In depth conversations with Kashrus professionals, discussing their successes, challenges, and what you need to know to be an educated kosher consumer. Send your questions and comments to podcast@star-k.org.
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer present timely information about a variety of Pesach-related topics, including a quick review of what's new, how to manage your food-buying budget, baby food, almond flour, kitniyos, matzah, and much much more (March 2025).
In this episode, Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Dovid Heber review common questions that come up during Chanuka. Topics discussed include: I'm traveling - where should I light? How early or late can I light? Can I light at a Chanuka Party? and more! Plus: Rabbi Goldberg will briefly discuss his recent visit to Dubai in the shadow of the tragic killing of Rabbi Zvi Kagan, Hy"d, his impressions of the security situation there and interesting highlights of his trip.
This shiur was given as part of a series at Agudath Israel of Baltimore, Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5785
This shiur was given as part of a series on Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5785 at Agudath Israel of Baltimore
This shiur was given as part of a series on Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5785 at Agudath Israel of Baltimore
This shiur was given as part of a series on Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5785 at Agudath Israel of Baltimore
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer review the various issues you should be aware of before booking your flight to the Holy Land. Topics include: Davening during a flight Issues pertaining to Kohanim Kri'ah at the Kotel Kashrus Visiting kevarim
Host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and guest panelists Rabbi Zvi Holland, Rabbi Chananya Jacobson and Mr. Jonah Ottensoser will review the key issues any Shomer Shabbos should consider before deciding on an appliance purchase. The discussion will include: • Specific features consumers should be aware of before making the decision on which appliance to buy • The impact that technological advances in new "smart" appliances is having on the Shomer Shabbos consumer • A review of different cooktop options, including glass, gas and induction • Pros and cons of buying an oven with and without a Sabbath Mode feature • Issues arising from using a refrigerator on Shabbos, including lights, sensors and ice makers • YOUR questions! Rabbi Zvi Holland is Director of Special Projects at STAR-K. As the founding Rosh Kollel of the Phoenix Community Kollel, he and his wife were dedicated to promoting Torah study and building the community. Rabbi Chananya Jacobson recently assumed a role as Kashrus Administrator for STAR-K Appliance certification, while also supporting STAR-K's operations in India and Southeast Asia. He frequently serves as a liaison between the STAR-K head office in Baltimore and its satellite offices overseas. He received his rabbinical ordination from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, NJ. Mr. Jonah Ottensoser has a degree in mechanical engineering and enjoyed a decades-long career with the U.S. Navy. Over the course of the last 25 years, he singlehandedly revolutionized the adaptation of technologically advanced appliances to meet the needs of the Sabbath-observant consumer. He has helped dozens of companies to incorporate Sabbath Mode technologies into their products. Today, there are thousands of STAR-K certified appliances in the marketplace which bear his imprint. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer present timely information about a variety of Pesach-related topics, including a quick review of what's new, how to manage your food-buying budget, baby food, almond flour, kitniyos, matzah, and much much more (April 2024). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Dovid Heber reviewed fascinating insights into this rare celestial occurrence. The discussion includes: • An explanation of what happens during an eclipse • Whether one should recite a bracha when seeing one • What the Gemara has to say about eclipses • Why the Chofetz Chaim zt"l instructed the residents of Radin to view a solar eclipse • Halachos that pertain to this phenomenon • Viewing the eclipse safely Originally aired March 28, 2024. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
Host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and panelists Rabbis Sholom Tendler and Yakov Teichman reviewed the key questions you should ask before booking your trip. The discussion included:• How to figure out which hotels are reliable from the dozens that are available• If it really matters who the certifier is• If you can truly rely on an ad that says "Glatt Kosher/Chassidishe Shechita/Cholov Yisroel/ Non-Gebrochts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
A fascinating Sukkos 5784 Yarchei Kallah on the kashrus of animals, birds, fish and insects given by Rabbi Mordechai Frankel, director of STAR-K's Institute of Halacha. This shiur focuses on the question of grasshoppers. To download the accompanying source sheet, please go to star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/RMF.Grasshopper-Shiur-Tishrei5784-compressed.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
A fascinating Sukkos 5784 Yarchei Kallah on the kashrus of animals, birds, fish and insects given by Rabbi Mordechai Frankel, director of STAR-K's Institute of Halacha. This shiur focuses on the question of swordfish. To download the accompanying source sheet, please go to star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/RMF.Swordfish-Shiur-Tishrei5784.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
A fascinating Sukkos 5784 Yarchei Kallah on the kashrus of animals, birds, fish and insects given by Rabbi Mordechai Frankel, director of STAR-K's Institute of Halacha. This shiur focuses on the question of turkey. To download the accompanying source sheet, please go to star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/RMF.Turkey-reduced.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
