Chief Rabbinate Update 014
April 7, 2009
13 Nissan 5769

PIZZA HUT WARNING
The following URL referring to “Pizzot” states a number of Israeli branches of Pizza (http://www.pizzot.co.il/article.php?art=3). The website lists the following branches as selling kosher for Passover items while this is NOT the case.
170 Derech Amir in Tel Aviv, 11 Bialach Street in Ramat Gan, 56 Ben-Gurion Street in Herzliya, In the Spiral Building and Peninat Eilat area in Eilat, Chorev Center in Haifa, Derech Ramatayim in Hod HaSharon, 91 Weizmann Street in Nes Tziona, 47 Weizmann in Kfar Saba, 6 Lishniski in Rishon L’Tzion West and 2 Aaronovitz Street in Cholon.  (more…)

March 22, 2009
26 Adar 5769

(Alert number 12 is directed as professionals in the Israel kashrut industry, giving operational guidelines for Passover preparations. Therefore, it was not translated and distributed).

BOGUS KASHRUT CERTIFICATES
In a raid conducted by inspectors in the Rechovot area, a number of establishments were found to be displaying unauthorized kashrut certificates, advertising themselves as kosher without having legitimate recognized kashrut certificates from an approved agency. The bogus certificates include Rabbi Menashe Belker, from Lod and Rabbi Avraham Etzraff – Keter Ladud. The certificates were confiscated by police. (See photo of item 1 in PDF Hebrew original. (more…)

March 5, 2009
9 Adar 5769

The Chief Rabbinate Fraud Division has learned that a quantity of ‘sodium cyclamate 13’ with a fraudulent certification has been introduced into the market and is being used in some food manufacturing factories. Inspectors raided the importers warehouse and found the suspected product, bearing an unauthorized certification from the London Bet Din. It also states Kosher for Passover, once again claiming certification from the London Bet Din.

The London Bet Din reports that it hasn’t granted certification to the Golden Sary Co LTD in Indonesia since 2005, and therefore the K-LBD is fraudulent. The item did not receive approval of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.  (more…)

February 17, 2009
23 Tevet 5769

Erroneous LABELING ON TOMATO PRODUCTS
Pri Nir Company – Lower Galil – tomato products with a regular hechsher from shmitah year were erroneously labeled as mehadrin with a Rabbinate supervision in addition to Badatz Agudat Yisrael. It has been decided that all tomato products from the factory from here on are only regular and not mehadrin supervision. Restaurants and caterers are requested not to use any of the company’s products marked with a mehadrin label.  (more…)

February 11, 2009
The Chief Rabbinate’s Kashrut Division conducted inspections in the Chadera area, listing a number of the businesses that were inspected.

1.    Armon David Hall (75 Weizman St. – Chadera)
2.    Pecan Forest Hall (8 Tzahal St. – Chadera)

During the inspection, meat suspected as non-kosher (traif) was found. Making things worse, the meat had forged stickers and labels attesting to its kosher integrity.

In one of the locales they found packages from the well-known Tibon Veal Company, with the product marked Soft Ribs. The stickers are not from the Tibon firm but forgeries. Follow the link below to the original Hebrew bulletin from the Rabbinate. If you cannot navigate the Hebrew text, you can still see the legitimate label on the right and the forgery to the left. They are both red and the forgery is alarmingly similar.

Another forged label from Tibol [in green and white] was found as well, product code 7290000557074, on meat marked #11(sint) (in Israel, meats cuts are identified by number unlike in N. America the name of a cut is usually used).

An inspection with rabbinical authorities, the Tibol Company and the slaughter house in Argentina revealed the products are indeed forgeries and in no way represent legitimate kosher packages from the company.

One relatively easy way to detect the forgeries is the label is attached to the outside of the vacuum packaging while in compliance with the law, the legitimate one carry the label inside the vacuum packaging.

In an unrelated inspected, packages of meat marked #12 (tenderloin), under the company name Ma’adnei Tela, product code 7290006714169, marked Chalak (glatt) Beit Yosef. Once again, the label is affixed to the outer vacuum packaging, not within as required, alerting inspectors. The experts also realized the bar code belongs to fillet, not the tenderloin. A number of other forgeries alerted the rabbis, including incorrect ink color for the kosher stamp and other markings.

The original PDF Hebrew file may be found on the Jerusalem Kosher News group website in the “File” section at
http://tinyurl.com/bktg35

The Rabbinate stresses the legitimate products of the company are indeed under kosher supervision and there is no need to return them or exhibit concern.

Rabbi Yaakov Sabag
Chief of Kashrut Division

Rabbi Rafi Yochai
Chief of National Kashrut Fraud Prevention

For questions, or comments please send me an email at Jerusalemkn@gmail.com . I will do my best to respond.

Yechiel Spira

November 24, 2008

26 Cheshvan 5769

This update, distributed by Rabbi Rafi Yochai of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, is sent to religious councils around the country.

