Let’s Talk Kashrus

Kashrus ComplicationOftentimes at high end resorts, these statements can be heard. "The chef knows kosher", or "I'm only getting fish in a brand-new pan", or "The resort has a separate kosher kitchen". Unfortunately, these statements are becoming more and more common, but it really boils down to just 1 question says Rabbi Sholom Tendler - Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K, "Is there a mashgiach?" Are we really going to trust non-Jewish staff about kashrus now? Who ensures the pots and pans in the separate kitchen, stay separate? Let's educate ourselves about the myriad potential problems with such resorts.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/paradise-vacationJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

The Beer BalaganSo much confusion in the air regarding the recent news about beer. Is it kosher? Does it need a hechsher? Is this relevant to everyone? Do I need to stock up on beer before January 1st, 2026? We interviewed Rabbi Sholem Fishbane - Kashrus Administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Executive Director of AKO, to find out exactly what is going on with the beer. Let's listen in to this insightful conversation.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/breaking-brewsJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Kosher Breakfast HacksSo, you're on vacation and the hotel has a free continental breakfast. What can you eat? What must be avoided? Rabbi Sholom Tendler - Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K gives us some seasoned travel hacks for our next vacation.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/suite-dreamsJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Kashrus In The CloudsWhat’s really in that vape? Join us as we explore the surprising kashrus questions behind e-cigarettes — from flavorings and glycerin to halachic principles that meet modern technology. Rabbi Sholem Fishbane - Kashrus Administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Executive Director of AKO clears up some of the fog behind this very important topic.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/holy-e-smokesJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Is it possible that all milk isn't kosher? This week we revisit one of the most controversial questions of its time. Rabbi Yosef Landa - Rabbinic Coordinator at cRc Kosher walks us through all the details of this fascinating question.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/holy-cow-or-holey-cowJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Many questions are sent in to us on various kashrus issues. This week we sit down with Rav Shmuel Fuerst Dayan of Agudas Yisroel of Illinois so he can answer some of the questions. This week's Q&A focuses on common kitchen mishaps and other kashrus in the kitchen questionsView it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/l-t-k-q-a-kitchen-mishapsJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Supply Chain RiftsWhat happens when supply chains get disrupted? How about when ingredients need to be replaced due to skyrocketing costs? What about when certain items are banned by the government? These and other questions addressed by Rabbi Moshe Machuca - Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU, in this weeks episode.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/kosher-shiftsJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Do you know what goes on behind the scenes for mashgichim that need to travel to every corner of the earth to ensure your products are kosher? Let's listen in to Rabbi Moshe Machuca - Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU, as he explains the hardships of traveling to places that aren't exactly accommodating to members of the faith. View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/tales-of-a-traveling-mashgiachTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Kashrus FablesA behind the scenes look into the massive industry of private labels and how it affects the kosher consumer. Also, highlighting the power of the consumer in regard to online buying, Rabbi Dov Chastain - Kashrus Administrator at the KOF-K, has some tips what you should do if something you bought online doesn't have the symbol that was advertised in the online pictures.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/private-labelsTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Being a good mashgiach, sometimes involves a bit more than just knowing Yoreh Deah. This week when many minds are on the churban already, Rabbi Sholem Fishbane - Kashrus Administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Executive Director of AKO, gives us an example involving not having wine and live music at the same meal.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/the-mashgiach-who-didn-t-miss-a-beatTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

After last week's introduction to the mesorah of birds, let's dive right in to some practical halachik applications. R' Chaim Loike - Rabbinic Coordinator at OU Kosher, brought in some live birds to demonstrate for us these applications.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/quail-tales-and-egg-failsTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Let's take a trip back in time exploring the mesorah of birds. R' Chaim Loike - Rabbinic Coordinator at OU Kosher, made it his life's mission to ensure that certain birds don't lose their mesorah. Let's take a look at the various birds he's brought in today to share with us.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/live-birds-ancient-traditionsTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Not Anymore!Introducing a revolutionary new app! A game changer for the industry of kashrus. Have you ever seen an unfamiliar kashrus symbol and werent sure if you can rely on it? With over 1500 kashrus agencies worldwide, it can be quite the task of finding out their reliability. Rabbi Sholem Fishbane - Kashrus Administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Executive Director of AKO, introduces to us the all-new logo scanner feature in the new cRc Kosher app, available on the app store.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crc-kosher/id397991421?platform=iphonehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rocketouch.CRCKosher2013&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/hechsher-in-a-haystackTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Look At the LeibelCan you rely on a kosher symbol you see online? Sometimes you buy something online, but the product has a different packaging when it arrives at your door. Rabbi Binyamin Berkowitz - Kashrus Administrator at the KOF-K gives us the rundown on what to look out for.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/be-like-leibelTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Is It Fowl Play?Have you been noticing more blood spots lately? Let’s get the real scoop what’s going on lately with the eggs together with Rabbi Sholem Fishbane - Kashrus Administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Executive Director of AKO.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/shell-shocked-by-egg-flationTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Post-Pesach Shopping SecretsWhere can I buy chometz? Where is it problematic? Rabbi Yakov Teichman - Rabbinic Coordinator at the OK, gives us the full scoop.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/shelf-awarenessDownload the AKO post-pesach list below, or at https://www.akokosher.org/pesachTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Just Yet…Many people won't sell chometz gamur. Does that mean i need to throw out a closed bottle of ketchup? Rabbi Yakov Teichman - Rabbinic Coordinator at the OK, helps us decipher those hard to read ingredient panels.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/don-t-toss-that-sauceTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Labeled In ChinaPart 2 of our travels to China with Rabbi Binyamin Berkowitz - Kashrus Administrator at the KOF-K, focuses on the labeling aspect of Chinese products.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/wok-smarter-not-harder To Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

Soy Many QuestionsToday we travel to China with Rabbi Binyamin Berkowitz - Kashrus Administrator at the KOF-K. Come along as we explore the process of certifying factories in China.View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/made-in-chinaTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR

R’ Moshe Feinstein’s teshuva on Cholov Stam in America is by far one of the more famous of his. Yet, Rabbi Sholem Fishbane - Kashrus Administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Executive Director of AKO, points out that there are many side benefits of being makpid on cholov yisroel besides for the actual Halacha shaila.View it in its entirety at https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/don-t-cry-over-cholov-stam-milkTo Sponsor An Episode: https://pay.banquest.com/kashrusawarenessJoin the Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Community for educational content and kashrus updates https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hk3SHVsBfELEgJet4ZNYDR