Kosher Spirit Chanukah 5772

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SHARE YOUR SPIRIT QUESTIONS FOR THE ~ HEALTHY SPIRIT

8 Dairy Fun Facts

KEEPING KOSHER IN... TRYING MEDICAL CIRCUMSTANCES

By Nechama Samuels

CHINA REVISITED PART 2

By Rabbi Don Yoel Levy

SPORTS STRINGS TZITZIS

By Tamir Goodman

CHANUKAH RECIPE

Red Onion & Russet Potato Latkes

KOSHERFEST 2011

POST® CEREALS & THE ~ ~ IN ACTION

Mashgiach Conference 2011

WHO’S BEHIND THE ~ Interview with Rabbi Aaron Weiss

169 WAYS ~ KOSHERED YOUR WORLD IN 2011

CHASSIDIC INSIGHTS

Compiled by Dina Fraenkel

SOUL NUTRITION

KOSHER SPIRIT Chanukah 5772

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Rabbi Chaim Fogelman

EDITOR: Dovi Scheiner

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Dina Fraenkel

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY: Spotlight Design

We welcome your comments, submissions and letters to the editor. Mail: 391 Troy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Email: editor@kosherspirit.com

© 2011. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without written consent from the publisher.

Dear Reader,

The last issue of Kosher Spirit showcased some of the new, modern technologies used constantly by many in the Orthodox Jewish world and the way the ~ utilizes the latest technologies, from Smartphone apps to the latest computer programs, to help monitor the kosher food industry and to serve the kosher consumer.

While technology provides us with more comfortable ways to live, quick access to an enormous volume of information, and ways to organize and keep track of our lives (and yes today we have a new kind of tablets), it offers no insight and no meaning to the ultimate purpose of life itself. For that we must look to the original two tablets — our holy Torah

As Chanukah teaches us, the Greeks wanted to disconnect G-dliness and holiness from the world. “Learn the Torah,” they said, “but declare that it’s not G-d’s Torah.” The Torah offers us the secrets of a meaningful and fulfilled life because it is G-d’s Torah. We cannot let ourselves get carried away with the latest gadgets and technology and, G-d forbid, forgo the basics.

Although we embrace the latest technology, the ~ is still grounded in old fashioned protocol. See pictures from our latest International Mashgiach Conference where mashgichim and rabbonim from around the world meet face to face in New York to discuss the latest kosher developments and halachic ramifications. Read about the ~’s involvement in Sport Strings, a company that will get thousands of kids and adults to wear tzitzis while exercising, playing sports and more. Travel with Rabbi Levy to China as he physically inspects companies under ~ supervision.

It is interesting to note that with all of the modern conveniences available today, which supposedly allow us to do more things better and faster, I have read that the previous generation had 20 percent more free time than we do today. So as we are being told to go green and clean up the environment and the air, we must not pollute our souls and we must stay focused on the true meaning of life, the life we are entrusted to use for Torah and mitzvos and bringing G-dliness down to earth.

Best wishes for a Freilichen

Chanukah, Rabbi Chaim Fogelman Editor-in-Chief

Share Your Spirit

Readers share their thoughts...

Dear

Kosher Spirit

, The Chassidus article about the birthday of the world is a really beautiful piece and well put together. I was happy to receive it before Rosh Hashanah and after reading it, I had a great D’var Torah for the Yom Tov table. The magazine as a whole is really beautiful as well! Well designed, not cluttered, great graphics, good font choice and good printing job, and the style consistency makes it really easy and a pleasure to read.

Brocha

Dear Kosher Spirit,

In your otherwise fine publication, I was alarmed to read the article “Mashgiach Stays on Post Despite Medical Emergency.” The article describes a mashgiach who lost consciousness, was breathing heavily, and whom Hatzalah wanted to take to the hospital.

Despite the potential seriousness of the situation —his symptoms clearly could have been due to a lifethreatening medical condition — the mashgiach apparently opted to wait 45 minutes until another

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mashgiach came to replace him, before consenting to go to the hospital.

Since 1997, when I attended a medical halacha conference sponsored by a Lubavitch-affiliated medical society, I have been privileged to study and learn medical halacha under the tutelage of many of the foremost rabbinic authorities.

I am not aware of a single Orthodox rabbi, let alone a halachic authority, who would condone such a reckless decision, one that characterizes this person as a chasid shoteh (a pious fool).

Furthermore, the article quotes a customer at the restaurant who witnessed the event as viewing favorably the mashgiach’s choice.

I would respectfully suggest that your magazine publish a retraction or clarification so that readers are not misled as to the danger of delaying urgent medical care, during a medical emergency, even for what appears to the person to be the most noble of causes.

Respectfully

L.Z.,

MD, MA

Editor’s Note: We received many letters about this feature in the Tishrei 5772 issue. We apologize for causing anyone to think that the mashgiach’s life was in danger in order to adhere to ~ policies. Surely life and health come first in any life-threatening situation. The mashgiach’s situation was obviously not life threatening and Hatzolah would not allow a patient in danger to stay and wait for a replacement mashgiach. The patient was stable and able to safely wait in the restaurant before receiving follow-up care.

The ~ receives many letters/emails with kosher questions...

Dear Kosher Spirit, Does Grade AA butter in America need Cholov Yisroel certification since it can only be made from kosher (cow’s) sweet cream?

Rabbi Krinsky responds:

Years ago, those who kept Cholov Yisroel could eat Grade AA butter even without special Cholov Yisroel certification based on the fact that butter can only be made from (cow’s) sweet cream as brought down in Shulchan Oruch. Therefore, Grade AA butter could be eaten even if a Jew did not watch the milking from which the sweet cream was taken.

