ב”ה

KISLEV 5777כסלו תשע”ז

C E R T I F I E D S O U L N U T R I T I O N

Dear Reader,Today, kosher consumers are more vigilant and scrupulous than ever; they expect the highest standards and immediate answers to their questions.

Gone are the days when the kosher consumer blindly relied on the certifying rabbi and organization without questioning their protocols and decisions. In the age of transparency and easy access to a world of information at one’s fingertips, consumers have become accustomed to quick replies and answers to all of their inquiries.

At ~ Kosher we have kept up with the needs of the kosher consumer, as well. And no one knew this more up-close and personal than Mrs. Miriam Wudowsky, a”h. For the past 20 years, Mrs. Wudowsky patiently answered your kosher related questions and managed the ~ Kosher Consumers’ desk. Mrs. Wudowsky also sent out all of the ~ Kosher kashrus alerts to other kashrus agencies, media outlets, as well as to many individual consumers. These alerts are vital and the first call of action to let the public know the latest status of any given product.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Wudowsky returned her neshomah to her Creator right before Yom Kippur, leaving a vacuum not only at the ~, but to thousands of kosher consumers throughout the world, who knew her voice but never saw her face. In this issue, in honor of Mrs. Wudowsky, OBM, we dedicate an article on Kosher Alerts, to give you a bit of an insight of why and how they are done.

Mrs. Wudowsky is survived by her children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, BA”H, who will certainly miss her. Here at ~ Kosher, her presence and friendly smile are greatly missed as well.

May Miriam bas Meir Dov rest in peace and be a gutter better on behalf of us all. Rabbi Chaim FogelmanEditor in Chief

KOSHER SPIRIT Chanukah 5777EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Rabbi Chaim FogelmanEDITOR:Dina Fraenkel DESIGN: Spotlight Design

We welcome your comments, submissions and letters to the editor.Mail: 391 Troy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213Email: editor@kosherspirit.com© 2015. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without written consent from the publisher.

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SHARE YOUR SPIRIT

QUESTIONS FOR THE ~

HEALTHY SPIRIT

FLEISCHMANN’S: A TRADITION OF QUALITY

EYE ON KOSHER: XANTHAN GUM by Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel

316 WAYS ~ KOSHERED YOUR WORLD IN 2016

KEEPING KOSHER IN PRISON by Leigh Hershkovich

SEALED WITH THE STAMP OF THE KOHEN GADOL

IN MEMORIAM: MRS. MIRIAM WUDOWSKY OB”M

ANNUAL ~ CONFERENCE IN PICTURES

CHANUKAH RECIPE: STUFFED LATKES

WHO’S BEHIND THE ~ Rabbi Eli Lando

CHASSIDIC INSIGHTS Compiled by Dina Fraenkel

SOUL NUTRITION by Rabbi Chaim Fogelman

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F E E D B A C K

Share Your SpiritReaders share their thoughts...

www.KosherSpirit.com 3

Dear Kosher Spirit,

The effect of ~ Kosher is surprising and profound. While on hold, a caller and her mother were listening to the “on hold music”. They said they chouldn’t remember why they stopped lighting Shabbos candles and decided to light them again and were so happy to receive the CD from the office. - Chanie R.

~ CERTIFIED PARVELLA CHOCOLATE SPREAD BY

PARVELLA INTERNATIONAL WON BEST IN SHOW IN THE

ANNUAL NEW PRODUCT COMPETITION THAT

PRECEDES KOSHERFEST! PARVELLA BEAT OUT

HUNDREDS OF NEW PRODUCTS IN THIS ANNUAL COMPETITION JUDGED BY A PANEL OF CONSUMERS AND

EXPERTS.

IS DARK CHOCOLATE REALLY DAIRY FREE? Is Dark Chocolate really dairy free? A 2014 FDA study revealed that over 50% of surveyed dark chocolate tested positive for milk even when NO DAIRY INGREDIENTS WERE LISTED ON THE LABEL! This study shows what kosher certifications agencies have known all along – production methods affect the pareve or dairy status of products, even when the product does not officially contain milk!

Please note: when Pareve chocolate says “May contain traces of milk” this can refer to airborne particles and is only an allergen warning that does not affect kosher pareve status.

The ~ receives many letters/emails with kosher questions...

4 www.OK.org

DEAR KOSHER SPIRIT,IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO SOAK AND WASH LETTUCE ON SHABBOS AND YOM TOV? HOW ABOUT PRE-CHECKED LETTUCE THAT SAYS TO WASH BEFORE USING?

The ~ Responds:It is permissible to soak, wash and check all lettuce on Shabbos and Yom Tov. It does not have to be done immediately before the meal, because washing is not considered a form of separating. Please refer to our Vegetable Checking Guide for complete instructions. www.ok.org/assets/files/OK_Veggie_Checking_Guide.pdf

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Chanukah is the Festival of Lights, when we kindle our menorahs in the doorway to light up the outside world, with both a physical and a spiritual light. Here’s 8 ways that we benefit from natural (sun) light.

Natural light increases serotonin production, which improves productivity and increases happiness and calm.

Exposure to natural light can help prevent depression and lift one’s spirits.

Sunlight is the primary source of adequate vitamin D exposure (an essential vitamin to our health).

Natural light in your home reduces mildew and mold growth.

LIGHT

Adequate exposure to natural light helps regulate your sleep/wake cycle and is essential for a good night’s sleep.

Moderate sun exposure is thought to decrease one’s risk of certain cancers, including pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and colon cancers.

Sun exposure can help treat psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, and acne.

Having significant sources of natural light in your home can reduce electricity costs by 75% due to the reduced need for artificial lighting and heating.

It’s important to note that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you are going out during this time for

more than 15 minutes, it’s best to wear sunscreen.

6 www.OK.org6 www.OK.org

Traditions surrounding baking directly link us to our past. Whether it’s a box full of weathered recipes handwritten by a relative, the recollec-

tion of helping prepare a special holiday meal as a child or the aroma of a freshly baked Challah, they all conjure up warm memories of time spent with loved ones and a connection between the past and present.

For centuries and generations, baked goods have been a staple of diets around the world. 5,000 years ago, unleavened, flat breads were all that people knew. Around this time, it is be-lieved a baker set aside some dough and forgot to place it on the fire. This dough eventually soured and expanded dramatically because of the natural growth of its yeast cells. When this dough was added to the batch, it produced an aerated and raised bread, unlike anything seen before. From that mo-ment on, the world of baking would never be the same.

Fast-forward to the 1860s when enterprising brothers and immigrants to the United States, Charles and Maxi-millian Fleischmann, set out to change the baking industry in their ad-

opted homeland when they launched Fleischmann’s Yeast Company.

Charles was born in Austria-Hungry in 1834 and was the son of a baker. Armed with the knowledge of the fam-

ily trade, he left home at the tender age of thirteen and spent the next six years learning distilling and yeast technology with master craftsmen in Prague and Vienna. Charles eventually became the super-intendent at a large distillery and yeast production facility in Hungary and then sought a new life in America, after attending his sister’s wedding in New York City.

