STAR-K KOSHER CERTIFICATION rtnhyktcs ,urafv sgu Kashrus KurrentsVOLUME 24 NO. 1 Autumn 5764-2003

MESSAGE FROM THE President AVROM POLLAK The HalachosUndercover of Schach: The Importance

RABBI MOSHE HEINEMANN of Accurate Kashrus RABBINIC ADMINISTRATOR Information When our speaks about the Festival of Sukkos it states ,ufuxv dj" 1"lcehnu lbrdn lpxtc lk vag, - The Sukkos holiday should be observed at the As Bnai Torah we tend to consider ourselves time that you harvest your grain and your wine, during the fall. Our Chachamim, sophisticated and knowledgeable regarding matters our sages, have taught us that this verse has another esoteric meaning. The that we deem important. We are not easily swayed sukkos, the huts in which we dwell during this festival, should be made from the by glitzy advertising, nor are we apt to blindly fol- unused parts of the harvesting grain and wine, namely the stalks of grain and low recommendations from others unless we are twigs of the vine. These are the items that should be used for the schach, which convinced that the proffered advice is sound and is placed on top of the sukkah instead of a permanent roof. based on actual knowledge. When making a major Our have further taught that this schach directive includes other purchase such as an automobile, or deciding which items that are similar to stalks and twigs, pesoles goren v’yekev, that are no longer yeshiva or seminary is the right choice for our son attached to the ground and cannot become ritually impure, tamei. Unfinished or daughter, we make a decision after deliberate wood slats, corn stalks, and palm branches are popular varieties that satisfy the and careful investigation of the facts. Of course, we criteria for schach. do accept the opinion of others, but only after we Many natural materials are not qualified to be used for schach. Leather is a are convinced that the one dispensing advice has natural product that does not grow from the ground; neither do cement or natu- factual knowledge of the issue at hand. ral materials such as metal. None of these may be used for schach. All types of Unfortunately, when it comes to matters of foods are not kosher material for schach. Included in this halachic directive are kashrus, we often abandon our normal caution. grain husks that have some grains remaining in the husks. Wood products that Important decisions regarding the kashrus certifica- are cut and shaped into vessels, utensils, or equipment that have a hollow, would tion standards our families observe may very well not qualify for schach because these products can become tamei. Furthermore, be decided by the ill-informed opinions coming even if the wood vessels were to be broken and unfit for their original use and from a neighbor’s friend’s cousin. Talk about the can no longer become tamei, they remain disqualified. blind leading the blind! Although hollow bent wooden pipes would not be kosher for schach, hol- There are many reasons why kashrus misin- low bamboo poles would be kosher because they grow hollow naturally, and formation is so prevalent. First of all, obtaining and were not fashioned by anyone with the intention of putting things into their hol- verifying accurate kashrus information is a formida- low. Similarly, straight wooden pipes without indentations would be kosher, as ble task. To know what is really going on in a well as wooden beams, even those with imperfections in the wood. However, the kosher slaughter house, caterer’s commissary, or custom is not to use them. food processing plant, is difficult enough. And, like Stems that are used for schach must be in their original state and cannot be subject to further processing. For example, wood is kosher, paper is not. Flax CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 stems are kosher, flax rope is not. Cotton wool which has been combed out and no longer resembles the natural cotton plant, would no longer qualify for schach.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Insidethis issue

Halachos of Schach ...... Page 1 President’s Message ...... Page 1 Kashrus Guide to Honey ...... Page 2 New under Star-K Certification ...... Page 3 National Kashrus Seminar ...... Page 4 Hot off the Hotline ...... Page 6 Over the Counter Medications ...... Page 6 To Bee or not to Bee A Kashrus Guide toHoney and other Bee Derivatives DOVID HEBER, KASHRUS ADMINISTRATOR

or hundreds of years, the Jewish custom has been to begin Rosh However, companies commonly process the Hashana with an apple dipped in honey as a symbol for a sweet propolis with other ingredients such as alco- new year. It is quite interesting that most honey in the United hol. Therefore, such a product would require a StatesF is produced by the bees and collected by beekeepers in the reliable hechsher. summer - just in time to serve on the Yom Tov table. Bee Pollen - Bees have brushes on their Even older than this custom is the question regarding the kosher legs which collect the pollen from the flowers. status of honey. Many of us are familiar with the famous halacha that The pollen is brushed toward the back of the states that derivatives of non-kosher species are not kosher.1 This bee and is pressed into baskets found on their would include camel's milk or ostrich eggs. Since a bee is a non- legs. The bees add traces of saliva and nectar to kosher species, how is honey, which comes from a