לשנה טובה ומתוקה Dear Reader, E Stand Now in the Month of SHARE YOUR SPIRIT Elul and Are Busy with 3 Wpreparations for Rosh Hashana

ב"ה TISHREI 5771 תשרי תשע"א

CERTIFIED SOUL NUTRITION

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy & Sweet New Year לשנה טובה ומתוקה Dear Reader, e stand now in the month of SHARE YOUR SPIRIT Elul and are busy with 3 Wpreparations for Rosh Hashana. Our Sages tell us in Kabbalah, QUESTIONS FOR THE ~ 4 and it is explained in Chassidus, that in the month of Elul, Hashem’s thirteen at- HEALTHY SPIRIT tributes of kindness are shining upon us 5 in full glory. One of the thirteen attrib- KEEPING KOSHER IN... 6 THE U.S. ARMY utes is emes – truth. As a child, some- By Chanie Brod one once asked me, “Why is truth an attribute of kindness? Doesn’t truth represent ‘absolute justice,’ getting exactly what you CHALLAH deserve, an eye for an eye…?” 8 By Rabbi Yosef D. Chanowitz But, then again, “absolute justice” is something that belongs only to Hashem, because only Hashem knows and appreciates YOU SHALL WANDER one’s true intentions. When we look back at this passing year and 14 IN THE LAND see the gross abuse of power in the “name of justice” and the hor- By Rabbi Tzvi Liker rific 27-year sentence of a good and decent man, a life sentence for him, his wife and his children, one starts to appreciate emes – RESPONSIBILITY absolute justice. OF A KASHRUS AGENCY 16 By Rabbi Don Yoel Levy Make no mistake — the attacks on the largest kosher slaugh- terhouse in the U.S. and the way the government and judge han- WHO’S BEHIND THE ~ dled this case — reeks with unfairness and abuse of power. Not 18 INTERVIEW one single accusation of labor violations, which was the basis of With Rabbi Shimon Lasker the Agri raid was substantiated; all the accusations were either dropped or lacked sufficient evidence, resulting in NOT guilty ver- ~ ON THE ROAD dicts. This was and is an attack on the world of shechita and 20 kashrus…all starting with a so-called organization that is more TISHREI RECIPE concerned about animal rights and the treatment of cows and 21 chickens than people’s rights and the treatment of a husband and CHASSIDIC INSIGHTS: father. Let’s not forget the hundreds of hard working people who SHABBOS TESHUVAH lost their jobs, all in the name of “justice”. 22 Compiled by Dina Fraenkel Despite the tragic verdict issued by the court, we must hold our heads high because it is not over yet. Hashem is the Judge of all 23 SOUL NUTRITION judges, the Power of all powers. Our history shows that we are a people who rise when we fall. The extraordinary show of achdus brought about by this tragedy is something that hasn’t happened on such a big scale in ages. Surely the Executor of real, true, ab- We welcome your comments, solute justice will hear our cry and help us rise again to be bigger submissions and letters to the editor. and better than before. America is a country of kindness and fairness. Visiting any su- MAIL: 391 Troy Avenue permarket today bears witness to its love for all people with all Brooklyn, NY 11213 the different types of food, from ethnic to organic. The amount E-MAIL: [email protected] of kosher products available today is astonishing. For a regular civilian or a soldier in the U.S. Army, kosher food is now readily available. Read about kosher food in the U.S. Army in our new feature “Keeping Kosher In…the U.S. Army”.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Now is the time for our government officials to reexamine the Rabbi Chaim Fogelman past and to exercise fairness and true justice. EDITOR: Wishing you a year of revealed goodness and kindness. May Dovi Scheiner you be inscribed in the Book of Life, and may there be freedom to all those who deserve it. ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Dina Fraenkel K’siva V’chasima Tova, DESIGN: Rabbi Chaim Fogelman www.SpotlightDesign.com Editor-in-Chief FEEDBACK

~ TAKES Share Your Spirit SPECIAL NEEDS Readers share their thoughts GROUP ON TOUR OF about the last issue... SNAPPLE PLANT

ecently, ~ Kosher Certification and Dr. R Pepper/Snapple Group treated a group of young adults with special needs to an exciting tour of the largest Snapple production facility located in Carteret, New Jersey. The group, from Kinor Dovid & Kinor Malka (divisions of Harmony Services – a yeshiva day- hab program for high functioning developmentally de- layed men and women) enjoyed an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Snapple production. Dear Kosher Spirit, The tour, led by Plant Manager Saul Cruz, covered the production process and a question and answer ses- n your recent issue of Kosher Spirit (Spring sion. Mr. Cruz really went out of his way to welcome 5770, p. 14) Rabbi Gornish writes, “All I the group and patiently explained how Snapple prod- grating should be done Erev Pesach so as not to ucts are made. Rabbi Chaim Fogelman (Director of delay the Seder.” Actually, according to the Education and Public Relations at the ~/Kosher Spirit), Shulchan Oruch HaRav (sec. 504:4) one may who accompanied the group, commented that Mr. not grate chrein on Yom Tov. Since it is normally Cruz is meticulous and committed to the kosher pro- done in bulk, i.e. several days supply at once, gram at Snapple. Mr. Cruz’s at- therefore it is not justified to do on Yom Tov. tention and devotion to the Wishing you much success in promoting group was tremendously appre- kashrus and Yiddishkeit in general, ciated. Cruz told participants L.Y. Raskin about the origin of Snapple: “It Dayan, Lubavitch Community, London, UK was started by two guys in Long Is- Rabbi Gornish responds: land…They Dear Dayan Raskin, made a car- Thank you for your comment. The Mishna bonated apple Brura (473:36) brings an opinion that one drink and they called it Snappy-Apple.” Cruz also in- should intentionally grate the maror after formed participants that about 50 trucks of Snapple returning from shul so the flavor will products from the plant are bound for Brooklyn every remain strong, otherwise the mitzvah will day and 2.4 million Snapple bottles are produced in the not have been fulfilled. I suppose in that situation, one would only prepare the plant every day! amount needed for the seder since any Rabbi Shloimy Rosenberg of Harmony Services additional grated maror for the following said of the tour, “We go on many trips during the year night’s seder would be weakened and thus and this one was definitely on the top of our list… The defeat the original purpose of freshly feeling of you accompanying us and treating us as im- grating the maror. I tried to steer clear of portant guests will remain with us for a long time.” Spe- disputing traditions and only listed the cial thanks to Yossi Pels, Executive Account Manager basic reasons in the article. at the ~, and to Yechiel Hirth from Harmony Services Kind Regards, for arranging such an exclusive tour and to Sharon Rabbi Yitzchak Gornish Liberta from Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group for coordinat- ing the arrangements.

www.OK.org • 3 The ~ receives many letters/emails with kosher questions...

Dear Kosher Spirit, What is the correct brocha for Wasa crackers (crispbread)? The ~ responds: asa crackers are a flat and dry type of bread, containing mostly rye flour. It is made just like matzah, but yeast is added in order to make it leavened. Even Wthough it is made with water, according to the Mechaber and Shulchan Oruch HaRav one is allowed to be lenient and say the brocha mezonos, since it is usually eaten as a snack. However, in the Alter Rebbe’s siddur (the siddur of the Baal HaTanya), in Seder Birchos HaNehenin, which he wrote after he wrote the Shulchan Oruch he does not mention the opinion that the brocha on crackers is mezonos therefore it follows that the brocha should be hamotzi. Still, many prominent rabbonim and kashrus authorities hold that the correct brocha is mezonos. As with all Halachic rulings, please consult your local Orthodox rabbi for the right brocha. ~