Unlike Europeans, Americans at this time be-lieved homemade bread was superior to anything made by local, commercial bakers. In addition,

because baking conditions varied greatly from bakery to bakery, maintaining uniformity of yeast mixtures was dif-ficult and resulted in breads that lacked quality and con-sistency.

This all changed when Fleis-chmann’s introduced

Fleischmann’sA tradition of quality

~

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America’s first commercially produced compressed yeast cake in 1868. This revolutionary product allowed for greater leavening power and more uniform dough fermentation, resulting in better tasting and higher quality bread.

After successfully exhibiting the benefits of their yeast at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, the public took notice and acceptance of com-mercially produced bread became commonplace. De-mand skyrocketed and baked goods became part of everyday American life.

Nearly 150 years later, the Fleischmann’s name lives on at AB Mauri and its catalog of traditional and innovative products is helping today’s commercial and artisanal bakers feed the world, one loaf of bread at a time. Whether you’re making one roll or 1,000, Fleischmann’s Yeast is still the name to turn to after all these years.

A wide variety of Fleischmann’s yeasts are certified kosher. Adherence to cleanliness, purity and quality is a hallmark of our brands and our commitment to both customers and consumers. We are proud to carry OK Kosher certification, one of the most-trusted and well-recognized certifications in the food industry.

As you gather with family and friends this holiday season over meals, it’s a great time to remember all of the customs passed down from generation to genera-

tion and know that it’s never too late to start a tradition of your own.

acloser

look

What is

Xanthan gum?Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel

Xanthan gum is a white to tan colored powder used in many food products. It is commonly used in condiments such as salad dressings and sauces, jams and fruit fillings to add viscosity and help stabilize the products by preventing ingredients, such as oils, from separating from the mixture. It is also used in ice cream to keep the texture smooth and prevent the formation of ice crystals. Xanthan gum can be used as a gluten replacement as it helps give gluten free dough a sticky consistency.

HOW IS XANTHAN GUM MADE?Xanthan gum is made from the fermentation of carbohydrates (sugars). The bacteria strain Xanthomonas campestris is fed with carbohydrate and metabolizes the sugars into a liquid solution. The solution is mixed with alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol) which causes the gum to separate from the water. The gum is then rinsed, dried and ground.The carbohydrate used for the xanthan gum can be derived from cane sugar, lactose (dairy), corn or wheat. In the United States, xanthan gum is most often derived from corn because it is a cheap, subsidized crop. However, because corn is typically GMO, other types of carbohydrate are used in the USA to make non-GMO xanthan gum. In South America, cane sugar is often used due to the low sugar prices, while in Europe wheat sweeteners are commonly used.

IS XANTHAN GUM KOSHER? Every fermentation process causes kosher concerns due to the ingredients that are used to make the fermentation more effective. The alcohol is also a kosher concern. Ethanol can be derived from grapes (non-kosher), lactose (dairy), wheat and barley (chometz).The ~ recommends using only Xanthan gum with a reliable kosher certification.

Fleischmann’sA tradition of quality

A.P. ORGANICS LIMITEDINDIARice Bran Oil

ABELES & HEYMANN, LLCNEW JERSEYMeat Products

AC IMPORTSNORTH CAROLINACoffee

AGRANA ROMANIA SAROMANIASugar & Molasses

ALCOHOLES DEL ITSMO, SAPANAMAEthyl Alcohol

ALIMENTOS NARANJA VERDE LTDACOLOMBIADried Fruits

ALIMENTOS SELECTOS S.A. GUATEMALAMacadamias

ALKA WATERPUERTO RICOWater

ALLANN BROS. COFFEE INC. OREGONCoffee

AMEVA FINE FOOD EUROPE LTD.BULGARIACanned Vegetables

AMIRA BASMATI RICE GMBH EURGERMANYRice

ANHUI HUAXIN PERFUME CO., LTD.CHINAEssential Oils

ARIEL GLATT KOSHER MARKETCALIFORNIAGrocery

AROMATICS INC.WASHINGTONTea Leaves

ATHENA BRANDS DBA GREEN MUSTACHEOrganic Smoothies

B&H GRILLCALIFORNIARestaurant

BALTIC DAIRY BOARD LTD.LATVIADairy Products

BIBI’S BAKERY & CAFÉCALIFORNIARestaurant

BIG “J” MILLING & ELEVATOR CO., INC.UTAHFlour Blends

BIONEUTRA FOFIBER BIOLOGICAL & SCIENCE (ZHAOQING) CO. LTD. CHINAEnzymes

BIONEUTRA NORTH AMERICACANADASweetener

BIOPROXFRANCECultures & Probiotics

BLACK DIAMOND FOODSCALIFORNIABeverages & Baking Supplies

BLISS UNLIMITED LLCOREGONIce Cream

BLOMMER CHOCOLATE CO.CALIFORNIAChocolates

BOBBYSUE’S NUTS! LLCNEW YORKFlavored Nuts

BOB’S RED MILLOREGONOats

BOW AND ARROW FOODS LLCCOLORADOCorn Products

BRICKSTONE GROUP INC. DBA LORD DE PASTRYPastries

BRINSADOMINICAN REPUBLICSalt

BROOKLYN COOKIE COMPANYNEW YORKMeringue Cookies

BROWN & HALEYSnack Foods

BTSA BIOTECNOLOGIES APLICADAS, SLSPAINAntioxidants

BUSHMILLS DISTILLERYIRELANDIrish Whiskey

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL GARLICSPAINGarlic

BY THE WAY BAKERYNEW YORKGluten Free Baked Goods

CA CATERINGCALIFORNIACaterer

CHAMPAWAT BIOTECH PVT. LTD.INDIAVitamins

CHEF ROBERTS, INC.CALIFORNIAFruit Snacks

CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICALS INT. NVBELGIUMLubricants

CHICK N CHOWCALIFORNIARestaurant

CHINO VALLEY RANCHERSCALIFORNIAEggs

CHOCO FINESSE LLCINDIANAConfectionaries

CHOCOLATERIE DE BOURGOGNEFRANCEChocolates

CHUCKANUT BAY FOODSWASHINGTONCakes & Desserts

CITRUS DISTILLERSFLORIDAAlcoholic Beverages

CLEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PRIVATE LIMITEDINDIASpecialy Chemicals

