Author Archives: Admin

Kashering Glass, Corning, Halogen or Ceran Cooktops

Kashering Glass, Corning, Halogen or Ceran Cooktops

Passover

Electric – Kashering a Glass, Corning, Halogen, or Ceran electric smoothtop range for Pesach use is a bit complex. To kasher the burner area, turn on the elements until they glow. The burner area is now considered kosher for Pesach. However, the remaining area that does not get hot is not kashered. The manufacturers do not suggest covering this area as one would a porcelain top, as it may cause the glass to break. Real kosherization can be accomplished by holding a blow torch over the glass until it is hot enough to singe a piece of newspaper on contact with the glass. However, this too may cause the glass to shatter and is not recommended. As the area between the burners cannot practically be kashered, it would be wise to have a trivet on the open glass area to move pots onto. In addition, it would be wise to […]

KOSHERFEST

KOSHERFEST


KOSHERFEST
November 13-14, 2018

Meadowlands Exposition Center
Secaucus, New Jersey
Website

Visit us at Kosherfest at booth 244

Star-K Companies manufacturing in the Asia Pacific 亚太地区获得Star-K认证的公司

Star-K Companies manufacturing in the Asia Pacific 亚太地区获得Star-K认证的公司

The STAR-K Asia Pacific offices, located in Shanghai, China and Perth, Australia , coordinated over 300 certified factories located in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. A staff headed by Rabbi Amos Benjamin travels to factories throughout the Asia Pacific on a regular basis to establish and maintain Kosher certification programs at these plants .They also meet with plant personnel to explain the significance of the certification symbol.

Star-K在中国上海和澳大利亚佩斯设有亚太地区办事处。负责联系和协调
中国、日本、韩国、台湾地区和越南等200个以上地区或国家的认证事宜。
由犹太牧师Amos Benjamin所带领的员工定期对该地区工厂进行认证、
检验以及后续服务。他们也会亲自为您解释认证标志的重要性及意义。

The following is the most current list of STAR-K’ s certified companies
manufacturing in the Asia Pacific:
亚太地区获得STAR-K认证的企业名录：

Company Endorsements 客户评价

Company Endorsements 客户评价

Northeast General Pharmaceutical, China

Northeast General Pharmaceutical is one of the largest Pharmaceutical raw material
producers in China .Our products are exported to countries all over the world. Kosher Certification with the Star-K Certification Organization has strengthened our global reputation and greatly improved our export sales

中国东北制药总厂

东北制药总厂为中国最大的医药原料生产厂家，其产品远销世界各地。
自2000年东药产品获得 STAR-K 证书后，其销售额剧增， 国际竞争力明显提 升。

Why Do I need kosher? 如何获得Kosher认证？

Why Do I need kosher? 如何获得Kosher认证？

Why Do I need Kosher? 为什么需要Kosher认证？

The Global Demand for Kosher Over the past twenty-five years, the demand for
kosher certified products has increased dramatically. In order to export to the United
States and Europe, Kosher Certification is becoming a requirement.

在过去25年里，全球对Kosher的需求大幅增长。若产品出口至美国和欧洲，
通常会要求持有Kosher认证证书。

The worldwide kosher food market has been growing at an annual rate of 15% for the
past several years. In order to meet this demand, companies throughout the world are
seeking kosher certification to expand their export business and existing
market .Many of there companies have chosen the STAR-K kosher certification and
are enjoying the marketing benefits this certification offers. The STAR-K symbol can
open new markets never before accessed.

在过去的几年里，全球Kosher市场每年增长15%。为了适应这个需求，全
球的许多公司希望通过Kosher认证来拓展他们的出口业务和现有市场。许多
此类公司选择了STAR-K Kosher认证，同时分享STAR-K认证 所提供的市
场利益。STAR-K标志开拓了前所未有的新市场。

According to data complied in the year 2001 by integrated Marketing Communication
(USA company),Inc;There are 65,000 different kosher certified food packaged
products on the U.S.market today.

9200 companies currently produce products for the kosher market.
[...] Read More

What is Kosher? 么是Kosher?

What is Kosher? 么是Kosher?