bee, permissible? make a more effective "press," because pollen is naturally dusty and Furthermore, if honey is kosher, are all products manufactured by requires a binding agent. This popular health food product is kosher. the bee, such as royal jelly, beeswax, bee venom, and propolis (all Royal Jelly - The most important bee in the hive is the "Queen described below) also kosher? Bee," who attains her "royal" status by her constant extra nutritious A brief entomological review of this remarkable insect is neces- diet of royal jelly. What is Royal Jelly? This product is a secretion sary in order to answer these questions: Bees suck nectar from flow- from the hypharyngeal and mandibular glands located in the head of ers with their proboscis (mouth). The nectar mixes with saliva and the bee. It is rich in protein, vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids, is swallowed into the honey sac where enzymes from the saliva break and is available in health food stores. It is also a common ingredient down the nectar into honey. The nectar is never "digested," it is only in various health food products and remedies. Because it is a yotzei transformed into honey by the saliva. Upon the bee's return to the min hatamei, an actual product that is secreted from the bee, royal hive, the honey is regurgitated, dried, and placed into the honey- jelly should be considered non-kosher.5 comb. Beekeepers then extract millions of drops of honey from the Apis Mellifica - This homeopathic remedy is derived from the cavities of the honeycomb by using a machine that applies centrifu- body of the honeybee and is not kosher. However, as in most home- gal force to the comb. opathic remedies, the active ingredient is less Why is honey a kosher product? The than 1/60 and is therefore batel b’shishim.6 If the Gemara2 explains that honey is kosher as it is inactive ingredients are kosher, and the honey- not a secretion from the bee; the bee func- bee is batel, this product would be halachically tions only as a carrier and facilitator.3 Honey permissible to take. is kosher nectar, which enters the honey sac, Bee Venom - This product is synthesized in is transformed into honey, and placed into the venom glands of the bee and is released the honeycomb retaining its kosher status when a bee stings. Using a machine, bee venom throughout the "transformation." is collected from bees and is used as an anti- The second opinion in the Gemara per- inflammatory agent or for the treatment of mits honey because of a g’zairas hakasuv, a arthritis. It is non-kosher7 and may only be deduction from a passuk.4 Therefore, 100% taken orally if it is batel b’shishim in kosher inac- pure honey, whether from Montana, North tive ingredients. It may be used topically or by Dakota, or any state or country, is kosher and does not require a injection even if the venom is not batel. hechsher. Beeswax - Used to form the honeycomb in the hive, beeswax is Nevertheless, there are two important issues one must bear in secreted from wax glands located on the underside of the abdomen. mind when purchasing honey. Honey is usually described by the The cells of the honeycomb are where bees grow from larva into flower from which the bees draw the nectar. The most popular vari- mature bees. They also store not only honey, but various other prod- ety of honey, Clover Honey, is honey that the bees have processed ucts. Beeswax is sold both pure and with honey inside. from the nectar of the clover leaf. Orange Honey is nectar that origi- In its original state, beeswax is used in non-food grade applica- nates from orange groves, where the bees have sucked the nectar tions, since the human body cannot adequately digest this material. from orange bushes and transformed it into honey. However, there It is commonly used in candles, lipstick, shoe and floor polish, and are some companies who flavor their honey with an orange flavor buffing wax for surfboards. Since it is not a “ma’achal,” a “food," its and call it "orange honey." This orange flavored honey would require status as a yotzei min hatamei does not cause it to be non-kosher.8 a hechsher as flavors can be composed of various non-kosher ingre- Therefore, beeswax is considered kosher, provided that no non- dients. One should always check the label carefully to verify that the kosher solvents are used, and it contains no non-kosher additives. product is 100% pure honey with no flavors added. Although pure beeswax is generally not eaten, its kosher status The second issue relates to the use of pure honey on Pesach. is important for various reasons. Beeswax may be extracted to create Potentially, honey can be adulterated with additives such as corn a chemical used in the flavor industry. This extract is a kosher chem- syrup. Corn syrup, a yotzei min hakitniyos sweetener, is derived from ical (provided that all additives and solvents are approved), since the corn, a legume, and may not be used on Pesach. For example, soda actual beeswax is not a food. It is even permissible for one to chew companies must substitute this sweetener with liquid sugar when beeswax for its pollen content, or swallow it, with or without the producing Kosher for soda. Some honey producers have honey mixed in. been found to mix the inexpensive corn syrup into honey and ille- The bee’s ability to produce such a wide spectrum of ingredients gally label