september 2014 I v"ga, hra, COR - Kashruth Council of canada Rabbinical Vaad HAKASHRUTH Welcome Rabbi Amram Assayag Rabbi Avraham Bartfeld With this insight in mind, we can understand a Rabbi Shlomo Bixenspanner conversation recorded in the Talmud between two great contents Rabbi Yacov Felder, Chairman sages. In response to a question posed to him by Rebbe Rabbi Shlomo Gemara Yossi ben Kisma, Rebbe Chanina ben Tradyon said that Rabbi Ovadia Haboucha he may merit entry into the future world because of Rabbi Yossel Kanofsky one particular, seemingly insignificant incident. Some Kashruth Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Council of his money that he had designated for Purim was Welcome Rabbi Uri Kaufman Staff interchanged with tzedakah money for the poor and he Rabbi Yitzchok Kerzner, Rabbi Yacov Felder, decided to distribute all of the funds (Purim and tzedakah A Message from Rabbi Felder ...... 3 Chairman Emeritus Chairman, Rabbinical funds) to the poor. During that same time period, Rebbe Rabbi Daniel Korobkin Vaad Hakashruth Chanina was teaching Torah publicly, despite the fact Q and A with the COR Chairman ...... 4 Rabbi Chaim Kulik Rabbi Sholom H. Adler, that the Romans had made such actions punishable by Director of Industrial Kosher, death. Yet, Rebbe Chanina did not inform his Rebbe about Rabbi Yisroel Landa COR’s 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions ...... 7 Kashrus Administrator this act of devotion and self-sacrifice. Instead, he related Rabbi Rafi Lipner Rabbi Tsvi Heber, the seemingly insignificant episode of the tzedakah, Rabbi Moshe Lowy Director of Community Kosher because the public teaching of Torah, which is a very Rabbi Yirmiya Milevsky Rabbi Yosef Oziel, public act, could possibly have somewhat of an ulterior What’s Happening at COR Rabbi Yosef Oziel Rabbinic Liaison motive which would thereby diminish from the purity of Rabbi Dovid Pam Rabbi Avrohom Lowinger, the mitzvah. The act of tzedakah on the other hand, was Mashgiach Spotlight: Yehoshua Levy ...... 10 Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi Meir Rosenberg discreet and entirely unknown, and was an act that one COR Community Kashering Event ...... 11 Rabbi Mordechai Scheiner Rabbi Joshua Norman, A Message from may consider insignificant and in the category of Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi Dovid Schochet ,uke ,umn . This mitzvah performed in its purest form COR Answers 3,000 Rabbi Dovid Rosen, Rabbi Yacov Felder Rabbi Raphael Shmulewitz would gain Rebbe Chanina entry into the Eternal World Rabbinic Coordinator (,ufn 'xn ;ux o"cnrvk n"vhp ihhg). Consumer Questions for Passover...... 12 Rabbi Chaim Strauchler Rabbi Yechiel Teichman, Chairman of COR’s The gift of Teshuva incorporates two dimensions Kosher Food and the IDF...... 13 Rabbi Yehoshua Weber Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbinical Vaad ceg vhvu; repentance out of fear and repentance out of Rabbi Binyomin Kreitman, love. Our sages teach that when one repents due to fear I, Mashgiach...... 14 Kashruth Council Senior Rabbinic Field Hakashruth Board of Directors Representative of punishment, his iniquities are reduced from deliberate actions to inadvertent ones. However, when one repents Malka the Mashgicha...... 15 Ira Marder, Chair Rabbi Nachman Ribiat, out of love for Hashem, his transgressions are actually Jack Feintuch, Vice chair Senior Rabbinic Field Representative transformed into mitzvos. The World Wide Web of Kosher Certifiers...... 16 Vice chair Shimshon Gross, he third Parsha in the book of Devarim In the world of kashrus at COR, we take no issue Naftali Winter, Vice chair Rabbi Shlomo Bixenspanner, iugna, ceg vhvu COR Faces and Places...... 18 Shechita Division begins, . Rashi comments lightly. When we make a decision about a given issue, or Ari Messinger, Secretary the word ceg in this posuk, refers to embark on a certain endeavor, we invest significant time Moshe Sigler, Treasurer Richard Rabkin, Managing Director the mitzvos that one is accustomed to and energy deliberating the myriad of relevant factors Moishe Kesten, “trampling upon with his heel”. The Assistant Treasurer Jay Spitzer, before arriving at a conclusion. Both the major and minor yom tov features Director of Operations Torah teaches that in order to preserve issues are presented to the appropriate COR committees Michoel Klugmann, the covenant that Hashem made with us, The Sweet Side of Jewish Heritage...... 20 Assistant Secretary Sheryn Weber, and we formulate our policies in the best interests of the Daniel Bitton, Executive Administrator we must observe, not only the mitzvos community, and we pray that our decisions find favour in that are well known as being significant, High Holiday Traditions...... 22 Nathan Bleeman, Executive Chaim Ribiat, the eyes of Hashem. Meyer Feldman, Executive Junior Developer & Field but even those that appear as though they We do our best to communicate these decisions Chudleigh’s: The Big Apple Pie ...... 25 David Kleiner, Executive Representative are less important. In fact, it is particularly important to to the community through the media channels at our Olga Sekiritsky, Accountant Tbe meticulous in our observance of the type of mitzvos Marvin Sigler, Executive disposal: such as our website, email groups, publications Looking for a Lulav? ...... 26 that one may have a natural tendency to trample upon David Woolf, Executive Albina Aminob, such as this one, etc. We are often faced with challenging because of a perception that they are insignificant. Sweet Treats for a Sweet New Year ...... 29 Robert Benmergui Administrative Assistant situations that can easily be misunderstood and misrep- Mark Berenblut & Customer Service Why does the Torah state that the preservation of resented. If you ever have questions about our policies or Representative Neil Cohen Hashem’s covenant with the Jewish people hinges specifi- decisions, please approach us directly and we would be Chava Fine, Yehoshua Czermak cally upon our fulfillment of these types of mitzvos rather Administrative Assistant happy to discuss your concerns. halachically speaking Ben Feferman than the ones that appear to be more significant? We would like to commend our devoted staff for their Barbara Bar-Dayan, As we observe the seemingly less important mitzvos, Shlome Goldreich Office Support tireless efforts on behalf of COR and the kashrus of our Shemittah 101...... 31 Allan Gutenberg we manifest our true love for Hashem and His Torah, community. In addition, we express our sincere appre- Judy Pister, Mark Halpern thereby enhancing our relationship to Hashem. The ciation to the Rabbinic and lay members of the boards at Kosher Cheese Please ...... 34 Executive Assistant & New careful adherence to the minute details of even these Paul Jacobs Client Representative COR for their commitment and devotion in assisting us in types of mitzvos is an expression of our appreciation Halacha Institute of Toronto: Questions Irving Karoly the fulfillment of our mission. Finally, we value the trust Esther Scheer, and reverence for Torah and mitzvos. It is not only and Answers from the Halacha Line...... 37 Brian Lass Administrative Assistant that you, the kosher consumer, invest in us and we try our Jerrold Landau & Customer Service the so called big ticket items that interest us, but the utmost and daven that our work finds favour Elie Mamann Representative fulfillment of all of Hashem’s desires expressed through ostu ohekt hbhgc/ New COR Scotch Policy ...... 39 His commandments that motivate us. The observance Isaac E. Oziel Sarah Rosen, With best wishes for a oukau ohhj ,baw a year of Account Specialist of stringent mitzvos can at times be due to fear of their David Plonka life and peace in Eretz Yisroel and around the globe, a transgression, however, fulfilling mitzvos that one Ronald Rutman Suri Feigenbaum, sweet, happy and healthy year for us and all of ktrah kkf/ Account Specialist may naturally trample upon is an expression of love Simon Schonblum of Hashem and the desire to serve Him with every Avrum Waisbrod Rabbi Yacov Felder opportunity granted us. Meyer Zeifman Design & Layout: RB Creative Shmuel Zimmerman Leibel Zoberman The Kosher Corner 2014 3 Welcome Welcome

>> Can you describe a difficult decision that the Executive has made? A few years back, an ex-mashgiach of ours challenged our overtime policies. Our policy was set up to pay mashgichim for overtime if they worked more than 10 hours in one shift, even if they didn’t work more than 44 hours in a week. This policy differs from the standard interpretation of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) practice, but is more generous in its benefit to employees. Unfortunately, our policy was misrepresented in the media to our detriment. We were faced with a dilemma: we could change our policy to the more basic one recommended by the ESA, but this is less favourable than our policy and would effectively penalize 98% of our mashgichim. Alternatively, we could appeal the decision and continue to bear the brunt of public scrutiny. We decided to continue with our policy because it was more beneficial for our mashgichim and it was ultimately the right thing to do. Approximately a year later the Ontario Labour Relations Board made a determination that our overtime policy was acceptable as it was a “greater right or benefit” than the minimum standards as set out in the ESA. That was a gratifying moment for the Executive.

>> What is one misconception that people have about COR that you would like to correct if you could? I think one common misconception that kosher consumers have about COR is that our hashgacha fees are responsible for the increased cost of kosher food. We did a study recently and surveyed a number of our certified Q+A restaurants and asked them what portion of their total costs were attributed to their COR fees. The answer was less than 1 percent, an amount that does not impact or account for higher kosher food costs. While it is true that kosher food is more expensive in Canada than it is in the United States for example, I think that this is due to with the COR Chairman a host of other reasons. For example, most products are more expensive in Canada than they are in the United States, such as electronics, books and food and this may be because of Canadian tariffs, American manufacturing practices, or larger market demand in the US. Also, Canada employs a supply management system which governs Ira Marder was born and raised in Toronto. He has an active dental practice and has also the dairy, egg and chicken industries and this increases the cost of food across the board, for both kosher and been Clinical Instructor at the University of Toronto and George Brown Dental Schools. He non-kosher consumers. COR is a non-profit community organization and our objectives are to set our costs to cover has been involved in a number of community causes including formerly serving as President our operations and to assist our clients in providing kosher food and food services as efficiently as possible. We at Eitz Chaim Schools, at Shomrai Shabbos Congregation and the Alpha Omega Dental wish for nothing more than for kosher consumers to have access to quality kosher food at reasonable prices. Society and he currently serves as Chairman of the Kashruth Council of Canada (COR). >> With your dental practice, your teaching, and other communal responsibilities, you are clearly very busy. What drives you to spend so much of your time as COR’s Chairman? >> Can you describe what you do as Chairman of COR? Honestly, it is because I think it is important. For a Jewish community to function properly, it needs an effective COR has two oversight bodies. One is a Rabbinic board called the Rabbinical Vaad Hakashruth (RVH), which is kashrus organization and volunteers who contribute their time to this cause. I am just one of the many who help out. made up of over twenty Toronto Rabbonim who make decisions about halachik policy. The Chairman of the RVH At COR, we have lay and Rabbinic staff who are both talented and dedicated – I see it on a daily basis. Everyone who is Rabbi Yacov Felder. The second is a lay board made up of representatives from various Shuls in the Greater works or volunteers for COR does so because we care about our community and we are passionate about the belief Toronto Area and I am the Chairman of that body. The “Board”, and more specifically a smaller nucleus of Board that people should have access to kosher food. It is a noble cause and I am proud to be part of it. members called the Executive, is ultimately responsible for non- halachik matters and overseeing the COR staff in its implementation of financial and business practices.

>> So on a regular basis, what does your role entail? We wish for On a daily or weekly basis I am in touch with the COR managing staff to monitor operations and provide input and support on strategic direction when necessary. When providing this input, I usually correspond with my Vice- nothing more Chairs. Additionally, we have regular Executive meetings where we review the pressing issues that the organi- zation is facing and provide guidance. I am also frequently in touch with other Executive members, such as the than for kosher Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, who closely oversee the financial operations of the organization. consumers to have >> Can you describe an item that might be on the agenda of an Executive meeting? access to quality Our Executive agendas usually cover a wide range of community issues. I can give you a recent example of one topic that has been discussed a few times. Like most kosher consumers, the Executive members want to know kosher food at about the chicken situation, what developments have emerged and what more can be done. At each of our last Executive meetings, Richard Rabkin, COR’s Managing Director has been providing us with updates. Some Executive members have relationships with elected officials and as a result of our meetings, they have been able to success- reasonable prices. fully advocate on behalf of the kosher community. We hope to have some results to report to the community soon.