Definition of Kosher . Kosher 的定义

Kosher is a large set of Jewish dietary laws that have been strictly followed
for thousands of yeas. A Rabbi is a Jewish leader who studies Jewish law
for many years. A Rabbi must receive certification and a license to practice,
similar to an attorney. The Rabbis’ interpret the Jewish food laws and
administer their enforcement. These law determine which foods are acceptable
to the Jewish Law. The word Kosher is form the Hebrew (Hebrew is the Jewish
language) word meaning acceptable or proper. It refers to foods and food
ingredients that meet the dietary requirements of Jewish Law. The test of Kosher
and non-kosher depends on two points: the starting material of the products and
the; cleaning and maintenance of the production equipment. A common
misunderstanding is that food and food ingredients become Kosher with the special
words […]

How do I obtain Kosher Certification? 如何获得Kosher认证？

How do I obtain Kosher Certification? 如何获得Kosher认证？

How do I obtain Kosher Certification
如何获得Kosher认证证书

Step1 Complete Application 第一步：填写申请表
The information you put in the application provides us with a profile of your
company, the starting ingredients used, and your products. Please be assured that all
the information you provide us will be held in strict confidence. This is strictly
agreed in the contract between the Star-K and your company. Our reputation over the
past 50 years has been built on your confidentiality with our customers’ processes and
ingredients. We would be happy to sigh a non-disclosure agreement.

贵公司申请表中的信息 能让我们了解到贵公司及产品的大致情况，譬如所
用的原材料和产品种类。所有你所提供的信息都将被严格保密。在STAR-
K和贵司合同里会明确和严格的规定这些条款。在过去的50年里，STAR-K拥
有良好的商业信誉，保证对工厂生产过程和原材料予以保密。并且我们很愿意
签署一份保密协议。

Your application will be reviewed in order to determine the feasibility of your company’s products being certified kosher.
You will then be assigned a Kosher Administrator who will be your connection with the STAR-K and will assist you in the certification process. Our staff will assist you with every step of the certification […]

How Much Does Kosher Certification Cost? 认证费用

How Much Does Kosher Certification Cost? 认证费用

How much does kosher certification cost?

With staff based in China, STAR-K is able to offer very competitive rates with fast and efficient service. Most rates are quoted at a flat rate that includes travel for inspection. STAR -K does not charge an application fee. Plants which manufacture a more complicated product, thereby requiring more frequent visitations, will generally pay a higher certification fee. Before a contract is signed, a detailed cost analysis will be presented to the perspective customer for approval. We appreciate your interest in STAR-K Kosher Certification.

STAR-K 中国办事处员工以其极具竞争力的价格，为您提供快速、有效的服务。
通常情况，我们的报价包括检验差旅费。

STAR-K 并不收取申请费，但由于某些工厂的产品工艺相对复杂，需要多次审核，故而认证费用有所增加。在正式协议签署前，我们一般会提交给客户详细的报价单以便核准。

感谢您对STAR-K Kosher 认证的关注。

Frequently Asked Questions 常见问题

Frequently Asked Questions 常见问题

Frequently Asked Questions 常见问题

1)Will STAR-K guarantee sales increases with certification? STAR-K认证能够保证销售的增长吗？

No, we cannot guarantee a sales increase. We are not marketing the product being certified.
However, many distributors in the USA and Europe look for products that are Kosher certified.
Having certification can therefore enhance marketability of your products.

不能，Star-K 法保证您的产品销量一定会有增长。我们并不对通过认证的产品进行任何推销活动。
但是，许多消费者、生产商以及经销商会选择通过认证的产品。通
过这一认证将有助于提高您产品的市场营销效果。

2)Will the STAR-K introduce new customers? STAR-K会介绍新的客户吗？

Star-K does not actively promote products. Our job is to certify that products are Kosher.
Often a manufacturer or distributor will call to ask if we know of a supplier for a product
that is Kosher. We give precedence to Star-K certified products when marketing our recommendations.

