By Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer
RC-Dairy

(Permission granted to JKN by the OU - Published originally in the OU Daf Hakasrus)

The article was written in the beginning of 2009.

Halacha states that milk which is produced without hashgacha (r’iyah of a Yisroel) is non-kosher; such milk is termed “cholov akum”. This rule is a gezeirah, lest milk from non-kosher animals be mixed into what otherwise could be assumed to be kosher milk. Milk is only permissible when a Yisroel watches the milking, verifying that milk from non-kosher animal species is not incorporated. (Yoreh Deah 115:1, from Maseches Avodah Zarah daf 35b) (more…)

By Rabbi Peretz Moncharsh

Question: Can you explain the concept of cholov yisrael (Jewish milk) regarding milk and cheese products today, including butter. I am also interested in understanding if cholov yisrael is necessary today – in light of the decision released many years ago by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, who I understand was a leading halachic authority in his generation. (more…)

Part 3 in the series prepared for JKN by Rabbi Tzvi Liker

III - “Kosher?” Or “Kosher!”
In our first columns we raised the question of establishing a kashrus system for those who interest in kashrus is minimal at best.  This week I would like to deal with that topic more in depth.

(Note:  The term “Rabbinate” in these articles refers to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.  “Rabbanut” refers to the local Rabbanut of each city.)  (more…)

QUESTION: For those of us who are privileged to live in Israel, especially the new immigrants, we immediately learn about the obligation to take tithes, trumot and ma’asrot on fruits and vegetables. I understand that the laws today are only of a Rabbinical nature, yet the demand for adherence by kashrut agencies leads me to believe there is more to it.

Also, are we required to separate trumot and ma’asrot on our home, at home? I thought the kashrut agencies take care of this but now I am hearing many shomer shabbat people do so at home as well, without a bracha.

Please explain the matter, and tell us what is law and required and what is possibly an admirable act but not demanded by Torah or Rabbinical law.  (more…)

Part 2 in the series prepared for JKN by Rabbi Tzvi Liker

II - Kashrus Laws
Last time, we began to discuss the kashrus laws in Israel.  What we will try to do over the next few weeks is to continue explaining the laws, and then get into specifics.

The second law we mentioned permits the Rabbinate to delegate it’s authority to “others”.  In essence, this means that the different kashrus agencies known as BaDa”TZes are empowered to grant certification by the Rabbinate.  This is a rather odd situation, as many of these BaDa”TZes are opposed in principle to the concept of The Chief Rabbinate and its authority.  (more…)

Following is part one of a series of articles prepared for JKN by Rabbi Tzvi Liker

It is a relatively straightforward process to design kashrus guidelines for those who care about the kashrus of their food.  For example, a rosh yeshiva tells his bochurim, “We use hechsher “X”, but not hechsher “Y”.   The talmidim, will use hechsher “X” and not hechsher “Y”.   A Rebbe tells his Chassidim that in their circles they accept only certain hechsheirim.  Being devoted disciples, they follow his lead.  End of story.

If only it were so easy in the “real world”.  (more…)

QUESTION:
I understand there is a halacha of pas yisrael (Jewish bread). Is it true that all bread in Israel is indeed pas yisrael? Is bread from non-Jews permitted if there is a hechsher? Is the issue of pas yisrael only relevant in Elul or between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?  I believe I heard a rabbi say that during the 10 Days of Penitence we must be strict but there is no need during the year is bread has a good kashrut supervision.   (more…)

Question: I am going to a restaurant. How can I know if I may eat there? (004)

First find out which hecsher it has. If you recognize it as a reliable hechsher (i.e. you’ve been told in the recent past by your Rav or halachic advisor that this hechsher is reliable) then you may eat there without concern. (more…)

QUESTION: I am wondering why today the issue of bug/insect infestation has become so prominent. Our parents and grandparents were observant and this did not seem to be an issue. Is this a stringency or is this actual halacha.

I understood that an insect that is not visible to the eye is not a problem so why do we need to eat the ‘gush katif’ greens and why the big deal about strawberries? (more…)

What is the truth about raisins here and imported? Last year there was a whole to do about the KAJ OU and CRC releasing various statements that all raisins are infested etc. Can we eat USA and or Israeli raisins? Do they have to be checked? If yes how? If there are raisins in cereal etc. do we have to remove them and check them? If yes how?
Thanks!  (more…)