4 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA The Kosher Corner 2014 5 Welcome Understanding Kosher Restaurant Costs COR’s Most Frequently Could there be a problem with food 47% purchasing food or drinks from an Asked uncertified ice cream or coffee shop? labour 35% Yes. There can potentially be a problem with either Questions the product that you are purchasing or with the other rent 7% products and equipment that may come into contact with the product that you are purchasing. 3% Since these establishments are not certified at the utilities retail level and there is no mashgiach visiting and checking up on them, the consumer must indepen- equipment 3% dently ascertain the kosher status of the product in question. For example, at ice cream or frozen yogurt maintenance/cleaning 3% Does Maple Syrup/Maple Sugar require shops, many ice-cream flavours, ice cream cakes, certification? chocolate syrup, sprinkles and cones may not be marketing 1% COR FEES Maple Syrup and Maple Sugar should have kosher kosher certified. At coffee shops, flavoured coffees and 1% certification as anti-foams are commonly added and specialty drinks may not be kosher certified. Relying they might be packed with the same machinery as on the attendant to provide you with answers is not Based on an average of 6 COR certified restaurants non-kosher products. sufficient. You must verify the kosher status of these items by identifying the kosher symbol on the original Toronto 2014 packaging of all of the ingredients. Restaurants: By the Numbers serving Can I go to any bulk store and purchase Additionally, you must determine that the kosher Restaurant bulk items such as raw peanuts, nuts, product does not come into contact with non-kosher the Breakdown flour and cornmeal? Also, if I see a product or non-kosher equipment. This may happen 2014 47 product such as Chocolate Almonds where kosher and non-kosher utensils are washed canadian with a COR on the bin, can I trust that it together or in coffee shops where products may be 2013 Meat is kosher? steamed on the same machinery. 46 community 20 Canadian law states that it is an offense to use the Bulk products can be purchased for items that do not word “kosher” unless it complies with the standards of for require kosher certification and are truly raw, with no 2012 45 + halacha. If the word “kosher” is written in a store, you coatings or flavourings added. Moreover, it should Dairy/Cafe/BakerY should ask which certifying body is standing behind be confirmed that these items are kept in a clean, 2011 15 this representation. 44 insect-free environment. + For items in a bulk store which have a COR on the 2000s 36 bin, unfortunately we cannot verify that the foods pizza 10 placed in the bins are still kosher. There is a lot of 1990s 62 cross contamination that happens at locations like 35 + this (i.e. consumers putting things in different bins, 1980s years and the store putting items in the wrong bin) and as 20 sushi a result we recommend purchasing food that is either 2 in its original sealed package with certification, or in a 1970s 6 store that is entirely kosher certified. Includes restaurants and takeout establishments 47 www.cor.ca [email protected] The Kosher Corner 2014 7 Welcome Welcome

I have seen a product kosher certified as pareve which I’ve seen some Heinz baby food contains a warning label that it in plastic containers that have “may contain milk”. Would this make a COR, but the jar version of the the status of the product “dairy”? same product does not. Is this a mistake? Is the jar version of the Companies often list that a product “may product kosher certified? contain dairy” for legal purposes as an allergen declaration, however, this does not affect the No. Many products, both kosher and pareve status of a product. non-kosher, share production lines. If the Are the muffins at Starbucks in kosher products are made after non-kosher Canada kosher? Are custom-made Baskin Robbins ice cream products a “kosherization” process usually Most of the muffins sold at Starbucks stores cakes kosher certified? needs to take place. The plastic Heinz baby in Canada are manufactured at facilities that No. Most, but not all of Baskin Robbins’ ice creams are food containers in question are produced in are kosher certified by COR. According to certified kosher in Canada by the COR. The Baskin a smaller factory where there are very few Common items that do NOT Jewish law, one must see a kosher symbol on a Robbins custom cakes (i.e. for birthdays) use Baskin scheduling conflicts and kosherization can be require kosher certification product’s packaging in order to guarantee that Robbins ice cream, but they also contain other non-kosher done easily. The glass bottles are produced year-round (excluding Passover): the particular product is in fact kosher. Many certified ingredients used in the writing of the message in a different facility, one that is very busy, and Starbucks locations keep the boxes used to and other decorations. However, Baskin Robbins ice • Baking Powder the scheduling conflicts are too great to allow package the muffins on hand and these boxes cream cakes that are sealed and carry a COR or other • Baking Soda for koshering of the equipment between runs. do carry the COR Kosher symbol. Kosher reliable certification are indeed kosher. • Barley: raw Therefore, they should not be considered consumers should ask baristas to see these • Cocoa Powder: plain (not cocoa mix) kosher. boxes so that the consumers may verify the • Coffee beans: regular and decaf, kosher status for themselves. unflavoured • Coffee, instant: regular and decaf, How do I know which kosher symbols are unflavoured accepted? If the symbol is not shown on • Dishwashing liquid/tablets/soap May one assume that the popcorn sold at theatres, fairs or sporting events the COR Kosher Symbol Reference Card, • Dried beans, lentils is kosher? What if the popcorn stand carries kosher certificates for its does that mean it is not acceptable? • Flour: all purpose and whole wheat ingredients? There are over 1000 different kosher symbols from all over • Fruit: canned - in its own juice, with no The short answer is “no”. Even if you see or are told that all of the ingredients used in the popcorn the world. The determination of which are acceptable is additives are kosher certified, there are basic kosher issues to be considered. Since this vendor is not kosher a process that requires thorough research. We generally • Nuts: raw certified, he is not bound to use exclusively kosher ingredients. He may have kosher certificates recommend the well-known certifications which have a • Oats: pure, raw for his ingredients, but what if he runs out of a particular ingredient or finds a less expensive skilled Rabbinic staff who make the halachik decisions for • Popcorn kernels: raw non-kosher substitute? It is even conceivable that he could place a non-kosher ingredient their organizations. As a result of the sheer abundance • Rice: raw or parboiled into a container that has kosher certification on it. In addition, the machinery of kosher symbols that exist worldwide, there are many • Salt and utensils might have been used for non-kosher items, and this would acceptable, yet lesser-known symbols which are not listed • Tea: green, white and black – unflavoured, compromise the kosher status of the product. Finally, it is also possible on our COR Kosher Symbol Reference Card. If you have not herbal that the operators test new ingredients from time to time in the a question about a particular symbol, email our office at machine and those test ingredients may not be kosher. Since [email protected]. the popcorn stand is non-certified, there is simply no way to verify its kosher status.

8 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA The Kosher Corner 2014 9 Welcome What’s Happening at COR

what he checks in each location. After completing a thorough visual inspection, including monitoring the cleanliness of each facility, he checks fridges, freezers, invoices and dried goods. At dairy locations, he monitors the incoming cheese, and at meat places, he checks the incoming meat. COR Hosts Pre-Passover Among other duties, he acts as quality control with vegetable inspections, Community Kashering Event Mashgiach ensuring that the washed items have been properly labelled as ready-to-use. at the BAYT Throughout his 20-year career, Spotlight: Yehoshua has demonstrated a number The Toronto Jewish Community came out in droves to a of outstanding qualities which prompted pre-Pesach community kashering event presented by COR- Rabbi Heber to nominate him for “Kosher Kashruth Council of Canada. The event, which took place Supervisor of the Year”, including his Yehoshua Levy on Thursday, April 3, at the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto excellent people skills. “I believe that the key to success in (BAYT) Congregation in Thornhill, saw hundreds of items Long Time COR Mashgiach Recognized kosher supervision is relationships,” said kashered. Rabbi Heber. “Yehoshua is very well-liked by Kashrus Magazine for Excellence in Four COR mashgichim —Rabbi Mendel Brogna, Rabbi and he cares about and respects other Mendel Gansburg, Yosef Lexchin, and Yitzchok Plopper — Kosher Supervision. people, therefore people respect and care for him. That’s why he’s an effective along with Rabbi Tsvi Heber, Director of Community Kosher at COR, were present at the event to perform the kashering. By Chava Fine mashgiach.” Moreover, according to Rabbi Heber, “People brought anything from cutlery to kiddush cups while some mashgichim get accustomed to pots and pans,” said Rabbi Heber. to their surroundings and assume that “if While most people came to kasher items for Pesach a facility was one way yesterday, then it use, some people came to kasher keilim that had become nsuring that 15 food service outlets have their Transitioning into a full-time role after university, will be the same today”, Yehoshua has a kosher program together on a daily basis is a Yehoshua has had the chance to work at a diverse array of fresh perspective each day and makes no treif during the year. Moreover, as the Lubavitch community demanding job. COR-certified venues, including cheese factories, flavour assumptions. observes a stringency to kasher brand new keilim, many Yehoshua Levy, COR mashgiach for manufacturers, banquet halls, hospitals, nursing homes, “He’s meticulous and thorough,” says people arrived with multiple new items to be kashered. 20 years, does just that, and his sharp eye grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants, among others. Rabbi Heber. “He comes to work every day Tova Gutenberg came to the event to kasher some silver and dedication to the kosher community Today he works as a COR “route mashgiach”, checking as if it’s the first time visiting the establish- cutlery for use on Pesach, in addition to a tray, kiddush cups have now provided him with international up on 15 food service locations, two to three times a day. ments. That is what he excels at and that’s and a KitchenAid bowl and beaters. recognition. The route mashgiach system, which, according to why he’s special.” Recently, Kashrus Magazine, a Brook- Rabbi Tsvi Heber, COR’s Director of Community Kosher, Yehoshua Levy, who appreciates all “The event was amazing,” said Mrs. Gutenberg. lyn-based publication, selected Yehoshua is fairly novel among other kosher agencies, sees the of the rewarding experiences he’s had, “Everything I brought in was handled beautifully. It was a as runner-up for the award of “Kosher Supervisor of the mashgiach travelling to a route of establishments in the reminds himself daily that he’s doing his nice community event, people from different Shuls showed EYear” from among the nominees of 1,253 kosher certifiers same geographical area and making a certain number of work for the sake of Hashem and for the up. It’s a wonderful service that the COR offers.” around the world. This is the first time a mashgiach from visits to each establishment per day. sake of a mitzvah. Rabbi Mendel Gansburg related how some were outside of the United States has been recognized. While effective, the process requires an extensive “I’m working for the community,” Yehoshua Levy started off his career in kosher amount of energy. Yehoshua says. “I think it’s a zechus to be surprised that the event was free. supervision by working part-time while going through “My day is pretty fast-paced and busy,” Yehoshua working with the COR.” Likewise, the COR “One lady arrived at the event with a lot of keilim and she school, realizing that the field would provide him with relates. “Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming since I is pleased with all of his efforts. asked how much it would cost to kasher them,” said Rabbi great potential for personal growth. have so many places that I take care of. I always hope and “We’re really very proud of him,” said Gansburg. “We told her that we’re a non-profit organization “Hashgacha was something that I saw could suit me expect that things go well, but not every day can be that Rabbi Heber. “He does a terrific job and and that we’re doing this event for the community. She was well because I love doing chesed and mitzvos and I love way.” he deserves all of the recognition that he’s very happy.” helping people,” Yehoshua said. “It was very meaningful While Yehoshua has no typical day, since often getting through this award.” and rewarding.” unexpected things come up, he has a set plan regarding

10 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA The Kosher Corner 2014 11 What’s Happening at COR What’s Happening at COR Canadian Kosher Food COR Answers over 3000 and the IDF Consumer Questions What Possible Connection could there be between Kosher Food in Toronto and the Israel Defense Forces? for Passover By Richard Rabkin By Chava Fine

