Guide to Buying Chometz After Pesach

By: Rabbi Mordechai Frankel

Updated February 2024

From a Jewish-Owned Store That Did Not Sell Its Chometz to a Non-Jew Before Pesach

The Torah forbids a Jew to own chometz on Pesach. In order to dissuade people from owning chometz on Pesach, there is a rabbinic injunction not to eat or benefit from chometz which was owned by a Jew during Pesach. Such chometz is known as chometz she’avar alav haPesach, and it remains forbidden permanently.1

For this reason, one should not buy chometz from a Jewish-owned store immediately after Pesach, unless the owner sold all chometz that he owned before Pesach to a non-Jew for the duration of Pesach and did not acquire any further chometz during Pesach. The laws of mechiras chometz (selling chometz to a non-Jew for Pesach) are complex; therefore, the sale must be made by a competent rabbi or kashrus authority.

If a Jewish-owned store did not sell its chometz for […]

Daf Yomi Rosh Hashana 20 – Livestream Recording

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

The cloud recording is now available.

Topic: Daf Yomi
Date: Oct 29, 2021 05:10 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Click on the link below to listen to the recording:
https://nqgrg.zoom.us/rec/share/z2aYdT33GkvlBklADX0PQBPMVTOhkrQMePkR3HWFHl0NECY2brVPR1Um4fhLtcV_.Vw02L4APBd9Cdp8F

Passcode: 4jtc0f#!

Navigating the Challenges: Shemita 5782

By: Rabbi Dovid Stein

Fall 2021

For over nineteen hundred years, the Jewish people have longed to return to Eretz Yisroel. It is only in Eretz Yisroel that we can realize our full potential as a nation. It is only in Eretz Yisroel that the Torah’s blueprint for life can be completely fulfilled.

For the
millennia, the most important dimension of this longing was the yearning to
once again be able to fulfill the mitzvos hatluyos ba’aretz (agricultural
laws), the commandments that can be observed only in Eretz Yisroel. With Hashem’s
help, many of us in this past generation have realized part of this two
thousand year old dream. Yet, this realization has presented us with new
challenges.

Without a
doubt, one of the greatest mitzvah challenges of all times is the fulfillment
of the mitzvah of Shemita, the year of Sabbatical rest for the Land of
Israel. The Midrash perceives this multifaceted commandment as being so
challenging and difficult that he who meets the challenge […]

Kosher Consumer Misconsumptions

By: Rabbi Tzvi Rosen

Fall 2021

STAR-K’s
consumer Kosher Hotline is constantly abuzz with kashrus inquiries. Close to
5000 consumer calls were logged between Purim and Pesach 5781 alone. Questions
range from product information to complex kitchen shailos, from reliable
kosher airline caterers to wines whose kosher certification symbols are so
small you need a high-powered magnifying glass to read the rav hamachshir’s
name.

Even
with all the available information, consumers still get confused or make incorrect
assumptions that could lead to severe halachic consequences. The following
examples of kosher consumer misconceptions are based on real Kosher Hotline
inquiries. Hopefully, this article will help clarify some common errors.

Misconception 1: Putting an oven into Sabbath Mode allows
one to cook on Shabbos.

Chas v’shalom! The Sabbath Mode does not allow one to cook on Shabbos. The
Sabbath Mode makes a modern oven halachically compliant so that it may be used on
Shabbos and Yom Tov. The purpose of the Sabbath Mode was to address new
technological and computerized features that have created […]

Optical ‘Allusions’: Avoiding Maris Ayin

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Fall 2021

Making a Good Impression

The kohen tasked with removing funds from the treasury of
the Bais Hamikdash needed to go to great lengths to avoid any suspicion of
stealing: he could not wear hemmed clothing, or even tefillin, lest he hide a
coin in them. He was required to speak the entire time so that he could not hide
any coins in his mouth. When he exited the treasury, his hair was combed to
ensure that he did not squirrel away any money in his curls! The Mishnah
explains that these measures were necessary, as there is a Torah obligation to
avoid suspicion: “…v’hiyisem neki’im meHashem u’meYisroel, … and you
shall be innocent before Hashem and before Israel.”[1]

Activities that give an impression of transgressing Halacha must
be avoided, even if they are intrinsically permitted. This area of Halacha is
known as maris ayin and chashad, the appearance of transgressing
an issur.[2]
Interestingly, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, writes that this only […]

The Kosher Conversation Sukkos Special

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Arba Minim with Rabbi Mordechai Frankel

A special episode focusing on the Halachos of the Arba Minim: Esrog, Lulav, Hadassim, and Aravos.

