Author Archives: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Torah, Science & Kashrus in the Classroom

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Spring 2025

Over the years, I have been invited on multiple occasions to speak at various girls’ high schools in Lakewood about the impact of astronomy on the Jewish calendar and halachic zmanim. The inherent message I have aimed to give over is that one needs a basic understanding of math and science to fully comprehend certain halachic issues.

For example, the earth’s rotation on its axis is the basis of zmanei hayom (halachic times of the day) that are so much a part of our lives with regard to davening times and knowing when Shabbos and Yom Tov begin and end. One needs to know how the moon rotates around the earth to better understand Rosh Chodesh and the Jewish calendar. Indeed, Chazal had keen insights into scientific topics that were discovered hundreds of years later by researchers.

Investigating how a product is manufactured and analyzing the composition of the raw materials […]

Approved OB/GYN Medications & Products: Important Supplemental Information

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Updated November 2024

►APPROVED OB/GYN MEDICATIONS & PRODUCTS is a USA-only list reviewed by STAR-K for year-round use. IT IS NOT A PASSOVER LIST.

►The list includes kosher approved products that are often prescribed by an OB/GYN.

►Products are approved only when sold in the United States in the indicated form (e.g., caplets, tablets).

►Premarin, Prempro and Prometrium, which are not kosher medications, are not included in the list. These are addressed in the STAR-K Kashrus Guide for the OB/GYN Patient article on this site.

►Company names are indicated for prescription drugs.

►The list indicates only the kosher status of a product. With respect to the use of any particular product due to other halachic issues, a rav should be consulted.

►Consult your physician before taking any medication.

The STAR-K OTC Medicine List: Important Supplemental Information

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Updated November 2024

►APPROVED OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS is a USA-only list reviewed by STAR-K for year-round use. IT IS NOT A PASSOVER LIST.

►Products are approved only when sold in the United States and in the indicated form (e.g. caplets, children’s). For products sold outside the USA, contact the local kashrus agency.

►The list is a small sample of frequently used over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Prescription medications are generally not included.

►If a medication is not listed, it may still be kosher. One should consult a rav.

►Certifying agencies are indicated next to products that have kosher certification.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: It is imperative that each individual understands that under no circumstances should one refrain from taking a prescribed medication or withhold such a medication from children without discussing the matter with a competent rav and/or physician.

STAR-K Certified Companies

For a list of companies that produce kosher certified vitamins, nutritional supplements and over-the-counter products […]

For Good Measure: Baking with Gluten-Free Blends, Whole Wheat Flour, Sourdough and at Challah Bakes

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Spring 2024

[For a related article on the general laws of hafrashas challah, click here.]

Once upon a time, baking a loaf of bread was simple. Today, when gluten-free blends and processed whole wheat flour are found in many homes, that is no longer the case. Baking with sourdough starters and group baking at “challah bakes” have also become popular. The halachos involved are complex and bear examination.

Let’s begin with a review of the measurements necessary for mitzvos related to regular wheat flour.[1]

Mitzvos Involving Wheat Flour

► Separating Challah (hafrashas challah) Without a Bracha – One should separate challah without a bracha when kneading a dough that contains at least 8 ⅔ cups of wheat flour (on average 2.6 lbs.).[2]

► Separating Challah With a Bracha – There are differences of opinion as to how much flour is needed to recite a bracha. Some individuals do so when kneading at least 12 ¼ cups of flour (slightly more […]

When It’s “Not Kosher” to Eat Kosher: The Halachos of the Fast Days

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Fall 2023

With the impending arrival of Tzom Gedalya and Yom Kippur, now is a good time for a halachic review of the six ta’aneisim that are incorporated into the Jewish calendar.[1] In addition to the aforementioned, we fast on Asara B’Teves, Ta’anis Esther, Shiva Asar B’Tamuz and Tisha B’Av. The halachos apply to males from the age of thirteen and females from the age of twelve.[2]

Timing Is Everything: When the Fasts Begin and End

Yom Kippur[3] and Tisha B’Av[4] begin at sunset. If one wants to eat after the seudas hamafsekes, one should state before the end of the seudah that he wants to do so. Having this in mind before Birchas Hamazon is also enough.

