Kiddush

The purpose of our Kiddush Program is to make the process of sponsoring kiddush easy and attractive for members of the community to share a special occasion, remember a loved one, or any other reason!

• How do I request to sponsor a kiddush? 

All Kiddush Sponsorships must be requested at least a week before the date of the kiddush.

1. Please email kiddush@youngisraelwh.org with the date you would like to sponsor kiddush. 
2. The shul administrator will reply to your email to verify the date is available and schedule your kiddush on the shul’s calendar and instruct you to complete the ‘Kiddush Customization Form’ below. After submitting the completed form, the Kiddush Sponsor Liaison will be in contact with you to confirm the details and the cost of the kiddush.

• Payment for Kiddush
  Sponsorship payments may be made online, or via check, and should be received by the synagogue office a week prior to the kiddush. Checks should be made payable to Young Israel of West Hartford, with ‘Kiddush’ in the memo.

• What is included in a Sponsored Kiddush?
  1. Preparation - setup, cleanup
  2. Facility Cleaning
  3. All paper/plastic good. 
    - Any specialty paper goods should be provided in coordination with the Sponsor Liaison
  4. Honor of saying kiddush after services
  5. Procurement of food.
  6. Your choice of ‘Add-On’ items, listed below, will be coordinated with the Sponsor Liaison and purchased through the Kiddush Committee. No food will be served at a Young Israel Kiddush that is not purchased by the Kiddush Committee.
  7. Sponsors may choose from three Kiddush levels - details of each are in the table below.

• Kiddush Co-Sponsors:
  Kiddush may be co-sponsored, but this doesn’t mean sharing the price of one kiddush. The kiddush fee is the full fee for each sponsor. Co-sponsors are responsible for deciding on the level of kiddush they want. Kiddushes for a bar or bat mitzvah, brit, aufruf or wedding may not be co-sponsored.

  If 50 - 75 extra guests are expected $50 will be added to the Kiddush Fee.

  Sponsors may provide their own food that has a recognized hashgacha and has been approved by the Rabbi. Alternatively, they may have a fully catered Kiddush event with a caterer that has a recognized hashgacha.  In both cases the sponsor does not pay a Kiddush Fee, and instead pays a $300 facility fee, which includes the use of the kitchen, the supplies in the kitchen, tables, and chairs. In these cases, the sponsor is responsible for providing all the food with no use of the shul’s paper goods, drinks etc. Sponsors are responsible for ensuring all setup & cleanup, as well as excess garbage removal. If foods will need to be warmed the sponsor must hire a mashgiach. There will be no involvement of the Kiddush Committee.

• Alcoholic Beverages:
  Alcoholic beverages are not included in any kiddush packages. Sponsors may donate alcoholic beverages to the Young Israel for kiddush. All alcoholic beverages must come sealed, must conform to the guidelines outlined in the CRC Liquor List and be confirmed by the Rabbi. Please note that we do NOT serve any alcohols matured in sherry, sauterne, port or other wine casks or those with special “finishes” or multiple “maturations” that include wine.

• Food Allergies/ Restrictions: 
  Young Israel Kiddush may include foods with allergens, if you have a specific dietary restriction, i.e. gluten-free, peanut-free, etc., please indicate as soon in advance as possible.
   

  See table below for Kiddush Levels and Add-On Options:

Additional add-ons are $150 each. Choose from the options below:

1. Yerushalmi Kugel
2. Potato Kugel
3. Cholent (Meat or Vegetarian)
4. Sesame Chicken Fingers
5. Mac n' Cheese
6. Cake (dairy or pareve)