Kiddush at Temple Emanu-El
Celebrate, Honor & Gather Together
Kiddush is an important part of our Shabbat community at Temple Emanu-El. Whether celebrating a B’nai Mitzvah, Aufruf, Baby Naming, anniversary, birthday, graduation, or honoring the memory of a loved one, there are several ways to help support our congregational Kiddush.
Host the Kiddush
For B’nai Mitzvah Families & Other Simchas
B’nai Mitzvah families are required to host the Kiddush on their Simcha date. On non-B’nai Mitzvah dates, members may also choose to host by purchasing a Simcha Package or designing a Custom Kiddush with the caterer.
As a Host:
- Choose from available menu options with the Coordinator
- Package contributions are made to the Temple Kiddush Fund and are tax-deductible
- Flexible or Custom Kiddushes are coordinated and billed directly through the caterer
- If there are multiple hosts, the Coordinator will help facilitate package and menu selections
- There is no limit to the number of hosts
VIEW KIDDUSH FAQ ↓
Sponsor the Kiddush | $1,000
Aufrufs and Baby Namings are required to sponsor at this level and may choose to upgrade to Host if preferred.
Sponsorship is also a meaningful way to celebrate or commemorate:
Anniversary • Birthday • Graduation • In Memory of a Loved One • Other Special Occasion
Sponsors Receive:
- A thank-you from the Bimah
- Acknowledgement in the Weekly newsletter
- A tax-deductible contribution to the Temple Kiddush Fund
Sponsors do not make menu or setup decisions. The number of sponsorships does not impact the Kiddush menu or setup. There is no limit to the number of sponsors.
Co-Sponsor the Kiddush | $500
Celebrate a special occasion or honor the memory of a loved one while supporting the congregational Kiddush.
Co-Sponsors Receive:
- A thank-you from the Bimah
- Acknowledgement in the Weekly newsletter
- A tax-deductible contribution to the Temple Kiddush Fund
Co-sponsors do not make menu or setup decisions. The number of co-sponsorships does not impact the Kiddush menu or setup. There is no limit to the number of co-sponsors.
B’nai Mitzvah Kiddush Process
Planning Your Family’s Kiddush
For families preparing for a B’nai Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El, hosting the congregational Kiddush is part of the celebration. The information below will help guide you through the process, from selecting your package and menu to understanding payment and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to host the Kiddush?
Yes, all families – regardless of day, time, or format of the B’nai Mitzvah celebration (shared or single service, Thursday morning, Sunday morning, Rosh Hodesh, Havdalah, etc) – are required to host the congregational Kiddush.
This is fulfilled through a contribution to the Temple Kiddush Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible and primarily cover the Kiddush itself, while also providing modest support for B’nai Mitzvah coordination and tutoring (approximately 90% kiddush / 10% program support).
What will it cost, and how do I pay?
Families choosing a Temple Package pay one flat fee, made directly to the Temple Kiddush Fund. Payment plans can begin up to 18 months before your simcha, and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Each package serves up to 100 of your own invited B’nai Mitzvah guests; additional guests are priced per person.
Each family on a shared date will pay the same fee for 100 guests each.
What am I responsible for as the hosting family?
Your family will:
- Choose your package and menu
- Work with Revital, our B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator, to finalize details
- Celebrate with the congregation following services
There is no limit to the number of individuals or families who may contribute financially to a Kiddush. However, only the hosting B’nai Mitzvah family (or families, in the case of a shared B’nai Mitzvah) makes menu and package decisions.
If you’re sharing a B’nai Mitzvah, Revital will help coordinate those decisions and guide both families through the planning process.
What if I want more customization than a Temple package offers?
You can work directly with the caterer, Northern Valley Affairs, to create a Custom Kiddush. Your overall commitment must be at least equal to the lowest Temple package, and you’ll coordinate and be billed directly by the caterer instead of the Temple.
Please note: Custom Kiddush payments are made directly to the caterer and are not tax-deductible.
Does this apply to my family right away?
2026 CELEBRATIONS
Mid-October–December
Families may choose either the new Temple Package system or the previous process of working directly with the caterer.
2027 & BEYOND
The Kiddush Package process becomes standard for all B’nai Mitzvah families.
Questions?
Revital Benhaim | B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator
Revital Benhaim, our B’nai Mitzvah coordinator, will reach out directly to introduce herself, walk your family through the package options, and begin planning your Kiddush with you.
You can also reach Revital anytime at: mitzvahcoordinator@tecloster.org