With everything that has gone A Molotov cocktail was hurled at his for lunch. I asked him where he wanted on in Israel recently, it is at times vehicle and the driver’s side was now to eat and he asked me to give him a few difficult to focus on our daily lives, when on fire. Arale had to make a split second options so I drove him along our “holy” he COR Passover hotline manner as possible. the lives of our brethren in Israel have decision. He was carrying grenades Bathurst Street. He was impressed by was ringing nonstop from “It was very satisfying to be able been put at risk. We think of our friends with him which, if ignited, would almost the selection of kosher offerings that Purim to Passover, with to advise people who called from the and families in bomb shelters and our certainly kill the 20 soldiers in the back we have in Toronto and he shared an questions ranging from grocery store while shopping,” said soldiers fighting to protect the Jewish of the van. So Arale opened the door to interesting observation. how to kasher a kitchen Rabbi Rosen. “We tried to get back to people. We hope that they are OK, and the moving vehicle and jumped out. He The more kosher food a city has, the for Passover, to whether chocolate people on the same day and we had a T we pray for their safety. Recently, we at saved the lives of his soldiers but in the more connected that city is to Israel. matzah can be consumed during the very high success rate with that.” the COR were fortunate to form a rela- process, broke his spine in three places. Conversely, the less kosher food a holiday. According to consumer Dr. Alan Monday prior to Passover. tionship with one such soldier. When he arrived at the hospital, he community has, the less connected they Rabbi Dovid Rosen, Rabbinic Rabinowitz, who sent two emails with On the Sunday, questions were On April 1st, COR held our annual are to Israel and the more assimilated Coordinator at COR and COR’s Passover questions, the service was answered from 8:00am to 11:00pm. Pre-Pesach community lecture at the they are. Recently, on a speaking tour Passover Specialist, along with the “excellent and timely”. While Rabbi Rosen made it clear BAYT sponsored by COR Vice-Chair Mr. on the West Coast of the United States other Rabbis of COR, fielded a record Another consumer who used the that none of the questions asked were Jack Feintuch in memory of Senior Event he was flabbergasted to find the Jewish 3000 questions, up significantly from service, Mrs. Lauren Nusbaum, funny or strange, there were certainly Mashgiach Rabbi Leiby Newman. We Community Centre in a particular city last year. described how her Passover prepara- a number of unique questions, such were honoured to host guest speakers serving cheeseburgers in its cafeteria “I answered questions by phone tions went smoother as a result of the as what to feed one’s frog during Rabbi Ari Senter, the Kashrut Adminis- with absolutely no kosher options. Not and email, as well as in Shul and service. Passover, whether ethyl alcohol in trator of Kof-K and Arale Wattenstein, surprisingly, this city seemed to be dis- walking down the street or at the “The Passover hotline was windshield washing fluid is chametz, External Relations Coordinator for interested in his message specifically grocery store,” said Rabbi Rosen. excellent and Rabbi Rosen was a and whether one can kasher their Hope for Heroism, an organization that and to Israel in general. While some questions were fairly phenomenal resource,” said Mrs. dairy cutlery to make it meat for assists disabled Israeli soldiers. The way Arale saw it, we at COR, straightforward, such as whether a Nusbaum. “It was great to have the Passover (during the year, one cannot Arale was a Commander in the whose mission it is to supervise kosher certain ingredient needed Passover hotline as the one go-to place for all of kasher cutlery specifically to change it Israel Defense Forces. He recalled for food, ensuring that it is widely available, certification, other questions were our questions.” from one status to another, however us his first Pesach in the army. He was are serving the Jewish people like he is. complex and required additional After answering a string of emails for Passover, this is permissible). assigned with the task of protecting a He of course keeps the Jewish People research, such as contacting phar- from one consumer, Rabbi Rosen Another unusual question which certain settlement. He was given his Arale Wattenstein united physically. We at COR do this maceutical companies to determine received an appreciative email stating, Rabbi Rosen heard was what to feed a army issued “Seder kit” – matzah, grape spiritually, through kosher food. whether medications contained “Thanks Rabbi, you are really helping picky dog during Passover. juice, charoset, etc. As soon as he sat was told that he would never walk again. After the recent conflict, I touched chametz. me from having a full-blown panic “One lady called in and said that down to begin his abbreviated Seder The doctors broke the news to his wife base with Arale to see how Hope for “We were inspired by the diverse attack!” she bought chametz-free dog food, yet he was instructed to commence his who was not shaken. “We will overcome Heroism is doing. He said that unfor- types of questions and the people On many days, phone calls and her dog wouldn’t eat it,” said Rabbi patrol immediately. As he passed each this,” she said stoically, as Israelis have tunately, they have another 180 injured asking the questions – from those who emails were answered beyond the Rosen. “She wanted to know what she house listening to the residents sing unfortunately learned to do. soldiers in their care. He said that they were making Passover for the first standard business hours. could do.” the traditional Pesach songs he had no Miraculously, overcome Arale did. all need our prayers, our good deeds, time to those that have been making “I once answered an email at Since kitniyot products are pangs of jealousy, only pride. Because He had a number of painful surgeries and our love. He said that if we increase Passover for their whole life.” said 2:00am and then received a response acceptable for pet consumption of his protection, his fellow citizens and a lengthy rehabilitation but he can our mitzvah observance in Canada – Rabbi Rosen. “It was inspiring to see back 5 minutes later with a thank you during Passover, Rabbi Rosen advised could enjoy their Seder peacefully. Next now walk just as he did before his injury. whether through eating kosher food, how serious the entire community was for working such crazy hours,” said that she could feed her dog rice. Year in Jerusalem must be much more Arale was so grateful for his recovery or any other mitzvah – that creates a about making Passover correctly.” Rabbi Rosen. Throughout the hectic month of meaningful when recited from Israel. that he decided to dedicate his life to re- protection for our soldiers in Israel. With hundreds of calls and emails In the few days immediately prior calls, emails and being stopped on the On another occasion, it was the third habilitating other injured IDF solders. Imagine that – us protecting those coming in on certain days, including to Passover, a deluge of last-minute street, Rabbi Rosen feels satisfied that night of Chanukah and Arale’s unit was On behalf of his organization Hope for heroic young men. What an honour. calls from across Canada and the calls streamed in and Rabbi Rosen COR was able to assist so many people. tasked with a dangerous mission in Heroism, he travels the world speaking United States and even as far away as was ready for duty. He responded “For us, we find that by answering the city of Nablus. The operation was to Jewish communities telling his story Richard Rabkin is COR’s Managing Israel and Australia, it was imperative to questions immediately after these calls, it is more than just our job, completed successfully and as he was and that of his organization, which is Director to get back to people in as timely a Shabbat, along with the Sunday and it’s our service to the community.” driving the transport vehicle with his why he was in Toronto, speaking at the 20 soldiers out of the city, he suddenly COR event. I had the pleasure of taking Arale out 12 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA heard an explosion, and then saw fire. The Kosher Corner 2014 13 What’s Happening at COR What’s Happening at COR I, Mashgiach off-site location. I made sure This Passover I stepped away from that there was no other food Malka the Mashgicha around at the off-site location to my office job and into the kitchen prevent cross-contamination. At Bright and full of energy, Malka Lipovenko loves the end of the evening, we had to her job working as a part-time mashgicha for COR. as a COR mashgiach. pack up both the leftovers and our equipment and send them By Chava Fine By Richard Rabkin back to our kosher kitchen. But it was around midnight and we Extremely bright and full of energy, Malka Lipovenko loves her job working as a part-time were told that all of the hotel’s mashgicha for COR. hen I was in high school, I really starts months before Pesach. Rabbi transport vans were off-duty. “I really believe that when you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life,” said played on the school soccer Tsvi Heber, COR’s Director of Community The wait staff told me we would Malka. “I am extremely passionate about keeping kosher and I love working with people.” team. Halfway through the Kosher, met with the Blue Mountain have to leave our Pesach food Malka, who is completing her post-secondary education while working at COR, began season, our coach had us staff along with RZ Productions well in in the non-kosher kitchen in May 2013. Her duties have included supervising events in hotels, banquet halls and Wplay a game where each advance to survey the kitchen setup, overnight and a van could come synagogues, as well as supervising catering companies. of us started at a different position. establish rules and guidelines, decide by and pick it up in the morning. It can be labour-intensive transforming hotels and banquet halls into kosher venues, as Afterwards, coach explained that the what equipment could be kashered and I looked around the kitchen and these locations are most often used to host non-kosher events. A COR Rabbi or senior exercise was meant to give us a better ap- what needed to be purchased new, and saw things like bread and cereal mashgiach will completely transform the venue in advance, which can involve hours and preciation for each other’s position and generally set up a “kashrut game plan.” and as much as I wanted to go hours of kashering. Once the facility is kosher, the Rabbi will pass on all of the necessary make us a better team. Recently, I used Two senior mashgichim came up to the back to my room and sleep, I instructions to the mashgiach or mashgicha who will assist in supervising an event. Coach Thompson’s technique in my pro- hotel a week before Pesach to begin said that this was not possible -- Prior to supervising an event, Malka is advised which utensils, dishes, glassware and mashgichim, but still, I was nervous. The fessional life. kashering, setting up the kitchens and we would have to find a solution. cookware have been kashered, and she is also notified where the non-kosher items are job of a mashgiach isn’t only hard work, it During the year, my job title at the supervising the initial cooking. If you Fortunately, at the last minute, being stored, so as to keep them separate. Once she is made aware of all of the event is a big responsibility. You hold someone Kashruth Council of Canada (COR) is thought 8 days of Pesach was long, how a van was made available and requirements, she is responsible for communicating clear directions to staff who are often else’s spiritual wellbeing in your hands “Managing Director” but for Passover, about 15 days’ worth? I was able to accompany the unfamiliar with kosher requirements. and our entire mashgiach team took that it was “Mashgiach” as I worked at The kitchen was open 22 hours per day kosher food back to our kitchen. As a result of working in a variety of locations, she has had the opportunity to become very seriously. “Mountain View Pesach”, a fantastic and a mashgiach needed to be on site at all Chalk up a victory for the rookie! more acquainted with the Toronto kashrut scene. So what does a mashgiach actually do? Pesach resort at Blue Mountain run by times, which meant that one mashgiach The week after Pesach “In my job, I get to see a lot of the city. I never get bored of my job as I’m constantly A lot. I inspected fruits and vegetables Nancy Rubinstein and Wendy Zinner started his shift at 3:00am, while another there was a big Kiddush at my meeting new people.” to ensure that they were insect-free. I of RZ Productions. I was part of a five ended his at 1:00am. Fortunately for me, Shul (because we hadn’t eaten There is no such thing as a typical work day for Malka, as she can work a quick 3 turned on ovens because of a kosher man mashgiach team who ensured the senior mashgichim gave the “rookie” enough over Pesach) and I hour shift or a full day. But her daily duties usually begin with her opening up the kitchen, principle called bishul yisrael – that a that everything the participants ate the daytime shift. saw a few of the non-Jewish unlocking fridges and turning on ovens. Jewish person needs to be involved in conformed to the highest kosher I had prior training – I read all of kitchen staff who were also at “Then I usually take a moment to meet with the head chef to see what’s on the agenda the cooking of food. I made sure that standards for Pesach. the COR manuals, I did some hands-on Blue Mountain. I walked into for the day and see what time things need to get done by.” all deliveries were kosher, and in fact at Kashrut at a place like Blue Mountain training with one of COR’s senior the kitchen and said, “Hey! I She proceeds to check inventory and scan that all products have the necessary kosher one point there was a delivery of alcohol miss you guys!” They asked me certification. Then she might wash and check vegetables for insects. that had kosher seals but not Kosher for if I was their new mashgiach. Monitoring what comes in and out of the kitchen is also a huge responsibility for a Passover ones. Fortunately it was Chol I responded that they were in mashgiach or mashgicha. Hamoed and I was able to call the COR good hands with their current “I have to ensure that whatever comes into our kitchen is absolutely kosher and office. The Rabbi on duty investigated mashgiach and that I was just whatever leaves the kitchen is labeled and sealed as kosher. I need to be aware of where and found that the products were not, saying hi. But just like the kid in every food and dish is travelling to.” in fact, Kosher for Passover. I was even the stands at the ballgame who On occasion, she is tasked with supervising a Kiddush lunch which takes place on asked questions like, “What do you think dreams of being called upon, Shabbat or Yom Tov, and this requires an additional awareness of certain factors. of this chocolate brownie?” As a brownie I too am waiting again for my “Supervising a function taking place on Shabbos requires a constant review of the laws expert, I was happy to provide my wise opportunity to be called into of Shabbos.” counsel – after I sampled a few of course. action, because as difficult a job Prior to supervising Shabbat events, Malka is fully trained by the COR Rabbis on One Chol Hamoed evening, RZ as being mashgiach is, it is also kashrut policies pertaining to Shabbat, which also include instructions with respect to Productions organized a concert at an a privilege. So coach if you ever any complex situations that may arise. Beyond the challenges of supervising an event on off-site location complete with snacks need me, I’m ready. Shabbat or Yom Tov, the main challenge in her everyday work is staying calm in the face of and marshmallow roasting. As the difficult situations. mashgiach on duty that evening, I had Richard Rabkin is the “It is my job to catch a potential problem before it occurs. I always have to be questioning to be on top of my game. The food that the things going on around me. I’m needed in a lot of places at once and I have to be on Managing Director of COR left our kosher kitchen needed to be my feet constantly.” wrapped up with COR stickers. Then I According to Malka, one of the greatest rewards of working in the kosher industry is traveled in the van with the food to the demonstrating to those around her how relevant kashrut is to everyday life. “I love to show people how easy, simple and accessible kashrus is, once you make it 14 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA down to earth and realistic, people realize that it’s not so difficult.” 15 What’s Happening at COR What’s Happening at COR