COATINGS ADHESIVES CORPORATIONNORTH CAROLINACoatings

COCOTANA COCONUT PRODUCTSSRI LANKACoconut Products

CORPORACION ECUATORIANA DE ALIMENTOS Y BEBIDAS CORPABE S.A.ECUADORUHT Milk Products

COTTERELL COCOA SERVICES GMBHGERMANYCocoa Products

COURVOISIER SASFRANCEXO Cognac Courvoisier

COUSINS FOOD DBA JERICHOCALIFORNIAHummus

CREATIVE ENERGY FOODSCALIFORNIANutritional Bars

CREATIVE FLAVOR CONCEPTS, INC.CALIFORNIAFlavors

CULINARY FARMS INC.CALIFORNIASpices & Dried Vegetables

CV. SUMBER WAHANA SEJATIINDONESIABleaching Earth

DAELIM INDUSTRIALSOUTH KOREAPlasticizers

DALTON BIOTECNOLOGIE SRLITALYCultures

DANNY’S FAMILY TRUCK WASH & SERVICE CENTERARIZONATruck Wash

316 WAYS ~ Koshered your world in 2016!

KOSHERCERTIFICATIONNEW COMPANIES 2016

DARIGOLDWASHINGTON

DAUPER INDUSTRIA E COMERCIO DE BISCOITOS SABRAZILCookies & Granola

DECO & OTTOFLORIDACheese

DELICE BAKERYCALIFORNIABakery

DITMAS KITCHEN & COCKTAILCALIFORNIARestaurant

DRIFTWOOD DAIRYCALIFORNIADairy Products

DYLA, LLCNEW JERSEYBeverages

EINHORN’S EPIC COOKIESNEW YORKCookies

ELEGANT EVENTSCALIFORNIACaterer

ELITE CUISINECALIFORNIACaterer

EMMI SCHWEIZ AGSWITZERLANDMilk Products

ERBAK ULUDUG A.S.TURKEYBeverages

ESSENTIAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCESCALIFORNIAFlavors, Fragrances, Extracts & Blends

ESTABLECIMIENTO OLIVUM SAARGENTINAOlive Oil

FAIRFAX FISHERYFish Products

FELBRO FOOD PRODUCTSCALIFORNIAFood Service Ingredients

FINCA LA GRAMANOSASPAINOlive Oil

FISH GRILL (BEVERLY)CALIFORNIARestaurant

FISH GRILL (MALIBU)CALIFORNIARestaurant

FISH GRILL (PICO)CALIFORNIARestaurant

FLAGMAN SEAFOOD LLCUKRAINESmoked Fish

FLAVOR PRODUCERS INC.CALIFORNIAFlavors

FLEX FILMSPackaging

FREEZE DRY FOODS INC. NEW YORKFreeze Dried Fruits

FRESHMIX BEVERAGEFLORIDAVodka

FRESHPRO FOODNEW JERSEYCut Fruits & Vegetables

FRUIT NATION COMPANYEGYPTFrozen Fruits & Vegetables

FUJIAN LIXING FOOD CO., LTD. CHINAFreeze Dried Fruits & Vegetables

FUJIAN LUBAO FOOD GROUP CO., LTD.CHINACanned Vegetables

FUJIAN ORIENTLAND FOODS CO., LTD. CHINADehydrated Fruits & Vegetables

FUPING ZHONGLU FRUIT & VEGETABLE JUICE CO. LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

GARANTIE AVANTAGE DISTRIBUTIONFRANCEBaked Goods

GARCIA BAQUEROSPAINWhey Products

GFF, INC.CALIFORNIASalad Dressings & Mayo

GINGER TIPPLEBELGIUMGinger Beverages

GLATT WESTERN KOSHERCALIFORNIAGrocery

GLOBAL FARMS ENTERPRISES INC.CALIFORNIAFresh Garlic, Ginger, Shallots

GOURMET NUTS & DRIED FRUIT LLCNEW JERSEYNuts & Dried Fruit

GREENFIELD BIO PLANTATIONS (PVT) LTDSRI LANKATea & Herb Products

GULJAG INDUSTRIES LIMITED INDIAChemicals

HADA INTERNATIONAL S.A.COLOMBIASoap Products

HALFTIME GRILLNEW YORKSports Bar

HARINAS Y SEMOLAS DEL NOROESTE S.A. (HASENOSA)SPAINGluten Free Crumbs

HARTYBAKE - BAKING WITH HEARTGEORGIAWaffles

HEALTHY NATURALTEXASPowdered Drink Mixes

HEBEI SDIC ZHONGLU FRUIT & VEGETABLE JUICE CO. LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

HEBEI SUSUKANG FOOD TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.CHINASoy Products

HERO NUTRITIONAL FOOD INDUSTRIESEGYPTJams & Juices

HEXX CHOCOLATENEVADAChocolates

HILLANDALE FARMS EAST DBA NEARBY EGGSPENNSYLVANIAEggs

HOLY FRIJOLESCALIFORNIAFood Truck

HONEYVILLE FOOD PRODUCTS, INC.

Grain Products

HUZHOU ZHANWANG PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.CHINAPharmaceuticals

ICAM SPAITALYChocolates

INDUSTRIA E COMERCIO DE CREMES DA AMAZONIA LTDABRAZILFrozen Fruit Products

INGENIO LA UNIONGUATEMALASugar

INTEGRATED FOOD SERVICECALIFORNIAPizza Dough

INULINA Y MIEL DE AGAVE S.A. DE C.V.MEXICOAgave, Stevia & Chia

ION EXCHANGEINDIAChemicals

JACQUES TORRES MANUFACTURINGNEW YORKChocolates

JAINSONS AGROCHEM INDUSTRIESINDIAGuar Gum Powder

JARROW INDUSTRIESCALIFORNIANeutraceuticals

JD ALMOND FARMS INC.CALIFORNIAAlmonds

JEFF’S GOURMET SAUSAGE FACTORYCALIFORNIARestaurant

JET FOODSFLORIDASpices & Seasonings

JIANGSU XIXIN VITAMIN CO., LTD.CHINAVitamins

JINGYANG YIKE FRESH FRUIT JUICE CO. LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

JOY SNACKSNEW YORKSnack Products

JUST COOK FOODS LLCCALIFORNIASpice Blends

KALLE USA, INC.ILLINOISSausage Casings

KASHI HUIYUAN TAOTAO FRUITS CO.,LTDCHINAJuice Concentrates

KDIS - KOSHER DISTRIBUTIONFRANCELemon & Lime Juice

KLING ZAK INDUSTRIES INC. NEW YORKTable Covers

KOSHER PIZZA STATIONCALIFORNIARestaurant

LA BREA BAGELCALIFORNIARestaurant

LA BREA KOSHER MARKETCALIFORNIAGrocery

LA BURGER BARCALIFORNIARestaurant

LANCO DAIRY FARMS CO-OP LLC

MARYLANDDairy Products

LECOQ CUISINE CORPFrozen Pastries

LIANYUNGANG JINKANG PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDCHINAFood Additives

LIAONING SDIC ZHONGLU FRUIT JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

