Staying at a Hotel on Shabbat? Don't Miss the Following Article

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Department of Hotels, Venues and Slaughterhouses, is calling on the public to pay attention to several points when staying at a hotel on Shabbat.

"Many hotels receive kosher certificates from authorized rabbinates, but the activities taking place on the premises are diverse and manifest in additional areas not necessarily related to food kashrut," explain officials at the Chief Rabbinate. "It's important to understand that by law, when issuing a kosher certificate, the local rabbi must consider only kashrut laws, so one must take into account that the kosher certificate given to the hotel focuses mainly on food kashrut, while responsibility for other halachic aspects unrelated to food preparation and service, including the religious atmosphere, depends on the policy adopted by the hotel according to their target audience, which they choose," they explain.

The Chief Rabbinate further notes that "we believe that as demand from the public for a religious character beyond kashrut increases, hotels will make greater efforts to provide this service in a manner tailored to the target audience."

In a document published by the Hotel Department of the Chief Rabbinate, several points are highlighted that should be considered before deciding to spend Shabbat at a particular hotel:

Shabbat Observance in Dining Rooms

1. At the entrance to the dining room, records will be kept by a non-Jewish person. It is recommended that the hotel provide guests with the option to receive a voucher in advance with their room number, so they can give it to the non-Jewish clerk.

2. It is the mashgiach's responsibility to ensure that Shabbat timers are installed in public halls.

3. Ordering and recording beverages in the dining room should be done by a non-Jew. It is recommended to show the non-Jewish clerk the guest card indicating the room number.

4. Hot water urns approved for Shabbat use by one of the halachic institutes should be provided.

5. Service elevators for food transport with Shabbat arrangements, or an alternative solution for transferring food items on Shabbat.

6. At events held on Shabbat and holidays in the dining room and other areas where food is served throughout the hotel, filming, photography, and music will not be permitted during food service.

Food Kashrut

In the area of food kashrut, it's important to check the following points with the hotel:

1. Does the hotel have a valid kosher certificate from the authorized local rabbinate?

2. Details of the mashgiach (first and last name) and contact information. It is hereby clarified that the mashgichim are required to be present during all food preparation and serving times. It should be known that the hotel mashgiach needs to be present at the hotel throughout the entire Shabbat.

3. What is the level of kashrut at the hotel: is it regular or mehadrin (stringent)? Determining the level of kashrut is the authority of the local rabbinate.

4. Is the level of kashrut maintained throughout the year, or only for the period when the guest intends to stay? And what arrangements have been made for this purpose?

Hotel Operations on Shabbat

The Chief Rabbinate notes additional points that should be clarified in advance with a hotel representative to prevent disappointment:

1. Whether room checkout takes place on Shabbat or after Shabbat ends.

2. Check if there are doors in the rooms with mechanical opening and closing options without electrical contact and without electronic indicators.

3. Request a key to the room before Shabbat in addition to the entry card as applicable.

4. Switch the room to Shabbat mode (light sensors, refrigerator, air conditioner, and windows).

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5. Are the electric doors in public spaces disconnected from electricity or is there an alternative door.

6. Is there an alternative to sensor faucets (if there is appropriate signage) including in public restrooms.

7. Is there a non-Jewish service person at the hotel to provide room service on Shabbat (such as: towels, cribs) and to find solutions for problems.

8. Are the light sensors in the stairwell disconnected or activated upon entering the stairwell.

9. Is there an option to purchase food and beverages before Shabbat using vouchers.

10. Is there a Shabbat elevator approved by one of the halachic institutes.

11. Room service provided by a non-Jew.

12. Is there a designated area for lighting Shabbat candles.

13. Is pre-cut toilet paper available in the bathrooms.

14. Is the Shabbat atmosphere in public areas suitable for the guest's lifestyle with regard to music in the lobby.

15. Check the eruv boundaries outside the hotel.