Tips and Techniques
From Shabbat
Below are a few helpful hints from people hosting their own shabbats
1. Facebook is not a very good evite method! Everyone on my list has replied maybe so far, making it really hard to determine how much food I need.
2. Tell people it's a dinner party, they must either say yes or no.
3. I'm telling people that if they can't RSVP until the last minute they should bring a potluck dish. (Kosher, of course)
4. What if you don't observe Shabbat the way the Orthodox do? Does that mean you're not shomer/et shabbat? No! Try discussing Reform, Reconstructionist and Renewal views of the meaning of Shabbat and alternative interpretations of observing and sanctifying one-seventh of your week! What do the holiness and differentness of Shabbat mean to you? What does a day of rest mean to you? And then watch movies and drink the rest of the wine. That's my idea of an oneg. Do some things you don't do during the rest of the week, even if they're on the list of traditional prohibitions. Refrain from the things that bring about status, prestige and social mobility. The false idols of today are different from those of our ancestors. Live in the now and enjoy the benefits of your labour rather than creating new benefits. That's my idea of rest.
5. You want advice? Don't invite vegetarians - they screw up your meal plans. Ha, I'm joking. In all seriousness, I'm buying portobello mushroom to marinade and grill for my dear vegetarian friend. Just pointing out that dietary needs are something to consider when inviting people!
6. I am asking guests to bring a parev (non-dairy) dessert or a bottle of wine and keeping the menu simple but delicious.
7. I'm having a pretty simple menu too. I figure, if it's my day of rest too, then why stress out? Everyone is excited just to have a free hot meal with a bunch of friends. Also, since I'm cooking I asked everyone else to bring wine. That's a lot of wine. I'm guessing the food will only get tastier as the night goes on!
8. Don't have a table big enough for all your guests? Or don't have a table at all? I put an unhinged door on milkcrates, with a nice tablecloth covering it. Everyone will sit on pillows on the floor. We're all young so we might as well act like it.
9. I prepped and partially cooked everything the night before. That way when I get home after a busy Friday, all I will have to do is put stuff in the oven and set the table.
10. Wow, I'm having the most productive day! I have cleaned my entire house really well, having people over is always the best motivation for me. I am having so much fun preparing the meal. The butcher at Rainbow in the Quarry was incredibly helpful and I learned that brisket doesn't cost as much as I thought it did. My house is starting to smell wonderful and I'm getting really excited to share and eat this tasty food.
My Menu:
Brisket in an oven bag with carrots and onions - 4 hours, 325 degrees
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Baby Greens Salad with cashews, raisins, onions and feta
Steamed Asparagus
Matzo Ball Soup
Macaroons
The guests are bringing wine and/or dessert
THANK YOU SO MUCH HILLEL FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE!
11. Having the cards about Shabbat is really perfect for the mix of reformed Jews and non-Jews that are coming to my house. I have set them out next to a pretty Star of David plate from my mom, for people to browse at/discuss throughout the night.
12. Yay For Delicious Challah!
