Site Committee

JCDS-RI Kashrut Policy Draft

Kashrut (from the Hebrew word kasher, meaning “fit” or “proper”) is the name given to the Jewish dietary laws. The JCDS-RI is committed to a kashrut policy that unites our entire school community. Since there are members of our community who carefully observe kashrut, it is important that all food served by the school and at school functions will be kosher, under the supervision of the R.I Vaad Hakashrut*. Families with little familiarity with kashrut are encouraged to contact the school for further information.

Student lunches and snacks: All student lunches and snacks must be either dairy or pareve (i.e., neither dairy nor meat). Due to differing levels and understandings of kashrut, as well as the possibility of allergens, students are not permitted to share food that they bring to school. We encourage parents to send nutritious foods for snacks and lunches.

Communal meals: Food served by the school in class, lunch, or at any school function will follow the standards of the current R.I Vaad Hakashrut.

Food brought into the school: Packaged or baked goods brought to school for an entire class (e.g. for a birthday or celebration) must bear one of the commonly accepted kashrut symbols, available from the office or on the school web-site. No home-prepared foods are permitted to be served at school activities.

School functions outside of school: Official school trips, meetings and programs, even when off campus, are part of school life. As such, we observe kashrut on these occasions as well. Students, staff, and parent chaperones are expected to adhere to this policy on all school trips and overnights, even when purchasing snacks or meals during free time.

Private events: We encourage JCDS-RI families to reflect the shared mission of the school by remaining sensitive to the needs of all. When inviting school friends to meals or parties outside of the school, please be aware that there may be children in your child’s class who keep Kosher or have other dietary restrictions. We encourage you to check with the families regarding ways to accommodate children with such needs.

*The Vaad HaKashruth of RI/RI Kashrut Commission is RI's only kashrut supervisory agency. It is a Federation supported organization, with the mission to set a community-wide standard of kashrut. Although the Vaad’s kashrut policies adhere strictly to "Orthodox standards" of kashrut, its lay board is comprised of representatives of all synagogues in the RI/Southeastern Massachusetts community.

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