LIAONING YINGHE AROMA CHEMICAL COMPANY LTD.CHINAEthylene Brassylate

LIEDER’S TAKE-OUT & CATERINGCALIFORNIACaterer

LILY OF THE DESERTTEXASAloe Vera

LINDEN COOKIES INC.NEW YORKCookies

LINYI DSIC ZHONGLU FRUIT JUICE COMPANY LIMITEDCHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

10 www.OK.org

LITTLE BIRDNEW YORKCandied Jalapenos

LLC MALBI FOODSUKRAINEChocolates

LONGHAI SHIQIANG FREEZEN FOOD CO., LTD.CHINASoybean Products

LOVE YOUR HEALTHMICHIGANNut Products

LTI INC.WASHINGTONTanker Transport

LUCTA GRANCOLOMBIANA SASCOLOMBIAFlavors

LUDFORD’SCALIFORNIAFruit Juices

LUDWIG WEINRICH GMBH & CO. KGGERMANYLiquid Chocolate

M&Z ENTERPRISE, LLCNEW JERSEYSnack Foods

M. AKKERMAN LTD. ISRAELWhiskey

MADYSON’S MARSHMALLOWSUTAHMarshmallows

MAIN HOUSE BBQNEW YORKRestaurant

MANISCHEWITZNEW JERSEYSnack Products

MARUMO AOKI MISO SHOYU JOZOJO CO., LTD.JAPANMiso

MED STARLINE GLOBAL GIDA MAD SAN VTURKEYPistachios

MEDITERRANEAN CHEFNEW JERSEYDips & Salads

MENDOCINO FOODS INC.CALIFORNIAMustard

MERIT FOOD PRODUCTS CO. LTD.THAILANDCoconut Products

MERRYGO SPIRITS LLCVodka

MIAMI BEACH CHOCOLATESFLORIDAChocolates

MIDNIGHT MADNESS DISTILLINGPENNSYLVANIAAlcoholic Beverages

MIMI’S SWEETS LLCNEW YORKCandies

MISSISSIPPI BLUE RICEMISSISSIPPIRice

MIX1 LIFEARIZONAProtein Shakes

MM NY HOLDINGS INC. DBA PIECE OF VELVETNEW YORKCakes

MOBEEUS DBA BEVERLY ELITE CAFÉCALIFORNIARestaurant

MOUNT OLIVE GOURMET FOODSCALIFORNIAFalafel

MS BIO CO., LTD SOUTH KOREASeaweed

MUNCHIESCALIFORNIARestaurant

NAGILA PIZZA & MEATING PLACECALIFORNIARestaurant

NAPOLI KOSHER PIZZACALIFORNIARestaurant

NATIONAL FOOD TRADING CORP.NEW JERSEYPeach Slices

NATURACEITES, SAGUATEMALASugar Products

NESTLE DE COLOMBIACOLOMBIABiscuits

NEW YORK GLATT KOSHER CATERERSNEW YORKCaterer

NEWBY TEAS OVERSEAS PVT LTDINDIATea Products

NEWPORT FLAVOURS & FRAGRANCES/NATURE’S FLAVORS/SELECT TEACALIFORNIAFlavors

NO. 3 PROCESSING PLANT OF TAI’AN TAISHAN ASIA FOOD CO., LTD.CHINAFrozen Vegetables

NOOUR INC. CALIFORNIADates

NOVITAS NUTRITIONALSUTAHToco Trienol

OLYMPUS ORGANICSUTAHBotanicals

ONIBRAS PRODUTOS QUIMICOS LTDA - EPPBRAZILChemicals

ORANGE DELITE & GRILLCALIFORNIARestaurant

OREGON ICE CREAMOREGONIce Cream

ORGANIC WELLNESS PRODUCTS PVT LTDINDIAHerbal Supplements

ORGANICALLY RAW, LLCFLORIDANutritional Bars

OUR DAILY BREADNEW YORKGluten Free Baked Goods

OWOKS SUSHIMYCALIFORNIARestaurant

PACIFIC GRAIN & FOODSCALIFORNIANuts & Seeds

PACIFIC KOSHER GRILLCALIFORNIARestaurant

PACIFIC KOSHER RESTAURANTCALIFORNIARestaurant

PALERMO BAKERYNEW JERSEYBaked Goods

PANNA & POMODORO, SL SPAINPizza Base Products

PARKER MAPLE FARMSNEW YORKMaple Syrup Products

PARVELLA INTERNATIONAL S.R.LITALYParve Chocolate Spread

PEARL VALLEY SPECIALTY EGG PRODUCTS INC. ILLINOISEggs

PHARMASCIENCE INC.CANADAFluoride Tablets

PICO CAFÉCALIFORNIARestaurant

PICO GLATT KOSHER MARKETCALIFORNIAGrocery

PICO KOSHER DELICALIFORNIARestaurant

PIZZA MAYVENCALIFORNIARestaurant

PIZZA WORLDCALIFORNIARestaurant

PLATINUM CATERINGCALIFORNIACaterer

PLEASANT GROVE FARMS/SILLS FARM INC.CALIFORNIABeans, Wheat & Popcorn

PLYNROZ ASSLOVAKIAAlcoholic Beverages

POLAR FOODSCANADAFlax Oil

POLIT FARMSCALIFORNIARice & Beans

POPCORN COUNTY USANEBRASKAPopcorn Seeds

POPPIES INTERNATIONAL INC. NORTH CAROLINAPastries

PRE MAZON LTD.ISRAELBaked Goods

PREFER PRODUCTS BRANDSMICHIGANPita Chips

PRODUCTOS LUXPANAMAVinegar

PROMENADE BAR & GRILLNEW YORKBar/Sushi

PT. KAO INDONESIA CHEMICALINDONESIAFatty Alcohols

PUCHENG HAOLIYUAN FRUIT INDUSTRY CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

PUNTO GOFRE, SLSPAINWafers

QST INGREDIENTS & PACKAGINGLiquid Smoke

QUALITY FISH PROCESSING LANKA (PVT) LTD.SRI LANKAFish Products

QUEENS BAKESHOP DBA ALAN’SNEW YORKBakery

R&R DISTRIBUTIONS INC.K-Cups

RAPHY’S CATERING SERVICESCALIFORNIACaterer

REEDSBURG EGG COMPANYWISCONSINEggs

RISVOLD’S INC.CALIFORNIAFresh Salads

RIZO LOPEZ FOODSCALIFORNIAOrganic Whey

ROYAL FOODSMICHIGANTahina

RTX SCIENTIFIC INC.OREGONIce Machine Cleaner

RUSHAN ZHONGCHENG FRUIT JUICE CO. LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

SABIEDRIBA IMS LTDLATVIASardines

SABINSA CORPORATIONNEW JERSEYDietary Supplements

SABOREZAMEXICOFlavors

SABR CHEMICALS GROUPFLORIDAPropylene Glycol

SALLY SHERMAN FOODSNEW YORKSalads

SALMON RIVER FOODS DBA DREAM CHOCOLATEIDAHOChocolates

SAMI LABS LIMITEDINDIANeutraceuticals

SAM’S KOSHER BAKERYCALIFORNIABakery

SANMENXIA BAIJIALIDA FRUIT & VEGETABLE JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

SANMENXIA LUCKY MORE JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAJuice & Juice Concentrates