I recall another interesting example of the research Agencies are that kashrut organizations invest in developing policies. This time, it was at the AKO Vaadim Conference hosted constantly by the COR in Toronto in July 2011. Rabbi Akiva Osher Padwa, Rabbinic Coordinator and senior dairy inspector conferring and at the London Beth Din, gave a presentation on an impending kashrut problem. India had always placed a using each other’s ban on exporting dairy products. But as of May 2012, they were going to lift the ban. Dairy manufacturers in India expertise and began to seek kosher certification. Rav Moshe Feinstein ztzl famously permitted the use of standard milk that is best practices to not under strict Jewish supervision in Western countries (commonly referred to as chalav stam) because govern- benefit our home mental regulatory agencies could be relied upon to prevent milk from non-kosher animals being marketed as regular communities. milk. But could the Indian government be relied upon to the same degree as Western governments? Rabbi Padwa went to India to find this out and report back his findings. After thoroughly researching the issue, Rabbi Padwa discovered that in India, milk and the resulting milk ingredients are not processed through large dairy farms as is the normal practice in the Western world. In India, the cow is considered holy (perhaps this explains the origins of the expression “Holy Cow”?) and thus cows live at home The World Wide Web with families in rural Indian villages. Much of the milk and milk ingredients are obtained from “family cows” through of Kosher Certifiers what is called a village procurement program. In brief, this means that a villager milks his cow and, after consuming what is needed by his family, he brings as much of the milk as he can spare to milk collection centres (MCCs) Little known amongst kosher consumers is how which is then transported on tankers to dairy factories. closely kosher certifiers work with one another. One MCC could receive milk from tens of thousands of suppliers, while the factories could receive milk literally Richard Rabkin, Rabbi Yacov Felder, Rabbi Sholom H. Adler and By Rabbi Tsvi Heber from hundreds of thousands of suppliers. This is hardly a Rabbi Tsvi Heber with Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Executive Director situation that lends itself well to the controls necessary in of AKO the kashrut industry! While perusing the local newspaper headlines, Rabbi the major kosher certifiers. The conclusion reached was that indeed Rav Moshe’s heter for milk should not be eptember 2014 marks the onset of my tenth year I recall the first project that I tackled after joining COR in Padwa discovered an article in the Times of India which extended to include India. at COR. One of the most remarkable aspects of 2005: the COR Guide to Checking Fruits and Vegetables. This stated that close to 70% of all milk samples taken from At the same AKO conference in 2011 where Rabbi working in the kashrut industry, and one of the Guide would bring clarity to our fruit and vegetable policies around India including Delhi, India’s capital, were found to Padwa presented his findings, I took the Rabbis ona least well known amongst kosher consumers is and would be used to implement consistent standards be contaminated. The contaminants included glucose, fat, tour of Baycrest, one of North America’s largest kosher how closely kashrut organizations work with one amongst our certified establishments. This task would have skim milk powder, urine and detergent. kitchens. Serving one million kosher meals per year, another. Agencies are constantly conferring and been impossible without the resources that were made Another Times of India article from March 26th, 2012 Baycrest’s kosher program is obviously very robust and using each other’s expertise and best practices available to us by our colleagues in AKO, some of the world’s titled “After Rajasthan, Gujarat to have First Camel Milk the Rabbis found COR’s approach to many of the potential to benefit our home communities. In a sense, experts in this area. So off I went to New York to train with Dairy Soon,” outlining plans for an Indian dairy farm to kashrut issues quite innovative. Indeed, since that tour, I kosher certifiers from around the world have Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Head of the Vaad of Five Towns and begin processing camel’s milk and camel-based dairy have been asked by other kashrut agencies to consult in become our very own world wide web. formerly of the Orthodox Union (OU). We consulted with products -- an alarming proposition from a kashrut point setting up the kosher programs at retirement homes and The Association of Kashrut Organizations (AKO) is an expert Rabbanim such as Rabbi Shlomo Gissinger, a noted of view as camel milk is not kosher. Rabbi Padwa added hospitals in their respective cities. umbrella organization that sets minimum standards and Rav and Posek who serves as the Rav Hamchshir (certifying that India and some Arab countries are actually lobbying Kosher certification agencies around the world Sserves to unite the approximately 80 member kosher certifiers Rabbi) of “Bodek”, a company that produces insect-free fruits European countries to allow them to market camel’s including COR benefit from working together and learning including the OU, OK, Star-K, Kof-K, international organiza- and vegetables at the highest standards, and is a consultant milk as “regular” milk, which would be an extremely from one another. In so doing we are able to strengthen tions such as the London Beth Din (KLBD), as well as smaller to Kof-K Supervision. We studied published and unpublished challenging situation for kashrut organizations. Rabbi standards, create uniformity and ultimately benefit kosher certifiers such as the Jacksonville Vaad. COR’s Kashrut Ad- materials of other kosher certifiers and consulted with their Padwa concluded that as a result of his extensive research, consumers. ministrator Rabbi Sholom H. Adler sits on the prestigious experts. These resources enabled COR to create a Guide milk and milk products from India should not be covered AKO Executive Board while I serve as the Chairman of the that is consistent with the guides and policies of the other by the heter of Rav Moshe Feinstein ztzl and should not be Tolayim (insect infestation) Committee. renowned kosher certifiers. eligible for kosher certification. Rabbi Tsvi Heber is COR’s Director of Community Further research was done by other kashrut organi- Kosher zations confirming Rabbi Padwa’s research and another meeting was held in New York which included poskim of 16 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA The Kosher Corner 2014 17 What’s Happening at COR What’s Happening at COR Faces & Places Faces & Places Rabbi Ari Senter, Arale Wattenstein, Jack Feintuch, Rabbi Yacov Felder and Richard Rabkin at the COR Pre-Pesach Community lecture sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Feintuch in memory of COR Senior Event Mashgiach Rabbi Leiby Newman A”H

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Chairman of the COR Board, 8 Rabbi Tsvi Dr. Ira Marder and Chairman Heber putting of the Rabbinical Vaad up the Eruv at Hakashruth, Rabbi Yacov the Pesach on Felder presenting Rabbi the Mountain Tuvia Basser with an award of program at gratitude upon his retirement 7 Blue Mountain from COR COR Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi J. Norman giving a “Kosher 101” presentation at Kellogg’s

2 3 9 Rabbi Mendel Gansburg, Rabbi COR Vice Chair Jack Feintuch speaking COR administrative support staff Mendel Brogna with COR’s Rabbi Tsvi Heber Mrs. Barbara Bar-Dayan and Rabbi Jason and Mrs. Esther Scheer Lexchin kashering 4 dishes for the Chef Joan Monfaredi, Executive Chef of Park Hyatt Toronto community at the with COR Event Manager Mitchell Mrvic COR Pre-Pesach kashering event

