Fall 2010

“Absolute justice” is something that belongs only to Hashem, because only Hashem knows and appreciates one’s true intentions. When we look back at this passing year and see the gross abuse of power in the “name of justice”, one starts to appreciate emes – absolute justice.

The OK Kosher Certification and Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group treated a group of young adults with special needs to an exciting tour of the largest Snapple production facility.

Readers share their thoughts about the last issue…

Dear OK,
What is the correct brocha for Wasa crackers (crispbread)?

When you cut open an apple, an enzyme reacts with oxygen to turn polyphenols into melanin. Here’s how to help your apples stay bright and white.

Deep in the woods a young man crouches, peering through the shrubbery. His fatigues are dusty and his beard is tangled. He is searching. His mission: track down berries.

When Sarah was alive, a cloud hovered over her tent, a candle burned continuously from Shabbos to Shabbos, and Hashem blessed the dough she baked. These miracles correspond to the three mitzvos that are the foundation of a Jewish home.

It is said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This is certainly true in the world of kashrus, where the chain of command extends from the executive rabbi in the main office down to the mashgiach (kashrus supervisor) in the field.

To whom is the kashrus agency responsible? As we delve into this matter, we find that a kashrus agency actually has a very complicated balance of responsibilities. The agency is accountable to Hashem, but it also has responsibilities towards the consumer public, the certified companies, and, finally, to itself and its reputation.

Who’s Behind the OK
Rabbi Shimon Lasker
Executive Rabbinic Coordinator of OK Europe

Rabbi Yossi Goldstein inspects the bamboo schach production in Xiamen, China

Being a good mashgiach means having a good eye for the small details.
Did you spot all 10 differences between these two pictures?

Wolf & Lamb Salmon

Shabbos Teshuvah

The Chasam Sofer writes that he has a tradition from his Rebbes that the souls of one’s deceased parents stand and pray beside him on Rosh Hashanah.