Need Help From Jewish eHellions

[Wonderflonium]

Often at Christmas, I give out little treats or at least cards to our small group at work (but I didn't last year). Until this year, all of the people in our group have celebrated Christmas. This year, we had a woman join the team who is Jewish (I'll call her Rachel).

I found some small boxes of candy with holiday- and winter-themed wrapping, so I picked some up. I found one that wasn't too Christmas-y (decorated with snowflakes) for Rachel. Later, though, I got to thinking. I'm sure the candy isn't kosher. I'm not sure just how Orthodox she is. She doesn't keep STRICTLY kosher (I've seen her take fruits and veggies prepared in a non-kosher kitchen), but I don't know much else. I don't want to give her a present she can't use.

Also, I usually pass them out closer to Christmas. If I do decide to do this, should I do it sooner so it's closer to Hanukkah? (I'm really sorry if I misspelled that.)

I just need some advice. I admit that I don't know much about her religion, and I really don't want to offend her. Any input would be much appreciated.

[M-theory]

Speaking as someone who's in the process of converting, I really doubt you're going to offend her by offering a gift. DF is Conservative (in the middle on strictness basically), and gets Christmas gifts and invites to Christmas parties from people. He isn't offended.

Just give her the box and mention that you're not sure if they're kosher. She's more than likely be grateful that you thought of her, wanted to do something nice, and took her preferences into consideration.

Giving her the gift sooner might be nice. Chanukah/Hanukkah began at sundown on Tuesday and ends on December 12.

[M-theory]

Yeah, Aquigoth made a point I forgot - anyone fastidious enough to keep kosher has gotten pretty good at knowing what they can and can't eat.

[HeebyJeebyLeebee]

As you get to know her better, it would be worth finding out if she keeps kosher (or tries to).  But she's the best authority to determine if she can eat the goodies. 

To check if an item is kosher, look on the packaging for the word "kosher" or a "K" inside a circle or star (just a "K" will not do). A "U" inside a circle is another common symbol in the US.  "CRC" inside a triangle is also a common symbol I've seen.  Chocolates will probably be marked as dairy kosher.  A common symbol for dairy kosher is a "D" with a star inside it.

Here's a link to a website that has some additional markings that may be found on kosher foods:
http://kosherquest.org/html/Reliable_Kosher_Symbols.htm

If you're still unsure when to give out the treats, I suggest giving the treats out closer to New Year's, since most people celebrate it as a secular holiday.  Between Hanukkah and Christmas is a good time too.  (This evening is the 2nd night of Hanukkah)

 

[Wonderflonium]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll just give them to her and if she can't eat them, she'll know. I was thinking about doing them between Hannukkah and Christmas because that way it won't be affiliated with either. Also, lots of people take time off at the end of the year, so this way I know they'll all be in.

[HeebyJeebyLeebee]

Glad we could help.   

[MadMadge43]

Just curious, do you even know if she keeps Kosher or is it an assumption?

[Lisbeth]

I think the best guideline to follow is just to ask the person in question if you have any doubts whatsoever rather than make assumptions: "Rachel, I'm preparing candy packages for the holidays for our staff, and I'd like to know if you have any dietary restrictions due to being Jewish that I should be aware of in preparing one for you."

[Moralia]

I've found that just asking nicely when you've a moment of privacy is the best bet with people who have dietary restrictions. This counts for vegetarians, diabetics and religious restrictions.

"Hey, I know you're (insert group here) and that you're supposed to avoid certain foods. So I know in the future, what restrictions do you observe?"
I've never had anyone offended by my asking.

I'd also suggest checking the ingredient label specifically for pork-derived ingredients such as lard. From what I'm told, most candies fall roughly into the dietary restrictions even if they're not officially kosher.  The kosher marks on food packaging indicate that the manufacturers are periodically inspected by a rabbi-type guy and follow the rules of cleanliness and ingredient restrictions. Or something like that.

[girlmusic]

I'd also suggest checking the ingredient label specifically for pork-derived ingredients such as lard. From what I'm told, most candies fall roughly into the dietary restrictions even if they're not officially kosher.  The kosher marks on food packaging indicate that the manufacturers are periodically inspected by a rabbi-type guy and follow the rules of cleanliness and ingredient restrictions. Or something like that.

Just a little FYI - the ingredients are not the determining factor for kosher food - they could be fine, but the product is not deemed kosher unless the manufacturing process is supervised by a rabbi from one of several specific organizations. 

[Aeris]

It depends on where you live, of course, but where I live there are lots of things decorated pretty specifically for Hannukah - all silver and blue, at least, and some having stars of David or driedels or something. Too late for this year, since you've already bought something, but if you wanted to, you could probably find something specific.

A few times I've gotten my Jewish friends some of those chocolate (kosher) coins - gelt is it? or something like that? They are traditional for Hannukah, and my friends seemed to like it.

I have one Jewish friend who prefers not to make too much of Hannukah personally, because she feels it's morphed by it's relation to Christmas, but that just affects how *she* treats it - she's never offended, and in fact she's touched, when people try to include her like you're trying to do with your coworker.