Today, the USDA allows companies to use up to 5% whey cream in AA butter. As long as the butter passes testing by a USDA grader (a taste test), it may be labeled USDA AA Butter. This causes a kosher concern because sweet cream (taken off fresh cow’s milk) is considered kosher, but whey cream (a by-product of cheese productions that could be non-kosher due to the addition of some non-kosher ingredients in the cheese making process) is not always kosher. Those that only eat Cholov Yisroel dairy products may only eat whey cream from a Cholov Yisroel cheese production. Butter with a kosher certification is guaranteed to contain only kosher whey cream, but that whey cream may not be Cholov Yisroel. Therefore, if one keeps Cholov Yisroel the butter requires Cholov Yisroel certification to make sure that all ingredients are only from Cholov Yisroel sources.

Dairy Fun Facts

Dairy products played a role in the miracle of Chanukah.

99% of all U.S. households purchase milk. The average American consumes almost 25 gallons of milk a year… that’s 400 glasses!

The average cow produces about 55 pounds of milk per day (about six 1-gallon jugs).

It takes more than 21 pounds of whole milk to make 1 pound of butter.

Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the U.S. Parmesan cheese is the only kosher cheese currently available that requires a 6 hour wait before eating meat products.

The calcium in dairy products can help prevent osteoporosis (a disease characterized by bone loss).

Dairy products help prevent tooth decay by reducing oral acidity.

There is no scientific basis to the claim that milk causes more mucous production.

Calcium, magnesium and potassium found in dairy products can help maintain healthy blood pressure.

Trying Medical Circumstances

By Nechama Samuels

We arrived at 5pm on a hot Sunday afternoon after spending over four hours in traffic. We were tired, hungry, stressed and scared. The scheduled medical procedure loomed in front of us, coming inexorably closer with each passing moment.

We drove up to the address we had been given – a stately Boston townhouse – and climbed the stairs to our apartment. Beside the apartment door was a brightly decorated and personalized folder that contained pertinent information and instructions. We opened the door to the

apartment and breathed an audible sigh of relief. Clean, spacious, and relaxing. Dinner was waiting for us. Fresh rolls. A bottle of CholovYisroel milk was prepared in the fridge for a coffee the next day.

Boston is a charming city that has played a central role in American his-

tory. Home to the Boston Tea Party and famous for its role in the American Revolution, a center of politics, higher education and baseball, modern Boston is a city peppered with world-famous, state-of-the-art medical institutions. Many of these consistently find their names at the top of the “Best Hospitals” list year after year. In search of the most cuttingedge medical treatments and care available, people from all over the world stream to these hospitals.

Often, procedures necessitate lengthy medical stays that can extend over a period of months, and involve

ROFEH International, is dedicated to providing medical referral and social support services to the sick and their families. For someone who is undergoing a medical procedure in Boston, Rofeh’s willing help is a G-dsend.

Rofeh owns several apartments that are available to Jewish patients and their families during the time of treatment and medical care. All apartments have clean accommodations and are equipped with full kosher kitchens. The ovens are even koshered through self-cleaning after each guest leaves. Based on needs and preferences, Rofeh sees to it that healthy and tasty kosher meals are cooked and delivered to patients and their families. Transportation and translation services are available as well.

In the words of one grateful recipient: “After placing several calls to key hospital personnel, Rofeh finally managed to get permission to bring their

own fridge, food, and hotplate to the hospital. With just a few short hours

Rofeh bought us a new mini-refrigerator and put together complete meals for the brought everything from A to Z,” Mr. Rosenstein, a native Israeli recalled. “They brought , grape juice, dessert, tablecloths, and candles.

A clean, comfortable place to stay?

Three nutritious, fresh, home cooked meals a day? Check.

Need the food to be brought to the hospital? Check.

Have special dietary needs? Check. YomTov meals including refrigeration? Check.

Rofeh International prepares dozens of fresh meals a day and delivers them to apartments, hotels, and medical centers. They go out of their way to make people feel comfortable. Rofeh dosen’t only cater to the poor, their services are available to everyone and guests are treated in the most dignified manner. They visit, call to make sure your needs are met, and have a shul, mikvah and parking located right near the apartments.

Throughout the long and difficult process of being in a strange city under the most trying of circumstances, Rofeh (to use an analogy of a city where baseball is paramount) steps up to bat and delivers.

The crippling stress of illness, compounded with financial pressures and the difficulties of being in a foreign place combine to create an overall experience that is extremely trying, especially for frum, kosher observant Jews...

Rofeh Bikur Cholim provides apartments to Jewish patients and their families during the time of treatment and medical care.

PART 2

REVISIT ED

By Rabbi Don Yoel Levy

On our recent trip to China, we visited facilities producing Acesulfame K and aspartame. Both of these are artificial sweeteners that are 180 to 200 times sweeter that sucrose (table sugar). Each sweetener has different properties. While aspartame has a taste closer to sugar and Acesulfame K has a slight bitter aftertaste, Acesulfame K is more heat stable, can be used in baked products and has a longer shelf life. They are often blended with other sweeteners in order to utilize the traits of all sweeteners used. The production processes for Acesulfame K and aspartame are quite complicated and there have been issues in the past with companies not giving us accurate information regarding production specifications, so I brought Rabbi Yitzchak Gornish, a Rabbinic Coordinator at the ~, who is a lamdan and has a Master’s degree in Food Science with a concentration in Chemistry. With our combined knowledge and expertise we were able to verify that the information supplied by the companies was 100% accurate.

Unfortunately companies occasionally try to avoid disclosing complete information and one must have full knowledge of food chemistry and production methods to be sure that one is given all the information necessary. Between the two of us, we were sure that we were given

In the last issue of Kosher Spirit, I shared part of my experiences from my recent trip to China.

In this issue I will continue expounding on the trip and the fascinating kashrus insights.