and sell it as "pure honey," with no mention of this almost used in both health food and snack food is quite fascinating. undetectable "filler." Although this practice is the exception, one Appreciating these niflaos haBorei, wonders of our Creator, is key to should, nevertheless, only purchase pure honey for Pesach, with a understanding the kashrus ramifications. reliable Pesachdik hechsher. This problem does not impact the use of honey during the rest of the year. 1 tny tnyv in tmuhv 6 This is true if the dilution is at least 2x (1:10 2) and higher, or Propolis - Another important product of the bee is propolis. Bees :z ,urufc wnd at least 1c (1:100) and higher. For a full discussion of homeo- 2 pathic products and their inactive ingredients, see “Vitamins, collect this material from the sap of a tree, and carry it in their pro- 3 ipudn i,ut ,umnn ihtu ipudk ,uxhbfna hbpn Nutritionals, and Homeopathic Remedies: Kashrus and (twwf :twwh trehu) ;ugv .ra kfn ukft, vz ,t lt Halachic Guidelines” on our website at www.star-k.org. boscis. In its pure state, propolis is kosher and is used as an anti- 4 7 tny tnyv in tmuhv bacterial and anti-fungal remedy, polishing agent, and preservative. 5 rh,na ywwb whx twwhj rzghkt .hm ,wwua wg obnt 8 odu vwws swwf whx cwwj swwuh nwwdt whg

2 New Under Star-K Kosher Certification President’s Message CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER Industrial/Institutional Consumer Products all areas where outward appearances (only when bearing Star-K symbol) (see letter of certification) Products can be deceiving, a cursory inspec- Cheney Brothers (Riviera Beach, FL) Ace Biotech Co. (ChungBuk, S. Korea) tion by even the most well intentioned outside visitor FRONTE CANNED VEGETABLES ACIDS & ACIDULANTS can lead to erroneous conclusions. The problem is even more exacerbated when certain individuals-- Delicious Delights, Ltd (Bronx, NY) Ameraphos (La Habra, CA) MRS. STAHL’S COOKIES & KNISHES masquerading as kashrus experts and pretending that FOOD CHEMICALS everything they do is “L’Shem Shomayim” (for the sake First Vegetarian Foods, Inc. Blue Mountain Flavors (Kingston, NC) of Heaven)-- deliberately distort facts and spread (Baldwin Park, CA) FLAVORS & EXTRACTS more false information to an already confused public STARLITE SOY PRODUCTS that really has no way of knowing what to believe. Borregaard Synthesis (Sarpsborg, Norway) One bright spot in educating kosher consumers Fred’s Organic Foods, Inc. VANILLIN (, NY) has been Kashrus Kurrents. Kashrus Kurrents is not a FRED’S ORGANIC FOODS Bunn Capitol (Springfield, IL) forum for the Star-K to instruct its readers about the SOUP & SOUP MIXES BEVERAGES & DRINK MIXES merits of any one certification over another. Rather, it is a means of providing useful and factual information G.Willi-Food International C.H.O. Soc. De Cond. Des Huiles to help individuals understand the issues, so they can (Yavneh, Israel) D’Olives (Sfax,Tunisia) make their own intelligent decisions regarding the WILLI-FOOD PICKLED PRODUCTS OILS/OLIVE OILS kashrus of a product. Each article appearing in Inteco International Trade Corp. Chemstation - Milwaukee (Milwaukee,WI) Kashrus Kurrents contains sufficient background (South Secaucus, NJ) DETERGENTS & CLEANSERS material about the food group subject being discussed ASSAGIO CLASSICO CANNED VEGETABLES Delicious Delights, Ltd. (Bronx, NY) so that the reader can fully understand the halachic Lacas Coffee (Pennsauken, NJ) COOKIES & KNISHES considerations affecting the kashrus status of a partic- ular item. It is important to us that the author of each LACAS COFFEE BEANS, COFFEES Foodtopia, Inc. (Hasbrouck Heights, NJ) article have first hand practical knowledge of the sub- Maxus Worldwide Nutrition ACIDS & ACIDULANTS ject matter. In addition, we generally have an expert (Hauppauge, NY) ICR - International Chemical Resources from the industry review the articles for technical MAXUS VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS & accuracy. NUTRITIONALS (Milford, CT) INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS Incidentally, our readers’ comments regarding My Gourmet Oven (San Diego, CA) the new Kashrus Kurrents format were overwhelm- MY GOURMET OVEN COOKIE MIXES Lacas Coffee (Pennsauken, NJ) ingly favorable. We continue to appreciate any and all COFFEE BEANS, COFFEES suggestions to help make this publication an even Neshama Gourmet Kosher, LLC more efficient vehicle for understanding the complex (Beverly Hills, CA) Natural World Trading Co. (Shanghai, China) world of kashrus. In addition to our new look, we NESHAMA GOURMET KOSHER have greatly increased our circulation by inserting PREPARED FOODS RICE PRODUCTS Kashrus Kurrents into some of the popular Torah ori- Samba Comercial Importadora E New Hope Garlic Co. (Oakland, CA) ented newspapers. Many first time readers have called Expotadora Ltda. (Sao Paulo, Brazil) FRESH VEGETABLES the Star-K requesting the purchase of past issues. SAMBA JUICES Rhodia Silica Korea Co. Although we do have a very limited number of these Springwater Sprouts, Inc. (Incheon City, South Korea) on hand, all past Kashrus Kurrents articles are avail- (Honeoye Falls, NY) INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS able on our web site (www.star-k.org). SPRINGWATER SPROUTS FRESH VEGETABLES In concert with the “new” Kashrus Kurrents, the The Tartaric Chemical