1. If you will be serving meat, the meat must be kosher and prepared under the direct supervision of a competent halakhic authority (ie. a rabbi or mashgiah).  The kitchen will need to be prepared according to the needs of the particular authority and all foods will be monitored to make sure that there is no accidental mixing of milk and meat products.
   
   
2. If you choose to have a dairy/fish meal, there is no need for an outside authority, but you must be vigilant in ensuring that the food selections do not have any meat or meat products in them.  For example, very often rice pilaf is made with a chicken base to give it a richer flavor.  You will need to speak with the caterer and make clear the need for strict adherence to vegetarian products only.
   
   
3. The following is a list that you can go over with your caterer so that they fully understand your desires.

• No shellfish, bacon, ham, or pork ever, even as a garnish.
  
  
• No chicken or beef bases in soups or other sauces, nor any bones etc. to add flavor.
  
  
• No chicken or beef bases in rices or potatoes.
  
  
• All fried food must be fried in 100% pure vegetable oil.  It must be clean and not used for anything other than the kosher meal.  For example, french fries fried in a vat with chicken wings is not allowed, even though the chicken is not being served for your meal.
  
  
• No gelatin, calcium stearates, or anything that is derived from an animal.  This includes marshmallows, even in ice cream, puddings and cakes.
  
  
• Any fish that is served must be kosher.  Allowed fish include: salmon, tuna, halibut, sole, flounder, etc.  Unkosher fish include: any shellfish, shark, swordfish, and catfish.  There are other fish in each category, if you have any questions contact Rabbi Kornberg.

Once again we remind you that a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a celebration of the mitzvot, including kashrut, even if it is not your normal practice at home.  The choice is ultimately yours, but be aware that the Rabbis will have to regretfully decline any invitation to a celebration that does not follow these guidelines.  If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact either of us.

 Rabbi David Kornberg                                  Rabbi Matthew Earne