Do you need to bring anything to Yom Kippur break-fast?
Honestly, no. It’s not your typical party. At least, it normally isn’t. Yom Kippur is a pretty solemn occasion (more on that here) and it’s not exactly the time for beautiful gift bags and pretty wrapping paper.
However!
As with any event or gathering, it’s always nice to tote along something to show the host that you appreciate their having you there. (Their there. Oh my.)
So, without further ado, some ideas:
If you’re not sure of the formality of the event and don’t know whether the host is kosher, you can’t go wrong with fresh flowers. A small bouquet in subtle, autumnal shades is a great idea.
Assuming your host doesn’t keep kosher, you can offer to bring along some food to help them out, though you should be mindful of the fact that you might be fasting yourself—which could make a trip to a local bakery a less-than-pleasant experience. Still, babka, rugelach, and other traditional Jewish desserts are always welcome, as are any other freshly-baked treats. (The one pictured here is a fabulous nutella babka by my friend LeAnne Shor of the blog Lion’s Bread, by the way—you can find her recipe right here.)
This part probably goes without saying, but even if your host isn’t strictly kosher, you still might want to stay away from a gift that involves meat since Yom Kippur is typically a dairy meal. (Why anyone would bring a hostess gift with meat in it, I do not for the life of me KNOW, but figured that was worth mentioning anyway.)
Honestly, that’s all I’d suggest bringing to a break-fast! Fresh flowers and/or baked goods should be the only two hostess gift ideas you deal with.
But.
On the off-chance you’re 1) at a less traditional break-the-fast meal or 2) just looking to make a seriously good impression (visiting the parents of a significant other, perhaps?), you could consider one of the other items I’ve selected: a cute tote from my friends at the Jewish Food Society, an elegant-looking 3-wick candle, a few dish towels, a plain round marble tray, a sophisticated Jewish cookbook, or some beautifully-packaged seasoning (could not resist finding a way to throw Williams Sonoma’s new This is Everything seasoning in here because, well, it’s a recent obsession and the brainchild of one of my favorite bloggers).
But, again, you don’t need to do any of those things. You really just need to show up with a respect for the traditions of the day / evening and an understanding of what it is you’ve stepped into.
Hope this helps—feel free to reach out on Insta with any questions! Wishing you an easy, meaningful fast next week. xx
WILLIAMS SONOMA’S NEW “THIS IS EVERYTHING” SEASONING
VOYAGE ET CIE 3-WICK CANDLE
BOUQUET OF FRESH FLOWERS
JEWISH FOOD SOCIETY TOTE BAG
ROUND MARBLE TRAY
SET OF 3 COTTON DISH TOWELS
THE 2ND AVE DELI COOKBOOK