Come Celebrate at this year’s Beer Mitzvah!

Did you know that most beer can be considered “kosher-style” when it does not contain lactose, gelatin, spices, fruit or fruit syrups! Come celebrate this new knowledge (unless you knew already, then come celebrate this old knowledge) and Temple Israel on April 28 at 1pm, at their first Beer Mitzvah celebration.

The event comes from the partnership of Oscar Delgado, Jr., who owns CA Draft Tech and is the founder of the CA Beer Society and Kimberlee MacVicar. We wanted to find out more about this unique event and got a chance to speak with Kimberlee.

Oh, and just in case someone is wondering, no, you do not need to be Jewish to attend!

Is this the first time you’re doing a beer fundraiser? 

This will be the third time Oscar and I are partnering up to throw a beer fest, but it will be the first time at Temple Israel. We’re excited about this unique angle and to expand these breweries’ fan bases even more.

How long has the temple been in Alameda? 

Since 1920. It was founded by a dozen couples, including my great-grandparents, David & Diana Garfinkle. 2020 marks our 100th anniversary.

Who came up with the idea and why beer? 

I was the Fundraising Chair or Co-Chair for 10 years at the temple before “retiring” and returned to the role for this fiscal year. Knowing how much fun beer fests are and how great it is to work with Oscar, I wanted to bring one to the temple. Oscar came up with the awesome name. Beer creates a casual, fun setting to hang out with friends. It’s a positive vibe and culture that I wanted to bring to the temple and open the way for more people to visit and know/remember we’re here and a part of the East Bay Community.

I hear most beer is kosher. What makes a beer kosher? 

I stumbled onto an article one day that beer is technically kosher, but only the large corporations can afford certification. There isn’t really a demand for kosher beer, so it’s not an expense many start-up or micro breweries can afford to add to their budgets. It’s a shame kosher certification is financially unattainable or not sustainable for many businesses, particularly restaurants, as those kosher certifying agencies are just limiting their own choices, but don’t get me started!

The four main ingredients in beer – water, hops, wheat and yeast – are kosher, so beer not certified is “kosher-style.” They are not kosher or kosher-style when ingredients like gelatin, lactose, fruit and fruit syrups are added. For example, no stouts, bummer.  For this event, we’ve asked the breweries to bring beer that would fit this kosher-style list of ingredients. While Maui Brewing Company is participating and will be pouring beer of those ingredients, we can encourage folks to hit the stores later to buy their Pineapple Mana one, which is super yummy.

What’s included in the ticket? 

Ticket is $36 and comes with unlimited pours. No need to get in line to buy more beer tickets or possibly be left with unused ones. A chance to interact directly with these breweries and just have fun hanging out. Food is separate as we have two pop-ups coming to help them promote their businesses.

Where do the proceeds go to? What kind of programs will it support? 

The event will benefit Temple Israel. Programs supported will include primarily, our religious and Hebrew School, called Beit Bina, holiday celebrations, and gearing up for our 100th celebration next year. Lots to do to prepare for such a big milestone.

Will there be activities for non-beer drinkers who want to support? Are kids allowed? 

Kids are absolutely allowed and can come for free. Beer festivals are very family friendly despite the name. Admiral Malting will have a demo about malts used in many beers, cornhole boards will be out and the band, The Vinyl 4, will be performing twice. 

A big piece will be for people to vote their favorite beer as “The Chosen One.” We look to grow this inaugural event into an annual one making it larger and larger, with a larger footprint for more activities.

[button link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beer-mitzvah-fest-celebrating-craft-beer-coming-of-age-tickets-59209619566″ color=”lightblue” newwindow=”yes”] Get Your Tickets! [/button]

#BeerMitzvah

*** Free parking
*** No refunds
*** Must be 21 and over to receive a wristband.
*** Children can attend for free as festivals are family friendly.
*** Food and soft drinks available for purchase.