The other fasts begin at alos hashachar (dawn).[5] On those days, if one wants to arise[6] before dawn and eat, he should go to […]

Wanting the Best for Our Children: Meeting Kashrus Challenges in Yeshiva, Camp, and Day School Kitchens

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Kashrus Kurrents, Winter 2023

Kashrus has come a long way over the
past fifty years. Agencies ensure the highest standards of kashrus in factories
and food establishments worldwide, with experts in halacha, food technology, equipment,
and ingredients. Consumers have been trained to know which products are acceptable
and how to maintain a kosher kitchen l’mehadrin.

However, one area of kashrus that
has received far less attention – even throughout the past several decades of unprecedented
kashrus growth – is kashrus in our schools. This is due to several inaccurate reasons,
including the following:

Myth #1: “Religious teachers are in
the building all day and they oversee kashrus and everyone is careful.” Realistically, this is not the case.
Unless a teacher is told to “be on top” of the situation, only minimal oversight
will typically occur. Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with the intricacies
of kashrus, and without guidelines a lot can go wrong.

Myth #2: “Unlike a for-profit eating
establishment, which obviously needs oversight […]

A Brief Intro to “Kosher for Passover” and the Pesach Holiday

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

January 2025

Passover is a joyous eight-day holiday celebrated in early spring. The name Pesach is derived from the Hebrew “to pass over,” since G-d “passed over” the homes of the Jews during the tenth plague on the Egyptians.

Passover commemorates the redemption of the enslaved Israelites from Egypt and the forging of the new Jewish nation. It has a distinctive set of laws and customs, the highlight being the Seder, a festive meal on the first two nights (only one in Israel) that includes many symbolic foods – matzah, bitter herbs, charoses – and four cups of wine. This family-centered holiday is widely observed, albeit with a diversity of beloved traditions passed down from generation to generation. Passover’s popularity is reflected in the kosher marketplace where, by some accounts, 40% of sales revolves around this holiday.

Passover involves a unique set of kosher laws, chief among them the prohibition to eat any […]

Halachos of Taking Medicine on Pesach

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Reviewed January 2025

Download PDF of Article

For many years, Rav Gershon Bess prepared a Guide for Pesach Medications and Cosmetics which was published and distributed by Kollel Los Angeles. A partnership with STAR-K and the Kollel to make this information more widely available to the general public is still going strong after more than a quarter century. The Medications and Cosmetics Guide, available in Jewish bookstores nationwide, serves as an invaluable resource for kosher consumers seeking to purchase these items for Yom Tov.

Sefer Kovetz Halachos (Hilchos Pesach 12:4) states in the name of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetzky, shlit”a, that lechatchila one should take a medication approved for Pesach and mentions the availability and use of reliable Pesach lists and guides (see Hilchos Pesach, ibid., footnote 5).

The halachos pertaining to medication and cosmetic use on Pesach are based on the joint psak of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, […]

Halachos of Using Cosmetics and Personal Care Items on Pesach

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Reviewed January 2025

In addition to pharmaceutical companies, Rav Gershon Bess also contacts many cosmetic companies and bases the following chometz-free list on his research. L’Halacha, all non-food items not fit for canine consumption – nifsal mei’achilas kelev (i.e., something that one would not feed his dog) – may be used on Pesach. This includes all cosmetics, soaps, ointments, and creams.1 Nonetheless, people have acted stringently with regard to these items.

Below are several reasons why people are strict:

Many products, including shaving lotion and perfume, contain denatured alcohol which can be restored to regular alcohol (see Igros Moshe O.C. 3:62). According to some opinions, one should not use such products if chometz-based. (Sefer Kovetz Halachos Pesach Chapter 12, footnote 7 has a brief discussion regarding the different opinions). The STAR-K Pesach Guide lists products which do not use chometz-based alcohols.

The Biur Halacha (326:10 B’shaar) writes in the […]

The Kashrus, Shabbos, and Pesach Guide to Cosmetics

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Updated January 2025

Ezra Hasofer established ten takanos (laws) covering a wide spectrum of Jewish life.1 The purpose of these takanos was to enhance Torah study, Shabbos, the Jewish communal court system, and the sanctity of the Jewish home and marriage. One of the takanos was that salesmen should travel from town to town to supply perfume and fragrances to the women of each community.2 It is clear that these items were important in Jewish life since ancient times.

