Kashrus Kurrents Winter 2025 Issue | Updated January 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eretz Yisroel is also called Eretz Tzvi.<\/em> Chazal explain that, like the skin of a tzvi<\/em> (a deer), which stretches beyond its natural state, the Land of Israel likewise expands to accommodate its inhabitants.[1]<\/a> The Talmud states that anyone who walks four amos<\/em> in Eretz Yisroel merits a place in the World to Come.[2]<\/a> From here, some poskim<\/em> derive that one fulfills a mitzvah merely by visiting Eretz Yisroel, even if one intends to stay for just a short while.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone planning a trip should be mindful of several pertinent halachos<\/em>. We will review some of these below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One should keep in mind the times for davening, where and when to daven, and other time-related mitzvos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tefilas Haderech<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 should be recited on the way to the airport or while taxiing on the runway, as appropriate.[10]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What if you stop over in Europe and then board another flight the next morning, does the tefillah need to be repeated? According to Rav Moshe Heinemann shlit\u201da,<\/em> Tefilas Haderech<\/em> is not recited the second day after travelling all night. But to satisfy all opinions, he advises one to insert Tefilas Haderech<\/em> in Shome\u2019a Tefilah<\/em> in Shemoneh Esrei,<\/em>[11]<\/a> or to recite it without Hashem\u2019s name in the bracha<\/em> at the end. [12]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Shacharis<\/strong> \u2013 Many travelers taking a night flight fail to realize that the proper time for Shacharis might be as little as two hours after takeoff, and so they daven too late \u2013 after the sof zman tefillah<\/em>. In addition, the allowable span for Shacharis is short, as little as two hours. The davening times may not be obvious if one is looking out the window.[13]<\/a> Consult online charts for correct times (see \u201cSidebar: Packing Suggestions,\u201d below). Note that the proper direction to daven on a flight to Israel is towards the front of the plane, even though it is not strictly due east.[14]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sitting vs. Standing<\/strong> \u2013 One may daven seated. One who wishes to stand or to daven with a minyan should ask the flight crew for permission and for a time that will not interfere with their duties.[14a]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Birchas Hagomel<\/em> <\/strong>\u2013 should be recited after landing, at the first possible Torah reading (and after the return trip as well).[15]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tearing Kriah<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 When visiting the Kosel, one tears kriah<\/em> over the Churban, ripping clothing which cover the heart.[16]<\/a> There is discussion among poskim<\/em> if the custom is to tear just one garment (jacket or shirt) or all the garments (jacket and shirt).[17]<\/a> To avoid this issue, one may take off a jacket before seeing the Kosel, rip kriah<\/em> on his shirt upon seeing the Kosel, then put the jacket back on without the need to tear kriah<\/em> on it.[18]<\/a> A sweater, coat, tzitzis, or undershirt are not torn. Since one cannot bring scissors past security, one should start the kriah<\/em> at home so that he will be able to tear at the Kosel.[19]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mizrach<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 In the U.S., we face east \u2013 toward Mizrach<\/em> \u2013 <\/strong>when we daven, which is facing Yerushalayim.[20]<\/a> But in Israel, we face in whichever direction points us to Yerushalayim. Thus, in Teveria (which is in the north) we face south, while in Beersheva (which is in the south) we face north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zmanim<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Be mindful that zmanim<\/em> in Israel are different than in your hometown (obviously, this is true wherever you travel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the earliest sof zman tefilah<\/u><\/em> of the year in Brooklyn is 9:56 a.m. In Jerusalem it can be as early as 9:32 a.m. If you were to daven, for example, at a 9 a.m. minyan on Shabbos, you would likely miss zman tefilah<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are various opinions when to consider it nightfall in the U.S. for Krias Shma<\/em>. A common opinion, based on Igros Moshe<\/em>, is 50 minutes after sunset. However, in Israel, it gets darker faster, so nightfall arrives sooner. Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt\u201dl<\/em> is quoted as saying that 30 minutes is sufficient; some hold as little as 20-25 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For melacha<\/em> on Motzei Shabbos in the U.S., there are various customs \u2013 72, 60, 50 or 42 minutes.[21]<\/a> In Israel, many people keep less than that, and one should consult with his rav<\/em> as to the proper time.[21a]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Additions in Tefilah<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 In Israel, one begins to say V\u2019sen Tal Umattar<\/em> in Shmoneh Esrei<\/em> on 7 Cheshvan, which is much earlier than we do here in the U.S. (December 4).[22]<\/a> According to Rav Heinemann, one who travels to Israel after 7 Cheshvan but before December 4 should say it in the bracha of Shomei\u2019ah Tefilah<\/em> once he arrives in Israel, and then upon his return revert to not saying it, until December 4.