5 Rabbi Sholom H. Adler, COR’s 10 Kashruth Richard Administrator, Rabkin 11 presenting a Lifetime taking a Rabbi Tsvi Heber with the graduating class Achievement in “selfie” in of the “Mashgicha@Home” course at the Kashrut award to the middle Village Shul COR Rabbinic Field of his talk Representative on kosher Rabbi Zev Eisenstein at Netivot Hatorah Day School Faces18 KASHR &UTH C OPlUNCIL OFa CANcesADA The Kosher Corner 2014 19 Yom Tov Features Yom Tov Features There are several references to honey in the Torah, Tehillim (Psalms), and Talmud. The Honey Land of Israel is referred to famously in the Torah several times as a land Yom Tov Features in the flowing with milk and honey. Surpris- ingly, most commentators agree that the Torah is actually referring to fig Tanachhoney, not bee honey. Because the verse is praising the land of Israel, it is referring to the honey that comes from the land (soil) i.e. from figs, which is among the seven species for which the Land of Israel is praised. However, there are multiple references specifically to bee honey throughout Tanach: The custom of eating Shmuel 1:14: tells of when the Philistines attacked the Jewish symbolic People. Jonathan and his companion killed 20 men, miraculously The foods on Rosh setting off a wave of terror and causing the Philistines to flee. Hashanah King Saul, Jonathan’s father, urged his people to pursue the comes from Philistines without delay as they fled decreeing: “Cursed be the Honey the Talmud. man who eats bread (food) until the evening until I have taken Honey is vengeance against my enemies”. Jonathan, not having heard Custom one of the simanim (signs) used when his father’s decree, dipped his staff into honeycomb, tasting a saying blessings of requests to Hashem small amount. The verse relates “…he extended the end of his for the coming year. Honey represents staff which was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb, sweetness and happiness. When dipping and when he brought back his hand to his mouth, his eyes were the apple in honey we ask Hashem “May brightened.” King Saul tragically called for Jonathan’s death for it be Your will to renew a good and sweet eating the honey but the Jewish People protested and Jonathan year upon us”. This custom was first was saved. recorded in the works of the Babylonian Tehillim 19:11 “[The judgments of Hashem] are more desirable Geonim of the 7th century but it probably than gold, than even much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, and began long before that. During the period drippings from the combs.” from Rosh Hashanah to Sukkot, honey Mishlei 16:24 “Words of pleasantness are a honeycomb, sweet is used with the challah instead of salt to the soul and healing to the bone.” and in general bitter foods are avoided. Ibid. 27:7 “The sated soul will trample a honeycomb; but to Different families have different customs the hungry soul, all bitter is sweet.” for which type of honey they use: many Bees themselves are of course not kosher, and typically the use liquid honey, while others use cream product of a non-kosher animal is not kosher. However, the honey, and some even use date honey. Talmud unequivocally declares that bee honey is kosher because Aside from dipping apples and challah in the nectar used by bees to create honey is simply stored by the honey, there are many popular honey- bee and is not technically considered a by-product/excretion. themed recipes eaten this time of year, one of the most popular being honey The Sweet Side of Jewish Heritage cake. A brief look at honey and the Jewish people Bees produce honey by fermenting flower nectar. There are over 300 types of throughout the ages. honey, the flavour depending on the type of flower that the nectar was gathered from. On average, a bee collects nectar from 10 million flowers to produce a little over four cups of honey. To visit those By: Suri Feigenbaum The millions of flowers takes 10,000 hours of combined flight, or over 37,000 miles of travel! The nectar is naturally broken down into simple sugars and stored in honeycombs. The design of the honeycomb Honey along with the fanning of the bee’s wings causes evaporation, creating the thick, sweet liquid we know as honey. Every year on Rosh Hashanah we dip a slice of apple into honey For commercial honey, bee keepers collect the honeycomb from frames and scrape off the wax and ask Hashem to send us a sweet new year. What is the Processcaps where the bees store the honey. There are various methods of extracting the honey from the wax and processing the significance of using honey? Why can’t we, for example, use honey before it hits the shelves. Some methods of extraction could pose kashrut concerns, which is why it is important to only purchase honey with a reliable kosher certification. The Kashruth Council of Canada (COR) certifies several honey companies simple table sugar, or another sweetener? The Jewish people including Wolfe Honey, Monroe Honey, Billy Bee, and Hawkins Honey & Maple Co. Honey is sold in various forms, the most have a storied history with honey; a survey of the Tanach popular being liquid honey, but also as spreadable honey cream, and as raw honeycomb. Honey also has several health benefits: (Bible) and Talmud may give us a better appreciation of this it can be used as a cough suppressant and it is also used in many skin care products. Raw honey has antibacterial properties which can help cure acne, as well as antioxidants to help promote healthy skin and improve skin hydration. sticky sweet at our festive holiday meals. Honey is not only an important symbol in Jewish history, but the process of how honey is made truly shows us the complexity of Hashem’s creation. May our understanding of how honey is made and its significance in our tradition bring deeper meaning to the blessing that we recite: “May it be Your will to renew a good and sweet year upon us.”, and may we truly see this blessing fulfilled in the coming year. 20 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA The Kosher Corner 2014 21 Symbolic foods used in the Ribiat home Yom Tov Features “Ever since I was a little girl, the women in my household would sit for hours all together in the living room and read Tehillim together.” Gathering to recite Tehillim on Rosh Hashanah Dates Hebrew: “Tamar” – related to the word “tam” meaning in a group setting brings great merit to the world, “to cease” – “We pray to Hashem to “cease” our enemies from according to Batsheva, plus it also prevents people trying to destroy us.” from speaking lashon hara (evil speech). When Batsheva visits her family in Brooklyn Apples The universal Jewish symbol for a sweet new year. for Sukkot, she helps to decorate their bamboo- “Instead of honey, Jews from Alleppo, Syria dip theirs in sugar” rod-covered canvas sukkah. decorations included real and artificial fruit, handmade coloured paper chains, Chinese lamps, children’s school projects, Leeks Hebrew: “Karti” – resembles the word “karet” meaning along with pictures of Ashkenazi and Sephardi “to cut off”. “We are asking Hashem to cut off evil-doers from Rabbis. harming the Jewish nation.” Batsheva prepares this dish as a fritter “At the end of the meal, my Iraqi grandfather, or omelette. High who is a chazzan for the Iraqi community in Los Angeles, would lead us all in beautiful songs. One in Swiss Chard Arabic: “Silleq” – similar to the Hebrew particular that we always began with and still enjoy word “Saleq” meaning “to remove” or “throw out”. “We are hoping the most is called “Sukkah V’Lulav” and has a fun, that Hashem will remove our enemies from our midst.” catchy melody that is easy for kids to learn. Other songs were “Mipi Kel” and “Ze Keli VeAnvehu”.” Holiday Trumpet Gourd/Butternut or Acorn Squash – Finally, after Sukkot, while many families save Squash Hebrew: “Kara” which is similar to the Hebrew word “karaa” the etrogim to make jams, Batsheva’s family saves meaning “rip” or “tear”. “We ask Hashem to tear up any evil decrees the lulavim. that are upon us.” *This dish is usually prepared as a candied sweet, “It is said that they ward off bad dreams. sometimes coloured green and flavoured with rose water. Traditions Following the Jewish custom of using one precept to fulfill another, the lulav is kept in the home until Erev Pesach, when it is burned with the chametz.” Black-Eyed Peas Hebrew: “Rubiah” which is Members of our community share their diverse similar to the Hebrew word “rab”, which means “to increase”. and fascinating High Holiday traditions “They symbolize increasing one’s merits.” While this dish is usually prepared with veal, Batsheva stews them with meat balls. By Chava Fine Pomegranate Hebrew: “Rimon”. “We are inspired to Rabbi Israel Yakubov and his family are ask Hashem to grant us merit and goodwill as bountiful as the fruit’s one of 350 Bukharian families living in the Toronto numerous juicy ruby red seeds which symbolize the 613 mitzvot.” area. He runs Shabbat and holiday services for The holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot provide a special time for families the Bukharian community inside the Sephardic Lamb’s Head “Alleppian Jews traditionally eat meat to spend time together, impart the wisdom inherent in the days themselves, Kehillah Centre. from a lamb’s head to symbolize that they will be leaders at the head and feast on delicious specialties. The traditions which families practice for According to Rabbi Yakubov’s tradition, the rather than followers at the tail. The meat is also a reminder of the Rosh Hashanah seder will incorporate special ram that Avraham shechted instead of Yitzchak at the Akeda.” these occasions can create beautiful memories that will last for years. From blessings on dates, black-eyed peas, cabbage, elaborate Rosh Hashanah seders to neighbourhood sukkah hops, we will spinach or beets, pumpkin, pomegranate, lamb’s head and cow lungs. Fish “This is not part of the traditional Syrian seder, but to explore a variety of traditions which are certainly memorable. “The lungs represent that we should have a very honour my husband’s minhag, I cook salmon. We are hoping that Hashem will increase our numbers and help us proliferate and be easy year, as the lungs are light and not heavy.” many, like the fish in the sea.” For the meal itself, a special fish dish is usually atsheva Ribiat, a Brooklyn native living in Toronto with her husband and two children, has prepared. fond memories of her family’s Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot traditions. “We take carp and season it with coriander and New Fruit “We say “I come from a very colourful background that is comprised of Iraqi, Syrian, Israeli spices. Then it gets fried in oil.” shehecheyanu at kiddish and Polish cultures, so we always had a lot of diverse customs that somehow managed to During holidays and special occasions, and have in mind to include all work together, despite being vastly different.” Bukharian Jews will wear festive robes called the new fruit as well. Some On Rosh Hashanah evening, her family conducts a seder according to the Syrian “joma”, which are hand-made and embroidered popular exotic fruits are tradition. The seder features a number of symbolic foods which are eaten in the hope cherimoya, starfruit, prickly pear, with Jewish symbols, typically in gold fabric. rambutan, mangosteen, jackfruit that the Jewish people will have a sweet year full of abundance and in which our sins and and dragonfruit.” Benemies will be destroyed. During the seder, Batsheva’s family uses nine symbolic foods (see sidebar). Any food that is overly spicy, sour or bitter will not be on the menu for Rosh Hashanah, as the focus is on having a sweet new year. Typical holiday foods include stuffed eggplant, stuffed grape leaves, stuffed artichoke hearts and meatballs wrapped in thin shavings of potato. Estee Kafra, author of three bestselling “Syrians love to stuff meat into vegetables because it is symbolic of the concept that it’s what’s on cookbooks including Cooking Inspired, has her own the inside that counts.” unique twists on some dishes for Rosh Hashanah On Rosh Hashanah day, the women in Batsheva’s household partake in a special mitzvah. and Sukkot. While tzimmes is a standard holiday dish, she has made it a tradition to cook tzimmes and meat 22 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA together. The Kosher Corner 2014 23 Yom Tov Features Yom Tov Features

“Every Rosh Hashanah, our main dish is tzimmes with meat. I add carrots, potatoes and prunes, which I bake on top of the meat for a long time on low.” Chudleigh’s: For Sukkot, she prefers to serve hot desserts, since it is often cold in the sukkah. Kafra’s website, kosherscoop.com, has a number of hot dessert ideas for Sukkot, including baked apples with maple The Big Apple Pie Boruch and Leslie Holoukoff, a Toronto couple sauce and walnut crunch, and molten chocolate lava cakes. who were previously featured in the 2014 COR Passover By Chava Fine Guide, are passionate about creating thought-provoking and inspirational moments for every holiday. One unusual tradition that the Holoukoffs have of their barn. However, this facility into a kosher plant required implemented is eating birthday cake on the first night of When you think of Chudleigh’s, arrangement only worked for a short that all of their ingredients be ko- Rosh Hashanah. you may picture fun times with your time before they had to move their sher-certified and that all of their Ronja Soroka, who lives in Ottawa with her “It all started when I was a little kid,” said Boruch. “My family picking an array of crisp, juicy operation into a commercial facility. equipment be kashered. husband and children, takes part every year in a community grandma would host Yom Tov and she would serve birthday apples at their 100-acre apple farm in “Our commercial bakery started “Our plant is a fairly complicated sukkah hop. cake for dessert. She couldn’t find honey cake or burned it, Milton, Ontario. But now you can also in 1991 after a series of events – the one as we have multiple lines, “The sukkah hop is open to the entire community and so she made birthday cake for the kids. We would celebrate associate Chudleigh’s with “kosher”, barn fire being the most notable,” multiple products and multiple each participating family puts out something light in their the birthday of Adam and the birthday of the world.” as their entire 125,000 square foot said Winterton. customers,” stated Winterton. sukkah. There are usually at least 10 or 12 sukkahs, but they Coming up with new sweet dishes for Rosh Hashanah is commercial bakery is under COR The site of their award-winning “When we sat down and did an are all within three by two blocks of each other, so it’s not a something else the Holoukoffs enjoy doing. supervision. bakery is conveniently located analysis of our ingredients, we found lot of walking.” “We like to try different things, like mixing raisins Chudleighs’ frozen baked goods just down the street from the out, to our surprise, that 99% of the This tradition is both fun and community-building, as into farfel. One year we added honey graham crumbs to a and snacks, which include signature farm orchard, so all baked goods ingredients we use were already it allows people to become better acquainted with their chicken recipe and it turned out really well.” favourites such as Apple Blossoms, containing apples use freshly picked kosher. There were only one or two neighbours and enjoy the Sukkot holiday to the fullest. They have also made it a tradition to offer an assortment Pineapple Upside Down Cakes and apples from their farm. ingredients which weren’t kosher, of honey at their table. Chocolate Lava Cakes, use only As the company has been and we found alternatives for those.” “We like to have 3 or 4 different flavours of honey on natural ingredients and no preserva- undergoing a number of exciting Kashering the plant itself was the display for when we dip the challah in honey. We purchase tives. changes in recent years, becoming major task. It took two-and-a-half Israeli honey, Ontario honey and honey from various “We use traditional home-style days for COR Rabbinic Coordinator farmers markets with a hechsher. It’s a nice conversation recipes,” said Brent Winterton, Vice Rabbi J. Norman and COR Rabbinic Rabbi Mendel and Mrs. Chaikin are the Rabbi and piece”. President of Quality Assurance and Field Representative Rabbi David Rebbetzin of the Chabad of Downtown Toronto. For the challah itself, Leslie will make challah in the Human Resources at Chudleigh’s. Lawrence to kasher the entire For Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot, they focus on helping shape of a crown, or round challah in which she will place “We have a strong affinity towards Chudleigh’s facility, including their people in the community perform the holiday mitzvot. plastic toy crowns on top. making feel-good comfort food.” test kitchen. “On Rosh Hashanah, my husband goes to the hospitals “People often ask why we would put a crown on a challah While most commercial bakeries “The biggest challenge of downtown and blows the shofar for the Jewish patients,” and we explain to people that it’s because we crown G-d as employ an automated manufacturing switching over the facility was the said Mrs. Chaikin. “On Sukkos, my husband walks around King on Rosh Hashanah.” system for the entire baking process, sheer volume of items that needed the neighborhood with his lulav and esrog inviting all to do During Sukkot, Boruch is excited about spending as Chudleigh’s is unique in utilizing a to be kashered,” said Rabbi Norman. the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and esrog.” much time as possible in the sukkah. process that they call “handamation”. “We kashered close to 8500 trays, 175 “I love sukkahs. I’m the guy who’s in the sukkah even if “Our focus is to keep that racks and 18 ovens.” it’s pouring rain.” hand-made traditional home-style Winterton described the process They enjoy building public sukkahs to enable both feel to our products,” said Winterton. of kashering their facility as “pretty affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish neighbours to spend time “There’s a significant portion of our seamless”. in the sukkah. products that are hand-made in small Now that Chudleigh’s is under “Last year we built a community sukkah at the Arnold batches with attention to detail. We COR supervision, they are excited House. We were amazed at the number of people who use automation for certain parts about the future opportunities that weren’t even religious and came to join us in the sukkah. We of the process, combined with the are in store for them. made a couple of friends because of that neighbourhood craftsmanship of traditional pastry “As far as opportunities for us as sukkah. That’s become a highlight for us.” making.” a result of becoming kosher, we have The Holoukoffs also enjoy making stuffed foods for Chudleigh’s products are sold yet to realize them,” said Winterton. Sukkot, such as green peppers and mushroom stuffed with at major grocery retailers and food kosher certified was the next logical “But about 80% of our business is in rice, and chicken stuffed with farfel. service outlets across North America step in the company’s evolution. the US, and becoming kosher should “During this time, we tend not to eat hollow foods, and around the world, including “Our company has matured in its open up some new opportunities instead we eat full, stuffed foods. To us, it represents being South America, Europe and Australia. processes and abilities, so it seemed there for us.” filled with Hashem’s presence and being filled withmitzvos .” The family-owned business has evolved substantially since opening like a good time for us to become ko- Kosher consumers across in 1957 as an orchard farm. In 1973, sher-certified,” said Winterton. “It’s Canada and beyond are certainly Chudleigh’s opened up the baking very exciting and it’s been a great eager to taste the delectable high- side of their business, as they started learning experience.” quality kosher products offered by to make apple pies in the basement Transforming the Chudleigh’s Chudleigh’s. 24 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA 25 Yom Tov Features Yom Tov Features Looking for a Lulav? Two Toronto etrog vendors take you behind the scenes. By Chava Fine