4 • www.OK.org ~~

HOW TO KEEP A CUT APPLE FROM TURNING BROWN

When you cut open an Cut the apple underwater. This Blanch the apples. This will apple, an enzyme 2 keeps the enzyme from mak- 4 denature the enzyme. Let the (tyrosinase) in the flesh ing contact with oxygen. Keep the apple sit in boiling water for one or cut apple in the water until ready to reacts with oxygen to turn two minutes, then rinse with cold serve. water. They can then be eaten, polyphenols into melanin frozen, or used for apple pie. (the same pigment that Coat the exposed flesh in acid. 3 By bringing the pH below 2, Cover exposed apple flesh makes you tan). Here’s the enzyme that makes the apple 5 tightly in plastic wrap. This how to halt the process so flesh turn brown is deactivated. will work best if you have half an your apples stay bright Here are some acids you can use: apple (as opposed to pieces). Try to keep the creases on the exposed side and white. • Ascorbic acid, better known as vita- min C. Look for it in the canning sec- to a minimal. This technique keeps Choose apples that are less tion or pharmacy as powder. Apply the air away from the apple flesh to 1 prone to browning. A study directly or dissolved in water (1/2 tsp. prevent the apple flesh from oxidiz- found that Arangeh apples tend to per 2 1/2 cups of water). ing. brown the least. Granny Smith and • Lemon or lime juice. It’s not as ef- Soak apple pieces in a slightly Golden Smoty apples also showed fective as ascorbic acid, but it'll do in 6 salty water solution for a few minimal browning. Golden Deli- a pinch, and they’re more readily seconds. Remove and enjoy white cious apples were in the middle, and available. The juice can be diluted up apple pieces for a considerable time. Red Delicious apples browned the to 3:1. Lemon juice will have a less Works well if you’re adding apples most. obvious taste than lime juice. to a fruit salad. ~

www.OK.org • 5 KEEPING KOSHER IN... THE U.S. ARMY

By Chanie Brod

eep in the woods a young man difficult one. With wake-up any time between 03:30 and crouches, peering through the shrub- 05:00, the day begins whilst D the birds still sleep. A large bery. His fatigues are dusty and his proportion of time is dedi- beard is tangled. He is searching. After a diet cated to physical fitness and combat training. After around of tuna, crackers, and the occasional fruit, the ten weeks of boot camp sol- new 2nd Lieutenant Jacob Goldstein is hun- diers are required to take a physical test where they are gry for some variety in his diet. His mission: graded on push-ups, press- track down berries. ups, and running. Meal time at the mess-hall is a time where A Lubavitch yeshiva graduate, lain, who persistently reminded the soldiers can unwind and enjoy a Goldstein never expected to replace Goldstein of the lack of religious nutritious stew, chicken, or lasagna, his rabbinical hat and jacket with a provisions for our Jewish troops. but what’s on the menu for the helmet and khakis. In 1967 the After receiving a blessing from the thousands of Jewish soldiers? young rabbi, along with several Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Goldstein Proper nutrition is of critical im- friends, left yeshiva study halls for donned fatigues over his tzitzis and portance to support the soldiers’ de- military bases, where they met with a helmet over his yarmulke, and took manding routine, but feeding an Jewish soldiers and helped men don his first steps in his new combat army is complex business. Whilst tefillin. The conduct of the young boots. the recommended daily intake for rabbis impressed the Catholic chap- The transition to military life is a the average adult is 2000 calories, 6 • www.OK.org The soldier’s diet requires 3500 calories. Meals need to be able to survive the impact of a paratrooper’s 1000-foot jump, the heat of the Iraqi desert, and the freezing temperatures of the Russian winter...

the average adult doesn’t usually army opened the floor for bids for pioneering kosher MREs joined the jump from planes and spend several Kosher MREs and Rabbi Goldstein Marines in combat, experiencing the hours running. The soldier’s diet re- was appointed Kosher Food Advisor. extreme weather conditions of So- quires 3500 calories. Meals need to A bid came through that satisfied malia. “They didn’t want to eat any- be able to survive the impact of a both the strict US military regula- thing else!” He says with pride. paratrooper’s 1000-foot jump, the tions and Cpl. Goldstein’s high “They tasted great.” heat of the Iraqi desert, and the freez- kosher standards. The process of The meals can be eaten hot or ing temperatures of the Russian win- manufacturing and preserving the straight from the box. When being ter. Soldiers are supplied with MRE’s food was overseen by Goldstein sev- dispatched to extreme hot climates (Meals Ready to Eat). These boxes, eral times. Manufactured entirely in an oven or microwave may not even which are roughly the size of a VHS the USA, the kosher MRE’s are made be necessary to heat dinner. After video, hold a foil packed 1200-calorie to withstand temperatures of -40 to leaving his MRE outside his tent for meal with a shelf life of three years. 140 degrees and a 1200-foot drop. several hours one day in Iraq, Gold- MRE’s are made to survive extreme The first four kosher MRE’s pro- stein opened the box to a piping hot, temperatures ranging from -40 to 140 duced included fish, chicken, beef cooked meal. degrees F. and vegetarian. The meat meals are For the Jewish soldiers in the US When Goldstein joined the military, glatt kosher. In 1994, 10,000 of these military there is now one less battle there were no kosher provisions for to fight, and healthy, kosher MRE’s Jewish troops. Throughout his military are now available in the military career he was dispatched to dozens mess halls. Keeping kosher without of countries. “Afghanistan, Uzbek- dropping the pounds is now a reality. istan, Pakistan…. A lot of -stans. Rus- Hunting for berries is no longer nec- sia. Somalia. Iraq. Kuwait...” he begins essary when craving a change from to list. For Goldstein and the Jewish tuna, and the expanded My Own troops, keeping kosher presented an Meals range now includes sixteen additional battle. “We scrounged.” meal choices, with more varieties of Goldstein recalls. “I ate tuna, lots of beef, chicken, fish, vegetarian, and it. Fruits and veggies. When we were dairy. It’s not only the Jews who are in the woods we’d hunt for berries keeping kosher. Cpl. Goldstein re- for variety. We’re America and we ports that he frequently gets requests gotta do better than that. It had to from non-Jewish soldiers for the change.” kosher meals. Soldiers need only re- When Iraq invaded Kuwait in quest the kosher rations and they are 1990 they were unwittingly pivotal available in the mess hall or in com- in improving the army life for thou- bat. Josh, a 22 year-old Marine, did sands of Jewish soldiers. The 1991 not expect that joining the military Gulf war highlighted a problem in would give him an appreciation for military food supply. With thousands keeping kosher. “Kosher is some- of Jewish soldiers mobilized to the thing I took for granted, having deserts of Iraq, there were no provi- grown up with a kosher version of al- sions of kosher meals. Goldstein saw most everything I wanted available his opportunity. His position as mili- at the local supermarket.” he says. “In tary Chaplain enabled him to be in- Afghanistan it’s not like that. I can’t strumental in changing the landscape pick up a candy bar or box of cereal for Jews in the military. After raising with a kosher symbol on it. These this issue with his superiors, the kosher MRE’s are a life saver”. ~ Cpl. Goldstein on tour in Iraq www.OK.org • 7 A GUIDE FOR THE HOME AND THE BAKERY INDUSTRY Challah By Rabbi Yosef D. Chanowitz

8 • www.OK.org he Midrash1 tells us that when Yitzchak was look- to practice this mitzvah immediately ing for a sign that Rivka was the right bride for upon arriving in Israel instead of him, he brought her into the tent of his mother, waiting until they conquered the in- habitants and settled the land. Sarah. When Sarah was alive, a cloud hovered over her Bread is an essential part of the tent,T a candle burned continuously from Shabbos to human diet. By taking the first por- Shabbos, and Hashem blessed the dough she baked. tion of dough and designating it for When she passed away these signs ceased and when the Kohen, we are recognizing that Rivka arrived they resumed. These miracles correspond along with the physical nutrition that bread gives, it also serves as a spiri- to the three mitzvos that are the foundation of a Jewish tual nutrient if used correctly and home. The dough was blessed because of Sarah’s fervor with the proper intentions. One in the mitzvah of taking challah. This began with our should always remember that every- matriarchs – Sarah, Rivka, Rochel, Leah – and continued thing belongs to Hashem; therefore throughout history. We learn from the Midrash that the first portion is designated for Hashem. women and girls should be taught the importance of In addition, by giving the portion challah and participate in Hafrashas Challah (separating of challah to the Kohen, the poorest of challah), just as Rivka did, at the age of three.2 people who did not even own land, one is essentially giving the challah to The connection between women death into the world, thereby ruining Hashem, which teaches us the impor- and challah is emphasized in Ha- the challah. The mitzvah of separating tance of giving tzedakah.6 lacha,3 where it states that one can- the challah offers women a unique The mitzvah of separating challah not separate challah without opportunity to rectify Chava’s sin. only applies to challah that was permission from the owner. At formed into dough in the Land of Is- home, the woman is the owner of The Mitzvah rael. Dough that was formed in the the challah. Therefore, contemporary In Bamidbar5 it states, “Upon your Diaspora only requires Hafrashas poskim say that a helper or even a coming to the land to which I am Challah d’rabbonon (Rabbinical com- chef cannot take challah in the place bringing you, when you eat from the mandment).7 Chazal instructed us to of the woman, unless she has given bread of the land you should set separate challah in the Diaspora so her permission. Some take this a step aside a portion for G-d. You should that the mitzvah of challah would not further and say that even the hus- set aside the first of your dough.” be forgotten. Therefore, one will find band cannot take challah without his This mitzvah is one of many that many poskim were more lenient wife’s permission, especially from mitzvos that the Jewish people were on challah dough from the Diaspora, bread that was baked for sanctifying commanded to fulfill in Eretz Yisroel. as opposed to dough made in Eretz Shabbos. It is directly connected to the physi- Yisroel. Another reason that the mitzvah of cal land of Israel. However, unlike In reality, today even Hafrashas challah is entrusted to women is ex- most mitzvos that are dependent on Challah in Eretz Yisroel is d’rabbonon plained in the Midrash.4 When the land (which were not instilled (Rabbinical), since there is no major- Hashem wished to create man, He until fourteen years after the Jewish ity of Jewish people in the Land of Is- mixed some earth and water to- people entered the land and settled), rael. Chazal extended the mitzvah of gether to form dough and shape the mitzvah of Hafrashas Challah ap- challah after the destruction of the Adam. The Sages thus call Adam, plied as soon as the Jewish people ar- Beis HaMikdash, like they did to “The challah of the world.” When rived in Eretz Yisroel. This highlights many mitzvos that are dependent on Chava sinned by causing Adam to the importance of this mitzvah, since the land. Even so, we are more strin- eat the forbidden fruit, she brought the Torah commanded Jewish people gent with challah in Eretz Yisroel than