我们不会积极介入贵公司或任何公司产品的推广。我们唯一的宗旨是证明经我们认证过的产品为
kosher产品。我们会向消费者、生产商以及经销产推荐他们所需的Kosher产品货源，
并且会优先推荐通过 Star-K 认证的企业。

3) May I refuse to disclose production processes or ingredients to Star-K?
我可以拒绝披露工艺流程或产品成分给Star-K吗？

Star-K certifies many companies with whom we have proprietary agreements not to
disclose any information. We are prepared to enter into such agreements with our
customers. As a certification organization, […]

Air Conditioners Pre-Purchase Advice

Air Conditioners Pre-Purchase Advice

Room Air Conditioner Units with Electronic Controls

May stay off after return from a power failure until manually reset.
May also pose a problem when using timers (Shabbos clocks): the unit will turn off as set, but will not turn back on at the set time unless manually reset.

Recommendations

Contact the manufacturer for information on which models may have this feature.

News

Star-K is pleased to announce that in response to our suggestions, GE has modified its 2004 (and later) electronic room air conditioners so that they will now return to their default position. This means that on Shabbos and Yom Tov, the air conditioners will still function after being off due to a power outage or use with a Shabbos timer.

Pre-Purchase Advice – for Refrigerators

Pre-Purchase Advice – for Refrigerators

Opening the Refrigerator/Freezer Door

Should not cause circulation fans to go on/off. (Check to see if the fan runs with an open door. If it does not, press down the door plunger switch and listen to detect if the fan goes on. Some models have two door plunger switches – one for the light and another for the fan motor.)

Should not activate any tones or digital readouts (e.g., ‘door ajar’ icons, cabinet temperature, or settings).

Should not affect defrost cycle. (Defrost cycle should not be dependent upon the number of times you open the door and how long you keep it open.)

Light in refrigerator cavity should be deactivated, either by unscrewing the bulb or taping down the light switch. Check to make sure there are no other lights (e.g., door lights) that turn on when the door is opened. See CAUTION about disabling door switches below.

CAUTION: Disabling Door Switches

Taping or otherwise holding
down […]

Halachos of Using an Oven on Shabbos – Whether Standard or Sabbath Mode

Halachos of Using an Oven on Shabbos – Whether Standard or Sabbath Mode

STAR-K has worked with numerous appliance companies to make modern appliances more kosher-consumer friendly for Shabbos and Yom Tov. We have helped develop features that, in many cases, eliminate lights, icons, tones and digital displays; provide for timed bake without tones and icons; and enable temperature adjustments on Yom Tov.

The appliance companies named this constellation of features “the Sabbath mode” – a naming decision that has contributed to some confusion by consumers as to the proper halachic use of these ovens on Shabbos.

See below for a brief summary clarifying the proper halachic use of any oven on Shabbos:

1. No adjustment to the temperature is permitted on Shabbos, even in Sabbath Mode.

2. All food must be fully cooked and placed in the oven before Shabbos. No food (cooked or non-cooked) may be placed in the oven on Shabbos to re-warm or cook. This is true regarding ovens as well as warming […]

Countertop Pre-Purchase Advice

Countertop Pre-Purchase Advice

Granite, Marble, or Stainless Steel – To kasher (for year-round and Pesach), clean the countertop, wait 24 hours after its last use, and then pour boiling water over each part of the countertop. You may need to refill the pot several times. (It is not sufficient to pour on one spot and let the water run over the counter.) Make sure the material is a pure granite or stone. Sometimes they are really “composites” and therefore CANNOT be kashered.

Wood may also be kashered as stainless steel if it has a smooth surface and no cracks.

Porcelain Enamel, Dupont Corian® Solid Surface and Corian® Quartz Surface (formerly called Zodiaq®), Formica, Silestone – Star-K policy does not allow kashering of plastic or materials with plastic components.

Year-Round Use: As long as the countertop is clean, it may be used for cold pots and food. Hot food should not be placed on it. If inadvertently hot food was put […]

Jewish-Chinese Connections

Jewish-Chinese Connections

05 | 09 | 2015

http://www.aish.com/jw/s/Jewish-Chinese-Connections.html

Lost Jews of China

In the Middle Ages, Jewish traders following the ancient Silk Road spice route settled in China, forming a community in the city of Kaifeng. Kaifeng was then one of the “Seven Ancient Capitals of China” and one of the world’s largest metropolises, with a population of close to one million. China’s ruling Song Emperors welcomed the Jews as welcome guests, bestowing seven family names that these Kaifeng Jews could use – some of which are still carried by their descendents in the town today.