Rabbi Frankel walks us through the selection process of the Daled Minim:

Do the size and shape of your esrog matter?Does your lulav need to be straight?How much should you spend on a chinuch set?Do you need to check the esrog with a loupe?

All this and much much more on this special Sukkos episode of the kosher conversation!

Feedback and questions are always welcome at 1-410-816-9509 or [email protected].

A Shemita Primer for Chutz La’aretz

Updated September 11, 2023

By: STAR-K Rabbinic Staff

Beginning on Rosh Hashana this year (5782) and ending Rosh Hashana next year (5783), it is the Shemita/Sabbatical year in Eretz Yisroel. This is certainly one of the most special mitzvos that we have. The amazing demonstration of our absolute faith and emunah in Hashem which is displayed from its proper observance is unique from all other mitzvos. Furthermore, the guarantee that Hashem will provide us with sustenance in advance that comes along with observing Shemita is something that proves that the Torah can be directly only from Hashem himself.

Although Shemita does not apply to land outside of Eretz Yisroel, there are still a number of circumstances that we in chutz la’aretz will likely encounter, and thereby give us the ability to observe the mitzvah of Shemita properly. The laws of Shemita are quite extensive and complex. The goal of this […]

Rosh Hashana Simanim Checking Guide

Click image below for a larger view and a handy printable version.

A HALACHIC GUIDE TO HONEY AND BEE DERIVATIVES

Click here for STAR-K’s Halachic Guide to Honey and Bee Derivates by Rabbi Dovid Heber.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 16: Out of Town Kashrus

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Out of Town Kashrus with Rabbi Nosson Dubin of Houston Kosher

In today’s episode Rabbi Nosson Dubin shares with us what it is like to “do kashrus” in an out-of-town community.

We talk about a wide array of topics, including:

The challenges of kosher supervision in a place where everyone knows you personally.The mandate of ensuring that kosher food is available to local consumers.How one small conversation changed the entire paradigm of kosher supervision.The Kosher Institute of America’s mashgiach training program.What it’s like to participate in the AKO Executive Committee.

and, of course:

How to run a Kosher Chili Cookoff!

Feedback and questions are always welcome at 1-410-816-9509 or [email protected].

STAR-K Certification Hosts Diverse Klei Kodesh at Annual Food Service and Kashrus Training Programs

07 | 28 | 2021

Rabbi Yonah Gross eagerly signed up for STAR-K Kosher Certification’s annual Food Service Kashrus Training Seminar held in the agency’s Baltimore offices July 6-8. As the newly appointed Kashrus Administrator of the Community Kashrus of Greater Philadelphia (Keystone-K) – for which he was an active rabbinical board member for seven years – the former Rav of Congregation Beth Hamedrosh in Wynnewood, PA, wanted to learn more about the challenges a mashgiach faces.

Shares Rabbi Gross, “As Kashrus Administrator, I spend plenty of time in our various establishments, but it was very helpful to see things from the perspective of someone who is in our kitchens, catering halls, and factories on an ongoing basis. It is also helpful to learn the best practices of other organizations in order to try to incorporate them into my own organization to strengthen Kashrus in Philadelphia. Interacting with the STAR-K staff is very helpful in developing relationships with […]

Delivery and Ride Apps – Halachically App-roved?

By: Rabbi Zvi Goldberg

Updated November 2023

With the advent of the latest apps, a whole new world of halachic scenarios has arisen.[1] These include shailos about using food delivery services, working for a food delivery or ride app, and even calling and using a ride service. These various situations will be addressed here.[2]

Ordering from Meal Delivery Apps

Meal delivery apps like Uber Eats,
Grubhub, DoorDash and Postmates have seen tremendous growth over the last few
years. For our discussion, we will use Uber Eats as our example, but the concerns
raised apply to the comparable apps.

A customer orders from a restaurant that
has contracted with Uber Eats. When it is ready, an Uber Eats driver picks it
up from the restaurant and delivers it to the customer. Here are some points to
consider when ordering from a kosher restaurant:

Is the food properly sealed?

Delivered food must be properly sealed.[3] Many restaurants do not seal take-out food, unless the […]

A Traveler’s Guide to Tefilas Haderech

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Summer 2021

During the past year and a half, STAR-K mashgichim continued to conduct inspections in the United States and abroad in a manner deemed safe for them and factory personnel. STAR-K is very thankful for their tremendous mesiras nefesh to ensure that our certified products maintained the highest level of kashrus, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Still, many consumers who frequently travel stayed home. With great siyata d’Shmaya, an effective vaccine was developed that has allowed us to resume our busy travel schedules and to once again recite Tefilas Haderech on a regular basis. Let us examine the halachos of this beautiful tefilla.[1]

The Tefilla

Tefilas Haderech is based on the Gemara in Brachos (29b-30a), with some minor variations, depending upon one’s nusach. The Gemara says it is recited in loshon rabim (plural; e.g., shetolicheinu, etc.).[2] When returning the same the day, the words v’sachzireinu l’shalom […]

The Kosher Conversation Episode 15: Lab-Grown Meat

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Lab-Grown Meat

In this episode we explore the halachic ramifications of cultured meat, (also known as lab-grown or synthetic meat). Rabbi Daniel Friedman shares his pioneering work with us, and Rabbi Joel Kenigsberg keeps us abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Learn how synthetic meat is made! What is it? Can it be Kosher? Can it Be Parve?