This is NOT a word-for-word translation but does provide an in-depth overview of the Hebrew original.

TRAIF ALERT – The Lev HaSharon Rabbinate reports that a company operating under the name Meshek Zamir LTD (052-555-4946) are not under rabbinical supervision after they were apprehended with traif (non-kosher) meat. The company’s website advertises it is kosher, and the Rabbinate fears it still distributes a forged photocopied kashrut certificate. Meat is from a non-kosher butcher shop called Agnes, located in Tirah.

WARNING – Chocolate and pecan liquor produced under the label Yakvei HaNegev (Negev Wineries) for the Los Latinos Company, is advertising the product as mehadrin, under the supervision of the Badatz Eida Chareidit. The label states in English “Kosher Milky”. It has been learned that the product does not have any kosher supervision whatsoever.

Amko Company “Mizli” (dried fruit product) barcode 7290011501594, marketed under the label Sasson Hacola. Consumers noted it was bug-infested, prompting the Rabbinate inspection. The label states under the supervision of the Prague Rabbinate with import permission from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The kashrut claim is bogus.

Tabor- Syrian Olive Oil – one liter bottles with the label stating Nationwide Rabbinate certification and Chatam Sofer mehadrin. The kashrut claim is bogus.

Tarbush Bakery (08-945-9446) located in Rechovot – also packaging Du La Peh cookies and baked products – The kashrut claim is bogus.

Bat Yam based “Anak HaKa’akim” is no longer authorized to advertise as kosher after if was learned the company was printing bogus labels stating under the supervision of Bat Yam Rabbinate and Badatz Beit Yosef.

Shimna oil, located near Moshav Chagor – does not have a kashrut certification despite claims to the contrary. Inspectors found non-kosher oil on the premises.

Yehuda Regional Council Rabbinate has temporarily removed the kashrut certification of the 4 Seasons Catering due to “severe kashrut violations” that are not detailed in the report.

ZuZuba Restaurant in Afula – located on HaNasi Street - advertises as kosher mehadrin. It has no kosher supervision whatsoever.

Catering facility Chagiga B’kfar – advertising under the name Al Kad Café – near Kfar Hess – the establishment was caught serving food lacking any kosher certification as well as meat and milk products together. Rabbis are not permitted to conduct wedding ceremonies in the hall, which currently has no kosher certification.

Deli Cream Ice Cream – Netivot – advertises as kosher but has no kashrut certification whatsoever.

Following are stores advertising as kosher without authorization or had their certification revoked.

ZICHRON YAAKOV
The Moshava HaGedola – lost its certification.

HERZLIYA
Ugot Shel Rachel – lost its certification for non-compliance with Rabbinate directives.

PETACH TIKVAH
Shilat Café on Shimshon Street – the owners requested to terminate kashrut certification.

ROSH HAAYIN
Melech HaFalafel – kashrut certification revoked due to violations.

HAIFA
Armon Hall – 60 Histadrut Blvd – lost its kashrut certification.

AFULA
Abu Nassr Falafel – Old Shuk – lost its kashrut certification.

ZEVULUN
Ichut (Quality) Bakery – near Kfar Bialik – falsely advertising that it is under the supervision of Rabbi Yaakov Mor-Yosef.

KIRYAT TIVON
Shuki meats and mini market and take home food – 2 HaKalanit St. and a second location -  both have lost their kashrut certification.

NETIVOT
Kikar HaChama Bakery  and Deli Cream Ice Cream – 4 Samilo Street – no kashrut supervision.

TEL AVIV
Shaul Restaurant – 45 Eilat St – no kosher supervision despite claims to the contrary.

Grill Bar – 47 Yehuda Halevy St – Advertises as kosher. Does not have a Rabbinate supervision.

Bazil Congress Restaurant – 141 Even Givrol St – kosher certification revoked.

Bar Kokis Bakery – 31 She’erit Yisrael St – Advertises under the supervision of Tel Aviv Rabbinate but is not.

Ola Tortia Bar Restaurant – 2 Mikve Yisrael St – Advertises as kosher but has no supervision.

Eldin Bakery – in the central bus station – third floor – posts Shemen HaMishcha non-authorized kashrut agency. No Rabbinate certification.

Super Toast – Central bus station – 6th floor - posts Shemen HaMishcha non-authorized kashrut agency. No Rabbinate certification.

REPEAT REQUEST
For wedding halls, catering establishments and other locations – please release workers on erev Shabbat in time to reach their homes in time for Shabbat, the absolute latest 45 minutes before Shabbat.

No wedding ceremony is to take place on Friday after 13:00 in the summer and 12:00 in the winter. The last course of a meal may not be served later than three hours before Shabbat.

Special attention and alert to supervising rabbis in supermarkets and other stores which frequently carry donuts on Chanukah to ensure that carry proper kosher certification.

Rabbi Yaakov Sabag
Chief of Kashrut Division

Rabbi Rafi Yochai
Chief of National Kashrut Fraud Prevention

For questions, or comments please send me an email at Jerusalemkn@gmail.com . I will do my best to respond.

