In a home used by a non-jewish family previously. Can a new Orthedox Jew re-use elements of the kitchen by cleaning & having a rabbi bless the facility. Or is it preferred to discard the old kitchen & install new appliances & cabinetry?
What rules should I observe as a non-Jew to make sure I do not offend? (I know I should not touch/shake hands, and that all food offerings should be certified "kosher". Are their others?
Thank you!
Answer A quick afterthought. A small gift cup or basket with kosher candies (ie kisses, Reese's Pieces) would be a nice thought and they can take it home and munch on it when they felt like it. Look for the kosher label (U), Star K, etc. You may want to have the bag handy for inspection and don't buy any generics that they may not be accustomed to. Shalom!
In regard to your first question, a kitchen previously used by non-Jews can be koshered, but there is considerable work involved. For example, the stove and oven generally have to be blow-torched to remove any unclean residue left behind. Usually the family will opt either to bring their own appliances or buy new ones. Also, we generally keep seperate kitchens for meat and dairy, so a large kitchen which will accomidate remodeling would be a good selling point.
I understand that you are not Jewish, but please understand that our Rabbi's are well-trained, religious professionals and Jewish-law experts, but they have no special 'powers'. There is no blessing which will turn the unclean into kosher.
Regarding your second question, the answers depend greatly on their degree of Orthodoxy. The Hassidim, for example, will not touch a woman other than their wife and may even refrain from touching something you have touched (due to the uncleanliness imparted by menstruation).
Unless the food is sealed and certified by a local agency they will probably not partake, so I wouldn't waste your money or risk embarassment on either side.
You should likewise make sure you are not secluded with the man of the house or a young man of or past bar mitzvah age (13). His wife/mother, respectively, should always be present.
Obviously, as your first question hinted at, don't plan on showing the house over Sabbath or other religous holidays.
