STAR-K KOSHER CERTIFICATION rtnhyktcs ,urafv sgu Kashrus KurrentsVOLUME 26 NO. 3 Winter 5766-2006 Mehadrin Hechsherim in : THE INSIDE SCOOP DOVID STEIN, STAR-K ISRAEL REPRESENTATIVE

Of the many supervisions that are found in Eretz Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael's Mehadrin supervision is amongst the least understood. What exactly are the differences between Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin hechsherim? Is it true that the Rabbonim who supervise the non- Mehadrin products in Eretz Yisrael do not even eat from their own hashgacha? How does the Mehadrin slaughtering process for kosher vary from the non-Mehadrin process? What differences are there between Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin milk and dairy products? Let's begin at the beginning… Terumos Ma'asros In Eretz Yisrael there are two types of hechsherim-Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin. The non-Mehadrin supervision is usually performed by the local Rabbanut, the official local RABBI MOSHE HEINEMANN and regional government offices of the Israeli Rabbinate. The Rabbonim who give this type STAR-K RABBINIC& ADMINISTRATOR of often do not eat from this certification, themselves. They certify these products because they feel it is important that there should be a complete, inexpensive variety of As a result of the State of Israel's blossoming kosher products available, so the consumer will not be tempted to buy non-kosher agricultural advances and innovative marketing products. Therefore, the Rabbanut is willing to bend over backwards with kulos, lenient strategies, Israeli food exports to foreign markets in all halachic positions, to make sure that all food products have a hechsher. sectors continue to grow and flourish. Some consumer Many people, however, prefer to eat only food that can be eaten without compromise, products are very well known to the American lechatchila, hence, the Mehadrin hechsherim were developed. Interestingly, the only time marketplace, such as Jaffa oranges, grapefruits, the word mehadrin is mentioned in the Gemora is in connection with Chanukah candles. pomelos, clementines and parsley, Carmel tomatoes, It also refers to how much additional money one spends to enhance a . That Arava peppers, and candies, jams, jellies, canned addition is known as hidur mitzvah. But lately, the term mehadrin has been used in the tomatoes, olives, and pickled products. Other Orthodox vernacular to mean 'scrupulous'. The Mehadrin hechsherim ensure the kosher industrial products used for manufacturing are tomato sauce, tomato paste, orange oil, and spices. New C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 2 marketing avenues include private label manufacturing, the purchase of American companies by Israeli companies, and the use of Israeli components in the manufacturing of American A Pesach Must labeled products. FOR EVERY Besides all the ingredients and processing Jewish Home! concerns which surround the kosher consumer, additional kashrus requirements apply to foods grown, produced, or imported from Israel. A consumer must STAR-K 2006 be sure that terumos and ma'asros have been properly separated before eating, and that the fruits do not PESACH GUIDE come from trees that are orla or neta revai or shmitta. C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 4 COMPREHENSIVE PESACH INFORMATION INCLUDING: I List of Pesach Medicines & Cosmetics, this issue prepared by Rabbi Gershon Bess Inside Mehadrin Hechsherim in Israel ...... Page 1 I Star-K Pesach Product Directory I Star-K informative articles relating Terumos and Ma’asros ...... Page 1 to the Pesach Kitchen, Medicine, “Kosher for the Clueless but Curious” ...... Page 3 Winemaking, Pets New Under Star-K Certification ...... Page 6 I Oven Kashrus, and Erev Pesach Kashrus Training Program ...... Page 6 “Shul Kitchen Guidelines”...... Page 7 AVAILABLE AFTER PURIM AT YOUR LOCAL JEWISH BOOKSTORE Star-K Participates in Kosher World Expo....Page 7 A Project of Star-K Kosher Certification and Bais Avrohom Los Angeles Sabbath Mode Notice ...... Page 7 New Star-K “Traiboring” CD ...... Page 7 Star-K’s Program ...... Page 8

Leadership in Kashrus Education 1 entire chaliva, and often not even from the beginning of the milking. Tnuva Mehadrin Hechsherim Yerushalayim, which carries THE INSIDE SCOOP the hechsher of Aida in Israel: Hachareidis, takes milk only RABBI DOVID STEIN from shomer Shabbos farms. CONTINUED FROM PAGE Due to an increase of consumer that their products are supervised in the will disqualify the bird. Non- non-Jewish workers on many farms, kibbutzim, an uncompromising manner. According to Mehadrin supervision allows a quicker shechita, and moshavim, a question was recently posed to Israeli law, the only body that is permitted to and any shailos are decided according to the the Poskim whether the milking of an aino write the word “kosher” on a product or eating 's lenient position. There are two Yehudi on a non-shomer Shabbos Jewish farm establishment is the Rabbanut or an complete teams of Mehadrin shochtim that work constitutes cholov akum (non-supervised organization that the Rabbanut sanctions. The interchangeably. One team works for thirty milk). If it does constitute cholov akum, who, word “Mehadrin” is not bound by Israeli law. minutes and then rests for thirty minutes. on the farm is going to vouch for the fact that Furthermore, any Rabbanut hechsher is Usually not more than 25-35 birds are shechted the aino Yehudi did not milk the cows? The mandated to take ingredients from all Rabbanut per minute. The non-Mehadrin shochtim members of the farm are not Sabbath supervisions for any city or municipality usually work for forty minutes and then rest observant. The questioners reasoned that a whether the particular Rabbanut is well versed for twenty minutes. There is one substitute for mechalel