Kaifeng’s Jewish community thrived at first, building its first synagogue in 1163, and eventually swelling to several thousand members. Smaller Jewish communities sprung up in other towns in China. Unlike many Jewish communities elsewhere, it seems that China’s Jews faced little or no persecution. Ironically, the lack of discrimination they faced in China seems to have hastened their end.

A model of the Kaifeng […]

STAR-K Kosher Certification Sets Precedent with Staff HACCP Training

STAR-K Kosher Certification Sets Precedent with Staff HACCP Training

01 | 09 | 2015

http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/products/star-k-kosher-certification-sets-precedent-with-staff-haccp-training/

http://www.gourmetretailer.com/top-story-center_store-star_k_kosher_certification_haccp_trains_entire_administrative_staff_-11976.html

http://www.qai-inc.com/newsroom/enews/qnews_2015_q4_haccp-training.asp

STAR-K Kosher Certification has become the first major organization of its kind to train its entire Kosher administrative staff in Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP)––a systematic, scientifically-based approach to food safety, provides a method for identifying significant physical, chemical, and microbiological hazards in the production of food and implementing control measures to prevent, eliminate, or reduce significant hazards to an acceptable level.

The two-day in-house training at STAR-K’s Baltimore headquarters was lead by NSF International in November 2014. The Kosher organization’s staff traveled from all over the U.S. After formal training, all staff members passed the qualifying exam.

“STAR-K Kosher Administrators, who are already visiting plants to set up impeccable Kosher standards, have a distinct advantage when they are proficient in areas of food safety, as well,” explains STAR-K Kosher Certification president Dr. Avrom Pollak. “It is with that in mind that we arranged to have NSF International […]

Kosher Certified Schach Manufacturers

Kosher Certified Schach Manufacturers

The following schach mat manufacturers are certified by STAR-K. Please see letter of certification for usage instructions.

Sukkah Systems
20 Brighton Ave.
Passaic, NJ 07055
Click here for Sukkah Systems’ current letter of certification.

The Sukkah Project
2317 Grand Park Dr. #2A
Grand Junction, CO 81505
844.478.5568
Click here for The Sukkah Project’s current letter of certification.

The Esrog Headquarters – The Sukkah Headquarters
5809 Foster Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Click here for The Esrog/Sukkah Headquarters’ current letter of certification.

Click here for information on proper storage of schach mats.

STAR-K’s 11th Annual Kashrus Training Program Features NYS Kosher Enforcement Director Rabbi Aaron Metzger

STAR-K’s 11th Annual Kashrus Training Program Features NYS Kosher Enforcement Director Rabbi Aaron Metzger

07 | 29 | 2014

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/human-interest/250914/star-ks-11th-annual-kashrus-training-program-features-nys-kosher-enforcement-director-rabbi-aaron-metzger.html

The Eleventh Annual STAR-K Kashrus Training Program attracted attendees from the Catskill Mountains to Indianapolis, IN. This year, in addition to the STAR-K Kashrus Administrators who delivered presentations on everything from Foodservice Challenges to the Halachic issues of Appliances, Rabbi Aaron Metzger, director of the NY State Kosher Enforcement Bureau, addressed the participants. Rabbi Metzger, a resident of Monsey, NY, was appointed to his position by The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in January. Part of his job is to protect consumers by ensuring compliance with the certification, record keeping and signage requirements relating to kosher food, and maintaining the Department’s online kosher databases.

