Easter lunch buffet. Invite my Jewish neighbors? - Page 4

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

There seems to be way too much discussion about inviting “the neighbors” for a buffet. We’re not talking about a seance! These are hopefully a group of intelligent, friendly people getting together for a meal.

What’s the real issue here?

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

@Shanuswrote:
@Desertdiwrote:
@Shanuswrote:
@Desertdiwrote:
There are very few items on your menu that a practicing Orthodox Jew would eat, even if it wasn't Passover.

@Desertdi That’s assuming the neighbor is Orthodox, right? Is the OP wanting an honest opinion or an excuse not to invite them?

@Shanus I am assuming if the OP knows the neighbors well enough, they might know if they are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform.....or just secular. Good Friday was "probably" a seder which a Christian might attend.......but I'm not sure it would work the other way around about a Jew celebrating Easter.
@Desertdi If it were me and I knew these neighbors well enough, I’d feel comfortable inviting them to my home....period...no matter the occasion. They can accept or refuse because it’s the 1st night of Passover or whatever reason. One can’t second guess another’s response. For all the OP knows, they may have made other plans. Problem solved.

@Shanus For reasons too lengthty to go into, I have been in this situation all my life. All the OP has to tell the neighbors is, "I'm having an Easter brunch, and you are welcome to attend if you wish." (And don't be insulted if they decline.)

♥Surface of the Sun♥

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@Desertdi. You don’t need to explain. We’re on the same page.

insomniac2 · ‎02-20-2016

Why not?

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

I am Catholic but 2 of my cousins married into Jewish families and we join together in both faiths, however I would feel them out. The don't celebrate Easter but maybe they would want to join in on a meal with neighbors.

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

DH is Catholic & I’m Jewish.We celebrate both holidays.I would invite the neighbors but definitely tell them what’s on the menu.This way they can make an informed decision on whether they want to come or not.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I am going to assume no religious activities will take place at the Easter Buffet. Therefore, I'd simply say "I am inviting some friends over for a buffet on Easter, and I would love to have you come."

A buffet is a buffet is a buffet unless there is some Easter related prayers or activity that they might be uncomfortable with. Are they friends with others who will be there? If so, then mention that they are coming. If they express interest, tell them about some of the things you are planning to serve and simply ask if those are some of the things they life. OR simply add a beef or chicken simple dish to the menu.

NYC Susan · ‎03-13-2010

@Skyegirl21wrote:
While it seems like a nice intention, if you want to socialize with them, I suggest do it another time- It’s awkward to invite Jews to an Easter celebration, even if they are not religious (my opinion and I am Jewish).

I agree, and I'm Jewish also.

"Happy Easter" is not appropriate to say to someone who is Jewish. And the menu is not appropriate for someone who is kosher. Or someone who observes Passover, since this year Easter falls during Passover.

(Out of all the listed appetizers and main courses on the menu, only deviled eggs would be okay for someone who is kosher. And that depends on the other ingredients in the eggs. Everything else listed is off-limits. And that's not even including Passover restrictions, which would eliminate all of the desserts.)

Unless the Jewish person is a close friend or family member (in my family, we have a few interfaith marriages and my closest friend is not Jewish), I would advise inviting them to something else at another time. If I don't know someone well, I would steer clear of religious celebrations that could cause awkwardness on both sides. Not all do, but this one seems problematic to me.

NYC Susan · ‎03-13-2010

@luvmybeetlewrote:
@Skyegirl21wrote:
While it seems like a nice intention, if you want to socialize with them, I suggest do it another time- It’s awkward to invite Jews to an Easter celebration, even if they are not religious (my opinion and I am Jewish).
While I understand your concern I really feel if they are invited at least they have a choice to go or not. They know it is an Easter brunch so they may choose not to go, but at least give them a chance. I am a Christian and I would not be offended to be invited to any Jewish holiday dinner. I love to learn about different religions and customs, it's very interesting. If you don't understand then how can you be friends with all types of people?

I don't think it's about being offended. I've been invited to a lot of Christian celebrations, and many times I've gone. And my Jewish family often has non-Jewish people share our own holidays.

But this is an Easter celebration - with a very non-kosher menu - during Passover, when there are even more dietary restrictions. That can end up being very uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing, especially for people who don't know each other very well. Food is a big part of entertaining, and I think another holiday or occasion would be a far better opportunity.

NYC Susan · ‎03-13-2010

@Soonerwrote:
I am going to assume no religious activities will take place at the Easter Buffet. Therefore, I'd simply say "I am inviting some friends over for a buffet on Easter, and I would love to have you come."

A buffet is a buffet is a buffet unless there is some Easter related prayers or activity that they might be uncomfortable with. Are they friends with others who will be there? If so, then mention that they are coming. If they express interest, tell them about some of the things you are planning to serve and simply ask if those are some of the things they life. OR simply add a beef or chicken simple dish to the menu.

But that's the problem. If they're kosher, they're not going to eat non-kosher beef or chicken. There's more than one type of kosher too. And if they observe Passover (which many, many non- kosher people do), there are foods and ingredients that are off-limits for the 8 days of Passover even though they're fine the rest of the year. So it's not simple at all.

No one wants to be interrogated about how observant or religious they are. And a lot of people are uncomfortable asking a host what will be served or what the ingredients of a particular dish are, if the meat is kosher, etc. This is not as easy as "Please join us for a Christmas Eve Open House". It's much more complicated than that because of various dietary restrictions as well as the additional complication that Easter and Passover are at the same time this year. Serving appropriate food during Passover can be pretty challenging even for those of us who are familiar with it and have been doing it for decades.

Especially for someone who wasn't even sure if Jewish people celebrate Easter, I really think that inviting them to another celebration at another time of year would be far better.