Also, a rare recording of Rav Moshe Heinemann. shlita, addressing these issues.

Leave your feedback for the Kosher Conversation at 410-816-9509!

The Kosher Conversation Episode 13: Nikkur and Melicha

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Nikkur and Melicha With Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld

In this episode we go in depth about the steps taken to prepare kosher meat for consumption – nikkur and melicha.

Rabbi Kurcfeld, drawing on his experience in this field, and describes the various parts of the animal, and how they are prepared by removing cheilev, the forbidden fats, and how the blood is removed through salting.

Bonus Question! Is pate de foie gras kosher?

The Kosher Conversation Episode 12: Kosher Meat Production

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Kosher Meat Production with Rabbi Tzvi Shaul Goldberg

In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Shaul Goldberg, Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K, takes us through the various steps of kosher meat production. Hear about the thought, the training and the skill that go into shechita, bedika, nikkur, and melicha, as Rabbi Goldberg talks about his personal experience and training in the field.

Learn about some of the gritty details that need to be observed to determine if a shechita is acceptable.

Finally, unravel some of the mystery surrounding chassidishe shechita!

The Kosher Conversation Episode 11: Shochtim and Chalafim

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Rav Moshe Heinemann on Shochtim and Chalafim

In this episode Rav Heinemann discusses what exactly “kabbalah” for shechita means, and what a shochet needs to know to qualify.

We also take a look at the knives used for shechita, and learn about the Rov’s personal chalaf collection.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 10: Which Meat Is Kosher?

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Rav Moshe Heinemann on Which Meat is Kosher

In this episode Rav Heinemann discusses the traditions to eat various animals. Some of the topics discussed:

What makes a chicken a chicken? Is turkey kosher? Do we need a mesorah for various breeds of cows? Can we shecht giraffes?

All this and much more on this episode of the Kosher Conversation!

The Kosher Conversation Episode 9: Cheese Production

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Cheese Production with Rabbi Yonah Goldberg of St. Paul, Minnesota

In this episode we speak with Rabbi Yonah Goldberg about life in the Midwest, growing up in Haarlem, and of course, cheese!

All sorts of cheese:

Blue CheeseCheddar Cheese,Monterey Jack,and even … Squeaky Cheese!

The Kosher Conversation Episode 8: Sodas and Slurpees

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Sodas and Slurpees with Rabbi Boruch Beyer

In this episode Rabbi Boruch Beyer, Kashrus Administrator at STAR-K, talks with us about:

Where does soda come from? How is it made? Is it kosher everywhere? The story of the Slurpee!

And a special bonus topic – Why would paper need a hechsher?

The Kosher Conversation Episode 7: Margarine and Hard Fats (part 2 of 2)

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Margarine and More With Rabbi Simcha Smolensky of the OU

Today, we continue our conversation with Rabbi Smolensky, an industrial mashgiach for the OU. Picking up from the discussion of oil production in the previous episode, Rabbi Smolensky discusses margarine and hard fats.

Learn about the history of margarine! What is it? What oils can it be made from?What are the challenges in making kosher margarine?How does government legislation affect Kosher for Passover Margarine?

All this and more in this episode of The Kosher Conversation!

Part two of a two-part series.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 6: Oils (part 1 of 2)

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Oils with Rabbi Simcha Smolensky of the OU

Today’s conversation is with Rabbi Simcha Smolensky, a veteran Chicago-based Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU. He shares his expertise in all aspects of kosher oil production.

Where do oils come from? What are the differences between them? Aren’t all vegetable oils really kosher?

Part one of a two-part series.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 5: Cholov Yisroel

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Cholov Yisroel with Rabbi Tzvi Rosen

The Kosher Conversation returns from a Pesach hiatus.

In this episode we discuss how to make Cholov Yisroel milk in modern dairies, with special attention paid to Pride of the Farm.Curious about how to watch the milking of thousands of cows? Want to know who’s at the dairy on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Is Pride of the Farm really better than other milk? Wondering what could possibly go wrong?

All this and more on this week’s episode. Just press play.