“Being in this position is important to the Jewish community to maintain a sense of accountability in Kosher,” notes Rabbi Metzger.” Being able to present at the STAR-K conference has enlightened various rabbis from across the globe how important transparency and accountability is […]

Thrip Cloth (Shmatte Bedika) Tutorial

Thrip Cloth (Shmatte Bedika) Tutorial

Instructions on Using a Kosher Vegetable Checking Cloth

Wash produce well. (Note: Use warm water for broccoli and cauliflower.)
Prepare a basin with water and a non-bleach and non-toxic dishwasher detergent solution. The water should feel slippery.
Agitate the produce in the solution for 15 seconds. (Note: For broccoli and cauliflower, soak for 30 seconds BEFORE agitating.)
Remove the produce from the basin and shake off excess water over the basin.
Pour water through the thrip cloth.
Check the thrip cloth over a light box for any insects.
If insects are found, repeat steps 1-6. This can be done up to three times. If insects are still found on the third try, the produce should not be used.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A THRIP CLOTH: Check the water for infestation by placing a white basin over a light box.

TO ORDER A STAR-K BUG CHECKING KIT, CLICK HERE

Como Escolher O Certificado Kosher

Como Escolher O Certificado Kosher

Introduçâo
Selecionando a Agência Correta
No Princípio
Questões Importantes
Que Tipo De Serviço Você Pode Esperar?
Que Perícia E Conhecimento Eles Oferecem A Você?
Termos De NEGociação
Honorãrios

Introduçâo

Pesquisas de mercado demonstraram que os consumidores geralmente escolhem um produto com certificado Kosher ao invés de outro sem esse certificado. Mais tarde esses mesmos estudos revelaram que a certificaçâo Kosher é um recurso utilizado por uma vasta gama de consumidores tanto judeus como não judeus.

Muitos fatores são responsáveis pela explosão de produtos com certificação Kosher; por diversas razões os consumidores de produtos com certificado Kosher influencia um mercado que excede esse grupo de pessoas. Isto é particularmente verdade nos Estados Unidos aonde as grandes cadeias de supermercados se esforçam para ter os mesmos produtos em todos as suas lojas que são abastecidas por um distribuidor central. A Europa sofreu um aumento dramático na demanda por Kosher, […]

2025 Starbucks Information

2025 Starbucks Information

In general, Starbucks stores serve hot treif meat and cheese. Therefore, since 2011, STAR-K Rabbinic Administrator Rav Moshe Heinemann shlit”a suggests that if at all possible one should avoid buying drinks prepared with equipment that may have been washed with treif equipment. There are drinks (see list below) that are prepared without any contact with questionable equipment and are acceptable at any store.

When one is traveling, (traveling means when one is away from home and no other viable kosher certified coffee option is readily available),  this creates a situation of sha’as hadchak – i.e., a difficult situation – and one need not be concerned with the restrictions on the beverages listed below (based on the psak of the Noda B’Yehuda quoted in Yad Ephraim, Y.D. 122-6, D’H’ Shelo. It can be found in Shu”t Noda B’Yehuda Kama 36). One does not need to be driving on the highway to fit into the […]

Heimishe Kosher Visits STAR-K

Heimishe Kosher Visits STAR-K

02 | 10 | 2014

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/213354/heimishe-kosher-visits-star-k.html

STAR-K Kosher Certification recently held its first Winter Kashrus Training Program for a group of mashgichim from New York. The participants, who live in Boro Park, traveled to attend the seminar in Baltimore on three consecutive Sundays, January-February. The program was the brainchild of Mr. Meir Rand, a Chasidishe mashgiach who has worked in various kitchen venues in Boro Park. Realizing the lack of Chasidishe mashgiach training, he approached STAR-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Zvi Holland with his well-accepted idea of a training program.

“I was very, very happy with the program; I learned such new chidushim and how to deal with people in Kashrus work,” says Mr. Rand. “I have no words. It was mamash amazing–meyradik!

“The Chasidishe community doesn’t yet have such a training program for their mashgichim,” continues Mr. Rand. “We have no mesuderdik system for training them and we found out that STAR-K has the best training system […]

STAR-K Hosts J.E.W. Seminar

STAR-K Hosts J.E.W. Seminar

01 | 21 | 2014

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/211002/star-k-hosts-j-e-w-seminar.html

On Wednesday, January 8, STAR-K Kosher Certification’s Baltimore offices hosted a seminar for Jewish Experience Week (J.E.W.). The seminar, led by STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Zvi Holland, enlightened college students from around the country about the function of a kosher certification agency and various practical Kashrus issues.

