life. For others who have not been observant prior to becoming a client of Jewish Care, many report feeling spiritually elevated knowing that they are now observing Kashrut.

Some of the duties carried out in Kashrut supervision in the past 12 months include:

• Daily inspection of all storage rooms where food products are located to ensure all products are kosher certified
• Koshering all new or mixed up utensils, crockery and cutlery
• Providing orientation and training for new staff, particularly kitchen staff to ensure all food is prepared and served in accordance with the Jewish religious observance of Kashrut.
  

An additional benefit to a Rabbi’s presence at meal times while supervising Kashrut is that clients often take the opportunity to approach the Rabbi for support with personal concerns. Thus the process of Kashrut supervision can also result in increased and enhanced pastoral care.

To find out more about Kashrut at Jewish Care, contact the Cultural and Spiritual Centre on (03) 8517 5609 or rabbi@jewishcare.org.au