[23]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The nusach<\/em> after eating fruit grown in Israel from the Shevah Minim<\/em> is v\u2019al peiroseha<\/em>, or v\u2019al pri gafna<\/em> for wine and grape juice. This applies while outside of Israel as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parshios<\/em><\/strong> Read on Shabbos<\/strong> \u2013 Sometimes the parshios<\/em> read on Shabbos in Israel and outside Israel are out of sync. This happens with parshios<\/em> that are read following the eighth day of Pesach or the second day of Shavuos that occurs on Shabbos. There are various minhagim<\/em> as to how to address this. [24]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kashrus<\/strong> \u2013 Navigating the kosher situation in Israel is much more complicated than in the U.S. Often, kosher certifications in Israel are not up to the standards required by Orthodox communities in the States. Even knowing which agency certifies a restaurant can be a challenge, as agencies do not maintain the information online, unlike in the U.S. Before eating out or committing to a hotel booking, contact a person knowledgeable about kashrus in Israel.[25]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kashrus in Israel also involves the halachos of Terumos, Maasros, Orlah<\/em> and Shemita<\/em>, which apply to produce grown in Eretz Yisroel. If you buy produce with a good kosher certification, there should be no issues. But if the produce bears a certification that is not to your level, or if you go berry- or grape-picking, you are the one tasked with the separations and will need to become informed about the halachos.[26]<\/a> During and following a Shemita<\/em> year one needs to be especially careful with Shemita produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two-Day Yom Tov<\/strong> \u2013 While Israelis observe only one day of Yom Tov (except for Rosh Hashana), the general consensus is that visitors keep two days.[27]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When planning to travel to Israel for Pesach, be aware that you will need to sell your chometz earlier than the zman <\/em>in the U.S. due to the time difference. Make sure that the rav <\/em>selling your chometz is aware of your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kohanim must abide by restrictions to preserve their kedusha<\/em> with regard to the flights they may take and the places they can go in Eretz Yisrael. Non-stop flights to Eretz Yisroel may carry a meis<\/em> (a corpse) on board for burial there. A kohen may not travel on such a flight. Certain flights almost definitely have meisim<\/em> (e.g., certain El Al flights from JFK) while some almost definitely do not (e.g., flights to<\/em> European cities.) Some flights pass over Jewish cemeteries (e.g., flights from<\/em> Budapest.) The details are constantly changing, and kohanim need to check ahead of time. With Rav Heinemann\u2019s encouragement, a general guide for kohanim was recently prepared that addresses some of these issues.[29]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some areas in Israel are problematic for kohanim. For instance, walking or biking in Gan Sacher near the Knesset in Jerusalem might lead one right into (or under trees overhanging) a cemetery that is adjacent to it. Kohanim may not visit kivrei tzadikim<\/em>; it is even forbidden for them to stand outside if under an overhanging tree or roof.[30]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nesiah tova!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article was written l\u2019zecher nishmas<\/em> Yechezkel Isur ben Yaakov Moshe, Chezi Goldberg Hy\u201dd<\/em>, the author\u2019s brother-in-law, killed by a suicide bomber on bus #19 in Jerusalem, 6 Shvat 5764 (January 29, 2004). The author has visited the family many times since then, and most of the ideas here are based on those visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [1]<\/a> Gittin<\/em> 57a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [2]<\/a> Kesubos<\/em> 111a. See Pnei Yehoshua<\/em> (d.h. Amar R. Elazar<\/em>) for a novel explanation of how a person gets a complete kapara<\/em> while visiting Eretz Yisroel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [3]<\/a> See MG\u201dA<\/em> 248:15. For this reason one who is visiting may embark on a ship to Israel even on Erev Shabbos, which is normally forbidden. See \u201cHalachic Guidelines of Kosher Cruises<\/a>\u201d at by this author. See also Halichos Shlomo, Tefillah<\/em> 23:fn 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [4]<\/a> Rav Moshe Heinemann shlit\u201da<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [5]<\/a> See \u201cA Guide to Time-Related Halachos When Flying<\/a>\u201d by Rabbi Dovid Heber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [6]<\/a> On El Al, STAR-K recommends Mehadrin\/Regal Meals. On United out of Newark, when you order kosher, fresh Fresko meals certified by STAR-K and Tartikov (R\u2019 Yechiel Babad) are served. Fresko sandwiches and salads are also available for sale in some terminals in New York-area airports. Check for kashrus symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [7]<\/a> Since there are theoretically permissible ways to travel that don\u2019t involve melacha<\/em>. See footnote 10 in \u201cThe Guide to Proper Speech on Shabbos<\/a>\u201d by Rabbi Heber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [8]<\/a> See SSK 29:62.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [9]<\/a> See \u201cNavigating the Ins and Outs of Renting an Airbnb<\/a>\u201d by this author.