www.OK.org • 9 in the Diaspora. It states in Halacha that in Israel one must take challah Types of Pastries prior to eating bread. However, in the Diaspora one can eat from the bread Mezonos Bread as long as there is a small amount of If the Mezonos bread has water mixed into it; one should dough left from which to take challah.8 take challah with a brocha. Many poskim say that this is only b’di’eved (as a correction after the fact) Sheet Cakes or on Shabbos when one forgot to take Many cakes call for recipes without water. One should take challah before Shabbos. But l’chatchila challah without a brocha (unless water is added). The one should always take challah before other factor to consider: If the amount of the other ingredi- eating from the bread. ents (oil, eggs, sugar, etc.) are larger than the amount of the Another difference in Halacha be- flour and are the predominant taste, so much so that one tween Israel and the Diaspora is when cannot eat more than a little of the cake at a time, there are there is a safek in din. For example, poskim that hold one would not separate challah at all. The when baking several small cakes (each common practice in commercial bakeries is to take challah one smaller than the minimum from sheet cakes after they are baked, without a brocha, to amount required for challah [see avoid confusion. NOTE: At home a typical cake mixture below]) in an oven together, there is may not have enough flour to require Hafrashas Challah. doubt if the oven would combine them as one dough and cause the Water Bagels and Pretzel Bagels cakes to require Hafrashas Challah. In Even though they are boiled before baking, they do require Israel we are stringent and require Hafrashas Challah with a brocha. Hafrashas Challah, but in the Diaspora we do not require Hafrashas Challah.9 Pancakes, Latkes, Bissli, Croutons and Doughnuts DOUGH CONTENT Do not require Hafrashas Challah since they are fried. Challah is taken on dough only There is an opinion that one should take challah from from one of the five Minei Dagan – doughnuts and other thick dough without a brocha. wheat, barley, oat, spelt and rye. Other grains, like rice, soy, corn, etc., Pasta, including Lokshen, Spaghetti, are not considered lechem (bread) and Macaroni, Ravioli, Gnocchi one does not take challah. If a recipe calls for a mixture of flour Requires separation of challah without a brocha, since one from the five Minei Dagan and the might bake these later on. amount of flour combined into dough is enough for a Shiur Challah, then the Cookies, Rugelach, Croutons and Knishes mitzvah of Hafrashas Challah can be If the recipe calls for water, then one should take challah fulfilled.10 with a brocha. If not one should not say a brocha. In addi- If a recipe calls for wheat and rice tion, if the pastry is so sweet that one cannot eat so much flour and there is not enough wheat at once, it may not require Hafrasha like the sheet cakes flour to require Hafrashas Challah, Ha- mentioned above. lacha requires that if the prominent taste of the mixture is wheat, one takes challah. Since rice tends to be a silent ingredient with a bland taste, even when there is more rice than wheat, challah must be taken.11 This Halacha is unique to a combination of rice and wheat. Other types of flour blended with wheat (or rice flour blended with one of the other four Minei Dagan) does not require Hafrashas Challah, unless the majority

10 • www.OK.org “...Some take this a step further and say that even the husband cannot take challah without his wife’s permission, especially from bread that was baked for sanctifying Shabbos...” of the flour mixture is wheat and brocha since there is a question if such should take challah with a brocha.17 there is enough wheat flour to re- dough requires separating challah.14 quire Hafrashas Challah from the In that case one should add a small MEASUREMENTS wheat alone. [Some poskim disagree amount of water to the mixture so The amount of flour one should and say that all starches are like rice that one can take challah with a prepare in order to be obligated to with wheat in this regard.12] brocha.15 separate challah is a tenth of an eifah. A batch of dough that was made Challah is taken from dough re- This is equivalent to the volume (not with flour and water requires gardless of whether it was prepared weight) of 43 and 1/5 eggs. The pre- Hafrashas Challah. The same is true as a thick dough or thin batter cise volume of the egg is question- for flour mixed with any of the other (pourable). If the dough is thick and able, according to some poskim, due Shivah Mashkim – seven liquids that roll-able, then the mitzvah is done to the possible downsizing of eggs allow foodstuffs to become impure, while the dough is still raw. If, how- today relative to the eggs used in the including milk, wine, olive oil, ever, the dough is a thin batter, then Talmudic times. honey13 and dew. (Blood is the last of one should take challah after it is The Shulchan Oruch HaRav18 ac- the Shivah Mashkim, but it is obvi- baked.16 cepts today’s eggs as being the cor- ously not used in kosher cooking.) Dough that is going to be cooked rect size. As stated, “How should this One is required to separate challah or fried does not require Hafrashas be measured?” One should take a from such dough with a brocha. If, Challah since it is not considered large bowl (that can fit 43 eggs), fill it however, the dough was not mixed “lechem”. If the dough is thick, some with water until the top, and then with one of the above and instead it poskim suggest taking challah without pour the water out into an even was mixed with eggs, sugar, oil, etc., a brocha. All agree that if some of the larger bowl. Then, one should place one would not take challah with a dough will eventually be baked, one 43 eggs in the first bowl and pour the

www.OK.org • 11 “...Many women give tzedakah before taking challah. After kneading the dough, while standing, one should hold a small amount of dough ... in the right hand, without detaching it, and recite the brocha...”

water from second bowl to fill the taken without a brocha. If the dough method is commonly used in com- first bowl to the top. The remaining is 4.95 pounds or more, then a brocha mercial bakeries where they bake water in the second bowl is the should be recited. There is a dis- multiple batches of dough in a day. proper volume to be obligated in agreement, however, whether a The mashgiach will gather all the Hafrashas Challah. One should just brocha should be said if there is less dough into one area and take challah add a little more to equal 1/5 of an than 4.95 pounds, but more than 3.9 from one of the batches of dough. egg. This water should be then pounds of flour. One should follow This eliminates the obligation of tak- placed in a measuring bowl. A line one’s family custom.19 ing challah for each individual batch. should be drawn where the water When the dough contains less In a facility where the mashgiach or reaches so one can use this for future than two and a half pounds of flour, frum owner is not there daily, some measuring of challah. The Oruch one may combine two or more will take this a step further and take HaShulchan and others hold that one dough batches to achieve the correct challah with the intent to cover the cannot measure with today’s eggs. amount needed for Hafrashas Chal- next few days. In this case, the chal- To convert 43 and 1/5 eggs from lah, as long as the owner does not lah that was taken is left in the dough volume to weight would depend on mind that they are combined to- room to consider all the dough in the a number of variables including, gether. One then puts all the dough same area min hamukaf. It is prefer- whether the flour is whole wheat, all into one container, covers the con- able that the mashgiach instructs the purpose flour, high gluten, oat flour, tainer entirely to render it one batch workers to save a small piece of etc. Each type of flour yields different of dough, and takes challah. dough from each batch of dough so weights per cup. Also, seasonal If two or more batches of dough that the mashgiach can take challah changes, moisture content and sifting are kneaded separately and each in- from them.20 all affect the final weight of flour. dividual batch has enough flour to If a teacher is distributing dough to Therefore, if the dough contains take challah, one can join (mitzaref) her class and each child ends up with less than two and half pounds of the dough in order to be mafrish all of a small portion of dough for their flour, it is too small to take challah. If the challah with one brocha. This can own challah, they do not need to take the dough contains more than two be done providing that it is min challah, since their individual portion and a half pounds, challah should be hamukaf – in the same vicinity. This does not have enough dough to re-