The STAR-K hotline receives numerous inquiries relating to cosmetics and halacha. One must know the answers to questions regarding these products that are commonly used. Does lipstick require kosher certification? During Pesach, may one use perfume or makeup that contains chometz? Are any cosmetics permissible for use on Shabbos and Yom Tov?

Because these halachos are complex, it is important for consumers to have a clear grasp of the numerous issues and […]

A Guide to Erev Pesach That Falls on Shabbos

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Updated January 2025

A printer-friendly version of this article can be found here.

Many of us are quite familiar with the regular Erev Pesach routine: The bechorim go to a siyum, the chometz is burned, and we prepare for the Seder. However, every so often,1 Erev Pesach occurs on Shabbos and we must modify our routine. Let us review the halachos of Shabbos Erev Pesach. (After this year, it will not occur for another twenty years. The next occurrences will be in 2045, 2048, 2052, and then not again until 2072.)

Thursday – Taanis Bechorim/Bedikas Chometz

On a regular Erev Pesach the first-born males (bechorim) are obligated to fast. This year the fast is pushed back to Thursday. Those bechorim who do not wish to fast should attend a siyum. Thursday night after tzeis hakochavim (when it gets dark), one should immediately perform bedikas chometz. A bracha and Kol Chamira […]

The Busiest Day of the Year: The Laws of Erev Pesach

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Reviewed January 2024

Erev Pesach is one of the busiest and most unique days of the year. With every hour comes another set of halachos. Many halachic times, including the time for searching for chometz and the latest time for eating chometz, are well known. However, many halachos of Erev Pesach are often confusing and not commonly understood. The purpose of this article is to elucidate some of the lesser known laws of Erev Pesach.

Note: These halachos apply to Erev Pesach that occurs on a weekday. If Erev Pesach occurs on Shabbos, special halachos apply to both Friday (13th of Nissan) and Shabbos (Erev Pesach). Refer to the Erev Pesach Shabbos article on our site.

CHOMETZ

Searching for Chometz – The opening line of Maseches Pesachim states that one should search for chometz on the night of the 14th of Nissan […]

Daf Yomi Rosh Hashana 20 – Livestream Recording

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

The cloud recording is now available.

Topic: Daf Yomi
Date: Oct 29, 2021 05:10 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Click on the link below to listen to the recording:
https://nqgrg.zoom.us/rec/share/z2aYdT33GkvlBklADX0PQBPMVTOhkrQMePkR3HWFHl0NECY2brVPR1Um4fhLtcV_.Vw02L4APBd9Cdp8F

Passcode: 4jtc0f#!

A Traveler’s Guide to Tefilas Haderech

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Summer 2021

During the past year and a half, STAR-K mashgichim continued to conduct inspections in the United States and abroad in a manner deemed safe for them and factory personnel. STAR-K is very thankful for their tremendous mesiras nefesh to ensure that our certified products maintained the highest level of kashrus, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Still, many consumers who frequently travel stayed home. With great siyata d’Shmaya, an effective vaccine was developed that has allowed us to resume our busy travel schedules and to once again recite Tefilas Haderech on a regular basis. Let us examine the halachos of this beautiful tefilla.[1]

The Tefilla

Tefilas Haderech is based on the Gemara in Brachos (29b-30a), with some minor variations, depending upon one’s nusach. The Gemara says it is recited in loshon rabim (plural; e.g., shetolicheinu, etc.).[2] When returning the same the day, the words v’sachzireinu l’shalom […]

Nisht Oif Shabbos Geredt? The Guide to Proper Speech on Shabbos

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Shabbos is the most beautiful day of the week, and our Neviim and Chazal have enhanced its sanctity by establishing various mitzvos d’rabanan. These mitzvos include activities that maintain kedushas Shabbos and render it more enjoyable, and prohibitions to ensure we do not perform a melachah d’oraisa. One example of an issur d’rabanan is what Yeshayahu Hanavi1 refers to as “daber davar”, a restriction on business and melachah-based discussions on Shabbos.

According to the Talmud Yerushalmi,2 when we are careful with speech on Shabbos, we emulate the Ribono Shel Olam, Who rested from speech3 on Shabbos Beraishis following the completion of the creation of the world.