Shabbos may be a , but he in kosher supervision or not. A Mehadrin every two shochtim. A non-Mehadrin team certainly does not have halachic credibility to hechsher is not bound to this mandate. shechts approximately 100 birds per minute. vouch for the fact that the non-Jewish workers After the chicken is slaughtered and are not doing the milking. If their milking THE SCOOP FROM THE COOP defeathered, an internal check is made. There renders the milk cholov akum, we would not be In practice, there are many differences in are Mehadrin mashgichim on the line who able to drink any milk from a mechalel Shabbos the Mehadrin shechita process, in order to check every lung for disease, 1 as well as the farm. To avoid this problem, Mehadrin ensure that the proper standards are tendons for torn ligaments, tzomes hechsherim (as in the case of Tnuva, the largest maintained. These differences are evident even hagidin. Sometimes intestines dairy company in Israel) send a prior to slaughtering, when the chicks are being and gizzards are also checked. to the farms once a week to make sure raised. When they are approximately ten days On the non-Mehadrin line there that an aino Yehudi is not doing the old, they are inoculated. Special care is taken is a mashgiach who does not chaliva. As mentioned earlier, Tnuva's not to puncture any vital organs, which would have time to check everything. branch in Yerushalayim takes milk only render the bird non-kosher. It is common It is assumed that the birds are from shomer Shabbos farms. practice for Mehadrin hechsherim to send a not treif. The kidneys are Regarding dairy products, in general, mashgiach to the farm to ensure that the usually taken out of a Mehadrin there are many differences between inoculations are done properly. There is no bird, as mandated by the Pri Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin. According mashgiach supervising the inoculations of non- Megadim. The mashgichim to the Rabbanut Harashit, the Chief Mehadrin schechted fowl, since it is assumed that ensure that the birds are Rabbinate of Israel, no liquid cholov akum the inoculations will not render the birds treif. completely clean from blood may be used even in a non-Mehadrin There are differences between the quality of inside and out, and that there hechsher, but powdered cholov akum may Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin shochtim, as well. are no blood clots (tzirirus be used in non-Mehadrin products, based Care is taken that the Mehadrin shochtim have dam). Non-Mehadrin birds' on a psak from Rabbi Zvi Pesach Frank. impeccable credentials and skills. To qualify for kidneys are not removed, and There are other powdered milk by- a non-Mehadrin shechita, the shochet only needs often their lungs are not taken out. products made from cholov akum, which are to be certified to be acceptable. Additionally, The level of cleanliness from blood is also used in non-Mehadrin hechsherim. Mehadrin knives are checked very carefully. considerably less than in the Mehadrin shechitos. Mehadrin products never use non-supervised Even a minute structural change will cause a Kashering - During kosherization, when powdered milk. Mehadrin knife to be rejected. The Mehadrin the chickens are soaked and salted, care is taken Furthermore, the cultures used to coagulate shochet exchanges his chalaf, slaughtering knife, that Mehadrin birds are soaked for a complete the milk in cheese and yogurt are often from frequently. Typically, the knife is not used for a half hour. The water is relatively clean and not cholov akum in non-Mehadrin hechsherim and very long period and is usually checked every too cold. Soaking in cold water is questionable. from cholov Yisrael in Mehadrin ones. There can fifteen minutes. This ensures that the knives are Non-Mehadrin birds are usually soaked for 30 be a dramatic difference in Mehadrin and non- kept in top form and minimizes questions to minutes, but it cannot always be guaranteed. Mehadrin ingredients in manufactured disqualify chickens. After the shechita, if there is The water is often bloody and can be very cold, products, as well. Regular beef gelatin can be even a very small pegima (nick or blemish), the which is not optimum for kashering. There is an used in non-Mehadrin products such as birds of a Mehadrin production are rejected. additional Mehadrin mashgiach that makes sure marshmallows, yogurts, and ice cream. Non-Mehadrin knives are checked for pegimos that the birds are salted completely, whereas Flavorings and colorants differ between before shechita and after shechita. If a pegima is there is usually no mashgiach standing Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin products, also. found after shechita, the birds will be constantly at the salting table of the non- disqualified only if the pegima is Mehadrin salting to make sure that the chickens big enough to render it are adequately salted. halachically treif. Since there is a considerable financial THE SCOOP ON DAIRY loss if a bird is treif, the There is a difference of opinion whether Rabbonim of the mashchetot decreed that milk from a herd of cattle (slaughterhouses) tend to that belongs to a mechalel Shabbos, a non- be lenient. observant Jew, falls into the category of cholov The pace of slaugh- akum. Both the Chazon Ish, zt”l, and Rav Moshe tering differs signi- Feinstein, zt”l, ruled that this milk is permitted. ficantly. According to Based on this psak, most Mehadrin and non- Mehadrin supervision, Mehadrin milk is milked without a mashgiach the birds should present on the premises of non-observant farms. be shechted more The only difference between Mehadrin and non- slowly, usually Mehadrin is that Mehadrin milking is not done twelve birds a on Shabbos. There are some Mehadrin minute or less. hechsherim, however, that send a mashgiach to Any shaila in the chaliva (milking), although it is not for the

