AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner Date: 10/30/2006 Subject: housewarming traditions - bread and salt
Question I read your answer to the question about a housewarming gift of salt and bread (oh, I'm sorry, they thaught it should be a broom) anyway, can you please explain the significance of the salt and bread?
Answer Dear Mary Ellen,
Thanks for writing. The meanings seem to be shared in a variety of cultures.
Rabbi Dov
We've heard two versions, and they seem to be common when searching for housewarming gifts or information on housewarming parties:
1. The bread and salt tradition comes from an old Russian folk custom. During this period, when the emperor and empress would pay a village a visit, merchants and gentry would present their esteemed guests with a round loaf of bread piled with salt, a sign of hospitality. Peasants were honored using a similar ceremony upon being introduced to the village with their new spouse, with the gift of bread and salt signifying that the new couple would always have the necessities of life. When given at housewarmings, therefore, bread and salt represent the giver’s wish that the recipient’s pantry will always be full. Sugar, on the other hand, symbolizes the hope for a sweet life.
And/or
2. Supposedly of Germanic Origin:
Bread so you'll never go hungry
Salt so you'll have good luck
Wine so you'll never be thirsty.