Corp. (NYC, NY) Star-K has also launched a lecture program. This past Sure Gida San Tic Ltd. Sti. FOOD CHEMICALS summer’s inaugural series of lectures, in which we dis- (Malatya,Turkey) Total Fina Elf Lubricants USA, Inc. seminated straightforward and unbiased up-to-date SURE GIDA DRIED FRUIT (Linden, NJ) kashrus information, were well received by the public. Trout Lake Farm LLC (Trout Lake,WA) LUBRICANTS Its popularity has resulted in Rabbonim and communi- ty leaders contacting us to arrange lectures in their TROUT LAKE FARM HERBS,TEAS,VITAMINS, Tropical Paradise/Tropical Machines SUPPLEMENTS & NUTRITIONALS communities. We shall do our best to accommodate (Ronkonkoma, NY) all requests. A list of available speakers and suggested JUICE & JUICE CONCENTRATES topics is available from our office. Trout Lake Farm LLC (Trout Lake,WA) In the last issue of Kashrus Kurrents, I presented Establishments HERBS, TEAS, VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS a brief history of the last 25 years of this publication AND NUTRITIONALS and the Star-K. Although it is more than twenty-five Noah's Ark years since the passing of M. Leo Storch, of blessed 399 Grand Street, New York, NY Yang Ji Chemical Co. (Kyunggi-Do, S. Korea) memory, the vital role he played as a founder of the MEAT RESTAURANT/CATERER ACIDS & ACIDULANTS Orthodox Jewish Council and several Baltimore Mosdos certainly needs to be acknowledged. We are also grateful to his wife, Hannah, who continues to New Under Star-D support this publication in memory of her late hus- The Star-D is a kashrus symbol of the National Products band. Council of Young Israel and is administered by First Vegetarian Foods, Inc. In the name of the entire Star-K family I wish to the Star-K. All Star-D products are dairy - cholov (Baldwin Park, CA) stam (non-cholov Yisroel). extend our condolences to Yankel and Pesi Herskovitz STARLITE SOY PRODUCTS on the loss of their dear son, Moshe, z”l. It is our sin- Establishments Sweet Lilly’s (Plymouth Meeting, PA) cere wish that in the future they experience much joy Krispy Kreme #848 SWEET LILLY’S CAKE & PASTRY PRODUCTS and nachas from their children and grandchildren. Our best wishes for a K’siva V’chasima Tova to all 1450 Old Country Rd, Riverhead, NY Vosges Haut-Chocolat (Chicago, IL) DOUGHNUT SHOP VOSGES CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS our readers.

3 strator of the Star-K, is one of the foremost Star-K Kosher Certification Initiates experts in the field of kosher pharmaceuti- cals, nutraceuticals and medications. He gave the audience great insight into the man- National Kashrus Seminar Series ufacturing of pills, capsules, and liquid med- ications, and the relevant Kashrus issues. Guidelines regarding the taking of nonkosher medications were reviewed. Rabbi Heber charted the different degrees of illness that confront a patient on Shabbos and Yom Tov and what medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements can and can’t be taken on Shabbos and Yom Tov. The whole field of homeopathic drugs and nutriceuti- cals was discussed in detail. Rabbi Tzvi Rosen, Kashrus Admini- strator and Editor of Kashrus Kurrents, con- cluded the lecture series in New York with a lively discussion of the kashrus of liquor, beer and liqueur. At the lecture series in Monticello he addressed the new Halachic At the seminar (l to r): Rabbi Moshe Heineman, Rabbi Avrum Pollak, Rabbi Dovid Haber, Rabbi Tzvi Rosen issues confronting today’s electronic appli- ances. Taking the listeners through a virtual ell over 600 men and women slaughterhouse in the U.S. that I have not tour of a distillery, he traced how whiskey is throughout the New York area attend- visited”,Rav Heinemann, Rav Hamachshir of produced differently in various countries W ed the opening series of Star-K the Star-K, told the audience. Rav and discussed the Kashrus issues confronting Kashrus lectures held recently in Brooklyn, Heinemann proceeded to treat his listeners these alcoholic beverages. Beer production NY and the Catskill mountains. The semi- to an informative mix of halachos, facts and was also reviewed. The discussion ranged nars featured a comprehensive analysis of stories about the contemporary state of she- from the clarification of beer using isinglass, pertinent Kashrus and Halachic issues, along chita. Rav Heinemann considers to an issue that was discussed by the Node with a wide ranging open question and be the “heart of any kashrus organization” B’Yehuda, to the brand new introduction of answer forum. and he takes an avid interest in all aspects of maltenatives and extreme beers that now Under the leadership of the world shechita. The Star-K Rabbinic Administrator appear in the market place. renowned Halachic authority Rabbi Moshe traced the emergence of the contemporary In Monticello, Rabbi Rosen explained Heinemann shlita, it’s Rav Hamachshir, the varieties of glatt kosher such as Bait Yosef the Halachic problems that new electronic Star-K has initiated a national lecture cam- glatt or chasideshe shechita which has recent- ovens and refrigerators present for Shabbos paign reaching out to the community nation- ly appeared on the modern kashrus scene. He and Yom Tov use. He traced the history wide. dispelled some of the preconceived notions behind the major appliance manufacturers’ The initial Kashrus lecture series fea- of “high speed” and “slow” shechita