Leadership in Kashrus Education 2 Star-K's Kosher For The Clueless But Curious Draws National Attention

Although Kosher For The Clueless But Curious, sponsored who want to start keeping by Star K, only recently hit the shelves, it has already whet the kosher, it explains appetites of the “clueless but curious” about kashrus across the exactly how to do so, NEW U.S. and Canada. Within two weeks of its November release, step-by-step.The STAR-K several thousand copies of the book were sold in fine book book's 24-page full RELEASE! retailers everywhere-from the likes of Eichler's to Barnes and color gourmet recipe Noble. It continues to be reviewed by an eclectic audience, even section reinforces the fact beyond the intended Jewish public, in such widely recognized that kosher is only limited publications as Publishers Weekly. by one's imagination. According to Jennifer Stein, director of marketing and “We had an interest in publications at Leviathan Press, Kosher For The Clueless But being involved in the Curious has captured the attention of both the Jewish and writing of a book which secular media, including such publications as Business Week and would dispel the myths that Publishers Weekly. abound about kosher,” says Avrom Pollak, President of Star-K Certification.“Rabbi Apisdorf, in his inimitable, light, humorous Acclaimed author, Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf, has filled a way, has helped us fill a real need.There are people out there gap in the kosher book market for anyone who is in search who don't know much about kashrus and are looking for of a reader-friendly explanation of kashrus, an often information that can satisfy them intellectually without being misunderstood facet of yiddishkeit. He addresses the basics, condescending.” while revealing the spiritual aspects of kashrus.Why is keeping kosher important? How can you tell if foods are Kosher For The Clueless But Curious (ISBN 1-881927-31-8) kosher? In addition to answering questions such as these, is available at fine Jewish and secular book retailers every- the book also dispels, amongst other popular beliefs, the where. It can also be ordered directly from the publisher, myth that kosher means “blessed by a rabbi”.And, for those Leviathan Press, (410) 653-0300, www.leviathanpress.com. Mehadrin Hechsherim in Israel: THE INSIDE SCOOP

THE SCOOP ON FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Another halachic problem that needs to be There are a number of critical halachic issues addressed is orla. Fruits produced during the pertaining to fruits and vegetables grown in Eretz first three years of a tree's growth are prohibited Yisrael. There is a prohibition to eat and are called orla. The problem with orla fruits insects. Since there is a greater prevalence of is further complicated with new agricultural insect infestation in Israel than in many other advances. Today's trees now give edible fruit in countries, there are requirements that have been their second year of growth. Furthermore, the halacha that if orla is co-mingled with kosher set by both non-Mehadrin and Mehadrin older and taller the tree, the more time and fruit, it is nullified in a 200 to 1 ratio (1/2%). hechsherim regarding Israeli produce. The Chief money it takes to pick. It makes economic sense, THE SCOOP ON WINE Rabbinate, the Rabbanut Harashit, has mandated to uproot some trees every few years and replant Wine addresses the same issues in Eretz that all restaurants and caterers, both non- again. This restarts the orla count. Other fruits that Yisrael as in Chutz La'aretz. However, it is Mehadrin and Mehadrin, purchase leafy are commonly replanted are grapes, where shoots harder to tell a non-observant Yehudi than an vegetables from sources that grow produce in are being continuously put into the ground. aino Yehudi not to touch the wine. Mehadrin controlled environments such as the former How do the Mehadrin and non-Mehadrin hechsherim are more insistent to use Shomer Gush Katif hothouses. Mehadrin establishments certifications deal with orla? There are many Shabbos workers and to have a mashgiach also require that canned vegetables be purchased opinions in approaching this issue. The most making sure that the wine is properly double from insect controlled sources; non-Mehadrin lenient approach is that of the Chazon Ish, zt”l, sealed. Non-Mehadrin standards regarding does not have this policy. who says that since the majority of fruits grown wines are more lenient. Other halachic differences that pertain to in Israel are not orla, the halacha gives us the Hopefully, this discussion has shed some fruits and vegetables are the requirements of right to assume that the fruits sold in the market light on the differences between Mehadrin and separating terumos and ma'asros. It is a daunting place are from the kosher majority. This is a non-Mehadrin hechsherim, whether you are task to control the tithing of the fruits and leniency for the consumer, and the position planning a trip to Eretz Yisrael, or you are trying vegetables. It requires constant vigilance of the taken by the non-Mehadrin certifications. to support our fellow brethren there by kashrus organizations and their mashgichim. Mehadrin certifications would not certify a purchasing Israeli food products. Betei'avon! I Mehadrin hechsherim do their best to ensure that product based on assumptions, but would take 1. all terumos and ma'asros under their certification the strictest opinion that states if the total orla The reason why lungs are checked in Israel is due have been separated. Non-Mehadrin hechsherim volume of fruit in the marketplace is less than to the prevalance of Newcastle Disease. Since this disease is not common in the United States, we do not are generally more lenient. 1/2%, the fruit is permitted. This is based on the have this requirement here.