SCHNITZLYCALIFORNIARestaurant

SCHWARTZ BAKERYCALIFORNIABakery

SEAFOOD IMPORTS, INC.CALIFORNIAFrozen Fish

SEBC SEBASTIAN MAGDAPOLANDVodka

SHAANXI HENGXING HEYANG FRUIT JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

SHAANXI SCIPHAR NATURAL PRODUCTS CO. LTD.CHINAHerbal Extracts

SHANDONG HONGDA BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY LTD.CHINAEthanol & Acetic Acid

SHANDONG KUNDA BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.CHINASorbic Acid Products

SHANDONG LULING FRUIT JUICE CO. LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

SHANGHAI DIAMOND GARDENCALIFORNIARestaurant

SHANXI SDIC ZHONGLU FRUIT JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

SHEANDRO LTDHONG KONGOlive Oil

SHEFACALIFORNIARestaurant

SHILOH’S RESTAURANTCALIFORNIARestaurant

SHIRLEY BAR LIVINGNEW YORKHealth Products

SHUFERSAL LTD.ISRAELButter Products

SKOBLOFOOD LTD.ISRAELMatzah

SMART FOODSCALIFORNIAOils

SNACK IT FORWARDCALIFORNIASnacks

SNP INC.NORTH CAROLINACoating Materials

SPECIALTY ENZYMES & BIOCHEMICALSCALIFORNIAEnzymes

SPECRIGHT PROCESSING LLC DBA SUNGISTIXCALIFORNIASeeds & Grains

SUMMIT FOODSOREGONDried Fruit & Pie Fillings

SUZHOU TIPACK CO., LTD.CHINAShrink Bags

TAIAN SOLAR SUMMIT FOOD CO., LTD. CHINADehydrated Vegetables

TAIAN TAISHAN ASIA FOOD CO. LTD.CHINAFrozen Vegetables

TEQUILA LAS AMERICASMEXICOTequila

THANKSGIVING COFFEE CO. INC. CALIFORNIACoffee

THE ABSOLUT COMPANY ABSWEDENPotato Vodka

THE BETTER BAKING COMPANY LLCCALIFORNIABaked Goods

THE EGYPTIAN COMPANY FOR FOOD DEVELOPMENT (FARAGALLA)EGYPTMango Nectar

THE FALAFEL SHOPNEW YORKDairy Restaurant

THE GREAT AMERICAN HEALTH BARNEW YORKDairy Restaurant

THE MILKY WAY RESTAURANTCALIFORNIARestaurant

THE NUTTERYNEW YORKNuts & Candies

THE REBBE’S CHOICENEW YORKHerring

THE TEFF COMPANYIDAHOTeff Products

THESIZE SURFACES SLSPAINCountertop Panels

THINK THIN LLCCALIFORNIANutritional Bars

TIANJIN ASO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IMPORT & EXPORT CO., LTD.CHINANoodles

TIGERNUTS TRADERS, S.L.SPAINTigernut Products

TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERYOREGONDairy Products

TOAST CAFÉ, INC.CALIFORNIARestaurant

TOFFEE TO GO, INC.FLORIDAToffees

TRADALL SA (BACARDI)SWITZERLANDDewar’s Whiskey

TRATTORIA NATALIECALIFORNIARestaurant

TRICKLING SPRINGS RANCH LLCMISSOURICheese & Whey

UMPQUA DAIRY #41-62OREGONDairy Products

UNDA LTD LATVIAFish Products

URPRI GROUPMEXICOPaper Goods

VALFILM MG INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING LTDA.BRAZILPackaging Film

VICEL PACKAGING LTD.CHINACellulose Casings

VILLA SALES ASNORWAYFish Products

VM NUTRITIONALUTAHDietary Supplements

VOPAK TERMINALSSINGAPORETank Terminals

VTMN JUICE LLCNEW JERSEYCucumber Water

W PESQUISA, TECNOLOGIA E INDUSTRIA DE ALIMENTOS LTDABRAZILFruit Juices

WANRONG ZHONGLU FRUIT JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

WHISTLER NEUTRACEUTICALSNEW YORKNeutraceuticals

WORLD OF COFFEENEW JERSEYCoffee

WORTHY FOODS DBA THE WORTHY COMPANYCONNECTICUTFruit & Vegetable Blends

WRE CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALSUTAHGlycerin

WYLDEWOOD CELLARS, INC.KANSASElderberry Products

XIA XIAN TIANYUAN FRUIT JUICE CO., LTD. CHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

XINJIANG HONGXIANG TOMATO PRODUCTS CO., LTD TACHENG BRANCHCHINATomato Paste

XINJIANG HONGXIANG TOMATO PRODUCTS CO., LTD  CHINATomato Paste

YANTAI XINGNONG JUICE & FOOD CO., LTD.CHINAFruit Juices

YERGAT PACKING COMPANY INC.CALIFORNIAGrape Leaves & Olives

YUNCHENG ZHONGXIN FRUIT & JUICE COMPANY LIMITEDCHINAFruit Juice Concentrates

ZARO’S BAKERYNEW YORKBaked Goods

ZHONGNING HENGXING FRUIT JUICE CO., LTD.CHINAJuice Concentrates

ZSCHIMMER & SCHWARZGERMANYZusoplast

12 www.OK.org

Kosher food is a luxury that in today’s day and age, we often take for granted. Though today one can reach the furthest corners of the world and find gourmet kosher food, there are some places—such as federal and state prisons—where ko-

sher food is hard to come by. Until 2000, kosher food was considered an unheard of commodity in prisons, with gov-ernment safety and dietary regulations making it almost impossible to attain. Even today, with the demand for kosher food in prisons higher than ever—well over 4,000 inmates throughout the country—and with government funding making kosher food available to a large amount of prisons around the country, it is still an uphill battle.

In 2000, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act was passed, giving Jewish inmates through-out the country the right to receive kosher food. But for religious advocates working in the prison systems leading up to and immediately following this motion, the fight for kosher food was a constant struggle. “My job was to lobby for Jewish inmates and make sure they were getting the food they deserve,” shared a former employee of the Aleph

Institute in Miami, Florida. “We faced many legal battles in trying to bring kosher food to the mainstream. My job was to write formal complaints to the wardens, as well as the Federal Court System for each individual inmate that requested but did not receive kosher food.” The meals the inmates receive come precooked and sealed as per prison rules and for safety purposes. “Many of the inmates wanted kosher food because they believed it was safer—the kosher part was just an added bonus.”

