Guide for purchasing kosher labeled foods

The following is a list of recommended Kosher Supervisory Agencies, whose products generally are acceptable for class celebrations, snacks, lunch etc. Today there are well over 100 symbols that identify the Kosher Supervisory Agency that supervises the product. To keep things simple, we have limited the list to the following main symbols:

1) The O-U 2) The O-K 3) The Chof-K

4) The Star-K 5) The KAJ

Dairy Please note that for celebrations in school, we use only milk products that are Chalav Yisrael. Unless clearly marked as Chalav Yisrael, products under the supervision of the O-U, O-K, Chof- K, and Star-K usually are not Chalav Yisrael. Beware when there is a letter ‘D’ beside the kosher symbol – it is only permissible for school if it is also stated ‘Cholov Yisroel’.

Food packaging bearing a K only is insufficient: according to New York state law, anyone, Jewish or not, can put a K on their products, even without Rabbinical supervision! One must know who is ‘behind’ the K, and whether they are a certified, reliable kosher supervisory agency.

Foods without the original packaging is not acceptable.

Fruits and Vegetables Only whole fruits and vegetables are acceptable – uncut – unless it has one of the abovementioned kosher symbols.

Baked Products Baked products, for example cakes, cookies and pretzels must be labeled . Many products under the O-U such as Stella Dora are not Pas Yisroel and are therefore unacceptable to be brought into school. When in doubt, call the school.

Baked products may be purchased from the following bakeries:

 Challah Fairy – 170 North Main Street, Suite 104, New City  Frank’s Bakery – 51 Rt. 306, Monsey  Glauber’s Bakery (opposite Hatzlocho) on Maple Avenue  Gruenbaums Bakery - Washington Heights (products may be sold in Wesley Kosher or Monsey  Glatt (behind Jerusalem Pizza)  Bakery in Rockland Kosher Supermarket  Taam Eden Bakery – New Square  Zishe’s Bakery – located in Evergreen Rt. 59, Monsey

 Ice Cream Cakes can be purchased from Oh Nuts! and Rockland Kosher Supermarket

PRODUCTS BY: Paskesz Liebers Gefen Kemach Kedem Kitov Beigels Yerushalaim Baked Goods (available in Costco)

The Hebrew Academy/New School Year letters and forms/5 kosher information