Independent Jewish Synagogue in Asheville, NC

The Sacred Connection of Kiddush Lunch

The Sacred Connection of Kiddush Lunch
One of the most cherished traditions in Jewish life is gathering for a Kiddush lunch following Shabbat services. This communal meal is more than an opportunity to nosh on delicious treats; it’s a chance to build bonds, share joy, and nurture the spirit of community. Here, we explore why Kiddush lunch matters and provide a playful yet meaningful guide to Kiddush etiquette.

Why Kiddush Lunch Matters
Fosters Community: Shabbat services bring us together in prayer, but Kiddush lunch deepens our relationships. Sharing a meal creates a welcoming space for connection and conversation.
Elevates Shabbat: Kiddush is a mitzvah that sanctifies the day. Extending it with a communal meal enhances the sanctity and joy of Shabbat.
Welcomes Guests: For newcomers, the Kiddush table is often the first taste of the warmth and hospitality of the Jewish community.
Nurtures the Soul: Breaking bread together reminds us of our shared blessings and encourages gratitude.

To help ensure that Kiddush at CBI is optimized for everyone, we offer the following pearls of wisdom:

The Eight Commandments of Kiddush Etiquette
1. Thou Shall Honor Those Who Prepare The Food: Tikva/Swann/Shira/Marina spend hours planning menus, shopping, cooking, and cleaning for our community. If you see them during Kiddush please say thank you. A word of gratitude goes a long way.
2. Thou Shall Wait Patiently: Allow everyone to say the blessings over wine and bread before diving into the meal. This moment of unity is a cornerstone of the meal.
3. Thou Shall Welcome Others: Prioritize seeking out newcomers and make them feel at home. Introduce yourself and invite them to join your table.
4. Thou Shalt Include All Generations: Make a point of engaging with congregants who are older and younger than you. It fosters intergenerational connections and cohesion in our community.
5. Thou Shalt Not Enter the Kitchen Without Permission: Respect the space and efforts of those working behind the scenes by not entering the kitchen unless invited. If you need something in the kitchen, knock first and discuss your needs with whomever is working at the time.
6. Thou Shalt Help Clean Up: Contributing to the post-meal cleanup is a mitzvah and eases the burden on organizers. This not only means clearing your dishes, but it can also mean asking if help is needed clearing the buffet table, sweeping the social hall floor or other tasks. This only takes a few minutes, but the offer of assistance goes a long way.
7. Thou Shalt Remember that Kiddush Conversation should be Inclusive: Shabbat conversation should be as inclusive as possible.  Everyone at the table should feel comfortable participating and no one should be made to feel excluded.  Political ‘jokes’ and comments are usually the culprit, so we ask that you really consider the appropriateness of them prior to uttering them.
8. Thou Shalt Leave With Gratitude: Reflect on the joy of togetherness and the beauty of sharing Shabbat as you head into the week.

A Call to Gather
Kiddush lunch is an embodiment of Shabbat’s themes: rest, connection, and holiness. Your presence enriches the experience for everyone, and your appreciation of the work that goes into preparing the lunch will be greatly appreciated by those who work so hard to create a holy environment for all of us. Let’s continue to make our Kiddush lunches a place of warmth, celebration, and community.

Celebrating a Simcha?  Would you like to sponsor the Kiddush luncheon?
We’d love to have you sponsor the Kiddush luncheon in honor of your birthday, anniversary, your Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, a new grandchild, or ‘just because’.  Contact the CBI office to reserve the date you’d like.  The cost to do so is $250 and we’ll announce it in the enews and during Shabbat services.