In above photo: Rabbi Yitzchak Gornish, Rabbi Yeshaya Prizant, Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, Mr. Ernest Thalmann

accurate information. Even so, the information given to us needed some “tweaking” in order for us to get the clear picture. It took hours to carefully investigate each facility and the formulas and production methods used there,including an actual visit through the facility to see the ingredients used and watch an actual production.

When one considers that the facility staff talking to us had little knowledge of English and all of our conversations went through a translator, one can comprehend the amount of effort put into collecting the accurate information. From the answers we received, we were able to put together an accurate picture thanks to the translator who had the proper technical knowledge to properly assist us. Having the proper technical knowledge on our part was crucial in ensuring that we received an accurate picture.

We also visited a sucralose (noncaloric sweetener) plant on our first day in China. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and the majority of ingested sucralose is not broken down by the body. Sucralose is approximately 600 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar), twice as sweet as saccharin, and 3.3 times as sweet as aspartame. Sucralose is stable under heat and over a broad range of pH conditions. Therefore, it can be used in baking or in products that require a longer shelf life. The commercial success of sucralose-based products stems from its favorable comparison to other low-calorie sweeteners in terms of taste, stability, and safety. However, we are still investigating the ingredients of this product so we could not grant certification at this time. The facilities for this company are in three different locations, so much time was spent in travelling from one facility to the next.

We spent Shabbos in the Chabad House in Shanghai where we had a most uplifting Shabbos. I had the honor of delivering a discourse on

kashrus to a full house on Shabbos afternoon. I was invited to share Shalosh Seudos with a group of Satmar Chassidim and give over a D’var Torah. I shared talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and some interesting stories which were very well received.

I spent the next week visiting facilities with Rabbi Yeshaya Prizant, the ~ rabbi who oversees kashrus su-

stopped giving certification. This company now decided to reconsider kosher production, so we discussed the various procedures and possibilities for implementing kosher production. Again, Reb Shaya showed great familiarity with the facility, which was a huge facility according to any standards and quite complicated, as well. Subsequently, Rabbi Prizant made another visit to the facility and we are

WE VISITED VARIOUS FACILITIES, SOME OF WHICH WERE QUITE COMPLICATED, AND REB SHAYA WAS WELL VERSED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THESE PLANTS.

pervision in China. Despite his youth, Rabbi Prizant is well versed in kashrus issues and received thorough training by able ~ staff. We visited various facilities, some of which were quite complicated, and Reb Shaya was well versed in all aspects of these plants.

We visited a yeast plant, an oil plant, and a pectin plant. The yeast plant needs careful monitoring to ensure that all productions are done on the proper equipment. The yeast company was considering some new productions there which could compromise the kashrus of the equipment and we discussed at length the various methods we could employ to ensure the kashrus of our products. As usual, Rabbi Prizant was quite familiar with the entire facility.

The next facility we visited was an oleo-chemical facility that was previously certified by the ~ when only kosher products were made there. At some point, the facility notified us that they decided to produce nonkosher products as well, so the ~

working intensively to sort out the potential kashrus issues there before granting certification.

Finally, we also visited a pectin facility. There I met a friend from a pectin facility in Switzerland that we certify! He is now in charge of this pectin facility in China. It is fascinating when one realizes that our work to enforce our kashrus standards in Switzerland helped us years later to uphold those standards in China! In all of the facilities we visited together, I saw that Reb Shaya is both well respected and well liked for the great work he, and all of the ~ staff, is doing in China.

On the 15 hour flight home I had time to contemplate about how the experience and knowledge of the older generation is being passed on to a new generation of energetic and devoted rabbis. My father, Rabbi Berel Levy a”h, would be so proud of the direction the ~ is continuing on, combining high levels of lamdanus and yiras shomayim with technical expertise.

SPORT STRINGS

High-Performance, Compression Fit, UV Protection… and ~ Kosher!

by Tamir Goodman

As a high school and Division I college basketball player, I always wore my kippah while playing ball, but I was told that it was not desirable to wear tzitzis during athletics because the perspiration and wear and tear that the tzitzis would be exposed to coulddegrade the holiness of the garment.

At age twenty, I was recruited by European powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv to play professional basketball in Israel. Shortly after my arrival, a coach asked me why I did not wear tzitzis while playing. I reiterated the answer that I had been taught, but this exchange spurred me to think more deeply about the mitzvah of tzitzis.

After doing some research, I decided to wear tzitzis on the court while taking all measures to prevent degrading the garment. While this decision felt right to me, turning it into actual practice was more complicated than I expected. First, since the Israeli Basketball League prohibits players from wearing anything under the team jersey, I needed to obtain special permission from the League to wear my tzitzis. I soon discovered, however, that the materials, fit and design of the many styles of tzitzis I tried were not conducive to performing at a high intensity level. Finally, the tzitzis did not hold up well against all the sweat and washing, requiring me to purchase seemingly endless pairs.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2009 due to several severe injuries, I began focusing on coaching. I repeatedly encountered Jewish athletes who did not wear tzitzis during athletics because the garments were not comfortable or fashionable, and considered by many as unnecessary during sport. I learned that it says, “V’asu lahem (for them)” tzitzis” (Bamidbar 15:38) and was inspired by the plural usage to create a line of tzitzis that appealed to a modern aesthetic and that could withstand rigorous activity so Jews everywhere could adhere to the mitzvah of wearing tzitzis in comfort and style, without needing to worry about damaging the garment.

After an extended process of devising a design, locating a manufacturer, developing the prototype, ensuring the tzitzis were halachically kosher while simultaneously enhancing, rather than impeding, athletic performance, and finally, working with the ~ to secure kosher certification, Sport Strings Tzitzis

become a reality.

Sport Strings is unique because the garment is created out of high-performance athletic materials, offers a compression fit, UV protection, and

four main aspects of the garment to ensure the tzitzis were kosher: the fabric used for the outer garment (the use of synthetic fabrics is questionable for the tzitzis garment); the

anti-odor and anti-microbial properties while strictly adhering to the halachos regarding tzitzis. The garment is constructed of two attached lightweight layers with the inner compression layer consisting of the high-performance materials, while the outer layer fulfills the halachic requirements by being a four cornered garment with the majority of the sides open, and consisting of material that is fifty-one percent cotton.

