What You Need To Know About Giving Kosher Gifts

Kosher food is an integral part of the Jewish faith and it also has a pivotal role to play in many traditional activities. If you want to impart a kosher gift to a Jewish friend or loved one and want to show you have knowledge about this beautiful tradition, this guide is for you. Kosher generally means ‘appropriate’ or ‘right’ and it is food that is in keeping with the practices of Kashrut and in some cases it is blessed properly by a rabbi.

Kosher food is divided into three types, namely dairy, meat, and ‘neutral’ foods which are also called pareve. The latter can include anything from eggs, veggies, fish products, or nuts. Any meat that falls inside kosher is generally slaughtered according to a specific set of techniques that makes the act more humane and kind.

Understanding Kosher Gifts

When buying kosher always opt for specialty stores that have marked each item or the gift basket with a special symbol to show that it is certified kosher. Giving a gift that is not labeled as such may be offensive or in bad taste, especially at special religious holidays and gatherings. Certain religious celebrations such as Hanukah may have a certain requirement such as only meat or only dairy so make sure you check in advance. If you do not follow this unsaid rule, your friend or loved one may need to wait 6 hours or more before they can eat anything in the gift.

Generally in kosher gifts, it is not suitable to mix the three types of kosher foods so choose one type and stick to it. You can also give a kosher gift basket that only has baked goods or dessert options especially if it is a happy occasion. If a Jewish family has lost someone and is in the mourning period after a tragedy it is appropriate to give Shiva or a condolence gift and that can take the form of Shiva baskets. Shiva baskets can contain a range of food items from chocolates, dried fruits, and nuts to baked delicacies.

The Best Kosher Gifts

While many kosher gifts are heavily dependent on the time of year, the occasion, and the specific tradition, there are a few options you can use as a general rule of thumb!

• A Baked Goods Special– Baked goods are always welcome in every household because they are ideal comfort food and the person sending the gift can include a reasonable variety of items. Anything from pies, cakes, fruit buns, croissants, or any other baked good makes for the perfect kosher gift.
• Challah Bread– Challah bread especially if you have baked it yourself is a brilliant kosher gift to give someone. You can also find them at your local kosher bakery.
• Candy– Candy is loved by both kids and grownups alike so choose a wide assortment such as taffy, lollipops, and candy pretzels.
• Chocolate– If you have chosen to go the dairy route with your kosher gift you cannot go wrong with a selection of chocolate. Gourmet chocolate is a premium gift option that everyone is sure to appreciate.