12 • www.OK.org quire Hafrashas Challah. THE HAFRASHA the same oven after baking the rest If, however, a housewife makes a Many women give tzedakah be- of dough. Alternatively, one can burn large batch of challah dough and fore taking challah. After kneading it directly on the stovetop. If one can- bakes challah to last several weeks, the dough, while standing, one not burn it, he may double wrap it she does take challah. Even though should hold a small amount of dough and dispose of it respectfully.22 each challah does not have a Shiur (a k’zayis – about the size of an egg) If the separated challah dough was Challah, the entire batch of dough in the right hand, without detaching lost or was inadvertently disposed, has only one owner. it, and recite the brocha, “Baruch atah one does not need to make another Hashem, Elokeinu melech ha’olam, asher hafrasha.23 However, if the challah got OWNERSHIP k’dishanu b’mitzvosav v’tzivanu l’hafrish mixed back into the rest of dough, a Rov should be consulted, since there A Jew must own the dough at the challah.” (Some add “min h’eisa”.) At might be an option of Hataras Neder time of kneading in order to require that point, one removes the dough to nullify the original separation and Hafrashas Challah. Therefore, one and says, “Harei Zu Challah. This is challah.” In the event that one is sep- then one could take challah again.24 may buy frozen challah dough man- arating challah without a brocha, one As with most areas of Halacha, ufactured by a non-Jew, with a should still say “Harei Zu Challah” there are many opinions and cus- proper hechsher, from a supermarket. after separation. toms regarding Hafrashas Challah. If Since it belonged to a non-Jew, one is Immediately after the hafrasha, the one has a specific question regarding not obligated to take challah from it.21 challah is then burned until it is com- the practical application of any of the If a Jew and a non-Jew are partners pletely charred. It is forbidden to issues discussed above, please con- and the Jew’s stake in the business is burn the challah in the same oven tact your local Orthodox rabbi. In the large enough that his portion alone in that one bakes the rest of the dough. merit of the great mitzvah of the dough would be sufficient to be (One may not benefit from the chal- Hafrashas Challah, and our efforts to obligated in challah, challah should be lah dough since it belongs to the perform it with dedication and care, taken. For example if he owns 40% Kohen, and the Kohen himself can not may we speedily merit the final Geu- of the business, and 40% of each benefit from the challah since he is lah and the opportunity to serve chal- batch of dough is larger than 4.95 lbs. impure.) If the challah dough is lah to the Kohanim in the Beis (or 3.9 lbs.), challah should be taken. wrapped in foil, it can be burned in HaMikdash. ~

ùäáöéí ùìðå ðú÷èðå ìëîå çöé áéöä çöé ìëîå ðú÷èðå ùìðå ùäáöéí ÷è ñé’ ç”ç áîðç”é åò”ò ìò÷àê. ìòðéï äâ’ ùí ùäè”æ áîöéàåú, ñô÷ ìâáé ù”ì ñé’ èæ. ñ, øáä áøàùéú 1. ùìäí. ô”ã. äàøõ åáúïøú áæä îñúô÷ ñ÷”ç ùí îé÷ì,åäù”ê ñ÷”â çìä ìäôøéù ëùøéí àéðí ÷èðéí àåìí 2. åîëøéò ùéôøéù áìà áøëä. åòåã ðô÷”î åòåã áøëä. áìà ùéôøéù åîëøéò 91. ìø’ çééí ðàä ò”ô ùå”ò äøá ùí éôøéù ùí äøá ùå”ò ò”ô ðàä çééí ìø’ 91. ÷ð”ç ñé’ àå”ç ùå”ò åòé’ ãáåøéí ãáù 31. ùðéí é”à áú ëù÷èðä åáãéòáã ìáãí. áúçéìúå. áøåá ùáèì ùé”à áéèåì ìâáé äåà áçå”ì ùì”à ñé’ éå”ã áùå”ò îúéøéí éù äôøéùä ááøëä, åëï îðäâ áéøåùìéí,åìòøåê äùìçï áéøåùìéí,åìòøåê îðäâ åëï ááøëä, äàøõ. çìú ëãéï á÷”à àå áñ’ áéèåì åàé”ö ñì”â. åäöì”ç éôøéù áìà áøëä. áøëä. áìà éôøéù åäöì”ç ãáøé ò”ô ááøëä ìäôøéù éù ñôøã ìáðé 41. ìëúçéìä àéñåø áéèåì ãéï ùàéï é”à åâí äîçáø áéå”ã ñé’ ùë”è ñ”è, åòé’ áùå”ú åòé’ ñ”è, ùë”è ñé’ áéå”ã äîçáø úìîåãéú áàðö’ åòå”ò ãøáðï. ùòé÷øå ëéåï è”æ ñ÷”ä, ù”ê ñ”â, ùë”ç ñé’ éå”ã 3. 02. øàä îðçú éöç÷ ç”ã ñé’ ðè áàøåëä ðè ñé’ ç”ã éöç÷ îðçú øàä 02. éáé”à ç”ä àå”ç ñî”á, åòé’ áù”ê ùí áù”ê åòé’ ñî”á, àå”ç ç”ä éáé”à ñ÷è”æ. çìä òøê ùí äçééí ñ”ã,åáëó øî”á ñé’ áàå”ç ñ÷”á, ùäôåòìéí éùàéøå îëì òéñä åòéñä çì÷ åòéñä òéñä îëì éùàéøå ùäôåòìéí áàðö’ òé’ åáë”æ ñ÷”á. åáô”ú ñ÷”è, åë”ã. ñ÷ë”â 01. ñ÷”ä. éå”ã ñé’ ùë”ã ñ”á,è”æ ùí ñ”á,è”æ ùë”ã ñé’ éå”ã ñ÷”ä. 01. ÷èï áùáéì äîùâéç, åäîùâéç éôøéù çìä éôøéù åäîùâéç äîùâéç, áùáéì ÷èï ñ”é. çìä òøê úìîåãéú ñ÷”á, ù”ê ùí. ù”ê ñ÷”á, ì”á1 øîæ áøàùéú ùîòåðé éì÷åè 4. îëì äçìåú åâí îæä åéàîø “äøéðé îôøéù “äøéðé åéàîø îæä åâí äçìåú îëì ùë”è éå”ã ìçí òøê îäøé÷”ù )ò”ô 51. 11. îúðé’ çìä ô”â î”æ, ùå”ò éå”ã ñé’ ùë”ã ñé’ éå”ã ùå”ò î”æ, ô”â çìä îúðé’ 11. é”æ. è”å, 5. çìä æå òì ëì îä ùéù ôä åòì ëì îä ëì åòì ôä ùéù îä ëì òì æå çìä îìç äåñéó ùàí ñ÷”â áô”ú åò”ò ñ”è(. ñ”è, è”æ ùí ñ÷”è ëúá “îùîè àò”â “îùîè ëúá ñ÷”è ùí è”æ ñ”è, äøîá”í ò”ô 326 òî’ ç”á ùéçåú ì÷åèé 6. ùëáø ðéìåù åðàôä àöì æä äðçúåí åìà äðçúåí æä àöì åðàôä ðéìåù ùëáø äåëùøå. áîéí ùðúáùì ùìðå ãìéú ùéòåø çìä áãâï ìçåã”. åé”à ãàéðå åé”à ìçåã”. áãâï çìä ùéòåø ãìéú îæáç. àéñåøé äì’ ñåó ðôøù òåã çìä, áéï òì îä ùáòéï áëì ùáòéï îä òì áéï çìä, òåã ðôøù ñ÷”á, ùí åù”ê áúçéìúå ùë”è ñé’ éå”ã 61. ôøñ, àëéìú áëãé ëæéú áå éù àà”ë çééá 7. éå”ã ñé’ ùë”á åòé’ áàøéëåú áàðö’ áàøéëåú åòé’ ùë”á ñé’ éå”ã 7. î÷åí ùäåà åáéï òì ëì îä ùëáø ðàëì. ðàëì. ùëáø îä ëì òì åáéï ùäåà î÷åí øî”ã. ñé’ ç”ç äìåé ùáè ùå”ú úî”á?, ñé’ áàå”ç äøá äùå”ò îëøéò åëï úìîåãéú òøê çìä ñ÷è”æ. åäèòí äåà, åäèòí ñ÷è”æ. çìä òøê úìîåãéú 71. éå”ã ùë”è ñ”â åñ”ã, ù”ê ùí ñ÷”ã, ùí ù”ê åñ”ã, ñ”â ùë”è éå”ã 71. ùéòåø ìçåã áãâï éù àà”ë çééá ùàéðå åé”à 12. éå”ã ùë”è ñ”â. ùë”è éå”ã 12. äåä äòéñä âìâåì áùòú äåà ùäçéåá îëéåï è”æ ñ÷”à, ô”ú ñ÷”à, åîðäâ äîäø”í äéä äîäø”í åîðäâ ñ÷”à, ô”ú ñ÷”à, è”æ çìä òøê úìîåãéú áàðö’ åòå”ò çìä. ëîå îöåä ùçåáú äâåó äðåäâú âí áçå”ì. âí äðåäâú äâåó ùçåáú îöåä ëîå 22. îðç”é ç”ã ñé’ é”â, åáôøè ùäéåí åáôøè é”â, ñé’ ç”ã îðç”é 22. àåìí ñô÷. îéãé ìöàú ÷öú ìàôåú ñé’è”å. 8. âî’ áéöä è., éå”ã ñé’ ùë”â, àå”ç ñé’ àå”ç ùë”â, ñé’ éå”ã è., áéöä âî’ 8. ùåøôéí âí äàùôä. âí ùåøôéí ù”ê åòé’ ääôøùä, òì ìáøê ÷öú ëùàåôä ãäåä é”à åáæä ÷åãîú, áäòøä åòé’ 21. ùí ñ÷”å. ùí îé÷ì ùí è”æ ñ÷”â, ùí îâ”à úð”æ, 32. éå”ã ñé’ ùë”á ô”ú ñ÷”á. ô”ú ùë”á ñé’ éå”ã 32. åé”à ñ÷”éæ(, ùí )áù”ê ìâîøé àåøæ ëîå 81. àå”ç ñé’ úî”å ñ”á, åòé’ áë”æ áùéòåøé áë”æ åòé’ ñ”á, úî”å ñé’ àå”ç 81. àæé ãâï øåá àå çìä ëùéòåø àå áä éù ùàí ùîãú ñ÷é”á ùí äøá ùå”ò ìëúçéìä, 42. øî”à éå”ã ùë”â ñ”à, èåø áùí äøà”ù, áùí èåø ñ”à, ùë”â éå”ã øî”à 42. ùéòåø ðàä(, çééí )ìø’ áúçéìúå úåøä ùéòåø âí ùðéäí ãöøéê åé”à çìä, çéåá éù ÷åãí. ìäôøéù äçñéãåú äá”é, äñä”ú åäù”ê. åòé’ áô”ú ñ÷”à ùàí ñ÷”à áô”ú åòé’ åäù”ê. äñä”ú äá”é, ùë”ã ñé’ éå”ã äùìçï òøåê ÷ôà, òî’ î÷åä áàøéëåú åòé’ ñ÷”è(, )à”æ ãâï øåá åâí çìä ùë”ä ñé’ áéå”ã åòé’ ìä÷ì. ãøáðï ùñô÷ 9. áèì áøåá éù ìñîåê ìä÷ì. ìñîåê éù áøåá áèì äöì”ç áùí ñ÷”à ùí ô”ú ñ”â-ä, ëùéèä ùîëøéò øì”å ñé’ éå”ã äö”ö áùå”ú åáéå”ã ñ÷”á, ùí ù”ê ããéðà, áñôé÷à ñ”à