~ Kosher Certification examined

halachic status of the inner, wicking garment; the openness on the sides to render it a four-cornered garment; and, finally, that the tzitzis were tied according to halacha and that they were placed properly on the corners of the garment.

While Sport Strings are clearly advantageous to athletes, they are also a great option for those less inclined towards athletics. The compression design of Sport Strings fits sleekly under casual and dress clothes contributing to a neater looking appearance. Whether worn during athletics, at school, camp, or at the office, it is my hope that outfitting the Biblical commandment with modern materials and design will help others perform the mitzvah of tzitzis with increased enthusiasm.

Sport Strings can be customized with graphics and individualized and team logos. For more information about Sport Strings, please go to tamirgoodman.com

I learned that it says, “V’asu lahemtzitzis” (Bamidbar 15:38) and was inspired by the plural usage to create a line of tzitzis that appealed to a modern aesthetic and that could withstand rigorous activity...

Chanukah Recipe

Red Onion and Russet Potato Latkes

with Cinnamon Apple Sour Cream

1 (12 oz) container sour cream

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tsp group cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 unpeeled apple, cored and shredded

4 russet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and shredded

1 medium red onion, shredded

1: Mix sour cream, applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together.

2: Roll shredded apple in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water.

3: Stir drained apple shreds into the sour cream mixture. Adjust seasonings to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.

4: Roll shredded potato and onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water. Place in a large mixing bowl. Add flour and salt. Toss to coat evenly.

5: Stir in eggs, mixing to coat evenly.

6: Line two baking sheets with paper towels.

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp salt

2 eggs, whisked

½ cup canola or vegetable oil

Chives for garnish

7: Heat ¼ cup oil in a large sautee pan or skillet over medium heat.

8: Form a ½ cup of the latke mixture into a ball, press into a ½-inch thick patty and place in skillet. Make enough latkes to fill the pan without overcrowding.

9: Cook each side about 3 to 4 minutes, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel-lined baking sheets.

10: Add more oil, if needed, and repeat until the latke batter is used up.

11: Garnish with chives and serve warm with Cinnamon Apple Sour Cream.

This recipe makes approx. 10, 3-inch latkes

1 Mashgiach Conf. Pictures Prigat Booth

The ~ Booth

Koppers Booth

Mendy’s Passover Bakery Booth

Rabbi Fogelman putting tefillin on a visitor

Rabbi Levy, Rabbi Haskel and Rabbi Lando meeting with The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yona Metzger

Founded in 1895 by C.W. Post, the first products were conjured up in an old barn in Battle Creek, Michigan. Post’s first creation, “Postum” was a cereal beverage and one of the first packaged breakfast products marketed in America. By 1897, Post® Grape Nuts, one of the first ready to eat cold cereals, was available for purchase by the public. C.W. Post bought a large parcel of land in Battle Creek

and built a state-of-the art production facility alongside modest homes for his employees. He created both employment opportunities for a large segment of the local population, as well as housing for their families. The company continued to grow and from 1925 to 1929, C.W. Post’s company acquired over a dozen other companies and expanded production to more than 60 products. In 1929, the

parent corporation name changed to General Foods Corporation. In 1942, Post® introduced its iconic Raisin Bran cereal, which is a staple product in millions of American households. In 1971, the perennial favorites Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles debuted in supermarkets across the country and in 1992 Post® recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Shredded Wheat cereal.

The ~ has certified Post® Cereals for over 60 years. To date, over 3,500 kashrus inspections have been logged at Post® manufacturing facilities and seven rabbis oversee the kosher supervision program. Today, the ~ certifies 64 varieties of Post cereals, produced in six different facilities. Some kosher certified varieties are pareve, while some are certified dairy (not Cholov Yisroel).

POST® CEREALS & ~ KOSHER CERTIFICATION

Providing the Best to the Kosher Consumer

by Dina Fraenkel

One of the greatest accomplishments of the kosher food industry was making mainstream products in the commercial cereal market kosher. When I think of breakfast cereal, the iconic Post® logo immediately comes to mind — that ubiquitous red oval logo that graces almost every American kitchen and conjures up childhood memories of countless bowls of Cocoa Pebbles and Raisin Bran. Every child that grew up in a kosher home eating Post® cereals shares in these memories.

Post® takes its commitment to kosher compliance very seriously. Dedicated personnel within the company work continuously with the ~ to ensure that every step of the kosher protocol is followed precisely and that all products are accurately labeled. There was a time that kosher cereal contained non-kosher promotional items. This posed absolutely no kashrus issue, since the promotional item was individually wrapped and clearly marked as non-kosher. Unfortunately, however, there were still kosher consumers who were confused. ~ Kosher, known for its clear mission of kashrus without compromise, worked cooperatively with Post® management to protect the kosher in-

tegrity of Post® products and Post® went out of its way to discontinue the entire campaign despite the loss involved.

JaNeen Allen, Nutrition and Regulatory Scientist at Post® and the liaison between the ~ and Post®, reiterated the Post® commitment to providing a wide variety of kosher products: “As one of the fastest growing food manufacturing companies in the US, Post Holdings is always striving to provide range of products for the consumer. Within that range, we want to ensure that if there is an opportunity for our products to be accepted as kosher, we follow that course. For years we have worked with the ~ and we are looking forward to continuing our rela-

tionship and providing as many kosher products as possible to your community. Thank you so much for the opportunities you have imparted on our company.”