Being a chaplain is not always, but often, a full time job. The job not only requires those in service to offer re-ligious programs, guidance, and a listening ear, but also to stand as an advocate for the inmates. For Rabbi Yochanan Friedman, shaliach to S. Cruz, California, this is a job that requires his undivided attention for over twenty hours a week. “Most of my day in the facility revolves around visit-ing with the inmates. Some of them are death row inmates. They spend their days in remorse, trying to make amends for their mistakes. That’s what I am there to help with.” A large portion of Rabbi Friedman’s job is also spent securing and checking the kosher food that is brought into facil-ity. “The food comes in prepackaged, I just have to make

BY L E I GH HERSHKOV ICH

KEEpIng Kosher InPriSOn

K

www.KosherSpirit.com 13

sure that they don’t tamper with it in the process.” Kosher food is mandated by the central courts of California—if a Jewish inmate requests kosher food, they are required to receive it by law. In addition to three prepackaged meals a day, Jewish inmates are entitled to two kosher banquets a year, which are usually held before Rosh Hashanah and Pesach. “We hold a mock seder every year, and we teach the inmates how to daven for each Yom Tov.” Every morsel of food that passes through the prison gates must come sealed and prepared. Though the food resembles an air-plane meal, the inmates are always overjoyed to receive it. “They believe it tastes better than the prison food. It also gives them a sense of peace, knowing that at least they’re able to keep one mitzvah.”

For volunteers at prisons and correctional facilities throughout the country, planning events for Jewish holi-days begins months in advance. Everything from the food to entry permits must be approved in writing beforehand by the warden of any given facility. “I’d file the paperwork for every Yom Tov at the same time,” shared Mrs. Mussy Posner, who frequented a women’s correctional facility in Upstate New York for three years in a row. Mrs. Posner

would visit the facility for Chanukah and Purim to add a bit of light, joy, and spirit to the holidays. “Everything I brought had to be packaged and bought from a store. Homemade doughnuts were definitely not allowed. In my case, the warden and the chaplain of the facility were easy to work with. They saw how much of a difference it made to the women in their facility to celebrate the holidays.” Volunteers visit over three hundred prisons and correc-tional facilities country wide each year, instilling a sense of joy and happiness into the holidays. “Some of the women I met in the facilities had celebrated Pesach their entire lives, while some had never seen matza or heard megillah before,” Mrs. Posner shared. “It was incredibly special to experience the chagim through their eyes.”

For Jewish inmates across the country and throughout the world, the lobby for kosher food is about more than the right to a religious diet; it connects them to their roots and to a heritage that many left outside of prison walls. Even for those without a formal Jewish background or education, any source of Judaism has become something they fight for wholeheartedly. For them, kosher meals are about more than just what they consume; it’s about what it represents.

KEEpIng Kosher InPriSOn

“Sealed With the Stamp of the Kohen Gadol”By the Office of Trademarks & Licensing at ~ Kosher

לעילוי נשמת מרים בת מאיר דבDedicated to the memory of Miriam bas Meir Dov, Mrs. Miriam Wudowsky a”h, whose dedication

to the kosher consumer, through her service in the Consumer Affairs and Trademark & Licensing departments, was unparalleled.

The Talmud (Shabbos 21b) cites the first example of a kashrus seal: The jugs of olive oil used in the Beis Hamikdash for lighting the Menorah bore the seal of the Kohen Gadol.

The practice of marking food as a sign of kashrus dates back at least as far as the 6th century. According to arche-ologists, Jews stamped their dough with impressions of the Menorah when preparing bread, as a way for con-sumers to verify its kashrus. One such clay stamp was recently discovered in an excavation near Akko.

Of course, much has changed in the world since the 6th century; today there are no less than 1,500 kashrus agencies worldwide, each with its own principles and trademarked symbol. This means that kosher consumers look out for the kosher symbols to make sure that the

food they purchase for their homes and families meets their kosher standards and expectations. Likewise, food companies are well aware that the standards, reliability and familiarity of the kosher symbol on a product label are what determine its acceptability in the marketplace. We can be grateful to manufacturers for recognizing the importance of kosher, and for identifying their kosher standards by displaying the symbol in order to help make our kosher decisions easier.

~ Kosher’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible kosher standards and compliance without com-promise is an integral part of our core principles and spe-cialized practice. This is the guarantee our kosher seal represents to kosher consumers and we don’t take this responsibility lightly at ~ Kosher. Further, ~ Kosher re-

quires the companies we certify to place the correct kosher symbol (~ for pareve products, ~ D for dairy products, ~ P for Passover, etc.) on the product label, and this is checked on an ongoing basis by our rabbis and mashgi-chim. We are constantly vigilant, knowing that consum-ers rely on the ~ to ensure that only products certified by ~ Kosher carry our logo. During the course of over 80 years in the kosher certification industry, ~ Kosher has developed an advanced label compliance system, includ-ing digital systems, which help our customers maintain ~ Kosher’s stringent standards in an accessible, understand-able, user-friendly way. From a food policy perspective, this system provides institutional checks and balances designed to prevent mistakes and misconduct.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:Our foremost responsibility lies with the kosher consumer for complete transparency. Therefore, any time an error occurs, whether inadvertent or intentional – or a situation arises that could potentially create confusion – we issue a Kosher Alert as soon as possible to notify you the ko-sher consumer. If the product is not kosher or not kosher certified to ~ standards, the ~ will require an immediate market recall.

The ~ Kosher symbol is a registered trademark, and its unauthorized use is a violation of trademark laws. Our rights in this regard are enforced to the fullest extent of the law. The ~ symbol may not be used until a written contract has been executed with ~ Kosher Certification. The ~ ag-gressively protects the integrity of the ~ symbol through its Trademark and Licensing Compliance Department (to be addressed in a different article).

However, that protection cannot completely eliminate unauthorized use of our symbol, or of any other trademark anywhere in the world. Therefore, both domestic and interna-tional markets are continuously monitored for unauthorized use of the ~ Kosher symbol on a product label or website. In addition, an outside graphic designer who is designing new product labels, might copy or retain the ~ on the label of an uncertified product. This type of error will be discovered dur-ing inspections at the facility and is usually quickly rectified. It can also happen that a label will be printed with the incor-rect symbol (~ D when the product is actually pareve, or vice versa). This also will be found during the inspection.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT KOSHER TRADEMARK VIOLATIONS:There are several “flags” which can prompt a consumer to inquire regarding the authenticity of the kosher symbol on a product. Some examples include the following:

1. The lack of a “D” or “Dairy”

2. A statement next to the ~ Kosher symbol used on products whose ingredient panel lists dairy ingre-dients. (Pareve products may bear an allergen dis-claimer that they may contain milk, but this does not affect the pareve status of the product. When in doubt, please contact our consumer hotline.)

3. Obvious non-kosher ingredients listed on the ingre-dient panel.

If you notice any of these anomalies, or are unsure about the authenticity of the ~ on a product label, you can check our free ~ Kosher Food Guide app in the Apple App Store and Android Marketplace, or our website http://www.ok.org/consumers/kosher-food-guide/). Or you can always reach our consumer hotline by phone at 718-756-7500.

WHEN YOU CALL, PLEASE HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AVAILABLE:

• A copy of the product label • The product name (as it appears on the product

label).• The brand name (as it appears on the product label).• The manufacturer, distributor, or importers name

(as it appears on the product label).• The date code or production code information.

(This information is usually ink jetted, printed or stamped on the product.)

Where and when the product was purchased. A receipt if possible.

Rest assured that we are working hard to protect our kosher symbol. Kosher without compromise is our focus.