A fascinating Sukkos 5784 Yarchei Kallah on the kashrus of animals, birds, fish and insects given by Rabbi Mordechai Frankel, director of STAR-K's Institute of Halacha. This initial shiur focuses on the question of bison. To download the accompanying source sheet, please go to star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/Bison-Shiur-Tishrei5784.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Baruch Beyer reviewed various halachic issues involving travel with special guest, Rabbi Dovid Heber (June 2023). TIMESTAMPS:6:05Â - Airplane travel on 17 Tammuz9:08Â - Flying on Friday in the U.S.13:30Â - Landing on Friday in Israel16:30Â - HOTLOGIC personal food warmer on Shabbos18:05Â - Washing hands on a plane21:01Â - Kosher meal on a plane32:37Â - Planning ahead37:38Â - Davening in shul out of town43:48Â - Pre-packaged kosher meal on a cruise48:23Â - Common Tefilas Haderech questions --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Baruch Beyer present timely information about a variety of Pesach-related topics, including a quick review of what's new, how to manage your food-buying budget, baby food, almond flour, kitniyos, matzah, and much much more (March 2023). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Dovid Heber discuss kashrus issues that have arisen as a result of the recent shortage of popular OTC and prescription medications, and what kosher consumers need to consider in dealing with the shortage. Originally Aired Dec 28, 2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
STAR-K Kashrus Administrators, Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld, discuss issues of kashrus facing those who are incarcerated. Originally aired 12-27-2017 . --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this webinar, originally broadcast Feb. 12, 2020, STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer discuss current issues of kashrus including STAR-K certified kosher airline meals and book lice - bugs in quinoa. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer hosted a panel that discussed tips for the kosher traveler when visiting Israel as well as the U.S. • Rabbi Moshe Farkash – Administrator, ZNT Kosher, Jerusalem • Rabbi Sholom Tendler – Foodservice Administrator, STAR-K Rabbi Farkash, of ZNT Kosher (www.zntkosher.com) is intimately familiar with the kosher scene in Israel, and regularly advises tourists on navigating that scene, including restaurants and hotel breakfasts. Rabbi Tendler is STAR-K's Baltimore administrator of caterers and restaurants and is a frequent traveler all over the U.S. He discussed managing kashrus on the road. He also provided general travel advice for these challenging times. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Sholom Tendler explain Yoshon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Listen to host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and his guest, Jewish time expert Rabbi Dovid Heber discuss Jewish time (10/6/21). They answer your questions in addition to discussing: • a 'behind the scenes' review of Rabbi Heber's new book, The Intriguing World of Jewish Time • how time affects kashrus certification • the "World Calendar" and how it would have affected Jewish life • why a girl cannot become bas mitzva in Adar 1 The Jewish calendar is complex, but Rabbi Heber makes the topic clear and easy to understand. In addition to his newly published work which includes 150 questions and answers on Jewish time, he previously authored Sefer Shaarei Zmanim. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Listen to host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and his guest, STAR-K Director of Development Steve Sichel discuss Kosher Travel Post Lockdowns (6/23/21). They answer your travel questions in addition to discussing: • What you need to know before planning your trip • How travel has changed: practical advice about food, flights, hotels, and rental cars • Applicable halachos for your trip, including Shabbos, davening, Tefilas Haderech and kosher food Steve Sichel has travelled over 2 million miles throughout his career at STAR-K, visiting all 50 states and over 25 countries. He flew over 50,000 miles during the past year alone! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg hosts a discussion about STAR-K's certification of Shabbos devices for those who are ill or have physical limitations. Learn about Shabbos scooters, stairlifts, nebulizers, nurse call systems, hospital beds, and more! Rabbi Goldberg is joined by the following guests: • Rabbi Mordechai Frankel – Director, STAR-K Institute of Halacha • Shmuel Glick – Director of Engineering, Gramachip Technologies • Rafy David – CEO, MovingLife Shabbatto Mobility Scooters Originally aired 5/11/2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this Webinar Rabbi Goldberg discusses his recent trip to Peru, and the chocolate production he saw there. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Now available on the STAR-K podcast feed: recordings of Rabbi Zvi Goldberg's monthly webinars. Join Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer for an interactive Passover products webinar, during which we will: discuss what's new / products that do and don't require certification suggest how to save money with the rising cost of kosher food review coconut /almond flours, kitniyos, matzah, and more! answer your questions! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
A special episode focusing on the Halachos of the Arba Minim: Esrog, Lulav, Hadassim, and Aravos. Rabbi Frankel walks us through the selection process of the Daled Minim: Do the size and shape of your esrog matter? Does your lulav need to be straight? How much should you spend on a chinuch set? Do you need to check the esrog with a loupe? All this and much much more on this special Sukkos episode of the kosher conversation! Feedback and questions are always welcome at 1-410-816-9509 or podcast@star-k.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In today's episode Rabbi Nosson Dubin shares with us what it is like to "do kashrus" in an out-of-town community. We talk about a wide array of topics, including: - The challenges of kosher supervision in a place where everyone knows you personally. - The mandate of ensuring that kosher food is available to local consumers. - How one small conversation changed the entire paradigm of kosher supervision. - The Kosher Institute of America's mashgiach training program. - What it's like to participate in the AKO Executive Committee. and, of course: - How to run a Kosher Chili Cookoff! Feedback and questions are always welcome at 1-410-816-9509 or podcast@star-k.