www.OK.org • 13 נע ונד תהיה בארץ You Shall Wander In The Land (Bereishis, 4:12)

by Rabbi Tzvi Liker

t is said that a chain is only as to your yeshiva/kol- strong as its weakest link. This is lel and a few weeks certainly true in the world of later the phone kashrus, where the chain of com- rings again, “You mand extends from the executive helped us out a few I weeks ago at an affair. full time job in kashrus. rabbi in the main office down to the mashgiach (kashrus supervisor) in the Our regular mashgiach At this stage there is a serious deci- field. In many ways, the mashgiach plays in ______(fill in the sion to be made; continue learning or the crucial role in kashrus as he is the one blank) just had a baby go out into “The Big World”. Each who guarantees that things are done and we need some- family has its own calculations to right. In the next few paragraphs, I would one to visit one of his make before making their decision. like to give our readers a peek into the factories. We will give Some will decide to stay in learning mashgiach and his work and some of the you very clear instruc- longer, or for as long as they can, oth- day-to-day challenges he faces—both tions and make sure ers will decide that the offer has come you know what to at the right time for them. personal and professional. Hopefully, we do. Can you help us Of course, one doesn’t become a can shed a little light on this little-known out?” And so it goes. kashrus professional overnight. Often (or-appreciated) area of kashrus. You find the work in- you are paired with a more seasoned The truth is, most of us involved in teresting, they find rabbi, learning the ropes as you go hashgocha never intended to end up you to be a serious worker, and the along. Practical kashrus, chemistry and where we are. We learned in yeshivos factory owner mentioned, “The new psychology are all picked up on the of one stripe or another and either rabbi you sent over was really a nice way. Some will read chemistry books; had no particular direction in mind, or guy.” Next thing you know you have some will take kashrus or chemistry often thought of a completely differ- another offer and then an- ent line of work. (I thought I was other, until finally going to go into chinuch.) Then one “The Offer” day you get a call — “We’re supervis- comes in — ing an affair on Wednesday (and have you’re of- to kasher the kitchen beforehand). fered a The regular “crew” will be on hand, but we need a few extra hands — and eyes. Our mashgiach, Moshe, sug- gested we call you. Can you help us out?” You did a good job — and someone noticed. You picked up on something that someone over- looked — and they appreciated it. You go back

14 www.OK.org classes; and some even pursue degrees addition to the weekly sedra, in related sciences. each rabbi has his own learn- Once the decision is made, life takes ing schedule; some do CHi- on a new direction. Literally. If you’re TaS, other do Daf Yomi, lucky, the work is (relatively) local. If halacha yomis, mishnayos, not, you will be on the road to here RaMBaM, etc. and there making sure that Jews far With mobile phones and and wide are eating kosher. Friends cheap rates, calling home is often say to me, “You are so lucky. easy enough, and with the You get to travel around and see all the Internet available (another