Rabbi Holland’s presentation, “The Wonderful World of Kosher Certification”, covered the history of kosher certification, the globalization of food production and Kosher certification, the difference between a local agency and an International agency, non-profit public agencies certifying kashrus as opposed to individuals, the need and value of retaining public trust in kosher agencies, how halachic decisions are made at STAR-K and how they are kept separate from business, and STAR-K’s unique role as the only major non-profit Kosher agency dedicated only to Kosher. An informative Q & A session followed.

Rabbi Goldberg’s talk, “The Mystical and the Practical”, addressed the Torah […]

Pas Haba’ah B’Kisnin

Pas Haba’ah B’Kisnin

For a detailed pas habaa bkisnin discussion see here.

I. Varieties and circumstances that warrant a Birchas Hamotzi:

Pizza:
Three slices of 18″ pizza pie
Three slices of 16″ pizza pie
1/2 of a 14″ thin crust pie,
1/2 of a 12″ regular pizza pie
1/2 of a 9″ deep dish pizza pie

Other:
Bagel chips made from bagels
Calzone – 1 from a pizza shop; 2 pre-packaged frozen
Croissants (when augmenting a dinner meal)
Croutons (toasted)
Matzos (Sefardim should ask their Rabbi)
Melba toast
Mezonos rolls – that taste like cake and are augmenting a dinner meal, and those that taste like bread
Soft pretzels (when augmenting a dinner meal)
Stromboli – 1 from a pizza shop; 2 pre-packaged frozen

II. Varieties and circumstances that warrant a Birchas Mezonos when eaten as a snack:

Bagel Chips
Breadsticks
Croissants (as a pastry)
Flatbreads (all varieties)
Hard Pretzels
Kichel
Matza Tams
One slice of pizza
[...] Read More

Good Fences Make Good Home Owners

Good Fences Make Good Home Owners

by Dr. Tzvi White, reviewed by Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Star-K Rabbinic Administrator

Home ownership, the American dream. After moving in one hopes it doesn’t turn in to an American nightmare. So many things to take care of; so many things to consider. Utilities, the structure, the appliances – the list is seemingly endless. Dealing with normal home issues is hard enough, just think how many more issues have to be considered in a kosher compliant home. Kosher mezuzas on all entrances. Kosher appliances to make the kosher kitchen user friendly. No trees hanging over the backyard area where the sukkah is to be built. Moreover, does anyone realize that roofs, porches, balconies and landings have to be kosher as well? How do you make a porch kosher compliant? The answer – build a ma’akeh.

What is a ma’akeh?

[...] Read More

A Mashgiach’s Job is Never Done

A Mashgiach’s Job is Never Done

David Mitnick, Star-K Mashgiach

The world of Kashrus is exciting, stressful, and always a challenge for a Mashgiach. Changes in product certification, facility protocol, and current events, in addition to a working knowledge of Kashrus, are items in which every Mashgiach must be well-versed to be a powerful player in any kitchen. The role of the Mashgiach, once typecast as that of an old man with a white beard sitting on a chair, has changed. Not only does the Mashgiach need to know to keep dairy and meat separate, the “new-age” Mashgiach must relate to the kitchen and serving staff with diplomacy and grace in order to be a respected member of the team.

OTZER BAIS DIN: Proper Distribution of Shmitta Produce

OTZER BAIS DIN: Proper Distribution of Shmitta Produce

Rav Aharon Tendler, Ner Israel Mechina High School

Our rabbis have taught that if the Jewish nation would observe two Shabbosos, they would be immediately redeemed1.  Generally, this is understood to mean that the redemption will come if we observe two consecutive Shabbosos. The question arises as to the significance of two Shabbosos, and many responses have been provided.  There is a beautiful answer offered by the former Chief Rabbi of Moscow, Rabbi Fishman, in his introduction to a commentary on the Yerushalmi Mesechta Shevi’is.  Rabbi Fishman maintains that the two Shabbosos actually refer to the seventh day of the week when we refrain from all melacha, constructive work, and the seventh year of shmitta, when we withdraw our ownership from  the land of Israel and declare all produce ownerless and available for all to take.