Ellington

A new line of sandwiches is being scooped up by customers in Terry/Lander Hall’s convenience store, 2 Convenient. They are considerably smaller in size, yet more expensive compared to other sandwiches. But for some, eating kosher is the preferred, and sometimes only, option.

The term “kosher” applies to dietary laws specific to the Jewish religion. It means that food must follow the dietary laws outlined in the Torah, known colloquially as the Old Testament of the Bible.

“Kosher is a pretty broad term, which means any food that fits under the laws of Jewish food preparation,” said Rabbi Elie Estrin from Chabad at UW.

In Seattle, the Va’ad is the organization that enforces those laws and gives its seal of approval. For example, kosher meat is slaughtered in a specific fashion.

For many students who try to keep kosher because of their religious beliefs, finding a decent meal on campus used to be an everyday struggle.

“[Before the sandwiches were available on campus], I wasn’t able to eat anything but fruit and soda,” said junior Joshua Newson. “Finally I can dine on campus.”

The visionaries behind bringing kosher to the UW campus were Estrin and his wife Chaya, who helped connect Nosh Away, a family-owned and operated business in Renton, with UW Housing and Food Services to provide the kosher sandwiches on campus.

“We do a lot of work with students at the UW, and I know there are a handful of them that try to keep kosher,” said Chaya Estrin. “I thought that it’d be a great way for the UW to support the diversity of the students that eat [kosher].”

Although kosher is a term that relates to the Jewish religion, the sandwiches appeal to students from a variety of backgrounds.

Katherine King, an employee at 2 Convenient, said the store started selling the sandwiches a few weeks ago.

“When we first got them, people tended to like them better and bought them out pretty fast,” King said.

The popularity of the sandwiches doesn’t seem to be affected by the price, which is slightly higher than other sandwiches.

“It makes sense that it’s a bit more expensive; kosher meat is more expensive in general,” said senior Helen Bennett, who has been purchasing the sandwiches since their arrival on campus.

Other students on a budget feel the sandwiches are not worth the price.

“I bought the albacore tuna on challah,” said freshman Mina Lohrasbi. “I’d say it was really fresh compared to the other sandwiches that are sold, but I wouldn’t buy it again because it was too expensive.”

A common misconception about kosher foods is that they are healthier than other foods; however, this isn’t always the case.

“Kosher doesn’t mean healthy, but a lot of people think it does,” Lohrasbi said. “It just means it [meets different standards]. They seem to taste more fresh, but it’s not like it’s organic.”

With the success of the kosher sandwiches on campus, talks of expansion are already underway. Right now, the sandwiches are only available at 2 Convenient and Etc. in the HUB.

“We would like to possibly extend it to the [UW] Medical Center for the residents and doctors,” Elie Estrin said. “Then if possible, actually open it up to the point where patients would be able to order in.”

Elie and Chaya Estrin make no profit from the sandwiches; they said they simply wanted to help their community.

“This is done purely as a service to students and faculty at UW,” Elie Estrin said.

Reach contributing writer Jessica Pak at development@dailyuw.com.