For comments: service@ok.org

~ Kosher’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible kosher standards

and compliance without compromise is an integral part of our core principles

and specialized practice. This is the guarantee our

kosher seal represents to kosher consumers

and we don’t take this responsibility lightly at ~

Kosher.

16 www.OK.org

I N M E M O R I A MM R S. M I R I A M W U D O W S KY A” H

מרים בת מאיר דב

Mrs. Miriam Wudowsky, a”h, returned her soul to her Creator suddenly, on 8 Tishrei

5777. Mrs. Wudowsky faithfully served consumers for over 20 years, fielding kashrus

questions, investigating unauthorized use of the ~ symbol, and managing the Mechiras

Chometz for all Jewish-owned ~ certified companies.

Mrs. Wudowsky spoke to everyone, from colleagues to the most exasperating callers, with

warmth, kindness, and patience. She developed a relationship with many consumers,

who would call regularly to ask questions and enjoy a few words of conversation. As a

colleague, Mrs. Wudowsky was an inspiration to all of us. She came to work each day

with a warm smile, an encouraging word, and a dedication to the ~’s mission.

One of her colleagues, and a dear friend, Mrs. Chanie Rothman, describes Mrs.

Wudowsky in a way that will resonate with all who knew her. “Mrs. Wudowsky was my

teacher. We shared a lunch break for 18 years, where I learned from her every day! Mrs.

Wudowsky showed up for life, front and center with a smile. She had a wholeness that

spread out and spilled over all.”

Mrs. Wudowsky was first and foremost a dedicated mother, sister, grandmother and

great-grandmother. She was so proud of each and every one of her offspring and almost

daily, when we greeted Mrs. Wudowsky, she would reply, “I get a mazal tov!” beaming

and announcing the latest birth, upsherin, bar mitzvah, engagement or wedding.

Her passing is truly a great loss to all of us at ~ Kosher and we pray that her neshoma

should have the highest aliyah.4

www.KosherSpirit.com 17www.KosherSpirit.com 17

~ Mashgiach Conference 5777

18 www.OK.org www.KosherSpirit.com 18

RECIPE

Cheese and MARINARA

SAUCE Stuffed

Latkes& Salmon and

GREEN GODDESS tuffedS

www.KosherSpirit.com 19www.KosherSpirit.com 19

BASIC LATKE RECIPE:

CHEESE AND MARINARA SAUCE STUFFED LATKE

SALMON AND GREEN GODDESS STUFFED LATKES

SERVES: 5

INGREDIENTS5 Idaho potatoes1 Spanish onion2 eggs beaten1 tablespoon salt1 teaspoon black pepper3 tablespoons of flour (optional)*

* A note about the flour: flour helps the latkes obtain a firmer consistency, but it isn’t necessary for the taste and presentation of latkes.

DIRECTIONS Grate the potatoes and onions using a food processor or hand grater. Add eggs, salt and pepper to mixture. Then add flour (optional).In a large frying pan, heat ½ inch oil on med/high heat. It is important to make sure that the oil is hot enough to crisp up the potatoes but not too hot that the potatoes will burn.Place a heaping spoonful of latke mix into the pan. The latkes should sizzle and crisp up quickly.Place filling inside.Top with another spoonful of latke mix on top of filling and make sure that the potato mix on top of the filling completely covers the filling.Flip over and fry for about a minute.Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

Our version of mozzarella sticks...latke style. A gooey, cheesy center with a hint of basil surrounded by crispy potatoes is a spectacular Chanukah treat.

SERVES: 5

INGREDIENTSBasic Latke recipe 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese10 fresh basil leaves (optional)1 jar favorite marinara sauce

DIRECTIONS1 Place a spoonful of latke mix into hot pan with oil.2 Place a basil leaf on latke.3 Place a bit less than a tablespoon of mozzarella on top of basil leaf.4 Top with latke mix.5 Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side.

The crispy potato latke, with the smooth fresh taste of salmon makes for a great combination. Green goddess dressing, a mixture of herbs and sour cream, adds color and flavor to this impressive latke.

SERVES: 5

INGREDIENTS1 Basic Latke recipe1 6-ounce salmon fillet thinly sliced1 6-ounce package of baby spinach1 cup basil½ cup dill½ cup parsley1 cup sour cream or yogurt (use pareve sour cream or soy yogurt for meat meals)¼ cup mayonnaise¼ cup lemon juice3 cloves garlic1 tablespoon salt1 teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS1 Start with your Basic Latke recipe. In a large frying pan heat about ½ inch of oil on medium/high heat.2 Place a heaping spoonful of latke mix into pan.3 Place a slice of salmon into latke mix.4 Top with another spoonful of latke mix.5 Flip over and fry for one minute.6 Serve hot with green goddess dressing.To make the green goddess dressing; blend spinach, basil, dill, parsley, sour cream or yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Place in container until ready to serve.

BY: SHIFRA KLEIN - JOY OF KOSHER MAGAZINE.

SUBSCRIBE AT JOYOFKOSHER.COM/SUBSCRIBE

~Interview with

Rabbi Eli Lando

MEET OUR STAFF:

BEHINDWHO’S BEHIND THE ~

Rabbi Eli Lando

KS: Where did you grow up? Where did you go to yeshiva?REL: I was born and raised in Tzfat, Eretz Yisroel in an English-speaking home. As a bochur, I studied in Lod, Kfar Chabad and at the Chabad Headquarters in NY. I re-ceived semicha from HaGaon HaRav Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi, zt”l. In addition, I also received my shechita ordination from HaGaon HaRav Yeruslavsky, shlita.

KS: What did you do after yeshiva? REL: After yeshiva and shlichus to Russia, Florida, Mexico and Cyprus, I returned to Eretz Yisroel where I married my wife, Shterni (nee Friedland) and learned in kollel in Nachalas Har Chabad. After about a year I was approached to lead the local kashrus agency in Vancouver, Canada.

KS: What is your current position at the ~?REL: I am currently the Executive Manager at ~ Kosher headquarters. In this role, I am charged with driving the fu-ture growth of ~ Kosher with a focus on corporate strategy and customer experience. Together with Rabbi Levy and the senior management team, we support and shape the overall direction and day-to-day operations of the ~. Our only goal is achieving the highest kosher standards, with total customer satisfaction for the benefit of Klal Yisroel!

KS: What prepared you the most for your current position at the ~?REL: Judaism asserts that every soul comes into this world charged with a unique, positive purpose; there-fore, everything is Hashgocha Pratis and each person is required to utilize his strength and skills to be successful in his own shlichus. My prior management experience, and the quality time spent in the field guiding companies around the world in obtaining and maintaining kosher certification have helped me develop a strong back-ground in kashrus as well as Organizational Develop-ment/Leadership. In addition, my academic studies tied directly into the work I’ve been doing on the job. I must also thank the wonderful ~ Kosher team I work with; there is no doubt I have learned and I am still learning a lot from their experiences and support.

