August 2004<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can you learn to deal with the challenges of supervising a first-class hotel\u2019s kosher kitchen which is next to its non-kosher kitchen? Where does one find the opportunity to tour a flavor plant to better understand the kosher manufacturing process? Who will train you to find the less obvious thrips and aphids when checking a restaurant\u2019s vegetables? What will give you the preparation to administer – or perhaps, pioneer – a communal kosher certification agency?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Star-K Kosher Certification recently provided the platform for these unique learning opportunities and more. In its new complimentary certificate program, Star-K\u2019s Kashrus<\/i> Training Program allowed Kollel yungerleit<\/i> of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael<\/i> to experience the field of kosher supervision first hand. Held July 12-16, at Star-K\u2019s offices in Baltimore, Maryland, the five day intensive seminar was limited to 25 students who have studied Yorah Deah<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ner Yisrael Kollel<\/i> fellow Moshe Schuchman\u2019s sentiments regarding the seminar only confirm the need for such a program. They reflect those of every participant in the group that spent the week training with the Star-K. He writes in his thank you letter to Dr. Pollak: \u201cWe reveled in the opportunity to view the workings of such a prestigious and significant kashrus<\/i> organization through an open and accommodating window. We gained immensely by learning from the qualified rabbonim<\/i> and competent staff who have led the Star-K to its position as a leader in the kashrus<\/i> industry. \u2026Even those who were previously acquainted with the kashrus<\/i> field felt they greatly benefited from this exceptional program.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The certificate program is a spin-off of the National Council of Young Israel\u2019s Rabbinic Training Program\u2019s seminar on kashrus<\/i>, which took place last winter. There, Star-K Kashrus<\/i>Administrator Rabbi Zvi Goldberg stressed the need for additional training for future rabbonim<\/i>who often find themselves at the helm of their community\u2019s kashrus<\/i>. In addition to having a basic knowledge about the practical halachos<\/i> of kashrus<\/i>, a certificate program would train the participants to be responsible for the supervision of everything from a neighborhood food establishment to being in charge of setting up a local Vaad Hakashrus<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This pilot program, run in cooperation with the Ner Yisrael Kollel<\/i>, is the forerunner of subsequent in-depth seminars planned by the Star-K. In addition to accommodating Kollel<\/i>members, future training seminars will be geared to pulpit rabbis, those who wish to pursue a professional career in kosher supervision, those presently in the field who wish to fine-tune their skills, and others who are involved in communal kashrus<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The seminar featured sessions led by Star-K Rabbinical Administrator, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, and his team of rabbinical coordinators. Rav Heinemann, a world renowned expert in kashrus<\/i>, reviewed the laws of bishul akum<\/i> with the Kollel<\/i> members. Dr. Avrom Pollak, President of the Star-K, discussed the administrative issues experienced by a certifying agency. In addition, the Star-K rabbinical coordinators shared their vast experience and expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Director of Supervision, Rabbi Eliyahu Shuman discussed the ever-expanding flavor industry. Assistant Director of Supervision, Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld dealt with foodservice challenges, treibering<\/i>, supervision of bakeries and restaurants, and the nuts and bolts of kashering<\/i>. Rabbi Dovid Heber discussed the issues related to being a local mashgiach for a national agency and the kashrus<\/i> issues related to Pesach<\/i>. Rabbi Avrohom Mushell spoke about the importance of understanding food chemistry, as well as supervision of overseas plants.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a special video presentation, Rabbi Tzvi Rosen expounded upon the dairy industry. Rabbi Boruch Beyer clarified the ins and outs of the beverage industry. The Star-K Hotline receives thousands of questions from consumers around the globe. Rabbi Zvi Goldberg addressed a cross-section sampling of the halachic<\/i> issues posed. In his audio-visual presentation, Star-K engineering consultant, Mr. Jonah Ottensoser, familiarized the seminar participants with Star-K\u2019s solutions to potential Shabbos<\/i> and Yom Tov<\/i> problems in appliance usage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to lectures, audio-visual presentations, and a hands-on practicum, several field trips rounded out the scholastic experience. The seminar included tours of a slaughterhouse, a treibering<\/i> facility, a confectionery, a restaurant, a bakery, a flavor factory, and the kosher kitchen of a large first-class hotel. An \u201cAsk the Rabbis\u201d session led by Star-K staff members closed the seminar.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A top priority of the Star-K is to assist local kashrus<\/i> associations throughout the U.S. in developing the appropriate standards, find qualified personnel, and establish its problem resolution procedures. The Star-K invites all community kashrus<\/i> workers to consult with them. This new kosher supervisory training program promises to be an integral step in fulfilling the Star-K mission.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rabbi Zvi Goldberg, coordinator of the training program, commented: \u201cTeaching kashrus<\/i>standards and techniques employed by Star-K kashrus<\/i> professionals will assure communities of the availability of highly trained kashrus<\/i> professionals. It will prepare them to handle the kashrus<\/i> challenges they will face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe varied and comprehensive schedule of lectures, presentations, and site visits maximized the time spent well beyond our expectations,\u201d continued Kollel<\/i> fellow Moshe Schuchman. \u201cOne participant quipped that the most disappointing moment of the week was when it was over. It was quite apparent that the Star-K does not limit meticulousness and thoroughness to its kashrus<\/i> supervision but carries these ideals to all its endeavors.\u201d For further information about Star-K\u2019s Kashrus Training Program, August 2004<\/p>\n How can you learn to deal with the challenges of supervising a first-class hotel\u2019s kosher kitchen which is next to its non-kosher kitchen? Where does one find the opportunity to tour a flavor plant to better understand the kosher manufacturing process? Who will train you to find the less obvious thrips and aphids when checking a restaurant\u2019s vegetables? What will give you the preparation to administer – or perhaps, pioneer – a communal kosher certification agency?<\/span><\/p>\n Star-K Kosher Certification recently provided the platform for these unique learning opportunities and more. In its new complimentary certificate program, Star-K\u2019s Kashrus<\/i> Training Program allowed Kollel yungerleit<\/i> of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael<\/i> to experience the field of kosher supervision first hand. Held July 12-16, at Star-K\u2019s offices in Baltimore, Maryland, the five day intensive seminar was limited to 25 students who have studied Yorah Deah<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n Ner Yisrael Kollel<\/i> fellow Moshe Schuchman\u2019s sentiments […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[146,147,27],"tags":[229,284,285],"class_list":["post-5690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-kashrus-kurrents-2004","category-fall-kashrus-kurrents-2004","category-kashrus-kurrents","tag-kashrus-kurrents","tag-star-k-seminars","tag-training-program-2004"],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
contact Rabbi Zvi Goldberg, (410) 484-4110.
<\/b><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"