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Chevrei Tzedek Congregation

Green Kiddush Guidelines

Celebrating Together with Care for the Earth and Each Other

 

Chevrei Tzedek is proud to be a congregation committed to Jewish values, hospitality, and environmental responsibility. Our Green Kiddush Guidelines are part of our Climate Action Plan—reflecting the principle of bal tashchit (do not waste) and our collective responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. 

These guidelines are here to help you plan a Kiddush that is kosher, inclusive, and sustainable, without compromising on the joy of coming together in community. 


Kashrut: A Shared Standard Inclusion

Kashrut: A Shared Standard for Inclusion

To ensure that everyone in our diverse community can fully participate:

●      All food must be dairy or parve (no meat or meat products).

●      All packaged or prepared items must have a recognized hekhsher (kosher certification).

Kashrut is a core part of our communal practice and a way to honor different levels of observance. Thank you for helping maintain this shared standard. 

Sample Kiddush Menu

Sample Kiddush Menu (for 30–40 people) 

Here's a flexible sample menu mixing vegan and dairy/parve options: 

● 1 bottle kosher grape juice 

● 2 vegetable platters (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers) 

● 2–4 dips: hummus, baba ganoush, salsa, or dairy-based if preferred 

● 2 bowls chips, pretzels, or crackers 

● 1 fruit platter (grapes, berries, melon, citrus) 

● 2 platters cookies, brownies, or cake (sliced after services if possible) 

● Optional: pickles, olives, nuts 

● For kids: juice boxes, snack crackers, or fruit (coordinate with Youth Committee) 

Bread is optional. If served, a handwashing station must be available and Birkat HaMazon should be recited. 



Logistics: Drop-Off, Setup & Cleanup

Logistics: Drop-Off, Setup & Cleanup  

Drop-off: 

● By 4 p.m. Friday at the Myerberg Center. Coordinate with the Kiddish Coordinator well in advance, as the Myerberg building closes at Noon on Friday. 

Setup: 

● Set up Kiddush food using plates and bowls in the closet and set up on carts 

● Pour grape juice into cups before announcements 

● Use labeled Chevrei Tzedek cabinets in the kitchen

● Keep voices low to avoid disrupting services 

● Bring out the carts and layout the food on the tables when announcements are read 

Cleanup (sponsor responsibility): 

● Wash and return serving items to Kiddush cabinet in closet

● Take home open food 

● Wipe down surfaces and return the recycling bin to the closet 

● Leave trash in its bin and take home recycling and/or composting. 

 



Our Green Commitment: Principles for a Climate-Conscious Kiddush 

One of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact is by serving plant-based (vegan) food, which avoids all animal products including meat, dairy, fish, eggs, and honey.
Plant-based food: 

● Has a lower carbon footprint 

● Uses fewer natural resources 

● Aligns with ethical and environmental values in Judaism 

That said, vegan food is encouraged—but not required. 

We recognize that not everyone prefers or is familiar with vegan food. A wide variety of dairy or parve foods are welcome and even including one or two vegan options can make a positive impact. 

✨ Our goal is not perfection, but participation. Every small change counts. 

Examples of popular vegan Kiddush foods: 

● Hummus, baba ganoush, or guacamole with pita 

● A variety of fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, peppers) 

● A variety of fresh and dried fruits (grapes, apricots, dates, melon, citrus, berries) 

● Pretzels, tortilla chips, vegan cookies or brownies 

● Pickles, olives, nuts

● No styrofoam packaging as it is never recyclable and aim to avoid single use plastic when possible 

● Choose recyclable, compostable, or reusable containers when available 

● Purchase from local producers or bring seasonal items to reduce food miles 

● Save clean packaging to transport leftovers or reuse at home 


● Serve water in pitchers (pitchers provided) instead of bottled water 

● Grape juice is required for ritual Kiddush (check fridge before buying more) 

● If offering other drinks, use aluminum cans as they have a higher recycling rate than plastic 

● We encourage guests to bring their own reusable water bottles 

Chevrei Tzedek provides: 

● Eco-conscious utensils, plates, napkins, cups, and bowls 

● Serving bowls, platters, and carts 

● Cloth towels and sponges for cleanup (please avoid paper towels) 

Please do not bring additional paper goods, even for special occasions. This helps us maintain consistent eco-friendly standards across all events. 

● Plan for a standard Kiddush of 30–40 people unless hosting a simcha 

● Take home any open or perishable food after the event 

● Unopened, non-perishable items may be left if the Kiddush Coordinator is notified 

● Use Chevrei Tzedek’s blue recycling bin (from our closet)—since the Myerberg does not recycle, your effort makes a difference! 


Planning a Simcha or a Larger Event?

Planning a Simcha or Larger Event? 

For bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, or other simchas: 

● Use an approved kosher caterer (see our Kashrut Policy or consult Rabbi Jacobs) 

● We strongly recommend applying these same green principles to all catered congregational events. 



Thank You for Being Part of a Greener, Kinder Kiddush 

Your effort—whether it's bringing vegan hummus, reusing containers, or skipping paper towels—helps us live our values. Together, we can make Shabbat not only joyful and sacred, but also a time of shared responsibility for our planet.