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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.
Rosh Hashana Simanim Checking Guide
The Kosher Conversation Episode 16: Out of Town Kashrus
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?
Summer 2021 | Updated September 2024
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 […]
A Traveler’s Guide to Tefilas Haderech
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
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
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.
The Kosher Conversation Episode 12: Kosher Meat Production
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
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?
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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!
The Kosher Conversation Episode 14
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:
The Basics of Tzaar Baalei Chayim
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
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
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 […]
Thermador Oven Alert
April 7, 2021
BSH Home Appliances has recently discovered a glitch in the
Thermador Professional Series Double Wall Ovens. The Sabbath mode operation is
working properly, but the temperature adjustment allowance during Sabbath mode
is not working once Sabbath is activated.
The following products are affected:
Product
Description
PO302W
Pro
Dbl Oven, 30″, SS, Select
POD302LW
Pro
Dbl Oven, 30″, SS, Deluxe, Left Side-Opening
POD302RW
Pro
Dbl Oven, 30″, SS, Deluxe, Right Side-Opening
POD302W
Pro
Dbl Oven, 30″, SS, Deluxe
PODS302W
Pro
Spec Dbl, 30″, SS, Deluxe, Steam and Convection Oven
This issue can be fixed through
a software update and BSH has already initiated actions to implement the fix
within the factory, as well as an […]
Halachos of Pet Neutering
February 2021
Q: May one ask a vet to spay a pet?
A: I frequently get asked this question. People who have pets often prefer to have them neutered, as this makes the animals more docile. However, there are serious halachic issues associated with this. Poskim differentiate between whether a male or female animal is being neutered. The neutering of a male animal is known as castration, whereas neutering a female animal is called spaying.
The Torah (Vayikra 22:24) states that castrating men and male animals is forbidden. This prohibition is known as sirus.1 It is also forbidden to remove a woman and female animal’s reproductive organs. The Gr”a is of the opinion that this is a Torah prohibition. The Taz, however, feels that causing a female animal to become infertile is permitted. According to the Taz, the reason it is forbidden to remove a female animal’s reproductive organs is solely due […]
Dessert: A Real Bracha!
Kashrus Kurrents, Winter 2021
You are at a חתונה and all of a sudden they roll in the Viennese tables full of cakes, chocolates, ice cream, melons and bread. You are not sure whether or not you should recite a ברכה ראשונה over any of these desserts. The question is equally applicable in your own home whether on Shabbos or any given day of the week: Do I or don’t I need to recite a ברכה over dessert?
The Shulchan Aruch1 states that when one eats bread, all foods which are eaten together with the bread are פטור (exempt) from a ברכה because they are secondary to the bread. Therefore, the ברכה recited over the bread covers any other food that is eaten, as well.
On the other hand, since a dessert is eaten to end the meal with a sweet taste, it is entirely different since the intention is not to […]
A Matter of Public Interest
“Oh, you need a loan to buy a new car? Check out Penn-Atlantic Credit Union. They’re practically giving money away!”
With interest rates of less than half of what is typically offered by a conventional bank, credit unions are a practical and popular choice for many consumers. Credit unions can give these low rates because they are non-profit and cooperatively owned. In order to borrow from a credit union, you must first be a member; every member is a partial owner, with both a financial stake and a vote in how it is run. This arrangement, however, presents a serious halachic concern: ribbis, the Torah prohibition against borrowing and lending of money with interest.
In truth, there is a similar ribbis concern in many bank loans. Mutual savings banks are structured similarly to credit unions; each depositor is a partial owner. The bank essentially acts as a shadchan between the many owners […]
Navigating the Pizza Paradox: Pas or Pas Nisht
Kashrus Kurrents, Winter 2021
If you ask any out-of-town kiruv professional involved in outreach, “What are the two most important community ‘must-haves’ needed to attract baalei teshuvah or create growth in a particular Jewish community?”, nine times out of ten the answer you will get is 1) an eruv and 2) a kosher pizza shop! I can bear witness to this fact. At the beginning of my tenure as executive director of the Vaad Hoer of St. Louis 35 years ago, I sent out a questionnaire to the frum kehilos and the community at large asking what they think would enhance the St. Louis frum community. Believe it or not, the overwhelming response was a kosher pizza shop. Soon thereafter, a kosher pizza shop opened. Subsequently, two community eruvim were also built.
Similarly, over 40 years ago in my shul in Birmingham, Alabama, where the community was too small to support either […]
Dacor Refrigerator Alert
December 22, 2020
If your refrigerator has an Auto Door Open (ADO) feature, it must be turned off before Shabbos/Yom Tov.
See pages 17, 18, 32 and 33 in the Dacor Use & Care Manual.
Sukkahs To Go and Schach Mats (Webinar)
October 2020
In this STAR-K Webinar, Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer discuss Sukkos-related topics.
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