If you’ve ever purchased a set of arba minim (four species) for Sukkot, you’ve probably had the unique experience of poring over box after box of etrogim until you find that perfect one. But have you ever wondered how much time “Many years ago, my grandfather had a Jewish bookstore using a grafted and effort is required to get those arba minim to your in Detroit, and we lived in Toronto at the time,” said Mrs. etrog are serious. local vendors? Travis. “He sent some esrogim to my mother and told her “You can’t to sell them for a business. Since then, my husband married make a bracha on into the business and we’ve been running the business it,” said Zionce. Two Toronto etrog vendors – Chaskel Zionce of The together for over 30 years.” “Even if someone Chaskel Zionce Sukkah, Lulav and Esrog Centre, Deciding how much stock to order each year is grafted it 2000 located in the basement of the Boat Shul, and Rabbi and challenging, as vendors don’t want to overstock and have years ago and Mrs. Travis of Travis Esrogim, located at Bathurst and leftover products that they can’t sell after Sukkot, while they replanted it, it’s still a problem.” also don’t want to sell out before the season is over. Therefore, it is important to select a brand that Glencairn - provided COR with an insider’s perspective “Certain years I have run out of stock, but I’m always able one trusts to ensure that no grafting has occurred. on how they got into the business, how the market has to figure out a way to get more if I need to,” said Zionce. The Chazon Ish brand originated from the famous Torah innovated over the years, along with some unique stories “Our philosophy is that we like to have enough in stock scholar, Rabbi Avrohom Yeshaya Karelitz, who lived in Israel for people to have a choice,” said Mrs. Travis. “We have to over 60 years ago. from behind-the-scenes. find a balance so that we don’t lose money.” “He identified certain esrogim as real (non-grafted), so Typically, lulav and etrog vendors place their respective the seeds from those esrogim were taken and whole trees orders one month before Rosh Hashanah. It is their hope originated from them,” said Zionce. “Today, these are called that the specimens arrive as close to Rosh Hashanah as the ‘Chazon Ish’ esrog.” he Jewish traditions surrounding Sukkot are both fascinating and possible, yet not after Rosh Hashanah. A Kfar Chabad etrog employs a similar concept. beautiful. Vendors usually open up for business the day after Rosh “In a Chabad village in Israel, they took a Yanover (Italian) In Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:40, we are instructed: Hashanah on Tzom Gedalyiah (the fast of Gedalyiah). esrog, the one that the Lubavitcher Rebbe himself used, and “And you shall take on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, “Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a very busy planted whole orchards with those seeds,” said Zionce. branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the time,” said Mrs. Travis. “After davening on Rosh Hashanah, Both Chaskel Zionce and the Travises source many of brook, and you shall rejoice before the L-rd your G-d 7 days” people want to be busy with the next mitzvah.” their etrogim from Israel. The relative ease we have in obtaining the four species today is Sales usually remain steady between Yom Kippur and the When it comes to determining the cost of an etrog, the thanks, in large part, to the dedicated vendors who import beautiful first day of Sukkot, so the entire season lasts a total of a mere more beautiful it is, the more expensive it is. specimens from around the world to satisfy their discerning 12 days. “I always get in some esrogim that I call ‘diamonds’,” said clientele. “For those 12 days, the hours are crazy,” said Zionce. “You Zionce. “The price is more expensive, but we try to make While the number of vendors has definitely increased over the last few years, eat and sleep very little.” everyone happy.” Tbreaking into the lulav and etrog business is certainly not for the faint of heart. Along with the halachik guidelines of how to choose an For lulavim, it is well-known that the most beautiful “A lot of the people that went into the business quickly left because they saw etrog, customers today have an array of ‘brands’ to choose lulavim around are “Derry Lulavim” from Israel, since they what a difficult business it is, for many reasons,” said Chaskel Zionce. from, including Chazon Ish and Kfar Chabad varieties. are very straight and green in colour. Both Chaskel Zionce Chaskel has been running his own Sukkah business in Toronto for over 20 years. Part of the process of selecting an etrog, according to and the Travises prefer this brand. He started out by selling etrogim for Betzalel Parlow, a large etrog vendor located in Chaskel Zionce, is ensuring that one’s etrog has not been Hadassim usually originate from Safed and aravot are Boro Park. grafted (cross-bred with a lemon). The grafting process could often supplied from Monsey. “He’s a little famous, as his father was the first one to plant full orchards create nicer-shaped fruit, longer life for the etrog tree (which When it comes to customers selecting their hadassim (pardeisim) of esrogim in Israel.” typically lives only 7 to 9 years), and more stable pittoms and aravot, the process used to be extremely messy until For the Travises, selling lulavim and etrogim has been a longtime family that are less likely to fall off. However, the consequences for some clever innovations changed the way that they are sold. business. “We used to have hadassim all over the floor that had to get thrown out,”

26 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA The Kosher Corner 2014 27 Yom Tov Features Yom Tov Features

“It’s an amazing mitzvah to be said Mrs. Travis of the days before hadassim and aravot the community involved in... were pre-packaged. “Since those days, the producers and not a learned that they could divide them in advance and competition.” You get to see Sweet Treats pre-package and pre-check the products and add a An example hechsher.” of this is that one everyone in the This process has significantly reduced the hassle, as year, the Travises for people merely decide which level they want to purchase were the only community and and take the package home. ones who had “Now they’re hermetically sealed and they look lulavim in stock, you see how beautiful, this way they’re not ruined” said Mrs. Travis. so they supplied excited they a Sweet NewBy Chava Year Fine “Also, in the past year or two, we’ve started pushing for all of the other the lulav to be pre-packaged for the same reason. We vendors with are about this decided to have it pre-checked with a Rav in Israel and get lulavim. it stamped and sealed with hard plastic which protects the For both mitzvah.” tip.” Chaskel Zionce With a multitude of people entering their stores on a and the Travises, daily basis, any number of unusual incidents are bound to working in the you’re looking to make your Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot celebrations happen. business of lulavim and etrogim is extremely rewarding. “As soon as you buy your esrog, it’s very advisable to “It’s an amazing mitzvah to be involved in,” said Mrs. even sweeter this year, look no further than your favourite COR bakeries write your name and phone number on the box,” advises Travis. “You get to see everyone in the community and you and chocolate shops, that are carrying an array of creative and delectable Chaskel Zionce. see how excited they are about this mitzvah.” Iftreats for the season. From delicious gluten-free cakes and challahs to Many times Chaskel has encountered cases where, The Travis family is thankful for all of the assistance chocolate sukkahs, you can find the perfect hostess gift, or that special after someone spends two hours finding the perfect etrog, they have received along the way, particularly Rabbinical they put it down for a moment, only to find that someone guidance. dessert to finish off the Yom Tov meals with your family. else has taken it by mistake. “Rabbi Shmuelevitz has been very involved in “We once had a story where a very expensive esrog supporting us through this. A lot of times, you need that had already been purchased was accidentally taken by Rabbinic direction and for a lot of those decisions, we someone else,” said Zionce. “All of the staff had to sit down depend on him,” said Mrs. Travis. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of the typical Rosh Hashanah fare, together and re-enact who was in the store at the time. We For Chaskel Zionce, having the opportunity to bring a Gluten-Free Goodies such as round challahs, you’re in luck. My Zaidy’s Bakery in Thornhill, which opened its gluten-free bakery approxi- frantically started to call people, but we ended up solving smile to the faces of his customers makes all of the hard mately 6 months ago, carries gluten-free honey cake and gluten-free round challahs. At the south end of the city, Two the problem.” work worthwhile. Moms Baked Goods on Eglinton Avenue offers both regular and gluten-free versions of their apple cake, honey cake, For Mrs. Travis, she recounted her amazement at the “It’s very gratifying to give a person what they’re cupcakes and more. They also make a lavish twist on a traditional round challah, perfect for the holiday season. number of incidents which have clearly demonstrated that looking for,” said Zionce. “Finding a beautiful esrog is Hashem is orchestrating their business dealings. the only mitzvah in the Torah where it says it has to be “We offer stuffed challahs – we either make them with apples & cinnamon, chocolate, or cinnamon & sugar” said “We see siyata-d’shmaya (G-d’s help) right in front of beautiful. There’s a general idea that mitzvos have to be Karen Fleischer-Sheffer, owner. “It’s kind of like our version of a babka, but much yummier. It’s delicious on its own or our eyes,” said Mrs. Travis. “For example, there was a time done in a beautiful way, but the esrog is the only mitzvah you can chop it up and turn it into a decadent bread pudding.” when I just decided to import more products and then that specifically says that fruit has to be beautiful.” suddenly someone placed an order for more.” So this year, when you pick your arba minim, remember Mrs. Travis also described the incredible unity that she that there’s a lot more that goes into it than meets the eye. Baked Treats…With a Twist The days leading up to Rosh Hashanah are some of the busiest has noticed among her competitors. of the year for Toronto’s kosher bakeries, and during this time they are busy whipping up some unusual creations. “Normally in this kind of competitive business, one Lollicakes is a COR-certified bakery in the Mount Pleasant and Davisville area. They sell creative cupcakes with would think that all people who sell esrogim are enemies to hand-painted chocolate lollipops inserted in the centre. For Rosh Hashanah, they have a different take on the “apples each other,” said Mrs. Travis. “What is so beautiful is that, and honey” theme. from our experience in Toronto, all the esrog dealers work “We make honey bees, honey pots and apples out of chocolate and stick them on top of the cupcakes,” said Barbara together with each other. Everyone sees it as a service to

28 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA The Kosher Corner 2014 29 Yom Tov Features