and agreement with the Star-K to design ovens tured Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Rav explained how, in many instances, “high and other appliances that would be compli- Hamachshir: “Beware! Glatt may not always speed” was actually preferable. ant with a shomer Torah and Mitzvos house- be kosher: The truth about Kosher meat and Due to health issues that occur in hold. poultry”, Rabbi Tzvi Rosen: “Kashrus on the chickens in Israel, the Rov explained the As one of the world’s leaders in Kashrus Rocks: An analysis of wine, whiskey, & need for mehadrin glatt kosher chickens excellence, Star-K Kosher Certification has a beer”, Rabbi Dovid Heber: “Medicines and there while the same is not the case in the commitment to the community. Experienced Vitamins: Kashrus issues and Shabbos usage”. U.S. Rav Heinemann enlightened the crowd Star-K Kashrus administrators are stationed Dr. Avrom Pollak, President of Star-K, about the many pre-slaughtering considera- throughout the world to ensure the highest coordinated and moderated the lectures. Dr. tions that are necessary in order to provide Kashrus integrity for their products. Every Pollak introduced the evening by stating that the consumers with not only a kosher prod- Star-K certification is under the strict guide- consumer education has been a hallmark of uct but an appealing product as well. He also lines and personal approval of Rav the Star-K. Consumers have access to up to touched upon some of the real challenges Heinemann making sure that the high stan- the moment Kashrus information by calling that kashrus certifications have to contend dards of Kashrus are maintained and that the Star-K kashrus hot line, reading Kashrus with, such as the white veal issue. Kosher consumers can buy Star-K products Kurrents or surfing the Star-K web site. The Furthermore, the Rov gave the lis- with confidence. new lecture series was created by the Star-K teners some real insights about the as another educational vehicle, to clarify guidelines used by Rabbonim STAR-K KOSHER CERTIFICATION issues and to dispel kashrus misconceptions. Hamachshirim to determine who National Kashrus Lecture Series Dr. Pollak then introduced the Star-K panel is a reliable shochet. Rabbi Moshe Heineman/Rabbi Dovid Heber/Rabbi Tzvi Rosen of speakers. The next speaker, Rabbi “There has not been a major Kosher Dovid Heber, Kashrus Admini-

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4 Flax rope is problematic for another were held together with cloth tape, which string, which is an improper schach mate- reason. According to Rashi, if the linen is mekabel tumah, that these blinds are not rial, cannot be used for anchoring. fibers were twisted into threads and braid- kosher. Even if the tape were removed, the Instead, a kosher wooden beam can be ed into rope they are posul min HaTorah. slats remain non-kosher and are disquali- placed across the mat to hold it down. The Torah disqualifies them as it does any fied for schach. Based on Rav Moshe’s rea- Can kosher mats contain more than other woven material. soning, even if a mat was manufactured 25 slats, or would the mat be considered a Branches of a tree cannot bundle (chavila)? Since the be used for schach if the mat does not need to be dried, branches are still connected to it can contain more than 25 their original source. If the slats. branch was still connected to There is a Rabbinical the tree while covering the Undercover: question whether one can sup- sukkah and was then cut port the schach with some- down, the branch would still The Halachos of Schach thing that is not kosher for be disqualified unless a person schach. Therefore, one should CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 lifted the branch and then not support the schach with replaced it on the sukkah with anything that can become the intention of using the branch for tamei, i.e. metal rods or pipes. Also, one schach. Our Rabbis have taught us that cannot use metal to weigh down the schach which has an unpleasant odor schach so that it will not blow off with an should preferably not be used. Use of ordinary wind. One may, however, hold schach that has a pervasive foul smell is down the support with something that is forbidden. Kosher schach has to remain not kosher for schach. If the schach is sup- fresh throughout the entire chag. Branches ported by wooden beams, which are there with leaves that will dry out during to strengthen the schach so that it should- Sukkos or vines that will shrivel are dis- n’t blow away in an unusual wind, then qualified, and are not kosher even while nails or string can be used as a support to the leaves are still fresh. the beams. Kosher schach material must be How much schach should be used to placed on top of the sukkah with the cover the sukkah? The amount required is intention of being used for schach. One determined by the amount necessary to cannot place kosher schach material on shade the sukkah. The schach must be top of the sukkah with the intention of dense enough so that there should not be drying the material and then change his more sunlight than shade. However, it mind in the course of the drying process cannot be so dense that the rain would and use it for schach. To this end, the not be able to fall into the sukkah. halacha forbids the use of bundled schach We have just mentioned some of the if they are