KS: What is best thing about working at the ~?REL: Being in a position where our work helps individual consumers and communities in all corners of the world keep the highest levels of kosher. The opportunity to influ-ence on a global scale and see the positive results, for me, is the greatest personal reward.

20 www.OK.org20 www.OK.org

“

“What Other People SayRabbi Eli Lando

“ Eli Lando is a very talented individual who understands the intricate inner workings of kashrus, while simultaneously seeing

the bigger picture. He works tirelessly to bring the highest standards of kashrus to our certified companies without any compromise on customer service. Eli does not shy away from difficult tasks and motivates our staff to do the same. We are blessed to have Eli on our team.”

Rabbi Don Yoel LevyKashrus Administrator

“ Eli is one of those special people that makes you want to say, ‘Yes, I can,’ to the most difficult challenges. Always positive and goal-

orientated, his pleasant attitude is contagious and his influence on ~ Kosher’s phenomenal growth is obvious. It is an honor and pleasure to work with him.”

Rabbi Levi MarmulszteynRabbinic Manager

“ I’ve been working with Rabbi Lando for several years. Not only is he a great person to work for, but I have learned so much from him – from

the way he works with people to his determination to find solutions. His guidance and professionalism is second to none and he has been a great mentor to me and a tremendous inspiration to all who work with him.”

Rabbi Yankel WilschanskiKey Account Manager

KS: How would you describe the ~ today?REL: With over 80 years’ experience, ~ Kosher is at the forefront of kashrus, resulting in the development of ad-vanced procedures, systems and worldwide operations. The ~ Kosher symbol is not just a logo; it’s a commitment to ex-cellence, trusted by consumers around the world. We pride ourselves that, while we certify companies large and small across the globe, our kashrus is safeguarded on an individual company basis. Most consumers may not be aware of it, but it is Rabbi Levy’s unshakeable principles and impassioned desire to strive for the highest standards, along with his very experienced, dedicated team that make it possible for ~ Ko-sher to achieve its purpose. Come what may, we never forget our responsibility to kashrus without compromise.

KS: What’s something interesting we don’t know about you?REL: While in Vancouver, I also pursued academic studies at Sauder School of Business at the University of British Co-lumbia (ranked among the top business schools by organiza-tions such as the Financial Times and The Economist).This was a three-year, part-time executive management program focused on providing professionals with skills and best prac-tices to perform at the highest level.

KS: Can you share a funny or interesting experience you had working at the ~?REL: Last year we signed a merger agreement with Kehilla Kosher of Los Angeles. As part of the merger, we have tran-sitioned hundreds of commercial production factories and dozens of restaurants. As part of our commitment to the highest standards, we have visited each and every one of those establishments to ensure that they comply with ~ Ko-sher standards, and when necessary made the adjustments needed. Part of the transition process required mashgichim temidim at our certified meat restaurants in LA. Rabbi Tei-chman, the former head of Kehilla Kosher, had supported those standards and we have successfully implemented them. What was interesting is that several restaurants have decided that those standards are too difficult for them and chose to go with a different agency. I’m sharing this story as a small example of the kind of work that ~ Kosher does, and shows the difference that this agency is making in the world of kashrus.

www.KosherSpirit.com 21

CHASSIDIC INSIGHTS

22 www.OK.org

To all Participants in the Public Lighting of the Chanukah Menorah in the USA

Greeting and Blessing!

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory—more than 2100 years ago—of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to en-gulf the land and its people in darkness.

The miraculous victory—culminating with the dedication of the Sanctuary in Je-rusalem and the rekindling of the Menorah which had been desecrated and extin-guished by the enemy—has been celebrated annually ever since during these eight days of Chanukah, especially by lighting the Chanukah Menorah, also as a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.

It is a timely and reassuring message, for the forces of darkness are ever present. Moreover, the danger does not come exclusively from outside; it often lurks close to home, in the form of insidious erosion of time-honored values and principles that are at the foundation of any decent human society. Needless to say, darkness is not chased away by brooms and sticks, but by illumination. Our sages said, “A little light expels a lot of darkness.”

The Chanukah Lights remind us in a most obvious way that illumination begins at home, within oneself and one’s family, by increasing and intensifying the light of Torah and Mitzvos in the everyday experience, even as the Chanukah Lights are kindled in growing numbers from day to day. But though it begins at home, it does not stop there. Such is the nature of light that when one kindles a light for one’s own benefit, it benefits also all who are in the vicinity. In-deed, the Chanukah Lights are expressly meant to illuminate the “outside,” sym-bolically alluding to the duty to bring light also to those who, for one reason or another, still walk in darkness.

What is true of the individual is true of a nation, especially this great United States, united under G d, and generously blessed by G d with material as well as spiritual riches. It is surely the duty and privilege of this Nation to promote all the forces of light both at home and abroad, and in a steadily growing measure.

Let us pray that the message of the Chanukah Lights will illuminate the every-day life of everyone personally, and of the society at large, for a brighter life in every respect, both materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing in the spirit of Chanukah,

This letter was written by the Lubavitcher Rebbe ztz”l, and is still so relevant

even 36 years later. The words of a tzaddik are everlasting.

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By the Grace of G dOn the eve of Chanukah, 5741 [1980]Brooklyn, NY

SOUL NUTRITION

Spreading LightBy Rabbi Chaim Fogelman

www.KosherSpirit.com 23

In the Talmud (Shabbos 23:2), it is written:Omar Rav Huna H’rogil b’ner (he who is used

to kindling candles …for Chanukah or Shabbos) …will have children that will be Torah Scholars.

H’zohir (he who is carful) b’mezuzah …will have a nice house.

H’zohir b’tzitzis …will have nice clothes. H’zohir b’kiddush ...will fill many barrels of

wine.Why is the word h’rogil (he who is used to)

used in reference to the candles, and h’zohir (he who is careful) is used for the others?

In order to raise children that are talmi-dei chachomim, it is not enough to be careful (zohir) in performing the mitzvos. We need to be used to them (rogil) by constantly doing them and performing them with a flare and va-remkeit (warmth) so that our children see us as a living example and emulate us.

IT SAYS THAT BY LIGHTING CHANUKAH CANDLES, YOU WILL HAVE CHILDREN THAT WILL BE TORAH SCHOLARS. THERE IS A HINT TO THIS IN THE WAY THE MITZVAH IS PERFORMED. THE MITZVAH IS TO LIGHT THE CANDLES “AD SHETICHLAH REGEL MIN HASHUK” – FROM WHEN IT GETS DARK UNTIL THE PEOPLE ARE NO LONGER WALKING THE MARKETPLACE OR STREETS. TORAH SCHOLARS DON’T WALK THE STREETS; THEY ARE YOSHEV OHEL THEY SIT INDOORS AND LEARN TORAH.

BRAND NEW!

THE MOST TALKED ABOUT GUIDE FOR THE JEWISH WOMAN...A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR HOUSEHOLD HELP IN THE KOSHER HOME.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING WITH HOUSEHOLD HELP.

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