Why Paris’ Official Fourth of July Party Ended Early
U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner scheduled the 250th anniversary celebration in Paris to conclude before Shabbos, with the entire event certified kosher.
by COLlive Reporter · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
Kosher cuisine, California kosher wine, and a schedule built around the arrival of Shabbos all featured prominently as the United States marked its 250th anniversary with a major Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Paris on Friday.
Hosted by United States Ambassador to France Charles Kushner and his wife, Seryl, the Fourth of July reception welcomed approximately 2,000 guests, including diplomats, government officials, and leaders from across French society.
One detail stood out throughout the evening: every aspect of the event was certified kosher, in keeping with the Kushners’ personal standards of kashrus observance. The menu, catering, and all wines served at the reception were fully kosher.
Supervising the food preparations were Chabad shluchim Rabbi Sholom DovBer Kesselman and Rabbi Levi Azimov, son of Rabbi Mendel Azimov, director of Beth Loubavitch of Paris, who also attended the celebration.
The wines served during the reception came from Royal Wine’s Herzog Winery in California, represented in France by Menahem Israelievitch.
Rabbi Azimov told COLlive that Ambassador Kushner was careful to schedule the event early enough on Friday to ensure it concluded before sunset in honor of Shabbos.
“He made sure the celebration would end before Shabbos began,” Rabbi Azimov said. “It was an outstanding kiddush Hashem.”
The Kushners are longtime philanthropic supporters of Jewish causes and the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Through their family foundation, they have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Chabad institutions, including Chabad centers in New Jersey, at Harvard University, in Florida, and in Manhattan.
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