Rabbi Eli Lando, Chief Customer Relations Officer at the ~, whose team works directly with Post®, is continually impressed by Post® Foods’ respect for the kosher consumer. “It is heartwarming to see that Post® appreciates the importance of ~ Kosher’s high kosher standards and the needs of the kosher consumer. This achievement is a direct result of our commitment to full cooperation with our customers and we look forward to an ongoing relationship and growth for the benefit of all kosher consumers.

The ~ and Post® are proud to announce a new kosher certified variety of the famous, kid-favorite “Pebbles” cereals – Post® Chocolate Peanut Butter Pebbles Boulders.

Ms. JaNeen Allen and Mr. George Dover attended the ~ International Mashgiach conference to accept the Featured Company award on behalf of Post® Foods, LLC.

In 1942, Post® introduced its iconic Raisin Bran cereal, which is a staple product in millions of American households.

in Action!

at the 2011 International ~ Mashgiach Conference

Rabbi Hillel Baron

Rabbi Yisroel Stern Chassidus Mevueres

~ Headquarters Rabbis

Rabbi Yitzchok Ort

Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, Kashrus Administrator

HaRav Yosef Y. Braun, Chaver HaBadatz of Crown Heights

Rabbi

Yitzchok Gornish

Rabbi Don Yoel Levy and Rabbi Shimon Lasker presenting the Featured Company Award to Mr. Ad van Vugt of Exter B.V.

Tamir Goodman, creator of Sport Strings Tzitzis

Rabbi Don Yoel Levy and Rabbi Shimon Lasker presenting the Featured Mashgiach Award to Rabbi Shloime Bistritsky, Chief Rabbi of Hamburg

Mr. Menachem Lubinsky, CEO of LUBICOM

Rabbi Don Yoel Levy and Rabbi Ahron Haskel presenting the Featured Mashgiach Award to Rabbi Binyomin Neufeld

~ Staff presenting the Featured Company Award to Ms. JaNeen Allen and Mr. George Dover of Post

Pro Boxer Dmitry Salita and Pro Basketball Player Tamir Goodman

Interview with Rabbi Aaron Weiss

WHO’S BEHIND THE ~ Rabbi Aaron Weiss

KS: Where did you grow up? Where did you go to yeshiva?

RAW: I was born and raised in Boro Park, Brooklyn. After attending the Munkacs cheder and YeshivaKetana, I went to study in the Slabodka Yeshiva in B’nei Brak, Israel for two years. I then returned to the U.S. where I studied for a short time in BaisHaTalmud and for the next 4 years in BethMedrashGevoha in Lakewood.

KS: What did you do after yeshiva?

RAW: After marrying my wife, Sarah, the daughter of the Kopycnitzer RebbeZT”L, I entered the kollel of Rabbi Soloveitchik in Midwood, Brooklyn where I am still considered a member and spend whatever free time I have there. After several years of full time learning I was offered a teaching position in YeshivaShaarHaTalmud where I taught for six years.

KS: What is your current position at the ~?

RAW: I am a Rabbinic Coordinator responsible for the kosher programs at a number of companies. I am also one of the few rabbis who travel extensively to do initial and annual visits at our companies. I also work with my good friend and colleague Rabbi Yitzchak Gornish to evaluate ingredients and product formulas submitted to us by our certified companies.

KS: What prepared you the most for your current position at the ~?

RAW: During my eleven years in kollel I spent much of my time studying the halachos in ShulchanOruchYoreh

Deah that pertain to the world of kashrus. On the advice of my parents and friends, I chose to make a career of it and was fortunate that an opening became available at the ~. I am grateful to the ~ that they showed confidence in me and invested in my on the job training (particularly under my good friend Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka) in the practical aspects of kashrus. In addition, I was lucky to be surrounded by great family and friends who instilled in me the social skills and personal interactions that are so important for success in the field of kashrus today.

KS: What is best thing about working at the ~?

RAW: There are so many things I enjoy working in the field of kashrus in general and at the ~ specifically that it is hard to choose what I like most. One very rewarding aspect of the job is the chance to share the experience and the knowledge gained with other rabbonim in the field who are constantly consulting with the ~ for advice and information. This gives me an opportunity to interact with, and get to know many esteemed rabbonim. I also enjoy visiting the out of town Jewish communities on my extensive travels where I get to meet many interesting people, not to mention the visits to the plants themselves. My wife always says that I go on “CholHaMoed trips” all year round. The people I work with are the best and nicest in the business and I look forward to coming to work each day, which is a blessing.

KS: How would you describe the ~ today?

RAW: The ~ today is at the forefront of innovation in

kashrus. The ~ is always looking to improve its systems to even better serve their customers and the general kosher consumer public. The only “downside” with this is that by the time I finally get comfortable with one system the ~ has found a “better” one to replace that system!

KS: Can you share an interesting experience that you had while working at the ~?

RAW: One time I traveled to Germany to do Annual Visits at a few ~ companies. One afternoon, I had some free time to do a little sightseeing. I took the opportunity to tour Nuremberg and visited the Luitpoldarena, also known as the Party Rally Grounds for the Nazis ym”s. I stood on the stone terrace of the Ehrenhalle (Hall of Honor) where Hitler ym”s made his famous 1933 speech at the Reichsparteitag (Nuremberg Rally). I stood in the exact spot where he spoke and I said some Tehillim and Kel Maleh Rachamim.

It was a really eerie, yet proud moment for me. All of the Germans who stood here and tried to annihilate the Jews are now dead, and here I was, a frum, Chassidishe Jew with a beard and peyos standing free in Germany, traveling without fear and performing kashrus inspections. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience.

– Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, Kashrus Administrator, ~ Kosher Certification

What Other People Say About Rabbi Weiss

Rabbi Weiss is one of the many upcoming stars at the ~. He comes from a family familiar with the field of kashrus and the ~ worked with both his father and grandfather in the past. Rabbi Weiss was trained by the ~ and he fits into our system perfectly. He is well liked by the facility personnel and is very thorough in his work. Rabbi Weiss also works in the field of formula approval, which is unique to the ~. He makes great contributions to kashrus worldwide.

Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, Kashrus Administrator, ~ Kosher Certification

Rabbi Aaron Weiss exemplifies the highest standards of diligence and reliability. He is methodical in his approach to the myriad of challenges his position in kashrus encounters. He is conscientious to a fault. He defines the principles in the kashrus industry by constantly reviewing the halachos and updating his technical knowledge. It is an extreme honor to serve alongside him at ~ Kosher Certification.

Rabbi Yitzchak Gornish, Rabbinic Coordinator, ~ Kosher Certification

Rabbi Weiss has an exceptional combination of qualities that make him unique in his field. He is a Talmid Chacham with a thorough knowledge of kashrus and at the same time he has a warm and approachable personality. I consider it a privilege to work together with him..

Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka, Rabbinic Coordinator, ~ Kosher Certification

“Rabbi Weiss is one of the many upcoming stars at the ~”

ACADIAN CROSSING CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLT

SAN ANTONIO, TX USA

ACAM TRANSPORT INC.

ST-HYACINTHE, QUEBEC, CA

ACEITES SIERRA MORENA

FUENCALIENTE, SPAIN

AGRANA JUICE CO., LTD

XIANYANG, SHAANXI, CHINA

AGROINBOL SRL

EL ALTO DE LA PAZ, BOLIVIA

AGROVIM SA

KALAMATA, GREECE

ALPHANUTRITION

LA SEAUVE SUR SEMENE, FRANCE

AMOROS NATURE, S.L.

GIRONA, SPAIN

AMYELL LLC (LOTUS MIAMI)

SURFSIDE, FLORIDA, USA

ANDAMAN SURIMI

INDUSTRIES CO.LTD.

SAMUTSAKHON, THAILAND

ARCO S.A.S.

GRASSE, FRANCE

AUCHTEL PRODUCTS LTD

MUMBAI, INDIA

BANAH INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.

MIAMI, FLORIDA USA

BARENTZ INGREDIENTS BV

WOLVEGA, THE NETHERLANDS

BELLYHUGS

FLORIDA USA

BERNARD GROUP

TECHNOLOGIES

MIAMI, FLORIDA USA

BERNARDI S.A

GRASSE, FRANCE

169 WAYS

BEURALIA QUIMPER, FRANCE

BIO SPRINGER

MAISONS ALFORT, FRANCE

BIOCATALYSTS LIMITED

CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM

BLENCOR LLC

SEALY, TX USA

CALIFORNIA DELIGHTS., INC.

NEWMAN, CALIFORNIA USA

CAPALBO'S GIFT BASKETSM&M WINES CORP.

CLIFTON, NJ, USA

CARR VALLEY CHEESE CO.

LA VALLE, WI USA

CELLUTIONS

SUNRISE, FLORIDA USA

CHALAV U'DEVASH

LOS ANGELES, CA USA

CHICKEN MASHUGANA

ENTERPRISES, INC

VISALIA, CALIFORNIA USA

CHOCOLATE STAR INDUSTIES (1996) LTD

CARMIEL, ISRAEL

CHR HANSEN ITALIA SPA

PARMA , ITALY

CITY NUT AND CANDY

HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA USA

COFFEE PROCESS TECH CORP

HOUSTON, TX USA

COSTA RICA COFFEE EXPORT

SANTO DOMINGO

HEREDIA

COSTA RICA

COURRIN JEAN ET FILS

GRASSE, FRANCE

CP KELCO AANEKOSKI

AANEKOSKI, FINLAND

CP KELCO BRASIL S/A

VILA GLORIA, LIMEIRA, BRAZIL

CP KELCO OKMULGEE

OKMULGEE, OK, USA

CP KELCO SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA

CP KELCO SHANDONG

WULIAN COUNTY, SHANDONG, CHINA

CUORE EMILIANO SRL

MEMBER OF THE PURATOS

GROUP

VIADANA, ITALY

DAESANG CORPORATION

SEOUL, KOREA

DAIRY CONNECTION

MADISON ,WI USA

DEKKER TANKOPSLAG BV

OUDERKERK A.D. IJSSEL, NETHERLANDS

DELICIOUS FOOD

DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

REGO PARK, NY USA

DEMONSTRATION FACILITY

LOS ANGELES, CA USA

DENIZ TARIM URUNLERI TIC.

SAN AS

NIZIP, GAZIANTEP, TURKEY

DREAMPAK, LLC

NEW BERLIN, WI USA

DUET KOSHER

BROOKLYN, NY USA

DUJARDIN BRETAGNE

LE MOUSTOIR, FRANCE

ELEMENTS LLC

HAWTHORNE, NJ USA

ELI-AD OLIVE OIL LTD

RISHON LEZION, ISRAEL

ENCORE GOURMET, DIVISION OF PINNACLE FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS

POINT CLAIRE, CANADA

ESG KRAUTER GMBH

ASBACH-BÄUMENHEIM, GERMANY

EXPRESSIONS

AROMATIQUES

MOUANS SARTOUX, FRANCE

EXQUISITE CATERING INC.

DAVIE, FLORIDA USA

FLAVORSEAL,

GREEN OLIVE

NEW YORK, NY, USA

GUANXIAN RUIXIANG BIOTECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT CO.,LTD

LIAOCHENG, JINAN, CHINA

HARKHAM WINERIES PTY

SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE COMPANY

SARASOTA, FLORIDA USA

HOTTA KATSUTARO SHOTEN CO., LTD.

UJI-SHI, JAPAN

INDUSTRIAL ALPAMAYO LIMA, PERU

INEOS CHAMPLOR VERDUN, FRANCE

INTERNATIONAL HARVEST INC.

