NJ Kosher Bakery Faces Boycotts For Declining Rainbow Pastry Orders

By JNS
Posted on 07/08/23

A kosher bakery in West Orange, New Jersey, faced backlash after canceling orders for a rainbow cake and rainbow cookies celebrating Pride month, according to JNS. The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ initially expressed disappointment and announced they would no longer order from the bakery, citing a misalignment with their values of inclusivity. However, a week later, the Federation expressed a desire to resolve the issue through future conversations. Yitzy Mittel, the bakery’s co-owner explained that creating products that go against his religious beliefs, such as the rainbow-themed items, makes him uncomfortable. The incident brings to mind a previous Supreme Court ruling in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a custom wedding cake for a same-gender couple based on religious grounds.