The following halachos are based upon the psak of Harav Moshe Heinemann, shlit”a, Rabbinic Administrator of STAR-K Kosher Certification.4

I. Discussions of Melachah

In general, on Shabbos one is not allowed to say that he will perform a melachah after Shabbos. For example, it is forbidden to say, […]

A Halachic Guide to Sheva Brachos

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Chazal tell us that Moshe Rabeinu established the “shivas y’mai hamishteh”, the seven days during which the choson and kallah rejoice together following their wedding.1 During this time, family and friends come together and prepare beautiful seudos, followed by the recitation of the “Sheva Brochos” at the conclusion of Birchas Hamazon. Such seudos are quite common, and it is important to review the various applicable halachos.2

What is Necessary For Sheva Brochos

If a choson and kallah are at a meal held in their honor during the first seven days of their marriage, and there is a minyan present, including a panim chadashos, Sheva Brochos are recited. The following is an explanation of what is required:

1. Minyan – At least seven adult males over the age of Bar Mitzvah eat enough bread that requires Birchas Hamazon,3 and at least three others eat enough food (e.g., cake, fruit, etc.) or […]

Time Flies: A Guide To Time-Related Halachos When Flying

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Fall 2017 | Updated November 2024

The STAR-K office and its Institute of Halacha receive hundreds of inquiries from STAR-K mashgichim, businessmen and tourists traveling to all corners of the globe. The most common questions relate to kashrus information. However, more common than ever are shaalos related to davening and other halachic issues impacted by changing time zones while in transit. There are excellent websites1 that project the times for sunrise, sunset, and other halachic zmanim for aircraft passengers. A basic understanding of the halachos that relate to these times and the metzios2 enhances the use of these powerful tools, which is analogous to how we can increase the usefulness of a GPS by possessing a basic knowledge of the route one must drive.

I. What Happens In-Flight?
As is well known, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In the summer, the days are longer (earlier […]

What Bracha Does One Make on Matza Brei and Other Common Pesach Foods?

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Download PDF of the Chart

Have you ever taken a bite out of a coconut macaroon and later doubted your choice of bracha? Was it really Ha’eitz or is it Shehakol? And what about matzah brei or matzah lasagna? Do they require washing for a Hamotzi or are they Mezonos? The table below should clear up any confusion.

1. A bracha acharona is recited when drinking at least a revi’is (3.8 fl. oz.) within a 30 second span. If one drank between 1.0 fl. oz. (kezayis according to some opinions) and 3.8 fl. oz. (and cannot drink more) within a 30 second span, a bracha acharona is not recited. However, if one also requires an Al Hamichya or Al Ha’eitz at this time, one can also include Al Hagefen. See Mishnah Berurah [M.B.] 208:82.

2. This depends on the percentage of grape juice. If there is […]

Kashrus in the Workplace

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

The new food trends that have been embraced by society at large have led to a similar preoccupation with food within corporate America. This development has obvious ramifications for the kosher consumer at the office. The following is a guide to dealing with kashrus issues in the workplace.1 While it is impossible to address all the kashrus issues that may arise, this article provides an overview. As with all halacha, when questions arise, one should consult his rav.

1) Eating in a Cafeteria Shared with Co-Workers Who Eat Non-Kosher – Food on a plate, may’iker hadin, may be eaten even when placed on a non-kosher clean table. The Baday Hashulchan2 notes that today, the general custom is to use a napkin (or a placemat or something of a similar nature) when eating on a non-kosher table, even if it is clean.3 Although, in many cases a “heker” is […]

Oven Kashrus 101: Using the Same Oven for Meat, Dairy, Fish and Pareve

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Spring 2016

If your kitchen is equipped with four ovens – for meat, dairy, pareve and fish – you don’t need to read this article. However, if you do not have such a luxury, you will find various halachic details enumerated below quite relevant.

There are numerous factors involved in an oven “going back and forth” between meat and dairy or using an oven for fish or pareve.1 They include the following:

The oven: Is it clean? Was it kashered? When was it last used?

The food: Is it liquid? Is it covered? When was it prepared?

Does the question arise to do the action l’chatchila (I can do this) or is it only okay bedi’eved (it already happened)?

