New York shul to kosher caterer: Pack your knives and go

Accused Morrell Caterers of having employees prepare non-kosher food in the synagogue’s kosher kitchen

(JTA) — A suburban New York synagogue has launched eviction proceedings against its longtime kosher caterer.

Long Island’s Woodbury Jewish Center can revoke the license of Morrell Caterers, the exclusive caterer for three area synagogues, because there is no contract, the Nassau County Supreme Court ruled this week. Justice Vito DeStefano also vacated a temporary restraining order filed by the caterer to prevent an eviction.

The synagogue has accused Morrell of having two employees prepare non-kosher food in the synagogue’s kosher kitchen, which goes against the rules of kashrut. The caterer denies the allegations.

Also, the center claims that the caterer has not paid owed occupancy fees. Morrell counters that the synagogue did not maintain the property appropriately and therefore violated the license.