Of course, one doesn’t become a kashrus professional overnight... phone his superior, known as an RC, Rabbinic Coordinator. (I have woken places we only see on posters.” I usu- way the Internet can be used for good) my RC up in the middle of the night. ally offer to trade places with them for in virtually every corner of the coun- He didn’t like it, but he was happy I three or four months, and gently tell try, and in many other countries as did.) But what if for some reason he’s them that they really have no clue well, you can even see the kids — and unreachable? A decision to stop pro- what a mashgiach’s life on the road is be seen by them as well. But let’s be duction can cost a company tens of all about. honest, giving the kids a virtual bed- thousand of dollars. This is a mash- Hopefully, you head out on Sunday time hug and kiss can never replace giach’s worst nightmare. He must (and not right after Havdalah on the real thing… (Let’s not forget that make a decision, and hope that he has Motzo’ei Shabbos like I usually do), to time differences often keep you up siyata d’sh’maya when he makes it. get to your first stop on Monday even later.) Here is where being knowledgeable in morning. Usually, but not always, you Others, like myself, spend a lot of the fifth section of the Shulchan Oruch daven shacharis in your hotel room (eu- time overseas, for two, sometimes — common sense is critical. A mash- phemistically called the Beis K’nesses three weeks at a time. Although there giach needs to know what to say and Y’chidei S’gulo) and maybe eat some- is often a kehillah or a Beit Chabad when to say it. More importantly, he thing before heading out. Sometimes somewhere nearby, for frum yidden, needs to know how to say it. you have to daven in the factory or in Shabbos is family time. As nice as the Not only are Yidden everywhere some inconspicuous place en route. Chabad rabbi and rebbetzin are, when counting on us to do our jobs, in the (Note: Davening on a plane in Malaysia it comes to Shabbos, you really want eyes of those we work with, we rep- or Turkey is not recommended...) to be home. Believe me, few things are resent not only our organizations, but, When you finally get to your hotel at more depressing than spending a the Jewish People as well. A mashgiach 8:00, 9:00, or 10:00 pm there are still Shabbos (or two or three…) alone in a who doesn’t behave with derech eretz reports to be filled out — reports hotel in Turkey or India, or in the fac- and menchlichkeit can cause a tremen- which are duly read, understood and tory where you are doing hashgacha. dous chillul Hashem. acted upon when needed, and filed for (Been there, done that, too.) Unfortunately, a mashgiach’s future reference. We are always aware of the respon- work is not always appreciated. In places where there is no kosher sibility that rests on our shoulders. We I hope these few lines have food available, other than some fruits are the eyes and ears of the rabbi or or- shed some light on this oft- and vegetables, whatever you packed ganization we represent. If we miss or maligned job, and those in your suitcase is what there is. One misunderstand something, or are mis- performing it, who week’s worth, two, whatever you can led, countless numbers of Jews might are truly the first get in. Often, supper will be some sort eat questionable or even traif food, line of kashrus of RTE (Ready-To-Eat) pre-packaged chas v’sholom. As Rav Avraham defense. ~ meal, or something prepared yester- Shapira, zt”l, the former Chief Rabbi day morning before you left. With a of Israel once told me, a mashgiach Rabbi Liker is currently a can of soda, a fruit or a handful of must be a bit of a scoundrel, that way mashgiach for the ~. His nuts, one can almost, but not quite, he will know when other scoundrels outstanding work was pretend to be having a real meal… Of are trying to fool him… acknowledged with the 2009 course, you also have to prepare food When a problem is found — prob- Featured Mashgiach award at the Mashgichim for tomorrow as well. (What, tuna lematic ingredients, or possibly catch- ~ Conference. again?) ing the company lying — decisions Did I mention that we also try to must be made, often on the spot. In keep up with our learning as well? In the first instance the mashgiach will www.OK.org • 15 Responsibility of a Kashrus Agency

By Rabbi Don Yoel Levy

o whom is the kashrus agency responsible? It seems like kashrus certification, because that is a strange question. Of course, we are obligated first and what one is contracted for. In addition, Tforemost to Hashem! The core of a kashrus agency’s re- the agency has to provide proper cus- sponsibility is to ensure that all the products under its certifi- tomer service to the company. This in- cation are 100% kosher. As we delve into this matter, we find cludes answering questions and that a kashrus agency actually has a very complicated balance submissions in a timely manner, prob- of responsibilities. The agency is accountable to Hashem, but lem-solving, providing competent, it also has responsibilities towards the consumer public, the professional mashgichim, providing certified companies, and, finally, to itself and its reputation. proper documentation, and so on. The kashrus agency also has a responsibil- A kashrus agency’s responsibility to- a kashrus issue. ity to back up the company when false ward the consumer public is a given. The kashrus agency’s obligation to allegations are made about the com- The agency is providing a service to the certified company is multi-faceted. pany’s kashrus status. When such slan- kosher consumers and the consumer (Of course, we are not discussing a der occurs, it is imperative that the relies on the kosher supervision when company who would like to “just” re- certified company can rely on the purchasing products for oneself and ceive certification with the least has- backing of its kashrus agency and its one’s family. It goes without saying sle. Nor are we discussing an agency efforts to preserve the company’s rep- that the kashrus agency has an obliga- wanting to provide certification with utation. tion to disclose its kashrus standards the least effort on their part.) The In addition to balancing responsibil- and alert the consumer when there is agency must provide the best possible ities towards consumers and certified 16 • www.OK.org companies, a kashrus agency has an company, or on the kashrus agency? If should think about. The agency’s re- obligation to uphold its reputation and the company blatantly fooled the sponsibility is first to Hashem, then to the reputation of its Rav HaMachshir, agency, the answer is simple. But, the consumer, the company, and lastly as well. An integral part of kashrus is what happens when there is a misun- to itself. the reputation of the kashrus agency. derstanding? What if the company Last Pesach we had an issue where All companies want an agency that claims that they were authorized to a shaila came up on cocoa that we cer- has a sterling reputation and is known use the ingredient? The kashrus agency tified along with another Rav for a high level of kosher supervision knows that if a mistake on behalf of HaMachshir. At the ~, we are proud in order to market their product to the the agency is publicized it may affect that we did not attempt to cover up largest group of kosher consumers. the agency’s reputation. the issue and blame the certified com- Kashrus agencies are acutely aware of In such a situation, to whom does pany. Rather, we showed complete this and work diligently to protect the agency have primary responsibil- transparency to the consumer public their reputations. Consumers also ben- ity? To itself? To the certified com- and did not try to place fault on the efit from the agency’s efforts to up- pany? When a ship is sinking, it is well company. There was actually no shaila hold a good reputation, because they known that the last person to leave the found, but the ~ tested the cocoa any- are ensured that the kashrus agency ship is the captain. Getting his crew way and found that there was no will do its best to provide the most and passengers to safety is his respon- issue. stringent kosher certification. sibility. At the ~, we always try our best to What happens when there seems to In his later years, my father, Rabbi learn from the past. Even though we be a conflict between an agency’s ob- Berel Levy ob”m, worked intensively still stand behind what we certified ligations to Hashem, consumers, the for the Lubavitcher Rebbe ztz”l in Rus- last year, there is a saying that “good certified company, and itself? It is safe sia. One of the burning issues for Russ- has no boundaries”. Whatever one to assume that a reputable kashrus agency’s obligation to Hashem, to follow halacha, remains steadfast, no What happens when there seems to matter what the situation. But what be a conflict between an agency’s happens when there is conflict between the other obligations? On one obligations to the consumers, the hand, a kashrus agency is hired by a certified company, and itself? certified company and feels some sort of loyalty to the company. On the other hand, the agency has a responsi- ian Jews at the time was trying to does, there is always room for im- bility to the consumer who relies on escape Communist Russia. Since they provement. the kosher symbol when purchasing were Chassidim, many people would The Lubavitcher Rebbe says that products. request that my father ask the Rebbe to during the month of Elul, which is the What happens if the certified com- grant them permission to leave. month of introspection, even a tzaddik pany is found with a questionable in- The Rebbe answered my father with (a righteous person) can do teshuva (re- gredient, or even G-d forbid, a the following story. A political official turn). When one does teshuva one ele- non-kosher ingredient in one of the in Israel came to the Rebbe and boasted vates oneself, and achieves a higher certified products? Many companies that he was taking all of the rabbis, level. Since we are all a part of Hashem, would like to keep the mishap under shochtim and teachers out of Morocco a chelek Elokai mi’ma’al mamash, even a wraps, but consumers want (and de- and bringing them on aliyah. The tzaddik can bring himself to a higher serve) to be notified that there is a Rebbe said, “Gevald! When the Nazis level. One can always find a better problem with a product. To avoid an ym”s came into a city the first people way to do things and with that in unpleasant dilemma in such a situa- they would kill were the rabbonim, mind, as we proceed toward the New tion, the ~ has a clause in the certifi- shochtim and melamdim.” The Rebbe Year, we have already undertaken cation contract that requires the said, “How can you take these people methods to improve on the past years company to publicize this information first and leave the rest behind?” There- and continue on our never-ending or reimburse the kashrus agency for fore, he concluded those who did not quest to improve kashrus. May our such a notification. have problems with the authorities diligence in upholding high standards These situations do happen and must stay behind in order to help the in the area of kashrus, and in halacha in someone has to take responsibility people there. general, help to bring the immediate when it does. Does the responsibility The message is quite clear. As a Rav Redemption and may we all be writ- for kosher errors fall on the certified HaMachshir, you are the last one you ten in the Book of Life. ~

www.OK.org • 17 MEET OUR STAFF: BEHINDWHO’S BEHIND~ THE ~ Interview with Rabbi Shimon Lasker Executive Rabbinic Coordinator of ~ Europe Rabbi Shimon Lasker

