The challenge: Satisfy religious protocols for Orthodox Jewish groups over the Sabbath, sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Observant Jews are prohibited from performing 39 types of activities, most relating to work. In the modern era, that means attendees cannot drive, operate machinery (including elevators), use electricity and perform other common tasks. In addition, food must meet very specific handling and preparation requirements. All food prep, handling, cooking and serving must be overseen by a trained rabbi.
The solutions: In Fort Lauderdale, Fla, the W Hotel booked attendees into rooms on lower floors near the stairwells to avoid elevators entirely. In Dana Point, Calif., the St. Regis Monarch Beach turned to technology. Engineers reprogrammed elevators to stop at the appropriate floors and reprogrammed key cards to meet religious needs.
In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa brought in about 100 temporary staff for a 600-guest group that spent two weeks at the property during Passover. The entire kitchen was transformed to meet Kosher requirements, including new cookware and tableware. The entire staff received training on Jewish traditions and service needs. During Sabbath, extra staff on each floor pressed elevator buttons and opened guest doors to meet religious protocols.