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [10]<\/a> Ideally we avoid saying Tefilas Haderech<\/em> while in the air, since the air is not a \u201cderech<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n [11]<\/a> During Shacharis in the morning, before boarding the second flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [12]<\/a> The same applies if you travel non-stop and then travel from the airport to another city in Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [13]<\/a> Especially on a Boeing Dreamliner, where the windows are artificially darkened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [14]<\/a> This direction is northeast followed by southeast, as the plane travels on the Great Circle Route. (See article in footnote 5 for an explanation of the Great Circle Route.) Rav Heinemann holds that northeast is the way to face even when on the ground in the U.S., as it is the shortest route to Yerushalayim. On the return flight, one should face the rear of the plane, if possible; when doing so, one should maintain the focus of his tefillos on Eretz Yisroel and Yerushalayim. Note that for most U.S.-bound flights from Israel, one can daven either before or after the flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [14a]<\/a> See Igros Moshe O.C<\/em>. 4:20. If davening b’yechidus<\/em>, it is preferable to remain seated to avoid being interrupted should the pilot turn on the seat belt sign. If davening with a minyan, take care not to stand near the restroom or wherever there may be a foul odor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [15]<\/a> Minchas Yitzchak<\/em> 2:47. However, some hold not to recite Hagomel<\/em> after a flight (Rav Ruderman, Rosh Yeshiva Ner Yisroel), and the Brisker Rav, quoted in Kinyan Torah<\/em> 1:16:3.) It is generally not customary for women to recite Hagomel<\/em>, see M.B<\/em>. 219:3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [16]<\/a> See \u201cTearing Kriah at the Kosel<\/a>\u201d by Rabbi Mordechai Frankel at for detailed halachos<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [17]<\/a> See S.A. 561:4 and Minchas Shlomo<\/em> 1:73.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [18]<\/a> Rav Heinemann.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [19]<\/a> If you forgot, either ask in a store in the Old City, or at the checkpoint, or at the tefillin stand at the Kosel if they have anything sharp to help you do kriah<\/em>. The Yalkut Yosef Hilchos Beis Hakneses<\/em> admonishes visitors to behave respectfully at the Kosel as befitting its kedusha<\/em>, and to refrain from eating, drinking or discussing devarim beteilim<\/em> (unserious topics).<\/p>\n\n\n\n [20]<\/a> See footnote 14 for Rav Heinemann\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [21]<\/a> The Chazon Ish is quoted as having held 45-50 minutes. (S.S.K.<\/em> 58:2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n [21a]<\/a> On Motzei Shabbos in Israel, one may text or email someone in chutz la’aretz,<\/em> even though it is still Shabbos for the recipient, provided that one is assured the recipient will not open the message on Shabbos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [22]<\/a> December 5 when it precedes a civil leap year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [23]<\/a> See also Yom Tov Sheni K\u2019hilchaso<\/em> 10:7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [24]<\/a> The next time this will occur is Shavuos 5786\/2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [25]<\/a> ZNT Kosher (zntkosher@gmail.com) maintains a service to help answer questions for visitors. See also their list<\/a> of commonly accepted hechsheirim.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [26]<\/a> See an article<\/a> by Rav Heinemann for guidelines in doing this mitzvah. A few points about the process: (a) After redeeming Maaser Sheni<\/em> onto a coin, the coin should be destroyed; it cannot be used or given to tzedakah. (b) If separating produce picked from the field, you should also say the special brachos<\/em> on this mitzvah before saying the regular text. If separating in Israel as a stringency, or when buying Israeli produce in the U.S., do so without a bracha<\/em> because it is possible that maaser<\/em> had already been taken. (c) If the value of the Maaser Sheni<\/em> is less than a peruta<\/em>, you need to use a peruta chamura. <\/em>(d) If you want to take Scheduling the Flight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Davening En Route: When, Where, What<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When in Israel\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pesach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For Kohanim Only<\/strong> [28]<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SIDEBAR: Packing Suggestions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![their list<\/a> of commonly accepted hechsheirim.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n[26]<\/a> See an article<\/a> by Rav Heinemann for guidelines in doing this mitzvah. A few points about the process: (a) After redeeming Maaser Sheni<\/em> onto a coin, the coin should be destroyed; it cannot be used or given to tzedakah. (b) If separating produce picked from the field, you should also say the special brachos<\/em> on this mitzvah before saying the regular text. If separating in Israel as a stringency, or when buying Israeli produce in the U.S., do so without a bracha<\/em> because it is possible that maaser<\/em> had already been taken. (c) If the value of the Maaser Sheni<\/em> is less than a peruta<\/em>, you need to use a peruta chamura. <\/em>(d) If you want to take](\"https:\/\/www.star-k.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/ZNT-Kosher-business-card-back.jpg\"){kind=link}