KS: Where did you grow up? Where did you go to people they are more likely to come back to you with difficulties yeshiva? and be honest with you. All staff members, even down to main- RSL: I was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn and moved with tenance workers (changing pipes, pumps, buying second-hand my family to Israel. As a yeshiva bochur, I studied in Lubavitcher equipment), need to know about kosher issues. yeshivos in Israel, Brunoy, France and at the Chabad Headquar- KS: What prepared you the most for your current ters at 770 Eastern Parkway. I studied for semicha in Eretz Yisroel position at the ~? at Tomchei Temimim K’far Chabad and received semicha from HaRav Avraham Hirsch Cohen zt”l (the Rosh Kollel), HaRav RSL: Part of my shlichus in Belgium was working for the local Nachum Trebnik zt”l (Rav of K’far Chabad), and HaRav Yisroel kashrus agency. After I stopped working for the local kashrus Grossman zt”l (Rosh Yeshiva of Tomchei Temimim K’far Chabad). agency, Rabbi Levy (Kashrus Administrator of the ~) came to Belgium (I knew him from my childhood in Kiryat Malachi, Is- KS: What did you do after yeshiva? When did you rael) and called me. He mentioned that the ~ certified a choco- get married? late company called Callebaut and asked if I would like to be RSL: After yeshiva, in 1981, I got married in Eretz Yisroel and I the onsite rabbi at this company on behalf of the ~. After learned in kollel. During my second year of kollel, I started spending some time at Callebaut with Rabbi Levy (who taught teaching in a yeshiva in Rishon L’tziyon in the mornings. After me most of my kashrus knowledge), I started working there as kollel, my wife and I went on shlichus to Brussels, Belgium. the mashgiach for the ~. After some years, Callebaut merged with Cocoa Barry, and they became one giant, worldwide KS: What is your current position at the ~? chocolate group called Barry-Callebaut, and they chose the ~ RSL: A few years ago, I started representing the ~ in more of to be their kosher certifying agency. Thanks to them, many an executive position, conducting annual inspections. Now, I companies became interested in kosher. am the Executive Rabbinic Coordinator of ~ Europe and I oversee many mashgichim throughout Europe. I have found that KS: What is best thing about working at the ~? the most important part of my job is to have a good relation- RSL: The most positive thing is that the ~ is very serious about ship with the people working in the plant. More than 50% of kashrus. Any issue is always taken care of, with no cover-ups kosher certification is having a good relationship with the peo- and total transparency. If there is a place for improvement we ple of companies you certify and helping them understand are the first to want to improve. When another agency wants what you are doing. At ~ Europe, we organize kosher confer- to come visit one of our certified factories, we let them in and ences to introduce the latest in kosher to the staff of the com- show them everything. If they have a way to do something bet- panies we certify. When you form close relationships with ter, we will improve and take their advice.

18 • www.OK.org

KS: How would you describe the ~ today? RSL: The ~ today is a very tech-savvy kashrus agency. I regularly have “ companies tell me how efficient we are, especially in the area of data and the itemization of every formula and every ingredient. Companies particularly appreciate the automatic updates notices, paperless sub- What Other People Say missions, and other features of Digital Kosher. About Rabbi Shimon Lasker KS: Can you share an interesting experience that you “ had while working at the ~? RSL: Some companies are very big and are split into many depart- ments. Once, a division of a global company was looking to locate a abbi Lasker started working for the ~ particular raw material (flavor). They weren’t sure which plant or ware- Rover 20 years ago. As with all of our houses had the ingredient. One of the staff members called me to see senior staff, he worked his way up the ranks, if I had an idea of where the raw material (a five gallon bucket) was beginning as a mashgiach. His vast located. I entered the information into the ~ database and immediately experience in kashrus and pleasant located the plant and warehouse that contained the raw material. One disposition made him a natural candidate for of the great strengths of the ~ is its focus on the global picture and im- Rabbinic Coordinator at the ~. Rabbi Lasker mediate access to all ingredients and products under our certification. has earned respect from the entire kashrus I had another interesting experience when I was sent to a company world and the production world for his intense on behalf of an ~ certified company to see if an ingredient was accept- dedication, vast knowledge and willingness to able for eventual use. I asked the ~ certified company to send an email assist everyone in resolving all issues that asking what products the new company spray dries. The company sent confront him.” back an email with 12 ingredients and all were considered potentially acceptable. When I got to the plant, the head of the company, the qual- Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, ity manager, and some other staff met me there. I took out the email Kashrus Administrator, ~ Kosher Certification with the 12 ingredients and asked if they were sure there were only 12. After a half hour, I got them to admit to another 30 ingredients. I abbi Lasker is very knowledgeable, asked, “Will I get another 30 if I wait 40 more minutes, or is that it?” Rfriendly, and thorough. He always works to They assured me that was all and took me to three of the five spray solve problems and handle situations drier towers, but I wanted to see the other two. (Rabbi Levy once told promptly. It is a pleasure to have Rabbi Lasker me to check trash pails and see what they throw out. That’s how you as a colleague and friend. know what really goes on.) I felt they didn’t want to take me to the other spray drier towers, but they wouldn’t want to just refuse. They Rabbi Leizer Teitelbaum, told me that the operator was not there, but the driers were running. Senior Rabbinic Coordinator, ~ Kosher Certification We walked over to the other two spray towers but the staff told me they didn’t necessarily know what was running through the machine consider Rabbi Lasker as a part of the now. The staff members went to look for some information for me. I Barry-Callebaut family. From time to time Next to the spray tower, I noticed there were 1-ton “super sacks” so I he acts as my internal quality auditor: indeed touched one. It was warm, which is a sign that it just came from the he is visiting most of our kosher certified spray dryer. I looked more carefully and saw a sticker on top of the bag plants in Europe himself on a regular basis. He that read “pig gelatin”. visits our suppliers and through the years he The company never told me about the pig gelatin and I realized really became an expert in chocolate making that’s why they didn’t want to take me to the spray dryer. When the and quality. When he is in Wieze-Belgium and staff members came back, they said they tried to get into the system I’m in the office as well, we never miss each but didn’t have a password. The production manager was working other to share thoughts, opportunities or the there for 11 years, and the others also worked there for many years, latest joke. His open mindedness and good but I was in the factory for one hour and was able to figure out imme- social skills make him very much appreciated diately what was being dried in that spray tower. A few weeks later I by all our collaborators throughout Europe.” got a copy of a letter from the company that sent me there apologizing for the unsuccessful visit and taking the blame. This is what the certi- Willy Geeraerts, fied company wrote to them: “We forgot to tell you: don’t ever hide Director Corporate Quality Assurance anything from a visiting rabbi, be transparent with them. They are not & Environmental Issues, Barry-Callebaut our enemies, or here to punish us, they are here to help get the ingredients kosher in the best way.” ~

www.OK.org • 19 ~ ON THE ROAD

~ CERTIFIES SCHACH Rabbi Yossi Goldstein inspects the bamboo schach production in Xiamen, China

YOU BE THE MASHGIACH! Being a good mashgiach means having a good eye for the small details. Can you spot all 10 differences between these two pictures?

Visit www.kosherspirit.com to see the answers!

