Do’s, Don’ts, and Never-Evers from Shabbos Hosts

From the Tuesday-morning question of where to go, to the panicked Thursday-night calls asking if there’s room for one more, Shabbos plays a major role in a seminary girl’s experience. However, the process doesn’t end once a place and meals are secured.

Come Motzaei Shabbos, the girls all come back and tell everyone about their weekend’s experiences, misadventures, and the “amazing” people they met. Rarely do they stop and think about those on the other side of the table — the hosts. Like the girls, they too have their pet peeves and preferences, as well as their interesting stories. Family First spoke to Shabbos hosts to get their perspectives and pointers.

Help Wanted

All of the women agreed that one of the nicest things about having seminary girls over is the help.

“Most of the girls offer to serve and help. I don’t have girls over for the free labor, but it’s appreciated,” said Rochel Katz,* of Ramat Eshkol.

Leah Kaufman from Maalot Dafna agreed, but added another point.

“While I love the help, nine times out of ten, I get up to serve and two girls follow me into the kitchen,” she said. “I can count to six, and another two girls enter because they feel guilty that they’re sitting while their friends and I are working. The last girl follows them in a moment later because she doesn’t want to be the only one sitting at the table. Keep in mind that I have the standard Yerushalayim kitchen, with barely enough room for me, let alone all of my ‘help.’ So when I have girls over, I need them to help in shifts.”