MOUNT VERNON, NY USA

IOI LIPID ENZYMTEC SDN BHD

PASIR GUDANG, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

JACOBSENS BAKERY LTD. A/S

HEDENSTED, DENMARK

JCCAFE INC.

TENAFLY, NJ USA

JILIDING MARINE BIOTECH CO,. LTD

TAICANG, JIANGSU, CHINA

JILIN PROVINCE DAHE FOOD

DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.

CHANGCHUN, JILIN, CHINA

JULIAN'S RECIPE, LLC

BROOKLYN, NY USA

KAMANI OIL INDUSTRIES

PVT. LTD

RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

KAPPA BIOSCIENCE AS OSLO, NORWAY

KIANTAMA LTD.

SUOMUSSALMI, FINLAND

KOSHER BRANDS, 770

GASTRONOMIA LTDA

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

KOSHER GLOBAL VILLAGE SYSTEMS

KIEV, UKRAINE

KREHALON INDUSTRIE BV

AK DEVENTER, NETHERLAND

KURITA DO BRASIL LTDA.

ARTUR NOGUEIRA, SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

LA FORMICA S.R.L.

SCAFATI, ITALY

LACTALIS AMERICAN GROUP

BUFFALO, NY, USA

LALLEMAND IBERIA SA

SETUBAL, PORTUGAL

LEROUX SAS

ORCHIES, FRANCE

LIANYUNGANG BEFE FOODS

LIANYUNGANG, JIANGSU, CHINA

LIBERTY NATURAL FOODS INC

MASPETH, NY, USA

MAGNAKRON CORP

JACKSON, NJ, USA

MAPLE GROVE FARMS OF VERMONT

(A division of B&G Foods)

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT, USA

MICKEY SHANKS

D.B.A. BULK CANDY STORE

LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA, USA

MOSCO LTD

TEL MOND, ISRAEL

MSD CONSUMER CARE., A SUBSIDIARY OF MERCK & CO.

SUMMIT, NJ, USA

MYEONG SHIN AGAR AGAR

MFG. CO., LTD

YANGSANCITY, KYUNGNAM, KOREA

NATURALSP-BMENDOZA

LTDA "NATURALSP LTDA"

EL ALTO DE LA PAZ, BOLIVIA

NESTLE FRANCE SAS

MARNE LA VALLEE CEDEX

NOISIEL, FRANCE

NIKKO CHEMICALS

(SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

JURONG ISLAND, SINGAPORE

NORTH AMERICA FOOD & BEVERAGE, INC

CHESTERFIELD, MO USA

OAO MOLOCHNIY MIR

GRODNO, BELARUS

OOO VISMOL

LUTSK, UKRAINE

OPERADORA HR SA

PEURTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

PACKAGING SPECIALISTS, LLC

CHESWICK, PA USA

PAOLA CAKE ATELIER INC

MIAMI, FLORIDA USA

PETERSON FARMS, INC.

SHELBY, MI USA

PINGDINGSHAN TIANJING

PLANT ALBUMEN CO., LTD

PINGDINGSHAN, HENAN, CHINA

PLANTATION PEANUTS OF WAKEFIELD VA INC.

WAKEFIELD, VA USA

PLOT ENTERPRISE GHANA

LIMITED

TAKORADI, GHANA

PRANAV AGRO INDUSTRIES

LIMITED

PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

PT. INDOALUMINIUM

INTIKARSA INDUSTRI

JAKARTA, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

PT. ROYAL INDUSTRIES INDONESIA

KARAWANG, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Q TONIC LLC

BROOKLYN, NY USA

QINGDAO ZHUANGHE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD

QINGDAO, SHANDONG, CHINA

QINHUANGDAO GOLDENSEA FOODSTUFF INDUSTRIES CO.

QINHUANGDAO, HEBEI, CHINA

RICHIES KING OF SLUSH MFG. CO. INC.

EVERETT, MA USA

ROCAL SAS

SAINT BENOIT SUR LOIRE, FRANCE

RUBIS TERMINAL

DUNKIRK, FRANCE

RUMIANO CHEESE COMPANY CRESCENT CITY, CA USA

S.I.L. RUBIN LTD

YAVNE, ISRAEL

SALUS INGREDIENTS

NEW JERSEY

SAMMARK, INC.

D.B.A. GEMELLI BAKERS

STATE COLLEGE, PA USA

SASLOVE LTD

KIBBUTZ EYAL, ISRAEL

SEPPIC BELGIUM S.A.

ZWIJNDRECHT, BELGIUM

SERENDIPOL (PVT)

KULIYAPITIYA, NORTH

WESTERN, SRI LANKA

SOLOMON & SAMSON

BROOKLYN, NY USA

SP SANTA BREMOR LTD.

BREST, BELARUS

SPECIALTY FOOD GROUP

VALPARAISO, IN, USA

SPORTS STRINGS

CLEVELAND, OHIO, USA

SPRATFIL AS

TALLINN, ESTONIA

SQUEEZE Z FOOD

NEW YORK, NY USA

STRONG GINSENG & HERBS (BAISHAN) INDUSTRIES CO

FUSONG, JILIN, CHINA

SUIZA DAIRY

PUERTO RICO

SUKKAH DEPOT

BROOKLYN, NY USA

SUN GROVE FOODS, INC

PASSAIC, NJ USA

SUNRISE CORPORATION

DAMAN, UT INDIA

SUNSATIONAL LLC

EAST GREENWHICH, RI USA

TAIAN BEST EHOO CO., LTD

TAIAN, SHANDONG, CHINA

TAIAN ZIYANG FOOD CO.,LTD

TAIAN, SHANDONG, CHINA

TASTYSNACK QUALITY FOODS, INC.

ABBOTTSTOWN, PA USA

TELISH JSCO.

1421 SOFIA, BULGARIA

THE EGYPTIAN COMPANY FOR FOOD DEVELOPMENT

ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

THE GREATWALL

BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING CO.LTD.

