A Kosher Destination Wedding in Belize! Mazel Tov!
Belize is known for it’s cultural diversity, but even still, there are very few Jewish folks here. As a result, the entire Jewish culture is a bit of mystery to many Belizeans. But when the owners of El Secreto were planning their space, they recognized that many of their associates were Jewish, and that a Kosher kitchen is a rather easy thing to accomplish. Basically, meat and dairy must be kept separate. Separate refrigerators, separate utensils, separate plates.
I didnt think to take pictures of all the very nicely neatly labeled refrigerators. Dairy in one, meat in another. In this very easy to maintain, hygienic way we can now accommodate Jewish weddings in Belize. Mazel Tov, El Secreto!
Now, a story about teaching Kosher in Belize.
Belizeans are a very proud people, and as a rule, take tremendous pride in their work. So, it was understandable that the kitchen staff were worried that there was something wrong with their work when one set of guests insisted upon using disposable plates. One staff member voiced her concern, and asked the Manager why the guests thought she didnt clean the plates well enough such that the guests felt the need to use disposable ones. The manager replied that they were Jewish. The staff member said that she knew other Jewish people, but they had no problem with the cleanliness of her plates. The manager went on to explain that much like there are varying ways Christians practice their faith, it is the same for the Jews. Just like some Christians dont eat meat on Friday, so some Jews keep Kosher.
It’s a practice that dates back thousands of years when the cross contamination would literally kill you. Kosher keeping Jewish people dont eat shell fish or pigs either, because they are “dirty” animals that eat the waste of others. I imagine that 3,000 years ago, absent the proper mechanisms for cleaning those critters, people would, in fact, get sick and possibly die.
Now, i’ve completely over simplified a complex, ancient culture and religion. I know that. But still, the point remains, we CAN do a Kosher Destination Wedding in Belize.
And we can do it HERE:
