Volunteer vs. Professional Crew for Hosting Lunches
If you are hosting fewer than 300 people for a Kiddush lunch you may want to use a Beth Jacob volunteer crew and mashgiach. These volunteers serve on a rotating basis and are assigned routinely to set the buffet tables and put out the food prepared before Shabbat, as well as wine and water. They also clean up following the meal on Shabbat morning alone. However, if your Kiddush lunch is complex, or has a lot of foods that require heating or special service, Sean Murphy will strongly recommend that you use a professional crew for the event. Our volunteer kitchen crews give of their time and energy, and they cannot be expected to handle complex meals under pressure.
If you are hosting an event of 300 guests or more you should hire a professional crew for the kitchen. Based on many years of experience, the synagogue professionals have learned that volunteers do not have the expertise to deal with that large of a group.
Beth Jacob can hire a professional crew on your behalf. Our regular catering crew knows the Beth Jacob kitchen and is fast, courteous and efficient. Please contact Sean Murphy at the shul with questions.