Leadership in Kashrus Education 3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is there a way to separate ma'aser shaini if the piece of food separated is worth less Terumos Ma'asros than a peruta? Yes! This separation can be accomplished if the person is in possession of, or has permission to RABBI MOSHE HEINEMANN use, a peruta chamura. A peruta chamura is a coin &PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM that is vested with the power of accepting additional ma'aser shaini separations of products What Are Terumos and Ma'asros? Yisroel and in the Diaspora, remove the worth less than a peruta. In order to vest a coin Terumos (literally, separations) and ma'asros proper required terumos and ma'asros. This is with the power of peruta chamura, one must take a (literally, a tenth) were designated gift to be done before eating the grains, fruits and regular coin and either Eretz Yisroel grown grapes, portions, compulsory of grains, fruit, vegetables grown and produced in Eretz olives, or one of the five types of grain (barley, rye, and vegetables, grown and produced in Eretz Yisroel and combined into other wheat, oat, or spelt) from which one knows for Yisroel. Certain tithes had to be given to the manufactured products. sure that ma'aser shaini has never been previously Kohanim and Leviim, the priests and . What Has to Be Separated? During separated. After the first separation, the coin has Other tithes had to be brought to the six year cycle prior to shmitta, the year of been vested with the power of accepting additional for consumption and other designated tithes the Biblically ordained agricultural rest, the separations up to the amount of the coin's value. had to be given to charity. following is separated: What Are Orla and Neta Revai? For Teruma Gedola - the portion given to the What products would this peruta chamura the first three years of a tree's growth or for Kohanim, the priests. Due to terumos' be used for? the first three years after a tree is replanted, sanctified nature, the could only eat Any finished products such as candy bars, the fruit born of those years are known as orla teruma in a state of tahara, purity. Since the baked goods, prepared foods, or produce such as and are not allowed to be eaten or used for Kohanim are in a state of tuma, impurity, almonds, that contain ma'asros which are worth any other purpose (assurim b'hana'ah). Fruits today, the teruma remains uneaten and is to less than a peruta. born the year after orla also have a special be discarded properly by wrapping the food status and were to be eaten only in in plastic before throwing it away. According How many times can a coin containing the Yerushalayim unless they were redeemed. to Torah law, one fulfills his teruma obligation peruta chamura be used? These fourth year fruits are known with even a small amount of food separation. One must realize that the peruta chamura's halachically as neta revai. These restrictions Ma'aser Rishon - the first that was value fluctuates with the price of silver. The are still maintained today. Detailed maps of separated and given to the Leviim. Ma'aser halacha states that a peruta is worth the value of thousands of Israeli orchards are kept so that rishon does not carry the same sanctity as pure silver which is the size of a half kernel of the trees can be monitored in order that orla teruma, and can be eaten by everyone. Even barley. Today, since the price of silver is so and neta revai fruits will not be consumed in though there is some uncertainty regarding depressed, the value of a peruta is worth less than error. Orla is also applicable in the Diaspora, bona fide Levitical lineages, we are still a penny. However, Rabbi , zt'l, however the halacha states that one must obligated to verbally separate the ma'aser. If ruled that to be considered a peruta, the coin must know that this fruit that was grown outside ma'aser was never separated, then this food have purchasing power. The smallest coin that Eretz Yisroel is definitely orla. If one is in has a status of tevel, unseparated, which is fulfills this requirement is a nickel. Therefore, if doubt, this fruit is permitted.1 forbidden to be eaten. Once separated, a you make a peruta chamura with a quarter, you In spite of the fact that we do not have a Yisroel may eat this ma'aser. We did not give will be able to use that coin for additional Bais Hamikdash today, or that we, as a nation, the ma'aser to a Levi unless we were certain hafrasha, separation. You have vested the first are not fully settled in Eretz Yisroel, one of the that the ma'aser was never given. nickel's worth with the kedusha of the peruta most critical mitzvos hatluyos ba'aretz, (the Terumas Ma'aser - from the separated chamura and you will be able to use the coin for special mitzvos of Eretz Yisroel that our ma'aser rishon donation, the Levi was additional hafrashos until you have used up the Chachamim, Sages, have instituted and obligated to donate 1/10 of the gross ma'aser whole quarter. implemented in our days), is the requirement to the Kohen. This gift, called terumas that the kosher consumer, both in Eretz ma'aser, has the same degree of kedusha, What can be done once the coin is filled? If a regular nickel is used it can be discarded. If one is using a peruta chamura, a regular quarter can be placed next