generally subject to drying. dinim of schach. There are many more Moreover, our Rabbis forbade the use of for no specific reason, since the slats were halachos however, this article does not this bundled kosher schach, even if it was held together by cloth tape, the mats allow for a more elaborate discussion. In intended for schach. This restriction would be considered an item that is mek- case of questions a halachic authority applies to bundles of 25 sticks or more abel tumah and could not, halachically, be should be consulted. that are tied in the middle or at both ends. used for schach. Mats held together with May Hakadosh Baruch Hu help us ful- How wide can the boards be to qual- braided nylon filament thread would be fill the mitzvah of sukkah properly, and ify as kosher schach? One may use boards disqualified for the same reason, since may we merit to see with our own eyes that are less than 4 tefachim (14”) wide. they are considered woven, according to that Hakadosh Baruch Hu spread His tab- Even if wider boards would be set on their Rashi. However, monofilament line would ernacle of peace over us, the entire Jewish sides, these boards would not be kosher. It not be disqualified for this reason, nation, and Yerushalayim. is the custom not to use narrower finished because a monofilament line merely holds wood planks generally used in construc- the slats together and is not woven. 1 Devarim 16:13 tion, as well. Therefore, if the wooden mats were made 2 In Hilchos Sukkah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach As was stated previously, the criteria for schach using monofilament line, the Chaim 629:1) it is written that schach cannot consist of for schach is three fold: Items that grow mats would be kosher.2 something that is “mekabel tumah.” It is for this reason from the ground, items which are no A kosher monofilament mat must be that bamboo carpet mats cannot be used for schach. In addition, líchatchila, kosher schach may not be sup- longer attached to the ground, and items placed on the sukkah in the proper man- ported by anything which is mekabel tumah (see Rama, that cannot become tamei. Reeds, straw, or ner. The following guidelines must be fol- O.C. 629:7). According to the opinion of Rashi (as wooden slats that are woven into mats lowed. The bamboo slats should be placed brought in Shaar Hatziyun 629:20), spun or woven would not qualify for schach if they were perpendicular to the beams and walls threads (e.g. string, yarn) are mekabel tumah. Rav woven for the purpose of sitting or sleep- upon which they rest. In other words, if Moshe Feinstein states (Igros Moshe, O.C. 1:177) based on a Mishna, if something which is mekabel ing on or any other specific function. the monofilament line (which does not tumah is used to hold wooden slats together, the slats However, it they were made expressly for qualify as schach) is supporting the slats, themselves are also mekabel tumah and are no longer schach, these mats would be kosher. the mat has been placed down improper- kosher for schach use. Therefore, Rav Moshe Feinstein Are bamboo mats that are held ly. One may not suspend schach with non- explains that wooden venetian blinds held together with together with other materials such as schach material. Furthermore, schach mats something woven are not kosher for schach. It follows that according to Rashi, bamboo slats held together by string or yarn kosher? HaRav Moshe must not be anchored with string so that multi-filament cord (i.e. it is braided or twisted) are Feinstein zt”l ruled on venetian blinds the mat won’t blow away in a normal wind also not kosher schach (even if they are not made to sit that were made out of wooden slats and (a ruach metzuya), for the same reason or walk on).

5 Hotoff Over-the-Counter the Medications RABBI TZVI ROSEN EDITOR In previous editions of Kashrus Kurrents, the laws of treating one who is ill Hotline and the use of non-kosher medication, vita- mins, homeopathic, and nutritional reme- dies were discussed.1 A vbfx uc aha vkuj, Q: What type of aged cheese someone who is ill and whose life may be requires one to wait six hours before eat- (All answers are based on the psak in danger, is required by Jewish Law to use ing meat? of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, shlita, any non-kosher medication if an equally Star-K Rabbinic Administrator.) effective kosher medicine is not readily A: Generally speaking, aging of available. A vbfx uc ihta vkuj, one who is cheese is an ongoing process, which occurs bedridden, or noticeably not functioning up when the bacteria found in cheese breaks to par due to pain or illness, or has fever down the lactose (the milk sugar), creating Hydroponic produce in super- which is not life threatening, may take Q: vkhft lrsf tka lactic acid, thereby changing the physical markets’ vegetable sections is rapidly medication , in an uncom- mon manner. This means such a vkuj may property of the cheese, giving it a sharper expanding.What is the difference between take bitter tasting medication or tablets vegetables grown in a greenhouse and flavor. manufactured with the intention that they A good example of this aging process those grown hydroponically? be swallowed. One who has a aujhn, a would be if someone were to leave a wedge slight discomfort, may take medication of Muenster cheese in a nice warm environ- A: Vegetables