Rotberg, owner. “They are really spectacular.” One year, she was asked for a customized, more colourful version of her “apples and honey” cupcakes. “One lady wanted all of the bees, apples and honey pots in hot pink, orange and lime green,” said Rotberg. “It turned Halachically Speaking out gorgeous.” Rotberg is convinced that cupcakes and chocolate are the perfect combination for Rosh Hashanah. Chocolate Specialties “You want everyone to have a sweet new year and you If you’re a chocolate lover, you can find the can’t get much sweeter than cupcakes and chocolate,” said most intriguing Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot Rotberg. themed chocolate gifts at Chocolate Moose, Richmond Bakery specializes in its honey apple cake for Chocolate Charm and Zack’s. Rosh Hashanah. Chocolate shofars and apple-shaped In addition to offering apple strudel and apple cake, Eti chocolates covered in foil paper are available at Shemittah 101 Cakes is known for their airy and sweet honey cake, which Chocolate Moose, in addition to chocolate sukkahs is a passed-down family recipe. complete with schach. Hermes Bakery offers the traditional fare for Rosh “The sukkahs are handcrafted and they’re about 6 Hashanah, in addition to a colourful, juicy option. inches by 4 inches,” said Bev Kruger, owner. “We also 5775 “We make pomegranate tarts for Rosh Hashanah, which make mini ones that are 2 inch cubes which can be used can be made in any size,” said Israel Meirovitch, owner. for dessert.” They also make what Meirovitch has termed an “apple They have also filled a number of custom orders to in a blanket”. make extra large sukkahs that are 15-inch cubes. A practical overview of the Shemittah laws “We take a whole apple, peel it, core it and fill the core At Chocolate Charm, in addition to making chocolate with cinnamon and other stuffing. Then we wrap it in puff shofars, chocolate apples and chocolate sukkahs, they for the upcoming year. pastry dough. It comes out round like an apple and we make also offer chocolate etrogs. leaves out of dough and stick them on top.” “For the esrogim, we use the real esrog boxes that you By Rabbi Tsvi Heber At Amazing Donuts, round challahs, apple cinnamon get from esrog vendors,” said Bob Levine, owner. “It has muffins, shofar-shaped cookies, apple-shaped cookies fooled people, as it looks like you’re giving them a real and cupcakes decorated for Rosh Hashanah are plentiful. esrog and it’s a chocolate one!” Finger foods are also a big hit. In Thornhill, Zack’s Chocolates & Frozen Yogurt “We do a lot of finger items for sukkah hops like mini carries deluxe apples dipped in chocolate or caramel. donuts and muffin bites,” said Dr. Alan Jaff, owner. “Our “We use Granny Smith apples and after dipping them items are nut-free, reasonably priced and easy for people in chocolate or caramel, we add different toppings like who are entertaining.” Skor bar pieces, sprinkles and M&Ms,” said Shaira Wali, 1 For stunning Rosh Hashanah-themed cakes that are wife of owner and chocolatier Azim Wali. “Shemittah” literally means to disengage and is the Parameters of more like works of art, Ellen Jane Desserts has got the They also carry honey-dipped commonly used word to refer to the Sabbatical year in Shemittah Agricultural prohibitions goods. pretzels and champagne bottles which the Jewish people cease from performing agricul- “Our apple cake has a nice spin on it,” said Ellen labeled with the words begin up to 44 days prior to 5 Grossman, owner. “It is loaded with apples and garnished “Shana Tova”. tural activities in the Land of Israel. While many of the laws Rosh Hashana of 5775 and with hand-made candied apple slices and streusel.” of Shemittah are directed at the agricultural community in extend to Rosh Hashana 57766. Produce that starts She also makes a show stopping, Limited Israel, the impact of Shemittah is felt by kosher consumers Edition 3D Beehive Honey Cake, lightly growing after the beginning garnished with icing. both inside and outside of Israel. The laws of Shemittah of Shemittah and is picked are broad and intricate and cannot be covered properly during Shemittah is certainly considered “Shemittah in a short article. The purpose of this article however is produce” (to be explained to provide a brief overview of the Shemittah laws while in the next paragraph). Dining in the Sukkah at COR Establishments focusing on those most relevant to kosher consumers But what is the status of outside of Israel. I hope this review will also be helpful for produce that is planted If you’re looking to have a meal out in a sukkah during Sukkot, you can enjoy the use of a sukkah at three COR restaurants. before Shemittah and picked At the south end of the city, Chicken Nest and Tov-Li offer cozy sukkahs for their diners. kosher consumers who wish to travel to Israel during the during Shemittah? Likewise, “I have had a sukkah in front of my store every year since 1993,” said Carlos Magazzinich, owner of Chicken Nest. time that Shemittah is relevant. what is the status of produce “Every year people call at least a month in advance from places like New York and Niagara Falls to ask if I will have a that begins growing (on its sukkah again.” Shemittah 5775? own) in Shemittah but is Tov-Li has been featuring a sukkah in front of their south store for almost 10 years. Fascinatingly, there is a disagreement amongst the harvested after Shemittah? “We have a big sukkah that seats about 30 people at a time,” said Miriam Epstein, owner of Tov-Li. Rishonim as to whether the coming year, 5775, is actually The answer depends on the type of produce in question Up north, one can lounge in the sukkah while enjoying a delicious shawarma at Famous Laffa Kosher (formerly Dr. the Shemittah year. The dissenting opinion2 claims that as there is a defining difference between vegetables, Laffa). Shemittah was last year – 5774! Historical precedent grains/legumes and most fruit7. Shemittah vegetables are With an impressive array of delicacies, COR establishments are going the extra mile this year to make your Yom Tov follows the mainstream opinion3 which calculates the defined as any vegetables that are picked after the onset meals pleasant and memorable. Shemittah year to be 5775. This practice is strongly of Shemittah even if they have grown prior to the onset supported by all contemporary halachic authorities4. of Shemittah8. Accordingly, vegetables can be considered 30 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA 31 Halachically Speaking Halachically Speaking

produce of Shemittah immediately after the onset of Rosh of whether it is presently produce from the laws of It is also a possibility that Israeli wine “Vintage 2015” Hashana if they are picked after Rosh Hashana. Shemittah in the hands of a gentile. Shemittah and Kedushas may appear on the market after the completion of the grains and legumes, on the other hand, are defined by the Others maintain the laws Shevi’is and the prohibition Shemittah year. After the last Shemittah cycle, the Liquor point at which they reach 1/3 of their growth and Shemittah of Shemittah do not apply of Sefichin applies equally Control Board of Ontario (L.C.B.O) expressed a desire to fruits are defined by when they experience chanatah – most to the land of a gentile and to Otzar Bais Din. One import an Israeli wine which was under the hechsher of accurately defined as when the fruit reaches edibility9. It therefore its produce is should only rely on an Otzar an Otzar Bais Din in Israel. This was strongly discouraged follows that grains, legumes and fruits will not be considered not subject to the laws of Bais Din that is reliable22. at the time since Otzar Bais Din produce has Kedushas Shemittah produce until well into the Shemittah year since it Shemittah20. The custom of Shevi’is and it is forbidden to export Shemittah produce.23 takes time to grow. At the end of Shemittah, vegetables are the Rabbis of Yerushalayim is Heter Mechira Furthermore, Shemittah wine must be treated with care first to be phased out while grains, legumes and fruits retain to follow the lenient opinion while Heter Mechira refers to the sale of and not wasted at all. For example, when using Shemittah their Shemittah status for much of the 8th year. others follow the directive of the Jewish-owned land to a gentile for the wine for havdalah, one must be careful not to allow the cup Chazon Ish and are strict in regard duration of Shemittah so that the land can to spill over and one should not extinguish the flame into Guidelines of Shemittah to yevul nochri. As it were, much of the be cultivated. Produce from land which is spilled wine, as is commonly the custom24. While those The Torah mandates that during Shemittah the Land must produce that is sold in the local restaurants sold to a gentile would have the status of Yevual living in Israel are accustomed to eating Shemittah produce rest and agricultural activities, including plowing, planting, and establishments under kosher certification in Nochri as explained above. The concept of heter in this manner, we, in chutz la’aretz, are not and we may pruning, watering and cultivating produce, are prohibited10. Jerusalem is Yevul Nochri. mechira, which involves several halachic complexities mindlessly treat the Shemittah wine inappropriately. The Land must be left hefker – ownerless and any crop that While it is always important to take special care when including the permissibility of selling the Land of Israel the Land will produce will be not only free and ownerless11 eating out or shopping for food, it is especially important to a gentile, is disputed amongst contemporary halachic Arba Minim but imbued with a special holiness called Kedushas Shevi’is12. when doing so in Israel during Shemittah. When eating authorities and the practice of major North American One area of Shemittah which is relevant to Jewish people Kedushas Shevi’is does not imply that Shemittah produce out one must be mindful of the hashgacha that supervises kashrus organizations, including the COR and OU, is to be all over the world is the use of Arba Minim from Israel. cannot be consumed but rather: the establishment and be educated as to the standard that stringent. Since it is literally impossible for esrogim and lulavim to be a) that it cannot be owned; it follows. When grocery shopping, one must take care to harvested after Rosh Hashana and available for use in chutz b) there are various restrictions in the way it may be bought ensure that the shop does not sell produce that involves Shemittah Produce in the GTA la’aretz two weeks later for Sukkot 5775, the issue will only and sold (Sechora)13; and Shemittah issues and that it is under reliable kosher During the last Shemittah cycle, COR was informed of a be of concern next year, for Sukkot 5776. With Hashem’s c) it must be treated with special care14 and not wasted at supervision. Even purchasing flowers for Shabbos and Yom variety of Shemittah produce that surfaced at the Toronto help, we plan to write an article exclusively dedicated to this all15. Tov can get complicated as some flowers are imbued with Food Terminal, the central locale for imported produce subject in advance of next Rosh Hashana. It will address The Rabbis found that people were planting vegetables Kedushas Shevi’is21. If one is not careful, he may end up with to the Greater Toronto Area. Examples of such produce a variety of issues including exporting, sechora, making in the Land and claiming that they had grown on their own. Sefichin or transgressing the prohibition of Sechora with included coloured peppers, a variety of tomatoes, baby esrog jam and how to best discard Shemittah esrogim. To address this concern, they prohibited the consumption produce that is imbued with Kedushas Shevi’is. cucumbers, flower zucchini, gooseberries, kumquats, of vegetables, legumes, grains and spices that grow from medjul dates, chives, persimmons and fresh herbs. Eretz Yisrael the ground on their own during Shemittah. This enactment Otzar Bais Din Generally speaking, such produce comes from farms that Eretz Yisrael is known in common parlance as the “Holy is referred to as Sefichin16. Sefichin does not apply to Otzar Bais Din literally means the storehouse of Bais Din and do not keep the laws of Shemittah and use the export Land” which is due not only to the specialness of the many fruits which can be eaten as long as Kedushas Shevi’is is in contemporary times refers to a mechanism that is used as market to compensate for the weakened demand for their holy sites but to the very land itself. The Shemittah laws maintained. a means of supplying Shemittah fruit from land belonging to produce in Israel. are indeed intricate but they should serve to highlight the Shemittah produce, even fruits, are eventually subject to those who are careful in the law of Shemittah. The procedure It is important for consumers to be proactive when reverence that every one of us should have for the Land of the laws of biur – a requirement for all who have more than is that the landowner, instead of simply declaring his land shopping. Often, Israeli produce will be recognizable Israel. It goes without saying that it is incumbent upon each three meals worth (per family member) of a particular species ownerless, hands it over to the Bais Din for the public need. through a sticker with the country of origin on the surface and every Jew to support Eretz Yisrael both physically and of Shemittah fruit in their possession to renounce ownership This means that the land comes under the jurisdiction of the of the fruit or vegetable. Canadian labeling laws require spiritually and following the Shemittah laws is a practical once again at a future date17. This date is different for all Bais Din. It is ownerless, but it is reserved for the needs of the that a supermarket display the country of origin through way of strengthening our connection with our beloved species of fruit as it establishes the time when the particular town’s residents. The Bais Din appoints agents (workers) and appropriate signage. Although signage is not always homeland. species is no longer growing in the fields. If someone does is even allowed to pay them a salary to harvest the produce accurate, it can serve to identify Israeli produce and should not conduct the biur properly then the Shemittah fruit could of the land. It is permissible for the Bais Din to harvest the always be checked. Fruit and vegetable markets that are Rabbi Tsvi Heber is COR’s Director of Community 18 become prohibited for consumption . After conducting whole field at once. Moreover, the Bais Din may appoint the under COR supervision are Shemittah-free markets. Kosher the biur properly, anyone, including the original owner, can landowner himself to harvest the field, which gives him an reacquire the Shemittah fruit and eat them once again, with opportunity to earn a livelihood during the Shemittah year. Kedushas Shevi’is19. The employees of the Bais Din bring the produce to the town, charging the purchasers a fee for harvesting and transport- Yevul Nochri ing it. In addition, they are allowed to charge schar tircha or Yevul Nochri literally means produce of a gentile and refers compensation for their efforts. Such payment is permitted to produce of land that is owned by a gentile. The status since it is not payment for the produce but rather for the of such produce is the subject of earnest debate. Some say efforts that were expended. It is important to realize that that the Land of Israel does not lose its holiness regardless the use of the Otzar Bais Din mechanism does not exempt