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode we explore the halachic ramifications of cultured meat, (also known as lab-grown or synthetic meat). Rabbi Daniel Friedman shares his pioneering work with us, and Rabbi Joel Kenigsberg keeps us abreast of the latest developments in the field. Learn how synthetic meat is made! What is it? Can it be Kosher? Can it Be Parve? Also, a rare recording of Rav Moshe Heinemann. shlita, addressing these issues. Leave your feedback for the Kosher Conversation at 410-816-9509! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Moshe Yurman is one of the few chalaf-machers (knife makers) in the United States today. In this episode, co-hosted by Rabbi Zvi Holland, , discusses the requirements and techniques of working steel into the best possible knife for shechita. - How do you make a blade from a blank? - How do you keep it sharp? - How does modern technology affect these specialized chalafim? - How do Italian barbers come into the picture? All this and much, much more on this Episode of the Kosher Conversation Bonus Content: Rabbi Yurman has been interviewed in the following magazines: Ami Tablet --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode we go in depth about the steps taken to prepare kosher meat for consumption - nikkur and melicha. Rabbi Kurcfeld, drawing on his experience in this field, and describes the various parts of the animal, and how they are prepared by removing cheilev, the forbidden fats, and how the blood is removed through salting. Bonus Question! Is pate de foie gras kosher? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Shaul Goldberg, Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K, takes us through the various steps of kosher meat production. Hear about the thought, the training and the skill that go into shechita, bedika, nikkur, and melicha, as Rabbi Goldberg talks about his personal experience and training in the field. Learn about some of the gritty details that need to be observed to determine if a shechita is acceptable. Finally, unravel some of the mystery surrounding chassidishe shechita! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode Rav Heinemann discusses what exactly "kabbalah" for shechita means, and what a shochet needs to know to qualify. We also take a look at the knives used for shechita, and learn about the Rov's personal chalaf collection. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode Rav Heinemann discusses the traditions to eat various animals. Some of the topics discussed: What makes a chicken a chicken? Is turkey kosher? Do we need a mesorah for various breeds of cows? Can we shecht giraffes? All this and much more on this episode of the Kosher Conversation! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode we speak with Rabbi Yonah Goldberg about life in the Midwest, growing up in Haarlem, and of course, cheese! All sorts of cheese: Blue Cheese Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack, and even ... Squeaky Cheese! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this episode Rabbi Boruch Beyer, Kashrus Administrator at STAR-K, talks with us about: Where does soda come from? How is it made? Is it kosher everywhere? The story of the Slurpee! And a special bonus topic - Why would paper need a hechsher? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Today, we continue our conversation with Rabbi Smolensky, an industrial mashgiach for the OU. Picking up from the discussion of oil production in the previous episode, Rabbi Smolensky discusses margarine and hard fats. Learn about the history of margarine! What is it? What oils can it be made from? What are the challenges in making kosher margarine? How does government legislation affect Kosher for Passover Margarine? All this and more in this episode of The Kosher Conversation! Part two of a two-part series. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Today's conversation is with Rabbi Simcha Smolensky, a veteran Chicago-based Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU. He shares his expertise in all aspects of kosher oil production. Where do oils come from? What are the differences between them? Aren't all vegetable oils really kosher? Part one of a two-part series. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
The Kosher Conversation returns from a Pesach hiatus. In this episode we discuss how to make Cholov Yisroel milk in modern dairies, with special attention paid to Pride of the Farm. Curious about how to watch the milking of thousands of cows? Want to know who's at the dairy on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Is Pride of the Farm really better than other milk? Wondering what could possibly go wrong? All this and more on this week's episode. Just press play. As always comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome at podcast@star-k.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
In this installment Rabbi Dovid Heber tells us all about medications. He answers many burning questions about kosher medication: Is kosher medicine really necessary? What are the possible problems with medicine? Should you wrap your pills in paper before you take them? Should you wait until the pharmacy gets the kosher version? All this and more! Please email your comments and suggestions to podcast@star-k.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Pesach hotels are a long-standing, much maligned institution in Jewish communities in America and around the world. Rabbi Holland takes us behind the scenes and gives us his insight into what it takes to plan, prepare and run a Kosher for Passover program. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Rabbi Heinemann takes us on a deep dive into the world of machine and hand matzah bakeries. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
Talking Food Service Kashrus with Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld of the STAR-K. In this episode we discuss how Rabbi Kurcfeld got his start in Kosher Supervision, the ins and outs of kosher food service, and setting up facilities such as restaurants, colleges, hotels and hospitals. Learn the three crucial factors in successfully setting up a kosher vendor! Hear what happens when it doesn't go according to plan! All this and more on this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kosher-conversation/message
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