grown in a green- which is vkhftk hutr ubht, not fit for regular ment until the cheese becomes “tangy”. house are actually grown in soil in a con- eating. This includes any item that has no The housewife would call it spoiled; a trolled environment. Greenhouses offer the food, hydration, or nutritional value. One cheese maven would call it flavorful. benefit of keeping out unwanted infesta- may also take medication which contains a Historically, flavorful cheese took about six tion. Hydroponically grown vegetables are non-kosher ingredient which is ohaac kyc, months to age. The longer the cheese aged grown in a solution of nutrients and water, used at less than 1 part in 60. Some opin- aujhn the harder it became. In Italy today, one can rather than soil. The bracha one makes on ions also permit one who has a to take non-kosher medication lrsf tka find some cheeses that have been aged for greenhouse grown vegetables is Boreh Pri vkhft. In addition, one who requires liquid 24 months, which are impossible to break Hoadama, while the bracha on hydroponi- medication, such as cough syrup which apart without a hammer. (It is important to cally grown vegetables is Shehakol Nihye contains glycerine (an ingredient which note that if cheese is sitting in a refrigerator B’dvaro, because the vegetables are not may or may not be kosher as it may be or cooler for long periods of time, it does grown in soil. derived from animal, vegetable, or petrole- not mean that the cheese is aging. An um sources), may mix one teaspoon of appropriate environment is required for the Q: I understand that peeled raw medication into two ounces of any beverage aging process to take effect.) onions should not be left overnight due to (1:12 ratio). The possible non-kosher According to the Rema (Y.D. 89), one health precautions (sakana). Does this glycerine will then be ohaac kyc - vkhj,fk ruxht epx kyck r,unu who has eaten hard cheese is required to adherence apply to frozen onions that are ( ). wait six hours before eating meat, just as commercially produced and sold in the Ideally, one should purchase over-the- one who has eaten meat has to wait six frozen food section? counter (OTC) products with a reliable hechsher. Star-K certified products contain hours before eating dairy. According to the only kosher approved ingredients. A prod- Ta Z (Y.D. 89:4), who comments on the A: Based on a teshuva from R’ uct containing a trace of a non-kosher Rema, the criteria for hard cheese is that it Moshe Feinstein (Y.D. 3:20), it is our cus- ingredient (even if it is ohaac kyc) cannot has been aged for six months, the time nec- tom to be lenient with processed commer- be certified Star-K. Similarly, all products essary to harden. However, in reality, cial onions. are manufactured without any keilim con- cheese that has aged for six months does cerns. not automatically become hard. Stilton Q: On Shabbos does an observant Unfortunately, very few OTC products cheese, for example, is aged for six months Jew have to close a web site that is selling are kosher certified, and kosher consumers but still has a creamy consistency. The products on line? who require such products are often con- ,ukta Shulchan Aruch tells us that if the cheese is fronted with (questions). The Star-K hard, one must wait six hours before eating Yes. As in the case of regular has reviewed ingredients used in hundreds A: of OTC products manufactured by many of meat. The Shulchan Aruch does not say that business transactions, no electronic busi- the major pharmaceutical companies the cheese has to be aged for six months. If ness transactions may be made on Shabbos including Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the cheese would harden in less time, then or Yom Tov on a web site belonging to a Glaxosmithkline, McNeil, Novartis, Pfizer, the six hour wait would be enforced. The shomer shabbos businessman. The web site Proctor & Gamble, Pharmacia, Purdue Ta Z above is giving a typical scenario rather may remain open for information purposes, Frederick, Schering-Plough, Shire, and than a time limit. Therefore, the Star-K’s if the shopping cart on the web site is shut Wyeth. policy for six hour cheese is cheese that has down. The time Shabbos and Yom Tov begins Note: After eating meat, one should aged to the point that it can no longer be is determined by the entrepreneur’s geo- wait one hour before swallowing tablets or sliced, only grated. graphic location. caplets that contain dairy. 1 See our website at www.star-k.org.

6 Approved Over-the-Counter Medication s2003-2004 Certified Products The following is a list of companies with kosher certified supplements,health,and pharmaceutical products. Products are certified only when bearing the symbol of the certifying agency. Amway/Access Business Group STAR-K Adwe KAJ Cell Tech STAR-K Fielding Pharm. OU Maxus International STAR-K Freeda OU Melaleuca STAR-K KV Pharm. OU Nature's Sunshine STAR-K Landau Volover Preventive Medical Group STAR-K Maxi-Health OU Shaklee STAR-K Mead-Johnson OU Sunrider STAR-K Sanofi OU Trout Lake Farm STAR-K Solgar Kof-K Products Always Approved The following are products that may always be used without kosher certification: Antibiotics for an infection - except for those skin infections known to be non-life threatening (e.g. acne), Canker Sore Medication, Castor Oil (with no additives), Enemas, Injections, Intravenous (IV), Mineral Oil (with no additives), Sodium Bicarbonate (pure baking soda), Externally applied products including: Antiseptics, Creams, Dermatologicals, Ear Drops, Emollients, Epsom Salts, Eye Drops, Gels, Lotions, Oils, Ointments, Nasal Sprays, Powders, Rubbing Alcohols, Shampoos, and Soaps. Approved Medications This medication list is a small sample of frequently used over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Prescription medications are not included on this list.If a medication is not listed, it still may be kosher.One should consult a Rav. Certifying agencies are indicated next to products that have kosher certification. It is imperative that each individual under- stand that under no circumstances should one refrain from taking a prescribed medication or withhold such a medication from children without discussing the matter with a competent Rav and physician. NOTE: Products are approved only when sold in the United States and in the indicated form (e.g. "caplets", "children's", etc.). This list should NOT be used for Passover. ANALGESICS Ultra - Asst Berries, Asst Fruit, Asst Triaminic Aleve Tablets & Caplets Tropical Fruit, Peppermint,Spearmint Tabs Cold & Allergy Liquid Anacin Reg Tabs, Max Str Tabs 500 Calcium - Asst Frt, Peppermint Tabs Cold & Cough Liquid Bayer Cool Relief Cool Mint Tabs - Dairy Cold & Nighttime Cough Liquid Children's Chewable Aspirin (81mg) E-X Fresh Blends Tabs - Dairy Cough & Congestion Liquid Ex Str Plus Aspirin Caplets (500mg) Tylenol (see also Analgesics) ANTI DIARRHEAL Ecotrin Aspirin Tablets (325mg & 500 mg) Children's Allergy-D Liquid Imodium Motrin Children's Cold Plus Cough Chwble Tabs A-D Caplets Children's Chewable Tablets Infant's Plus Cold Drops Advanced Chewable Tabs & Caplets Junior Strength Chewable Tablets Infant's Plus Cold & Cough Drops Kaopectate Regular Tablets & Caplets Severe Allergy Caplets Reg/Vanilla, Cherry, Peppermint Liquid St. Joseph Low Str Chwble Tablets (81mg) Vicks Extra Str Liquid Tylenol (see also Cold & Allergy) Chldrn's Nyquil Cold/Cough Relief Liquid Pepto Bismol Children's Soft Chews Nyquil (Original, Cherry) Liquid Original Liquid Ex Str Tablets & Caplets Nyquil Cough Liquid Maximum Strength Liquid Jr Str Soft Chews Original & Cherry Chewable Tabs FIBER Reg Str Tablets Citrucel Vanquish Caplets ANTI-NAUSEA Caplets Chewable Tablets - Dairy Bonine Reg & Sug. Fr. Pwdr. ANTACIDS Dramamine Fibercon Caplets Alka Seltzer Chewable Tablets Metamucil - All Powders Effervescent & Antacid Pain Reliever Original Formula Tablets - Dairy Tablets (Original, Cherry, Lemon Lime, Less Drowsy Tablets - Dairy LACTOSE INTOLERANT Extra Str) Lactaid Reg, Ultra & Ex Str Caplets - OU Gas-X Reg & Ex Str Chewables COLD, ALLERGY, DECONGESTANT Gaviscon Antacid Reg & Ex Str Tabs Advil Cold & Sinus Tablets & Caplets LAXATIVE Maalox Benadryl Colace Syrup & Liquid Antacid Liquid Allergy & Cold Caplets Ex Lax Max Str Antacid/Anti-Gas Liquid Children's Allergy Chewable Tablets Reg, Max Str, & Ultra Pills Quick Dissolve Antacid Calcium Allergy & Sinus Fastmelt Tabs - Dairy Chocolated Pieces - Dairy Carbonate Chwbls - Reg & Max Str Chlor-Trimeton 4-hr Allergy Tabs - Dairy Nature's Remedy Tablets - Dairy Mylanta Claritin Non-Drowsy 24-hr Tabs - Dairy Perdiem Reg, Children's & Ultra Tabs Claritin-D Caplets Pepcid AC Chewable Tablets - Dairy Non-Drowsy 24-hr Tablets Overnight Relief Pills Pepcid Complete Tablets - Dairy 12-hr Tablets - Dairy Peri-Colace Syrup & Tablets Phazyme Coricidin HBP Phillips' Original Milk of Magnesia Liquid Quick Dissolve Chwbl Tabs (125mg) Max Str Flu Tablets - Dairy Senokot-S (Stool Softener) Tabs - Dairy Cold & Flu Tablets - Dairy Rolaids SLEEPING AIDS Cough & Cold Tablets - Dairy Reg Str: Cherry, Original Peppermint, Nytol Quick Caps - Dairy Primatene Tablets Spearmint Tabs Sominex Original Formula Tablets Singlet Caplets Ex Str: Freshmint, Fruit Cool Strawberry, Unisom Sleep Tablets Sudafed Tropical Punch Tabs Vivarin Tablets Tums 12-hr Non-Drowsy Tablets Regular - Asst Fruit, Peppermint Tabs Children's Non-Drowsy Nasal Decong. Chewables THROAT LOZENGES (certified) E-X - Asst Berries, Asst Fruit, Asst Sinus & Allergy Tablets - Dairy Celestial Seasonings Soothers Tropical Fruit, Wintergreen Tabs Severe Cold Non-Drowsy Caplets Herbal Throat Drops - STAR-K Tavist Allergy Tablets (Reg) - Dairy Luden's Throat Drops - OU

7 Star-K Kosher Certification

Star-K Kosher Certification A non-profit agency representing the Kosher consumer in promoting K Kashrus through Education, Queens Kashrus Seminar Research and Supervision.

TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 4, 2003 • 8:15 P.M. FOUNDING EDITOR: Phone: (410) 484-4110 YOUNG ISRAEL OF QUEENS VALLEY A.J. Levin Fax: (410) 653-9294 EDITOR: E-mail: [email protected] TH 141-55 77 AVENUE, QUEENS Rabbi Tzvi Rosen www.star-k.org Topic: Kashrus Considerations Copyright: 2003. Star-K Certification, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form MEAT AND POULTRY: Rabbi Moshe Heinemann without permission of Star-K Certification, Inc. CATERERS AND RESTAURANTS: Rabbi Shmuel Heinemann This publication is MODERATOR: Dr. Avrom Pollak dedicated to the memory of Question and Answer Forum to follow M. Leo Storch, of Blessed Memory Through a grant from Free Admission • Separate Seating • Refreshments Mrs. M. Leo Storch and Family

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