32 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA The Kosher Corner 2014 33 Halachically Speaking Halachically Speaking

Gevinas Akum vs. Cholov Akum Minhag Ge’onai Narvona The prohibition of Gevinas Akum is fundamentally different Tosfos’ view is that the prohibition on Gevinas Akum was than the prohibition of Cholov Akum. When it came to milk, not as originally widespread as we might have thought and Chazal were concerned about the possibility of a fraudulent was actually only implemented in places where infection act; that non-kosher milk may be used as a substitute for, by snake poison was a concern. As such, Tosfos argue that or as filler in kosher milk. In order to address this concern, Gevinas Akum may be consumed in places where non-kosher they imposed the highest level of supervision – yisroel ro’eh; ingredients are not used in cheese-making. Indeed the meaning a Mashgiach who is in clear view – of the milk Geonai Narvona allowed Gevinas Akum in Narvona because production. Any milk produced by a non-Jew without this animal rennet was not used at all there. Instead, cheese was level of supervision is deemed not-kosher and termed Cholov coagulated using natural flowers. Tosfos concludes that, Kosher 3 Akum . When it came to cheese, there was no concern that practically, since we do find some cheeses that use prohibited non-kosher milk would be used since it is not possible for rennet, we should not be lenient18. The opinion of Ge’onai non-kosher milk to coagulate4. Nevertheless, Chazal imposed Narvona is a significant minority opinion and was never superior supervision requirements on cheese production adopted by normative halacha which established Gevinas Cheese 5 (details of which will be explained below) . Why was there Akum as a prohibition which cannot be absolved even in a need for a special stricture on kosher cheese-making? cases where it is known that only kosher rennet is used.19 Would it not be sufficient to monitor the type of rennet that is used and ensure its kosher status through frequent spot Gevina Defined inspections? Technically, cheese is broken down into two distinct P Aside from the Mishna’s concern about animal rennet, the categories: acid-set cheese and rennet-set cheese. Acid-set Gemara6 cites several other possible explanations for this cheese or soft cheese refers to cream cheese, cottage cheese, l se prohibition: farmer cheese and other cheeses produced by adding bacterial ea • We are afraid that cheese might be infected with snake cultures to milk. This results in the formation of soft cheese venom7. curds and whey. Rennet-set cheese or hard cheese generally • There is a possibility that non-kosher milk would be mixed refers to cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone with the kosher milk and after coagulation remains stuck, and hundreds of other types. These cheeses are produced by A halachik analysis of the requirements together with the whey, in the cracks and crevices of the adding rennet enzymes to milk, whereupon somewhat firm cheese8. cheese curds form, accompanied by liquid whey. to make kosher cheese • The cheese could be smeared with shuman chazir, fat of a In addition to milk and rennet, various other ingredients pig9. are used in most cheese making. Cream or milk fat and non-fat • Non-kosher vinegar10 or the sap of an Orlah tree11 might be milk powder are often added to modify the product’s fat ratio; By: Rabbi Tsvi Heber used. vinegar may be added to adjust the pH of the milk prior to • A cow’s rennet that has previously been salted in its milk conversion into cheese and additional cultures and enzymes This article examines several issues that surround the kashrus (and therefore now prohibited as basar b’cholov) or even are commonly added to achieve various flavours as well as to of cheese-making, both historical and contemporary. salted rennet of a chazir might be used to coagulate the prepare the milk for interacting with the rennet.20 cheese.12 It is intriguing to note both the number and the diversity Gevinas Yisrael Defined 1 What makes kosher cheese less prevalent and usually more expensive? of explanations offered to explain this prohibition. It almost Cheese that is owned by a Jew is considered to be Gevinas appears as if the underlying reason for the prohibition was Yisroel and permitted for consumption as long as all the 2 Why is there no concept of gevina stam similar to cholov stam1 which, not disclosed nor was it well known to the people, or even to ingredients are verifiably kosher. Such Jewish-owned in North America, can be purchased without a hechsher? scholars who made numerous suggestions as to the reasoning cheese does not require a superior level of supervision.21 behind it. For rennet-set cheese that is not owned by a Jew, Rama requires that the entire cheese production be supervised by 3 Is Gevinas Yisroel that is made from cholov stam acceptable to Ne’esar B’minyan a Mashgiach.22 The Shach goes further and requires that the someone who otherwise adheres to the strict guidelines of cholov yisroel? The Gemara relates that when Ula issued a ban in Ma’arava Mashgiach must personally add the rennet into the milk.23 he did not disclose its reason until after the ban was in place Indeed, the policy of most major kashrus organizations, 4 Why do some companies produce soft cheeses under reliable for twelve months. He did this purposely so that the ban including COR and OU, is in accordance with the Shach.24 hashgacha but not hard cheeses? could be implemented effectively without negativity caused We can now understand why kosher cheeses are not as by naysayers who disagree with its reasoning. A well known prevalent and usually more costly. In order to produce such Gemara13 is codified by the Rambam14 prohibiting a later cheese, a Mashgiach is required for the entire production Bais Din from absolving a ban or edict of an earlier Bais Din and is often sent to live in far flung places where these dairy that had been adopted by the Jewish people; even where manufacturers are often located. His room, board and salary Gevinas Akum the reason for the ban or edict was no longer applicable15. It are paid for by the manufacturer which adds to the cost of the The Mishna2 relates a discussion between Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Yehoshua while they were taking a walk together. appears that Chazal’s reasons for issuing bans and edicts can end product. Rabbi Yishmael asked Rabbi Yehoshua, “Why did they (Chazal) forbid consumption of a gentile’s cheeses?” Rabbi be manifold and oftentimes beyond our comprehension. The Yehoshua replied, “Since they (the gentiles) coagulate it using the skin of the stomach of an animal that was not opinion of the Rambam16 and the Rashba17 is that Gevinas Gevina Stam? slaughtered properly (animal rennet).” It is quite fascinating that a seemingly innocuous conversation between two Akum is treated as a prohibition that was ne’esar b’minyan Rav Moshe’s famous heter allows for consumption of cholov Sages on a walk would become the source of a prohibition called Gevinas Akum whose ramifications would have a - prohibited to the full extent and by the power of Bais Din; a stam – unsupervised North American milk - based on an profound impact on our modern-day lives, many centuries later. ban that can no longer be absolved under any circumstances, argument that government regulations effectively regulate even if the underlying reasons are no longer relevant. against illegal substitution of non-kosher milk for kosher milk which, in turn, can alleviate the requirement of superior 34 KASHRUTH COUNCIL OF CANADA | 416-635-9550 | WWW.COR.CA 35 Halachically Speaking Halachically Speaking

supervision. Conversely and clearly, Government regulations do not address the gamut of concerns pertinent to cheese production.25 There is no room to permit gevinas akum based on regulations and therefore the entire manufacturing process must be placed under the aforementioned supervision regimen.

Gevina from Cholov Stam Using the premise that non-kosher milk does not coagulate, Questions and Answers from the Halacha Line we might suggest that even if cheese was made from cholov Soft Cheeses 26 akum that was specifically marked for cheese production it Rav Moshe Feinstein35 was asked whether acid-set or soft could still be considered as Gevinas Yisrael so as long as the cheeses are subject to the prohibition of Gevinas Akum. The The Halacha 1 Can the same dishwasher be used to wash my dairy cheese-making process is halachically supervised. Indeed, argument is made that since rennet is not needed for their dishes and my pareve dishes? the Rama allows consumption of such cheese; although he production they should have the same lenient status as butter. Institute of A dairy dishwasher that is used regularly for dairy dishes can be kashered and qualifies the leniency as applying only if the cheese is already The Aruch HaShulchan37 takes the stringent approach that all made i.e. b’dieved.27 The Shach further qualifies this heter to Toronto (H.I.T.) then used for pareve dishes. You should kasher the dishwasher by running a cheeses, even soft cheeses, are ne’esar b’minyan even if the single dishwashing cycle and inspecting the dishwasher to ensure that it is clean apply only if 1) The potential loss from relegating the cheese reasoning does not apply. Rav Moshe essentially agrees with 28 is a new inside. A meat dishwasher can be kashered in the same way and then used for as non-kosher is significant and 2) the cheese in question this strict opinion. Nevertheless, Rav Moshe states that one is sold by weight or by unit and not by volume.29 Rav Moshe pareve dishes. One should not use the same dishwasher for meat and dairy, should not protest against those that are lenient. That said, initiative under even in separate cycles. Feinstein l’chatchila permits cheese-making using cholov many Poskim are lenient in this matter and allow soft cheeses stam as long as the cheese is halachically supervised; even for to be produced without constant supervision. Such is the the leadership 30 My son is almost Bar-Mitzvah. He writes with his right ba’alei nefesh. Nonetheless, the minhag of many who do not position of many national kashrus organizations.38 2 use cholov stam is not to eat cheese that is made from cholov of Rabbi Yacov hand but he does almost everything else with his left stam either. 31 hand. Which hand should he put tefillin on? Rabbi Tsvi Heber is COR’s Director of Community Kosher Felder which Tefillin shel yad are put on the weaker hand such that a “righty” puts his tefillin Jewish Butter provides a on his left hand while a “lefty” puts his tefillin on his right hand. A Bar-Mitzvah In order to determine whether soft or acid-set cheeses such boy who uses both hands equally (ambidextrous) puts his tefillin on his left as cottage cheese or cream cheese would be subject to the Halacha Line, hand like a righty. Regarding a boy, such as your son, who writes with one halachos of Gevinas Yisrael, it is necessary to first discuss hand and does everything else with the other, the answer depends on how the an age-old controversy regarding the status of butter that mediation weaker hand is used. You must observe your son and note which hand he uses is produced by gentiles. Butter is made by separating the services and for functions such as throwing a ball, opening a door, dialing a phone, etc. If cream component from the rest of the milk which happens he genuinely does all these functions only with his left hand and he is uncom- on its own if the milk is not homogenized. Then the cream is assistance fortable using his right hand except for writing, then the left hand is considered churned which causes the fat globules to combine and solidify dominant and tefillin should be put on his right hand as if he was a lefty1. If he into butter. with halachik can comfortably use his right hand for those functions, and does so sometimes, If both milk and cheese are subject to the prohibition, then yet he prefers to use his left, then he is considered a righty and he puts tefillin why would butter be different? Indeed, some communities documentation. on his left hand. adopted Chem’as Akum – a prohibition against purchasing Here are some butter made by a gentile unless the process is fully supervised 3 I made a neder when I was upset and now I regret - from the start of milking until completion of the entire butter of the interesting making it. How shall I deal with this? processing.32 Other communities took a different approach If you regret making a neder then you have an option of being matir neder – and allowed consumption of chem’as akum, assuming questions and annulling the neder. You should approach your Rov and ask him to help you be the ingredients are verifiably kosher, reasoning that just matir neder for you, to nullify your vow. If you require, we can assist you with as non-kosher milk cannot coagulate, similarly, it cannot answers that this. become butter. Furthermore, since rennet is not used in the have come into production of butter there is no reason to be concerned. I am a counselor in camp and we baked challah with the They further argued that a prohibition against using chem’as the Halacha Line. 4 children. We separated the dough into small pieces for akum was never implemented in a way that would bind all each child and then we separated a piece for the mitzvah of communities.33 The common practice is to follow the lenient You are invited 34 taking challah. Accidentally, the piece of dough that was set approach. to call the aside for the mitzvah was mixed with the other small pieces. It must be noted that while chem’as akum may not be an What should we do? issue, one should not use butter without a reliable kosher Halacha Line at: certification. This is because there are several kashrus issues One can be matir neder and essentially annul the original piece of challah so with the additives that are used in butter production including that it loses its status of challah. Again, you should approach your Rov and ask whey cream which may come from a non-kosher cheese 416-535-8008 him to help you be matir neder. At that point, challah must be re-taken but the production.35 bracha is not recited. The reason that a bracha is not recited is because it is 36 The Kosher Corner 2014 37

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