to the coin containing the peruta chamura, and the owner can verbally transfer the kedusha of the additional separations from the peruta to a regular nickel. The coin is then discarded and the peruta chamura can be reused for further hafrashos. Important: When one verbally makes the transfer, one must say that the peruta chamura is not being transferred; only the additional hafrashos, separations, are to be transferred to the regular nickel. TO SUMMARIZE: In a multi-ingredient product (i.e. candy Today, the pertinent hafrashos, separation amounts, are as follows: bar), how many separations are transferred onto the peruta? I Teruma Gedola - a small amount, to be discarded properly by wrapping in plastic. One per each ingredient of the candy bar. All I hafrashos can be done at the same time. Note: If it Ma'aser Rishon - 1/10 of the total after teruma has been given (stipulated, not physically separated). comes with a reliable hechsher, terumos and ma'asros have already been separated. If it doesn't I Terumas Ma'aser - 1/10 of the ma'aser, i.e. approximately 1/100 of the total products, have a reliable hechsher, there may be kashrus to be separated and discarded in the same manner as teruma gedola. concerns besides terumos and ma'asros. I Ma'aser Shaini - 1/10 of the remaining product whose kedusha can be transferred onto a coin which should be specifically set aside for ma'aser shaini transfer. One's separated Who is permitted to take off terumos and piece of food needs to be at least a peruta's (about five cents) worth of food for the ma'asros? transfer to work. Terumos and ma'asros can only be taken by a I Ma'aser Oni - 1/10 of the remaining product in the third and sixth years of the cycle Yehudi above Bar/Bas Mitzvah. when ma'aser shaini is not given. Can terumos and ma'asros be taken off on Shabbos and Yom Tov? No. Leadership in Kashrus Education 4 PROCEDURE FOR SEPARATING Terumos Ma'asros The following procedure may be used: This document should be posted& in a conspicuous place. 1. 2. The coin you are using for the separation must be in front of you (for the ma'aser shaini). 3. Break or cut off more than one hundredth of the food and set it aside from the rest (for teruma and terumas ma'aser). 4. Say the following (either in Hebrew or English): Terumos & Ma'asros u,ut *ubupm smc vkusd vnur, tuv hrv itf aha vtnn sjtn r,uh sanctity, as teruma. According to Torah law, we *,urhpv ka ubupm smc u,unf ohekj vga, sugu itf aha vtnn sjt have been given an exact amount of donation iuatr ragn uh,haga vtnn sjt u,ut /iuatr ragn tuv hrv which is 1/10 of the ma'aser, or approximately 1/100 of the total product. If terumas ma'aser kg uanuju tuv kkujnu *unursc hba ragnu *ragn ,nur, huag was not separated, the ma'aser rishon is ragn lhrm otu /hgcru hba ragn kukhjk vh,sjha gcync vyurp considered tevel and would be forbidden to be uanuju tuv kkujn tvh hgcr tuv ot /*unursc hbg ragn tvh hbg eaten. Additionally, two other tithes alternated /hgcru hba ragn kukhjk vh,sjha gcync vyurp kg through the six year Sabbatical cycle. Ma'aser Shaini - the /’’ubhn kg ihn kf’’ ;hxuvk lhrm vcrv ohbhn ragn ot* separated on produce harvested in the first, second, fourth, and fifth years of the Sabbatical Translation: (If there is a food of one type that requires separation) Whatever is MORE cycle. This tithed portion was brought to than one hundredth of this food shall be teruma on the north side of the piece Jerusalem to be eaten. If the owner of the which I have set aside.* The one hundredth which is left in the piece I have set aside ma'aser shaini lived too far away from plus nine other pieces the same size on the north side of the food* shall be ma'aser Jerusalem to carry the actual produce, he was rishon.That same one hundredth in the piece I set aside which I have made ma'aser permitted to transfer the kedusha, sanctity of shall be terumas ma'aser.* the ma'aser shaini onto money. This money Furthermore, I am proclaiming ma'aser shaini to be in effect on the south side of was brought either by himself or by other the food,* and I am redeeming it and its fifth on a peruta (smallest amount of Jewish pilgrims to Jerusalem to purchase food money recognized by the Torah for most purposes) of this coin which I have in front and drink during their stay in Jerusalem. Since of me. If this food needs ma'aser oni, the ma'aser oni shall take effect on the south we have a halachic provision permitting the side of the food.* transfer of kedushas ma'aser shaini onto If this food is subject to the laws of neta revai then it and its fifth shall be redeemed coinage, we follow the same procedures today, on a peruta of this coin which I have in front of me. transferring the sanctity of ma'aser shaini onto coins. Once the ma'aser shaini is transferred, *If there is a food of more than one type, add “each type of food for its type”. the coins are disposed of in an appropriate manner. 