Fall 2015

Dear Reader,

As Rosh Hashanah rapidly approaches we look forward to the New Year and to the blessings and challenges that lie ahead.
Last year was shmitta, the sabbatical year, and it presented its fair share of kashrus complexities. One might think we are now out of the woods, so to speak, but the year after shmitta has its own set of challenges to deal with.

Chabad of Mid-Hudson Valley recently hosted its first Kosher Week exhibit, sponsored by OK Kosher, at Shoprite in Fishkill, NY.

Does beer require a hechsher?

Fasting Tips

For many, the inner workings of kosher supervision are a curious riddle. This article attempts to offer a behind the scenes glimpse into some scenarios common in kosher supervision.

If you have eaten gummy bears, yogurt, marshmallows, popped some pills, used film photography (remember that?), had a vaccination, have worked in forensic ballistics or you’re a synchronized swimmer then you have definitely come across gelatin (or its alternatives).

What is glycerin?

Tomato Soup with Toasted Red Quinoa

Several years ago, deep in the heart of Fez, a touring couple set out to see the sights of the ancient city. While wandering through and taking in the beauty of the city, they came across an interesting looking building.

OK Israel starts preparing for shmitta during the sixth year of the cycle. Now, in the eighth year, there is still important work to do.

Rabbi Sharon Galsurkar, the OK field representative in India, was planning a family vacation in Nepal. What he wasn’t planning on was experiencing miracles in rapid succession.

Interview with Rabbi Yoni Rappaport

Every fast day has a special energy of Divine goodwill, greater than a regular day.

A king sent his son far away to challenge and better himself. The trip was arduous and the challenges formidable. Sadly, the son forgot who he was and even where he came from; he no longer acted or looked like the king’s son.