Kashrut standards observed at MJDS ensure that everyone in our school community may eat together. Therefore, it is our policy that all food served by the school be kosher, including snacks, lunches and class treats. Lunch and snacks are accompanied by the appropriate b’rakhot (blessings). ONLY DAIRY AND PAREVE (neither meat nor dairy) FOODS ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL. No items containing seafood (crab, shrimp, etc.), meat (including poultry) or animal by-products, unless they are part of the school’s kosher hot lunch program, are permitted in the building. (Please see the Wellness Policy section for guidelines on preparing lunches to be eaten at school.)

Our commitment to observing the laws of kashrut reflects our sensitivity to the diverse practices of MJDS families, as well as our educational goal of teaching students about Jewish tradition and practice. Please become familiar with our school’s kashrut policy, and observe the following standards:

• Any food brought in for a class of students must be prepared on-site with kosher ingredients or under rabbinical supervision (e.g. items from a kosher market or bakery) and be labeled with a proper hechsher (kosher certification). Please click here for some accepted symbols of kosher certification

• Any food brought into the school for a class of students must be checked by office personnel before entering the kitchen or classroom.

• Please note that the English letter “K” (by itself) is not accepted at MJDS.

• No food prepared in any private home (regardless of kashrut standards) may be served to students as part of a school activity.

• The school’s kashrut policy is observed at all MJDS events, including parent activities, committee meetings and board meetings.