The original PDF Hebrew file may be found in the “File” section at
http://jerusalemkosher.googlegroups.com/web/Rabbanut%20update%204%20-%20November%2024%2C%202008.pdf?gda=AiZ1k10AAADskNBQv5sxGCYHN0OgpZY7eGYlw8M7JpK34pFUssqdINxMAslxsXqaASxCp2El2zMPir7Sc1If8ZG9gybDYtm8×7VSu0QbbOIpKaIMDiKSzuU2_747KStNgkfeVUa7Znk&gsc=_pYjKhYAAAAuwWLnEM0C1Gu0ayL26loM57an5Fe8QJeePd7zpGv9tg

October 12,  2008

13 Tishrei 5769
This update, distributed by Rabbi Rafi Yochai of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, is sent to religious councils around the country.

This is NOT a word-for-word translation but does provide an in-depth overview of the Hebrew original.

1.    The OK kashrus organization reports that dry red Merlo wine sold under the Gilgal label is not authorized as stated on the product’s label . The item’s barcode is 5942154000213. Rabbinate officials report the statement that the wine is authorized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel is also a forgery and the wine should be removed wherever found.

2.    Another forgery, states it is under the supervision of the OU with Chief Rabbinate approval. Altit Veruda in salt. (Sorry, no idea what this product is). Barcode – 7290012019371.

3.    The kashrus was removed from Ale Mehudar bug free greens after it was learned the ‘regular’ products were being advertised as ‘mehadrin’. It is sold under the Ale HaEmek company name.

4.    Mashgichim have been reporting the presence of a significant number of insects in Hydro Yerek greens. Tests of the product confirm the concerns, indicating a high level of infestation despite being marketed as an insect-free product.

5.    A surprise inspected was conducted at the Pita House, Basson Bakery located at 70 Bar Kochba Street in Petach Tikvah. Rabbis found the firm affixing labels stating Kosher Under the Tel Aviv Rabbinate to products. A check with the Tel Aviv Rabbinate revealed the bakery has no kashrus supervision whatsoever.

6.    Rabbi Shlomo Sabag Shlita, Rav of the Drom HaSharon Regional Council appears to have become the victim of a fraud. His name is being used on certificates attesting that he has met with and certified couples for marriage. It has been learned the bogus certificates are being issued by a Rabbi Yosef Ben Harush of Netanya who lacks any authorization for his actions. Rabbis responsible for certifying couples prior to a wedding are urged to check with local rabbinate officials to ensure the authenticity of certificates.

7.    Anis Caterers is presenting itself as kosher under the supervision of Bnei Ayish Rabbinate has no kosher supervision whatsoever.

8.    Update from Rav Moshe Dovid Alzes Shlita, from the KF kashrus in England: Unifine Food and Bake Ingredient has lost its kosher supervision after refusing to permit kosher inspectors total access to their premises. Their chocolate and other commercial ingredients are not to be used.

9.    From the Brenner Regional Council Rabbinate: The supervision from the Matim catering hall in Moshav Elazri has been removed.

10.    CORRECTION: Regarding an item in update 025 from 5768 – The Eldar Yuzmot Bakery in Kfar Veradim is under the supervision of the Maalot Rabbinate and maintains a mehadrin kashrus operation. Please ignore the erroneous report in the earlier update.

11.    Tel Aviv Rabbinate: Fruiti Ice Cream located at 158 Iben Givrol Street is indeed certified by the TA Rabbinate.

12.    Rabbis and consumers are urged to use caution and familiarize themselves with kosher certificates and ensure they buy products that are not the result of shmitah violations.

13.    One should remember wine and grape juice classified as Otzar Beit Din has kedusha of shmitah and must be handled accordingly.

14.     Those interested in adhering to the law of “Lavud” regarding a sukka should only purchase the material prefab sukkot with the three bars on the sides of three walls. This in compliance with the opinion of the Chazon Ish and others to ensure the flapping of the cloth wall is not questionable regarding its integrity as a kosher sukka.

Rabbi Yaakov Sabag
Chief of Kashrut Division

Rabbi Rafi Yochai
Chief of National Kashrut Fraud Prevention

For questions, or comments please send me an email at Jerusalemkn@gmail.com . I will do my best to respond.

The original PDF Hebrew file may be found in the “File” section at
http://jerusalemkosher.googlegroups.com/web/Rabbanut%20update%201-%20October%2012%2C%202008.pdf?gda=TGdbRFsAAADskNBQv5sxGCYHN0OgpZY7yp_9OZiya9vZRqA2R5av-3xMt5IfKjwhaVYViywT4mwZA3mB6O_f4YvBO7tDWLsUWwmLzbGEmWXMvZvvRX5lHAZF2vdCvKU-TDZpFtcP-AU&gsc=aiqdfQsAAABWS7oU2jFMJDRq5OCeFbeX