As always comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome at [email protected]./html

The Kosher Conversation Episode 4: All About Medications

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Medicine with Rabbi Dovid Heber

In this installment Rabbi Dovid Heber tells us all about medications. He answers many burning questions about kosher medication:

Is kosher medicine really necessary? What are the possible problems with medicine?Should you wrap your pills in paper before you take them? Should you wait until the pharmacy gets the kosher version?

All this and more!

Please email your comments and suggestions to [email protected]

The Kosher Conversation Episode 3: Pesach Hotels

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Pesach Hotels with Rabbi Zvi Holland

Pesach hotels are a long-standing, much maligned institution in Jewish communities in America and around the world. Rabbi Holland takes us behind the scenes and gives us his insight into what it takes to plan, prepare and run a Kosher for Passover program.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 2: Matzah Baking

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Matzah Baking with Rabbi Shmuel Heinemann

Rabbi Heinemann takes us on a deep dive into the world of machine and hand matzah bakeries.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 1: Food Service Kashrus

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Food Service Kashrus with Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld

Talking Food Service Kashrus with Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld of the STAR-K.

In this episode we discuss how Rabbi Kurcfeld got his start in Kosher Supervision, the ins and outs of kosher food service, and setting up facilities such as restaurants, colleges, hotels and hospitals.

Learn the three crucial factors in successfully setting up a kosher vendor!

Hear what happens when it doesn’t go according to plan!

All this and more on this episode.

The Kosher Conversation Episode 14

By: Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

Rabbi Moshe Yurman is one of the few chalaf-machers (knife makers) in the United States today. In this episode, he discusses the requirements and techniques of working steel into the best possible knife for shechita with Rabbi Zvi Holland.

How do you make a blade from a blank?How do you keep it sharp?Does modern technology affect these specialized chalafim?Do Italian barbers come into the picture?

All this and much, much more on this Episode of the Kosher Conversation

Bonus Content:

Rabbi Yurman has been interviewed in the following magazines:

Ami

Tablet

The Basics of Tzaar Baalei Chayim

By: Rabbi Mordechai Frankel

Spring 2021

The prohibition to gratuitously cause pain to an animal is known as tzaar baalei chayim. The Gemara presents a debate as to whether this is a Torah or a Rabbinic obligation.1 Most Rishonim pasken that it is forbidden mideoraissa,2 although some Rishonim pasken that it only prohibited midrabonon.3 The Nimukei Yosef suggests that the Torah forbids one to cause an animal significant pain, and the rabonnon extended this and forbade causing less substantial pain as well.4

There is some uncertainty as to the view of the Rambam. The Kesef Mishna states that the Rambam considers tzaar baalei chayim to be a Torah command,5 whereas the Ohr Sameach opines that the Rambam regards it to be a Rabbinic prohibition.6 The Netziv offers a unique resolution of the Rambam’s position. He suggests that the Rambam paskens that it is asur mideoraissa to cause pain to one’s own animals and asur midrabonon […]

The Chaliva Mashgiach Neither Slumbers nor Sleeps

By: Rabbi Tzvi Rosen

Spring 2021

הנה לא ינום ולא ישן שומר חלב ישראל

10:00 AM, 6:00 PM, 2:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM, 2:00 AM – a virtual ‘dairy-go-round’ on an actual carousel for 1700 satisfied participants, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This scenario bears no resemblance to my Mother’s, ע”ה, family cow that she milked in the shtetl about 90 years ago. What do both scenarios have in common? Both produce Cholov Yisroel milk but, oh, how times have changed! There is so much more that must meet the keen eye of a contemporary Cholov Yisroel mashgiach.

When I grew up in Washington, D.C., Cholov Yisroel was a totally unknown term, an unknown entity, and certainly an unknown milk bottle in the refrigerator. But times have changed. Today, Cholov Yisroel is a burgeoning industry, ranging from ice cream novelties to energy bars. However, some […]

On The Tip of Your Tongue

By: Rabbi Nisson Dov Miller

Spring 2021

“If there is any doubt, ask!” is a mantra that behooves any pulpit rabbi to convey to his kehila regarding kitchen mix-up issues. This is especially true concerning those shailos that involve the erroneous use of uncertified products whose only kashrus concern is that it contains mysterious “natural and artificial flavors”. However, all too often the food is thrown into the garbage before a shaila is asked. Surprising to most, when consumers in this predicament call into the STAR-K hotline, more often than not we can be the bearer of good news.

Before I delve into why, let me share a watershed story that will carry us to the essence of the matter

Where Is The Beef?

In April, 2001, a high profile article entitled, “Where’s the Beef? It Is In Your Fries!” appeared in India West, a popular newspaper and internet site for the North American […]