ZHANGJIAKOU, CHINA

THE HARVESTERS

INDUSTRIES

ASHDOD, ISRAEL

THE PEANUT ROASTER

HENDERSON, NC USA

TIMBER GROUP LLP

ODESSA, UKRAINE

TRAM BAR DBA KATE'S

VICTOR, ID USA

TUCUMCARI MOUNTAIN

CHEESE FACTORY, INC.

TUCUMCARI, NM USA

TULIP WINERY LTD

K.TIVON, ISRAEL

TURNBULL BAKERIES, LLC

NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA

U.G.F

HOLON, ISRAEL

UPPER CRUST BAKERY

PHOENIX, AZ USA

VENCHI SPA

CASTELLTO STURA, ITALY

VIGNOBLES DAVID

SAINT HILAIRE D'OZILHAN, FRANCE

VIKTORIA’S GOURMET FOODS

PORT WASHINGTON, NY USA

VITASWEET CO., LTD.

BEIJING, CHINA

VTHAL INC.

BROOKLYN, NY USA

WELLNESSPRO

INCORPORATED

ENCINO, CALIFORNIA USA

WHITE HILL CHEESE COMPANY

SHULLSBURG, WI USA

WOORI FOOD.,LTD

GYEONGGI-DO, KOREA

WORLD FOOD PRODUCTS

RIPON, CALIFORNIA, USA

XINJIANG HESHUO DINGDING

FOODSTUFF CO., LTD

HESHUO, XINJIANG, CHINA

XINJIANG YANYANGTIAN

TOMATO PRODUCTS CO,LTD

WUJIAQU, XINJIANG, CHINA

YAFFO WINERY

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

YINGKOU TRUSTY FRUITS & VEGETABLES PROCESSING CO., LTD.

GAIZHOU, LIAONING, CHINA

e G-dly Lights

Compiled by Dina Fraenkel

On Chanukah , the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe , Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, would tell his followers: “We must listen carefully to what the candles are saying.”1 The message of Chanukah permeates our service to G-d throughout the year, as it says in Mishlei, “A mitzvah is a lamp and Torah is light.”2 Of course, this applies to all mitzvos, but even more so to those that are connected to visible light.

The spiritual effects of the Chanukah lights are clearly discerned from the halachos surrounding the mitzvah. The candles should be lit after sunset and burn into the night and they should be placed outside the entrance to one’s home, primarily to illuminate the public domain.3

Both the darkness of night and the public domain represent those which obscure G-dliness and prevent G-d’s Light from permeating all aspects of our existence. Lighting the Chanukah candles elevates the material world to reveal the G-dliness concealed inside.

The lights of Chanukah possess a unique power that is linked to the type of miracle they commemorate. The rule of the Greeks was a time of intense spiritual darkness, but the Macabees were able to persuade even the Hellenized Jews to do teshuva and have mesiras nefesh to fight the Greeks and emerge victorious, rededicating the Beis HaMikdash and transforming darkness into light.

In the Chanukah song HaNeiros Hallalu we learn another halacha regarding the Chanukah lights: “These lights are holy and we are not permitted to make use of them, only to look at them.” To ensure that we don’t derive any personal benefit from the Chanukah lights, we light an extra candle, the shamash, which is placed above all of the other candles.4 Again,

this law emphasizes the uniqueness of the mitzvah of the Chanukah lights. This mitzvah is only performed “lishmah” (for the sake of Heaven) with no material reward, teaching us to transcend ourselves and our selfinterest to serve G-d for His sake alone and since the lights are kindled when it is dark outside, it shows that we can even attain this level in times when G-dliness is concealed.

Finally, it is a universal Jewish custom to add a light for each night of Chanukah even though the minimum halachic requirement is to light one light on each night.5 Furthermore, many have the custom to add a light each night for each member of the household, observing the mitzvah mehadrin min hamehadrin (in the highest level possible). Our ability to fulfill the mitzvah of the Chanukah lights to the highest level was given to us by the Macabees who, although they could have technically lit the menorah with impure oil, searched until they found a flask of pure oil, mehadrin min hamehadrin

From all of the halachos of Chanukah we learn that we must continually increase light in the world and spread that light to the farthest reaches. As we take this lesson with us throughout the year, may each of us be inspired to further our spiritual growth, spread G-dly light in our homes and throughout the world and to transform the darkness of the material world into light, ultimately brining the Ultimate Light of the Final Redemption.

1. Kuntreis Baruch SheAsah Nissim (Kehot, NY, 5711). 2. Mishlei 6:23. 3. Gemara Shabbos 21b; Shulchan Oruch, Orach Chayim 672:1-2. 4. Shulchan Oruch, Orach Chayim 673:1. 5. Shabbos 21b; Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Chanukah 4:1; Tur, Shulchan Oruch, Orach Chayim 671:2.

Spiritual DOORS

Adoorway requires special protection. When it’s open anything can come in and anything can go out. It is the same with new revelations that enter your heart. It needs protection in order for us to receive it, and then it needs protection that it should not get lost. The mezuzah on the right side of the door enables the holiness to enter our homes and the Chanukah lights on the left protect that holiness from being lost.

The Greeks endangered the Jewish people by breaking their doors, physically and spiritually. Physically, they broke the doors to the Beis HaMikdash Spiritually, they forbade the Jews from observing Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh and bris milah All three are doorways –Shabbos is the doorway of blessing for the week, Rosh Chodesh is the doorway of blessing for the month, and bris milah is the doorway through which Jews are brought into the world.

Kosher by the Numbers

Why Americans Buy Kosher: taste or flavorgood products health and safety

Nearly 8% 8%

40% of the nation’s kosher food production is done in New York State.

55% 35% 8% vegetarians

looking for vegetarian products for religious or dietary reasons keep kosher all the time

38% 16% extra oversight involved