20 • www.OK.org TishreiRecipe www.OK.org • 21 www.OK.org on glatt and has a Mashgiach Temidi Kosher Certification. It is Kosher Certification. It 10 East 48th Street, New York, NY. York, 10 East 48th Street, New 1 pt cherry tomatoes, halved 2 eggs, whisked Seasoned breadcrumbs and flour for dredging Basil Chiffonade - thinly sliced ribbons (Optional) Salt and Pepper to taste is certified kosher by ~ by is certified kosher WOLF & LAMB Yisroel Chassidishe shechita, Pas kosher, & Lamb is located at premises. Wolf www.wolfandlambsteakhouse.com Wolf & Lamb Salmon Wolf 4 salmon fillets (6-8oz each) 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 tbsp heavy cream (non-dairy) 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 lbs spinach, cleaned 3-4 Tbsp olive oil 6 cloves garlic, minced Dredge salmon fillets in all-purpose flour, coat in whisked egg, then coat evenly with Dredge salmon fillets in all-purpose flour, ˚ F for breadcrumbs. Sautee salmon in oil until golden brown, then place in oven at 325 about 10 minutes to finish. Using the same pan, deglaze with white wine, add Dijon, finish with basil chiffonade, and non-dairy heavy cream. Add tomato and cook briefly, salt and pepper to taste. In a separate pan, heat olive oil, then add spinach and garlic, then serve under the finished salmon. Cook until tender, season with salt and pepper. with white wine tomato sauce. Top CHASSIDIC INSIGHTS Compiled by Dina Fraenkel

he Shabbos between Rosh plains that “the teshuvah of Aseres ference between the teshuvah of Shab- HaShanah and Yom Kippur is Yemei Teshuvah involves the soul’s bos Teshuvah and the teshuvah of the Tknown as Shabbos Teshuvah, essence, while teshuvah during the rest other Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. the Shabbos of Repentance. It is called of the year involves only the soul’s On another level, since we know Shabbos Teshuvah because it falls dur- inner powers. Thus, the former pe- that all things in Yiddishkeit are inter- ing the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, the Ten riod of teshuvah is far superior to the twined, the seven days between Rosh Days of Repentance. Of course, this latter.”2 The teshuvah of Aseres Yemei Hashanah and Yom Kippur correspond is only the simple reason for the Teshuvah and the teshuvah of the rest to each of the seven days of the week name. As with everything else in of the year correspond to two levels of the past year. Each day that we do Torah and Judaism, there is a deeper of teshuvah – teshuvah tata’ah (the teshuvah between Rosh Hashanah and meaning. The name “Shabbos Teshu- lower level) and teshuvah ila’ah (the Yom Kippur we rectify all of our mis- vah” actually indicates that the actual higher level). Teshuvah tata’ah reunites deeds on that day of the week over day of Shabbos enhances one’s repen- one with Hashem by rectifying one the entire past year. For example, the tance, that the teshuvah of Shabbos sins, while teshuvah ila’ah is when the teshuvah of Sunday is a teshuvah for all Teshuvah is superior to the teshuvah of soul completely returns to Hashem the Sundays of the year. Based on the other Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. and cleaves to its Source.3 this, even though the Aseres Yemei Often, the parsha of Ha’azinu is The levels of teshuvah tata’ah and Teshuvah is a period of teshuvah ila’ah, read on Shabbos Teshuvah. In the be- teshuvah ila’ah also correspond to our it is still the teshuvah of weekdays and ginning of the parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu avodah (service) during the weekdays so is not the highest level. says, “Listen heaven and I will speak; and our avodah on Shabbos. During However, it follows that Shabbos hear earth the words of my mouth.”1 the week, we go about our daily lives Teshuvah corresponds to all of the According to the Sifri, when Moshe trying to infuse a spark of Hashem into Shabbosos of the past year, which are spoke to heaven, he used the word everything around us, similar to teshu- already teshuvah ila’ah and inherently ha’azinu, which connotes closeness, vah tata’ah, when we try to infuse our superior to weekdays, so how much but when he spoke to earth, he used soul with G-dliness. The sanctity of more so the teshuvah of Shabbos the word v’sishma, which connotes Shabbos, however, automatically Teshuvah is the highest level of teshu- distance. This teaches us that we takes us to a higher level, since we are vah of the entire Aseres Yemei Teshu- should strive to be like Moshe, close not involved in mundane work and vah. It is the level of teshuvah ila’ah to heaven and distant from earth. can reach higher levels of holiness.4 that we reach on Shabbos Teshuvah How are we, Poshuter Yidden (sim- The inherent holiness of Shabbos that allows us to attain our goal of ple Jews), supposed to reach such a automatically makes the teshuvah of being like Moshe Rabbeinu - “close to high level like that of Moshe Shabbos a higher level of teshuvah, be- heaven and distant from earth.” Rabbeinu? cause our souls are already elevated In the merit of our efforts to do First we have to understand the on Shabbos, so it follows that we are teshuvah, may Hashem bless us with connection between Shabbos and a even more elevated during the Shab- the greatest gift, the Geulah Shleimah higher level of teshuvah. In the sefer bos of the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah.5 and the Beis HaMikdash HaShlishi LiLikkuteikkutei ToTorahrah, tthehe AAlterlter ReRebbebbe exex-- Therefore,Therefore, we can understand the dif- bimheirahbimheirah v’yameinuv’yameinu. ~

Shabbos Teshuvah

1) Devarim 32:1. 2) Likkutei Torah, Savo, p. 43d. 3) Iggeres HaTeshuvah, ch. 8ff; Likkutei Torah, beginning of Ha’azinu. 4) Torah 22 • www.OK.org Or, 13a, 65b-c, 113a; Likkutei Torah, Balak, 72a ff. 5) Iggeres HaTeshuvah, ch. 10; Likkutei Torah, Shabbos Shuvah, p. 66c. SOUL NUTRITION In Good Company KOSHER arshas Nitzavim is always read around the time of Rosh BY THE NUMBERS PHashanah. The reason, according to Chassidus, is that the opening line in the parsha is “Atem nitzavim hayom. You are stand- Most supermarkets in ing today.” Chassidus explains that hayom refers to Rosh larger cities carry at least Hashanah. The Chasam Sofer writes that he has a tradition from his Rebbes that the souls of one’s deceased parents stand and 20,000 pray beside him on Rosh Hashanah. A reference to this can be kosher certified items. found within Parshas Nitzavim itself. In pasuk 14, it says: For all — כי את אשר ישנו פה עמנו עמד היום...ואת אשר איננו פה עמנו היום. In many supermarkets, the number of is closer to those who are present…and those who are not present.” This pasuk can refer to those who are physically in the shul as well as those who are not physically present, but their souls are in 25,000 attendance. This tradition from the Chasam Sofer might also explain why we do not say Hallel on Rosh Hashanah. Since Rosh Hashanah is the day we crown Hashem as our King, it would seem most fit- 125,000 ting to sing His praises with Hallel, but in Hallel we say, “Lo # of kosher items consumers in the U.S. hameisim yehalalukah.” The deceased cannot say Hallel, so it have to choose from, a far cry from the would not be right for us to say Hallel in their presence. The 16,000 items quoted in 1987. Chasam Sofer says that when Moshiach comes, after techiyas hameisim, we will say Hallel on Rosh Hashanah, as it says in and from the valleys—ועמקים“ ,Tehillim 65:14 —יעטפו בר ,[meaning the graves] 13.5 Yrs. will be wrapped in fat and on Rosh]—יתרועעו ,The amount of time it took skin an old issue of Kosher Hashanah] we will blow Spirit (formerly known as we — אף ישירו ,the shofar Jewish Homemaker) to be “returned to will sing Hallel.” sender” by the UK’s Royal Mail Serivce.

The largest sukkah in the world $3,000,000 was built in 2006 in Moscow under the OnO RoshRRosh HHashanahasa h 5767 (2007), the initiative of Chabad Rabbi, Berel Lazar, alaliyosliiyoso iin thethehe BBeis Knesses HaYehudi Chief Rabbi of Russia, and sponsored by iin Kiev,Kieev, Ukraine were sold for the Federation momorerere than $3 million, the of Jewish Con- 131x131 highesthih ghg amount ever paid gregations’ forfofor aliyos on a Yom Tov. president, busi- =17,161 nessman Lev Leviev. Free meals were offered, as well The Neot Kedumim nature reserve in Israel grew the as dozens of simultaneous Torah largest esrog in the world. It was 15 inches long classes. The sukkah dimensions were and 6.7 inches wide, and weighed 8.8 pounds. 131 x 131 feet, a total of 17,161 sq. feet.

The custom in many synagogues is to gather all the chil- The Beis Knesses HaGadoldoll ofo tthehhe BelzBeelz dren under a number of talleisim for the blessing on Chassidim in Jerusalem isis thethhe the Torah called Kol HaNe’arim on Simchas Torah. largest synagoguesy in theheh The Mishkan Techeles factory specially manufac- wwoworld.orlr d.d TTheh synagogue’s’s tured the largest tallis in the world for the Kehillas stsstructuretrur ctc urre iss a replica of thehe Chassidei Gur synagogue in New York before Sim- syssynagogueynan gog guue that once stoodd chas Torah 2007. It was 39.3 feet long, 26.2 feet inin Belz,Bellz,z Galicia.Gaal It took 100 wide, and covered an area of 1,033 square feet. yyears to build.

Source: Sefer HaSe’em v’HaNiﬂa’ot, Feldheim Publishing Co. www.OK.org • 23 The most powerful tool in the kitchen... now in the palm of your hand.

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