5. Wrap the broken or cut-off piece in plastic and discard. Ma'aser Oni - on the third and sixth years this tithe was substituted for the ma'aser shaini 6. The coin - nickel, dime or quarter - must eventually be disposed separation, and was given to the poor. Today, of in such a manner that it will not be used. that separation must be donated to them as well, if one is certain that this product never 7. The food may now be eaten. had ma'aser oni separated. If one is in doubt about the separation of ma'aser oni, one is still If one does not want to say the long version, the following may be said: obligated to separate this ma'aser but need not “All separations and redemptions shall take effect as is specified in this Star-K give it to the poor. document outlining the Procedure for Separating Terumos and Ma'asros, Neta Revai - One other category of special separation not related to the shmitta cycle, but Tithes and Redemptions, which I have in my possession.” linked to the growth cycle of fruit trees, is neta When using this method, only a little over one hundredth of the food will not be revai. When a tree reached its fourth year of permitted to eat; all the rest may be eaten. Even though the tithes constitute over one growth, the fruits were brought to fifth of the food, one is permitted to eat most of the tithes oneself, even though he may Yerushalayim - much like ma'aser shaini. The not be a Kohen or a Levi.Under no circumstances will it suffice merely to break off a piece procedure governing the transfer of revai onto of the food and throw it away.The aforementioned instructions must be strictly followed. coins is similar to ma'aser shaini. The laws of the tithes apply to everyone, including the Kohen and Levi. Manufactured foods with reliable Rabbinic certification coming from Israel have already been subjected to all necessary tithe taking. reliable American certifications on an Israeli consumers are often reluctant to purchase One may eat them without hesitation. The product, means that all terumos and ma'asros food items from Israel due to the confusion certifications of the Bais Din Tzedek of have been separated. regarding the separation of terumos and Jerusalem, Rabbi Lande of , Chug Editor's Note: Due to the difficult economic ma'asros. Hopefully, this article will help the Chasam Sofer, Agudas Yisroel, Rav Wosner Kashrus Kurrents reader understand and and Shearis Yisroel, Rabbanut Yerushalayim situation in Israel, consumers are urged to implement these procedures. I Mehadrin, Rabbanut Rechovot Mehadrin, purchase goods produced and manu- among others, are considered reliable in regard factured in Israel. Unfortunately, kosher 1. Safek orla shegadal b'chutz la'aretz sfaiko mutar. to these separations. The Star-K, and all other

Leadership in Kashrus Education 5 New Under Star-K Kosher Certification

NECTON, S.A. FUJI FOODS USA YI-TZI PEKING Consumer Products Olhao, Portugal Browns Summit, NC 145 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA (only when bearing Star-K symbol) Belamandil, Marnoto Salt Products Flavors & Extracts Meat Restaurant ———————————————— ACME PAPER & SUPPLY CO. NORPRO HANGZHOU NANHANG INDUSTRIAL CO. Savage, MD Everett,WA Zhejiang, China Norpro Parchment Paper Food Chemicals New Under Star-D Acme Water only when bearing Star-D symbol AGROPECUARIA LA NORTENITA REDDY RAW, INC. HANLING (LINYI) BIO- CO. Chihuahua, Mexico Woodridge, NJ Shandong, China The Star-D is a kashrus Corsal, La Adelita, La Nortenita, Non-Pareil Tortillas/Tacos Amino Acids symbol of the National Council of Young Israel Sierra de Chihuahua Fresh Fruit S.B. GLOBAL FOODS INGREDIENTS PLUS DISTRIBUTION (NCYI).The Star-K, in its BANDANA BANDITO Lansdale, PA BC, Canada Rocky Mountain Popcorn Dried Fruit relationship with the NCYI, Antioch, IL administers the kashrus of Bandana Bandito Condiments, Sauces SCHOKINAG CHOCOLATE MH2 BIOCHEMCIAL CO. the Star-D. All Star-D products are dairy – cholov NORTH AMERICA BROWN PAPER GOODS Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea stam (non-cholov yisroel). Bakersfield, CA Waukegan, IL Amino Acids Schokinag Chocolate Products BEAVER MEADOW CREAMERY Brown Paper Goods Paper Products NANTONG HUAZE CHEMICAL CO. Dubois, PA THE GREAT NORTH AMERICAN CARROT CO. COSTCO Jiangsu, China Beaver Meadow Dairy Products Olyphant, PA Citric Acid/Citrates Issaquah,WA CURIOUS COOKIE Kirkland Signature Dried Fruit, The Great North American Carrot Co. Fresh Vegetables PARRY NUTRACEUTICALS Pompton Lakes, NJ Nuts & Seeds Chennai, India Curious Cookie Cookies US BOTTLING COMPANY FAMOSO FOOD IMPORTS Vitamins, Supplements, & Nutritionals Baltimore, MD MARAMOR CHOCOLATES Canton, MA PLANTACIONES CATAMARCA S.A. Columbus, OH Casa Grande Tortillas/Tacos Shore Good Water Company,The Image Makers, Ltd., US Bottling Company Water Catamarca, Argentina Chocolate Products, Sauces FOODTOWN INC. Oils/Olive Oils WONTON FOOD MONA LISA FOOD PRODUCTS Johnson City,TN POLIFENOLES NATURALES S.L. Hendersonville, NC Foodtown Vegetables , NY Moo-Shu Tortillas Las Palmas, Spain Frutatta, Mona Lisa Chocolate Products Flavors & Extracts HAPPY HERBERT FOOD CO. QZINA SPECIALTY FOODS Jersey City, NJ SHANGHAI SUNVE PHARMACEUTICAL CO. Pompano Beach, FL Happy Herbert's Pretzels Industrial/Institutional Jiangsu, China Qzina Chocolate Products Vitamin Components HARBAR CORP. Products SCHOKINAG CHOCOLATE Canton, MA (see letter of certification) TURUNCU DIS TICARET LTD.STI. NORTH AMERICA Harbar Wraps, It's a Wrap/Wrappy, Malatya,Turkey Bakersfield, CA La Sabrosa, Maria & Ricardo Tortillas BENDINER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Dried Fruit Schokinag Chocolate Products Pinehurst, NC INTERGARDEN INDIA PVT. Flavors & Extracts XINGHUA MEI QUAN FOOD CO. CHOCOLATE PRINTING COMPANY Bangalore, India Jiangsu, China