Jul 9, 2012
Kashrut Issues To Be Aware Of On Summer Vacation
In this week's kashrut update from the Rabbanut fraud division, there was an important message regarding the upcoming summer vacation that I think is worth pointing out here..
Summer vacation is a time when people go traveling around the country and might end up in places with which they are not necessarily familiar with the kashrut standards. the Rabbanut offers a set of guidelines, or a list of things to be careful about.
1. Always ask to see an original teudat kashrut, and do not rely on photocopies.
2. Make sure that the name of the Rabbanut on the teuda is the Rabbanut responsible for the area you are located in and not from somewhere else.
3. make sure the teuda is valid and not expired
4. Make sure the name and address of the place of business is the same as that listed on the teuda, and that the teuda is not really registered to a different place..
5. It is always good to find out if the mashgiach is around. if he is not, you can call him using the phone number on the teuda or the owner of the business can give it to you. Talk with the mashgiach a bit and get a feel for the status of the kashrut
6. Dont go into a place that has a teuda authorizing supervision of the place unless it also has a teuda from the local Rabbanut
7. Dont rely on claims made by the owner of the place presenting it as kosher saying that he doesnt have a teuda only because he is open on Shabbos, or that he might claim that he is kosher but the mashgiach has not yet brought the new teuda, etc.
8. Don't rely on the kashrut of "personal cakes" sold in kiosks with no hasgacha that bear a sticker with a kashrut symbol but no manufacturing name or other information
9. For those vacationing in tzimmerim (bungalows) or guest houses, besides for the kashrut issues, one should check to ensure what the status is rgeraidng other issues like shmirat shabbat - is there an eiruv, is there supervision on shabbat, is there electronic eyes for opening doors, automatic air conditioners in rooms, electronic faucets, certified shabbos elevator, etc.
10. You should be aware that there are tzimmers without hasgacha that offer kosher meals. It is possible that they cook the food in their own pots and utensils in their private kitchens, and some might order pre-packaged meals. This issue should be checked out.
Enjoy your vacation!
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Summer vacation is a time when people go traveling around the country and might end up in places with which they are not necessarily familiar with the kashrut standards. the Rabbanut offers a set of guidelines, or a list of things to be careful about.
1. Always ask to see an original teudat kashrut, and do not rely on photocopies.
2. Make sure that the name of the Rabbanut on the teuda is the Rabbanut responsible for the area you are located in and not from somewhere else.
3. make sure the teuda is valid and not expired
4. Make sure the name and address of the place of business is the same as that listed on the teuda, and that the teuda is not really registered to a different place..
5. It is always good to find out if the mashgiach is around. if he is not, you can call him using the phone number on the teuda or the owner of the business can give it to you. Talk with the mashgiach a bit and get a feel for the status of the kashrut
6. Dont go into a place that has a teuda authorizing supervision of the place unless it also has a teuda from the local Rabbanut
7. Dont rely on claims made by the owner of the place presenting it as kosher saying that he doesnt have a teuda only because he is open on Shabbos, or that he might claim that he is kosher but the mashgiach has not yet brought the new teuda, etc.
8. Don't rely on the kashrut of "personal cakes" sold in kiosks with no hasgacha that bear a sticker with a kashrut symbol but no manufacturing name or other information
9. For those vacationing in tzimmerim (bungalows) or guest houses, besides for the kashrut issues, one should check to ensure what the status is rgeraidng other issues like shmirat shabbat - is there an eiruv, is there supervision on shabbat, is there electronic eyes for opening doors, automatic air conditioners in rooms, electronic faucets, certified shabbos elevator, etc.
10. You should be aware that there are tzimmers without hasgacha that offer kosher meals. It is possible that they cook the food in their own pots and utensils in their private kitchens, and some might order pre-packaged meals. This issue should be checked out.
Enjoy your vacation!
------------------------------------------------------
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Does the rabbanut or any kashrut organization really expect people to call the mashgiach just to see if it is really kosher? I mean, if someone notices a problem, or keeps a particular standard and wants to find out if it is met, well that is why the mashgiach's number is available, but you'd think that the whole point of a teuda is so you don't have to ask the mashgiach if it is kosher.
ReplyDeletesometimes you might go into a place and perhaps the teuda is not one you would normally rely on. You could still call the mashgiach and get more details and find out that it is perfectly fine for your standards, or maybe there are certain items you can eat but should stay away from others. I've done that.
ReplyDeleteAnother time I went into a place and the teuda had expired the day before. I called the mashgiach and he told me it was fine (he explained the delay) and that he was in the restaurant and I could come talk to him.
Questions arise, and you could call the mashgiach for clarification
In those cases I agree ,Rafi, but the recommendation here is for everyone who walks into an establishment to call. Is the rabbanut saying, "better not to rely on us without calling the mashgiach"?
ReplyDeletein Hebrew it says "ratzui" to do that. preferable.
ReplyDeleteI know people who rely on rabbanut hechsher, but wont eat anywhere without first talking to the mashgiach. This is ot something you have to do - you can rely on the teuda if it meets the criteria (original, current, etc). It can still be preferable to also call the mashgiach, but not absolutely necessary.
And also for Badat"z hechsherim, you should first call the masgiach and ask questions before you rely on it? (on badat'z hechsherim do they have the mashgiach's phone number?)
ReplyDeleteThe rabbanut is saying in this report not to solely rely on a teuda from a private hechsher. I have seen some private teudot with name and number of mashgiach (I think from Rav Efrati's hechsher), and many without.
ReplyDelete