NOTE: The halachos addressed are based on the psak of HaRav Moshe Heinemann shlit”a, STAR-K Rabbinic Administrator.2 This article addresses issues only involving regular gas or electric ovens. It does note address […]

Pluto and the Tur’s Jewish Calendar Cycle

09 | 09 | 2015

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

http://www.thelakewoodscoop.com/news/2015/09/pluto-and-the-turs-jewish-calendar-cycle.html

http://matzav.com/pluto-and-the-turs-jewish-calendar-cycle/

http://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=64235

“New Horizons” (NASA’s Mission to Pluto) recently came within 7,800 miles of Pluto and brought much attention to this dwarf planet that at any given time is between 2.66 billion and 4.68 billion miles away from Earth.

As we begin Rosh Hashanah, 5776, which will mark the beginning of the final year of the 304th nineteen year cycle since Brias Haolam (the creation of the world), it is interesting to note the amazing similarity between the amount of time it takes Pluto to orbit the the sun and the Jewish Calendar cycle based on 13 – nineteen year cycles found in the Tur (Orach Chaim Siman 428).

The Tur’s chart is based on a 247-year cycle and it takes Pluto about 247 years to orbit the sun.

This is the Tur’s 247-year calendar found in Orach Chaim, Siman 428, in Hilchos Rosh Chodesh. Note the marks we have added […]

A Halachic Guide to Seudas Shabbos and Lechem Mishna

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Summer 2014 | Updated August 2024

One of the highlights of the week is the Shabbos seuda. The divrei Torah, zemiros, Shabbos delicacies, family and guests allow us to come closer to the Ribbono Shel Olam and recharge our ruchniyus and gashmiyus (spiritual and physical) batteries. Although a delicious bowl of chicken soup on Friday night and hot cholent during the daytime seuda enhance the Shabbos meals, one does not fulfill his obligation of Seudas Shabbos with either of these items. What is necessary to fulfill one’s obligation for Seudas Shabbos?

I. Seudas Shabbos

Men and women are obligated to eat three meals every Shabbos. Each “meal” must consist of bread.1 Chinuch-age children are also obligated. On Yom Tov, one2 is obligated to eat only two seudos as there is no obligation for a third meal.

Ideally, one should eat the volume of a k’beitza v’yoser[...] Read More

Inspections In All Directions

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Published Winter 2015

The STAR-K certifies tens of thousands of products manufactured across the globe. There are well over a million ingredients and products certified by hundreds of kashrus agencies worldwide. The following example may provide an idea of how many products are kosher certified.One million different products that are in containers measuring 6 inches in diameter lined up side by side (with no space between them) would stretch from Manhattan to Philadelphia. Since there are considerably more than a million kosher certified products, and industrial products are often sold in wider containers (e.g., 55 gallon drums), this line of products would most likely continue all the way to Baltimore. Furthermore, every kosher certified item (i.e., every container of every kosher product certified by every reliable kashrus agency) would easily stretch from the earth to the moon.To certify all of these products, kashrus agencies must adequately communicate with companies and mashgichim […]

Three Mentchen Ready for Bentchen

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Published Summer 2015

The scene is ever so common in Jewish homes. A delicious meal is served and followed by mayim achronim . Then one of the participants of the mezuman proclaims, “ Rabosai mir vellin bentchen ”[1] (Gentlemen, let us recite Birchas Hamazon ), and everyone present responds.[2]

The basic halachos are well known. If three men who have reached the age of Bar Mitzvah [3]eat bread[4] together, they form a “ mezuman. ”[5] One of them, known as the “ mezamein ” is the leader.[6] If there are ten men, “ Elokeinu ” is added[7] by the mezamein between the words “ Nevoraych ” and “ She’ochalnu ”, and by the rest of the group between “ Baruch ” and “ She’achalnu ”.

The Mishna at the beginning of the seventh perek of Brochos [...] Read More

The STAR-K OTC Medicine List: Understanding How the List was Compiled

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Ideally, one should purchase over-the-counter (OTC) products with a reliable hechsher. STAR-K certified products contain only kosher approved ingredients. A product containing a trace of a non-kosher ingredient (even if it is batel b’shishim) cannot be certified STAR-K. Similarly, all certified products are manufactured without any keilim concerns.

