Dear Reader,
Rosh Hashanah is a time for improvement and new beginnings.
It has been said that in order to move ahead we must know from where we come; while this axiom rings true in all aspects of our lives, it certainly applies in the world of kashrus.
Here at the OK we constantly explore new and better ways to set up and monitor kosher certified facilities. We seek counsel within our own staff of highly trained rabbonim, as well as looking outward to internationally recognized experts when necessary. When we determine that our methods can be further refined, we introduce new and improved ways of ensuring the highest standard of kosher.
I am often asked, “Why the new rules? What was wrong with the way we used to do things? Are you saying the old way was not kosher?” To answer, I borrow a page from the auto industry. Every year brings the introduction of new safety regulations that quickly become industry standards. What was good enough ten or twenty years ago simply will not suffice today. Were the old ways wrong? Not necessarily; they were the best that was available at the time, but today we demand higher and stricter safety standards.
The same holds true in the world of kashrus. A kashrus agency that keeps doing the same thing, without striving for improvement and updated practical knowledge and methods of operations, will certainly fall behind in its ability to deliver uncompromised kashrus. Of course, it’s imperative to look back on what you’ve already accomplished and where you have come from, but the windshield is far larger than the rear view mirror, because so much more can be accomplished by looking ahead than by dwelling on the past.
I find it incredible how, after some reflection and review, there are always processes we find better ways to execute.
May this coming year find all us doing bigger and better things, growing in Torah and mitzvos, and adding more light to the world.
Wishing you and your family a gut gebentched yohr,
Rabbi Chaim Fogelman
Editor in Chief