Reading a program’s advertisement
What the common phrases tell you, what they leave out, and the question each one should prompt.
Guide · 5 minute read
01
Kashrut phrases
“Glatt kosher” or “strictly kosher”
This describes a standard for meat, or just a general intention. It doesn’t say who is responsible. Ask for the name of the certifying rabbi or agency.
“Under the supervision of Rabbi …”
Check that this is the person certifying the kitchen, and not a rabbi who is coming to teach. Ask whether he is on site for the whole holiday.
“Non-gebrokts”
Ask whether that covers every dining room and the tea room, and whether gebrokts is served on the eighth day.
“Cholov Yisroel available”
“Available” is not the same as “only”. If your family keeps it, ask whether all dairy in the kitchen is Cholov Yisroel.
02
Hotel phrases
“Five-star” or “luxury”
Star ratings mean different things in different countries, and some are the hotel’s own description. Look up the hotel’s reviews from ordinary guests during the rest of the year.
“Exclusive” or “the entire hotel”
This matters for kashrut and for atmosphere. If it isn’t stated, assume there may be other guests and another kitchen, and ask.
“Hotel to be announced”
The contract may not be signed. There is nothing to check yet, so there is nothing to pay for yet.
“Minutes from the beach”
Look at a map. On yom tov and Shabbat you will be walking.
03
Price phrases
“From $…”
That is the smallest room, two adults sharing, often before taxes, service charges and tips. Only about one program in four on this site publishes any price at all.
“Early bird”
A discount for paying early is real money, and it also means your money is with the operator for longer. Read the refund terms first.
“All inclusive”
Ask about wine at the sedarim, premium drinks, the private seder room, babysitting, chol hamoed trips and airport transfers. These are the usual extras.
04
How this site handles it
Every listing shows a standard as stated only when the operator has put it in writing on its own website. Anything the operator hasn’t said is shown with a dashed outline and marked “ask”.