Unfortunately, very few OTC products are kosher certified, and kosher consumers who require such products are often confronted with shailos (questions).

STAR-K has reviewed ingredients used in hundreds of OTC products manufactured by many of the major pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, McNeil, Novartis, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Purdue Pharma, Merck and Nestle.

In compiling a list of “approved” medications for use by one who is a choleh (ill) or has a maychush (discomfort), the following halachic guidelines were used:

Equipment

►If all ingredients are kosher, there is no concern that the medicinal ingredients were produced on treif equipment (see Yoreh Deah 122:6).

►If a non-kosher […]

Maintaining Proper Standards of Kashrus In Our Yeshivos & Schools

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Published Fall 2013

Kashrus has come a long way. Kashrus agencies ensure the highest standards of kashrus in factories and food establishments worldwide, by maintaining a staff of experts in halacha, and in food technology, equipment and ingredients. Consumers have been trained to know which products are acceptable and how to maintain a kosher kitchen l’mehadrin. Kashrus in shuls is usually overseen by the rav of the kehila.

However, one area of kashrus that has received little attention – even throughout the past several decades of unprecedented kashrus growth – is kashrus in our schools. These “heiligeh mekomos”, where tens of thousands of our “tinokos shel bais rabban” spend much of their time during the course of their formative years, deserve the same attention as factories, eating establishments, shuls and our homes.

It is difficult to address the needs of each school as every situation is different. The issues at a yeshiva with a full-service […]

When You Need to Knead: A Guide to Hafrashas Challah

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Kashrus Kurrents Fall 2004 | Updated June 2024

[For a related article about the halachos of hafrashas challah for gluten-free blends, whole wheat flour, sourdough and at challah bakes, click here.]

One of the many ways Klal Yisroel serves the Ribbono Shel Olam is through the performance of mitzvos hateluyos ba’aretz, mitzvos that are dependent on the Land of Israel. Those who live in Israel have many opportunities to fulfill these mitzvos. In chutz la’aretz, the mitzvah of hafrashas challah is one of the only agricultural mitzvos that we are obligated to perform.1

It is well known that this is one of the mitzvos performed preferentially by women. Furthermore, one honors the Shabbos by baking and being mafrish challah on Erev Shabbos.2

The following are halachic guidelines based on the psak of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann shlit”a.3

A. Products

Products kneaded from chameishes minei dagan (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) […]

Facts on Wax: Are Vegetables and Fruit Waxes Kosher?

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

August 2013 | Updated May 2024

You may notice at your favorite supermarket the following statement next to the prominent “Summer Fruits from California” banner: “Coated with food grade vegetable, petroleum, and/or shellac-based wax or resin to maintain freshness” on their favorite fruits and vegetables. What are waxes? Are there any kashrus concerns? Let us examine some of the kosher facts on wax.

Waxes are not a new phenomenon, as they have been used domestically for over sixty years on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables (see list below). Waxes are derived from a variety of sources and are a cross combination of natural and synthetic ingredients. The most common primary wax ingredients are shellac, carnauba wax or petroleum-based wax. Less frequently used and more costly wax bases include beeswax and candelilla wax.

Shellac (Lac Resin)

Shellac or lac resin is a product that is imported from India and used in waxes for citrus […]

Kashrus in Good Taste: Kosher Certifying the Flavor Industry

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

You may not realize it, but flavor ingredients are found in some shape or form in practically every aisle of your favorite supermarket. The ketchup in Aisle 1 uses a Tomato Flavor to enhance its taste; the cake mixes in Aisle 5 use Artificial Vanilla Flavor to give it taste; for that matter Vanilla Flavor is even added to the pack of cigarettes that are purchased at the check-out counter. Indeed, products from soup to soap use an array of flavors and fragrances to enhance their products.

Meat and Dairy-A Kosher Consumer’s Handbook

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Published Spring 2008

One of the best known halachos of kashrus is that one may not eat meat and milk together. One of the reasons that kosher symbols incorporate a ‘D’ onto the kosher certification is to notify the consumer that the product may not be eaten together with meat, or within six hours after eating meat. Similarly, products containing meat as an ingredient will state “meat” next to the Star-K or other kosher symbol.

Post navigation

← Older posts