Kosher food is planned to be in the Carleton residence cafeteria Dec. 11, according to Scott Goldstein, director of Hillel Ottawa.
Food is considered kosher when it meets dietary restrictions under Jewish religious law. Restrictions include refraining from mixing dairy with meat, and having meat prepared in a particular way.
Goldstein said the trial is thanks to the initiative of one student, Lewis Novack.
Novack, a third-year biology student from Halifax, said that when he arrived at Carleton campus he noticed halal and vegetarian options but no kosher options.
He said trekking to the Loblaws on Baseline Road that has kosher food is a real hassle both in terms of time and money for students, especially considering many have already paid for the use of the on-campus cafeteria.
Novack said he decided to speak to Ed Kane, assistant vice-president (university services) about this situation and was successful in bringing in kosher sandwiches last year, as well as 40 pounds of brisket, which were gone in an hour.
The Dec. 11 venture is a step towards the goal of having Carleton serve kosher options twice a month, Novack said.
Goldstein said this is the first step towards providing kosher food on campus but that students who observe these habits strictly cannot yet eat from this menu, as it is not supervised by a “mashgiach,” someone within the Jewish community who supervises the preparation of food.
Joshua Ragosin is a student who observes these eating habits. He said the food that will be served Dec. 11 is not kosher food, but adds that the dining option has the potential to be a step in the right direction.
He said although the university may feel like they are “doing their part,” they can take things further.
Goldstein said Carleton’s campus is Jewish-friendly and the administration is committed to supporting and improving Jewish campus life.
“This is a great sign for our students and makes Carleton a strong contender for the entrance applications of observant students,” he said.
Goldstein said he is hopeful this decision will pave the way for further improvements, such as kosher kitchens, putting it on the same level of Jewish accessibility as other Canadian universities.