Inwood, NY Intergarden India Pickled Products CHANGZHOU SUNLIGHT FINE Dried Vegetables, Spices & Seasonings Chocoalate Printing Company CHEMICAL CO. Chocolate Products JETRO DEPOT Jiangsu, China College Point, NY Preservatives GERTRUDE HAWK CHOCOLATES Chef Quality Tortillas/Tacos Establishments Dunmore, PA CHANGSHU JINCHENG FOOD Gertrude Hawk/Mark Avenue LA BONITA OLE ADDITIVES CO. (see letter of certification) Tampa, FL Jiangsu, China Chocolate Products Tam-x-ico's,Wrap-Itz Tortillas/Tacos Amino Acids, Industrial Chemicals CAFÉ K 4110 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY IMMACULATE BAKING Hendersonville, NC LORANN OILS COSTILLO LOPEZ ACEITUNAS Dairy Restaurant Lansing, MI Sevilla, Spain Immaculate Baking Cookies Lorann, Preserve-It Flavors & Extracts Olives RUXTON HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER OF PIKESVILLE INSTORE DISTRIBUTORS Ronkonkoma, NY MEDOLEO FOODS S.L. DAKOTA DISTRIBUTING, L. P. 7 Sudbrook Ln, Pikesville, MD Jaen, Spain Fort Worth,TX Hospital Food Service Limited 21st Century Snack Foods Sanita Oils/Olive Oils Food Chemicals to Kosher Dining Program Candy & Snack Foods

STAR-K’S 3RD ANNUAL KASHRUS TRAINING PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Where can Rabbonim, scholars, and future serving in klei kodesh -- who have studied Yorah community leaders find the opportunity to go Deah. In addition to lectures, audio-visual behind the scenes of a first class luxury hotel's presentations, and a hands-on practicum, kosher kitchen, tour a manufacturing plant, several field trips are planned. learn to find the less obvious thrips and aphids To apply to the Star-K Kashrus Training hiding in a restaurant's vegetables, and be Program, call the Star-K office (410) 484-4110 prepared to administer, or even pioneer, a for an application, or consult the Star-K communal kosher certification agency? website, www.star-k.com, to download the Star-K's complimentary certificate Kashrus application form which will be available after Training Program, which will be held Monday, Pesach. There is a $100 refundable deposit fee, July 24 to Friday, July 28, offers all this and which will be returned if the applicant is not more. This intensive seminar, held at Star-K's accepted, or after successful completion of the offices in Baltimore, Maryland, is limited to 25 course. Applicants who are accepted but do not students -- Rabbonim, kollel fellows, and others complete the course will forfeit their deposit.

Leadership in Kashrus Education 6 Shul Kitchen Guidelines Star-K to Participate in KOSHER WORLD AND Ideally, in order to assure perfect control over the kashrus of your shul kitchen, only kosher approved NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO caterers should enter it. As we know, this is far from ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA the case. Ba'alei simchos who need to, or wish to, give their simcha that “heimishe touch”, often “cater” This spring, Star-K Kosher Certification will help bring kosher to much or all of the affair, themselves. In addition to mainstream and mainstream to kosher, at Kosher World 2006 and simchos, there are meetings, learning programs, Natural Products Expo West.The premier showcase for marketing tikuns, seudos shlishi, neilas hachag, and other events kosher products and services to the Western market, will be held in Anaheim, California, March 23-24. In addition to exhibiting at these at which food is served that is not prepared by a newly co-located trade shows, Star-K will present educational caterer. seminars to the attendees. Which hechsherim are acceptable for use in your Kosher World will offer buyers--from top supermarket and shul kitchen? Who will ultimately be responsible for member-store chains to health food, ethnic and specialty stores--a the overseeing of food preparation in the kitchen? chance to view and taste kosher products from a plethora of Who will have the final say regarding any food manufacturers across the United States and abroad. It is the vehicle served in the shul building or at a shul sponsored through which the kosher industry reaches such customers as: event? Have the necessary preparations for a distributors, caterers, restaurants, hotels, spas, dietitians, chefs, Shabbos event been made prior to Shabbos? Is the wholesalers, brokers, nursing homes, camps, and sports facilities, to food preparer familiar with hilchos Shabbos, educate them about kosher. regarding cooking, heating, and other logistics of “Today, kosher has gone mainstream,” says Phyllis Koegel, show food preparation? Does he/she know which fruits director of Kosher World Conference and Expo.