There’s an old joke that if you ask a Jew what he’s doing on Christmas Eve, his answer will invariably be “eating at a Chinese restaurant.”

It’s actually a centuries-old tradition, said Lew Mandell, a member of Congregation Kol Shalom. Christians would spend Dec. 24 at home, celebrating with their families, and non-orthodox Jews, not wanting to be left out, would head to the only place in town guaranteed to be open.

Bainbridge’s own Chinese Dinner (and Jewish Music Night) is only three years old, but it’s definitely the place to be next Thursday, Mandell said. Kol Shalom’s former cantor, Emily Katcher, will perform songs in Hebrew, Yiddish and English, accompanied by her husband Matt and Rabbi Paul Strasko, who used to be a professional musician. And a few members will serve up a vegetarian feast, chopsticks included.

The event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., is free, although donations are welcome.

RSVP at 206-842-9010.

Congregation Kol Shalom is located at 9010 Miller Road NE.