“There are more than and vegetables are acceptable for use only with 50,000 certified kosher products, and almost everyone perceives the inspection for bug infestation? Is he/she kosher symbol as being healthier and safer. People tend to associate knowledgeable about the special meat, fish, and it with natural and organic, which is why it's a perfect fit with the chicken guidelines? Natural Products Expo.” Rabbi Dovid Heber, Star-K Kashrus Administrator, For more information on Kosher World 2006 and Natural and Rav of Congregation Khal Ahavas Yisroel Products Expo West, call 1-877-KOSHER-6. Tzemach Tzedek, in Baltimore, Maryland, has addressed these questions and more in “Shul Kitchen Guidelines”. It was written based on the psak of Star-K Rabbinic Administrator, Rabbi Moshe New Star-K CD Heinemann, for use in his own congregation's kitchen. However, the potential problems it Passes Down addresses are universal. “Traiboring” Star-K is making Rabbi Heber's pamphlet Tradition available to the public, as a model of an actual shul's guidelines. Individual shuls can custom-tailor it by Star-K is proud to announce the writing their own guidelines, specific to their own release of its new Educational Series kitchen and rabbinic input. CD, “A Video Guide to ”. This user-friendly CD explains the tradition of the removal of the “Shul Kitchen Guidelines” is now available to prohibited fats, veins, and arteries Rabbonim of congregations by calling the from beef, veal, and lamb, which has been practiced perpetually Star-K office, (410)484-4110, or by emailing and handed down from generation to generation. [email protected]. The remake of the original 1986 Glatt Mart-funded video, features Star-K Rabbinic Administrator, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, shlita, giving a live, step-by-step demonstration of the nikkur process. Although it teaches traiboring according to the Baltimore , a technique similar to the one performed in most Sabbath Mode Notice communities throughout Europe, its disclaimer notes that it is only one of a number of traiboring minhagim practiced in Eretz Please be aware that the Star-K certifies only Yisroel and Europe. those ovens and refrigerators that are listed The CD includes a description of the preparation for kosher on our website (www.star-k.org). Models listed meat, and is complete with diagrams to be used as a printed guide. It is primarily meant for those who will actually utilize the nikkur on a company's site, even when listed as instruction out of necessity - whether they are rabbonim or other having Sabbath mode, may or may not have a Jewish community professionals in small towns or isolated proper Sabbath mode. You may contact the communities. Star-K office, (410) 484-4110, or consult our “A Video Guide to Nikkur” is available from the Star-K office, 122 Slade Avenue, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21208. For more website for a full listing of Star-K certified information call (410) 484-4110. The cost, including tax and Sabbath Mode models. domestic shipping, is $12.95.

Leadership in Kashrus Education 7 Star-K's Shidduch Program extended, Cash Gift Incentive increased The first night of Chanukah, 5766 marked the anniversary of Star-K Certification's innovative shidduch incentive program. Originally initiated for one year, the program hoped to make a dent in alleviating the universal “shidduch crisis”, at least on a local basis. By offering a cash gift incentive to the shadchanim of successful matches of qualifying women in Baltimore's Orthodox community - on top of the usual shad- chanus paid by the families - it motivated both professionals and lay people, alike, around the world. To date (pun intended!) many qualifying matches of Baltimore's Orthodox women have been made. However, Star-K does not measure the success of its shidduch incentive program by numbers, alone. Equally impressive is the fact that, in the past year, both New York and out-of- town communities have emulated the program. They, too, are now offering a cash gift for the successful shidduchim of their own single Orthodox women. Pleased with these results, Star-K has announced that it will extend its novel shidduch incentive program for another year. In addition, Star-K has increased the cash gift incentive from $2,000 to $2,500 for the successful shadchanim of couples who met after the first night of Chanukah, 5766 (December 25, 2005). Of course, the successful shadchanim of couples who got engaged after Chanukah, 2005, yet had their first meeting prior to that, are eligible for the $2,000 cash gift. For the Baltimore shidduchim incentive program rules, contact the Star-K office, (410) 484-4110, or www.star-k.org.

Star-K Kosher Certification A non-profit agency representing Subscriptions K the Kosher consumer in promoting Kashrus $10(USD) annually for 4 issues -US & Canada $15(USD) annually for 4 issues -Overseas through Education, Research and Supervision. Kashrus Kurrents is also available via e-mail* by sending FOUNDING EDITOR: Phone: (410) 484-4110 a blank e-mail to [email protected] A.J. Levin Fax: (410) 653-9294 *(must have ability to open .pdf and .zip files) EDITOR: E-mail: [email protected] (The Star-K Book,not included in this subscription,is available Rabbi Tzvi Rosen www.star-k.org for purchase in Jewish bookstores during the Passover season.) COORDINATOR: Copyright: 2006. Star-K Certification, Inc. Mrs. R. Halberstam All rights reserved. May not be Name ______CONTRIBUTING WRITER: reproduced in any form without Address ______Mrs. Margie Pensak permission of Star-K Certification, Inc. City ______State ______Zip ______This publication is dedicated to the memory of Phone ______M. Leo Storch, of Blessed Memory Please send your tax deductible checks made payable to: KASHRUS KURRENTS Through a grant from 122 Slade Avenue, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21208-4996 Mrs. M. Leo Storch and Family Phone: (410) 484-4110 • Fax: (410) 653-9294

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