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CSA KASHRUT GUIDELINES

01/27/2016 12:22:46 PM

Jan27

CSA Kashrut Guidelines
In response to many questions, Rabbi Kornfeld's column this week is dedicated to clarifying our shul's kashrut guidelines.  In the development of these guidelines, much thought has been given to the beautiful diverse nature of our congregants, our mission as reflected in our name "Shevet Achim", halachic principles, and cost impacts.  These guidelines are strongly driven by the desire to enable all our congregants to participate in the synagogue's food events, enabling us to break bread together and truly be characterized by "shevet achim b'yachad".
 
Congregation Shevet Achim is under the supervision of Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld, and not the Seattle Va'ad.  This is in line with the other orthodox synagogues in the Seattle area.
 
Alcoholic Beverages
Unopened beverages listed on either the Star K approved list or the cRc recommended list are fine for use at the shul. If they are not on these "approved" or "recommended" lists, they require specific clearance from Rabbi Kornfeld for use in the CSA facility.  All wines also need to be kosher certified and "mevushal" for use in the CSA facility.  If you have a question, please consult with Rabbi Kornfeld.
 
Pas Yisrael
Many in our community only eat Pas Yisrael bread and mezonot products.   Pas Yisrael products are grain products that were cooked or baked with the participation of an observant Jew.  This Jew must, at a minimum, ignite the flame used to prepare, cook or bake the grain product. 
 
Consistent with our current practice, all CSA congregational events require that bread, pastries, and cookies be Pas Yisrael.  For private affairs using the CSA facility, Pas Yisrael products remain preferred, but Parve Kosher-certified Non-Pas Yisrael products will be permitted.  

Chalav Yisrael
Many in our community do not eat regular kosher dairy products (Chalav Stam), but rather only Chalav Yisrael products.  
 
Chalav Yisrael refers to milk or dairy products that have been under constant Rabbinic supervision from the time of milking the cows until the completion of production and packaging the product. In countries where there is strong government oversight of the dairy industry, most kosher certifying agencies will certify dairy products without constant Rabbinic Supervision. This is permitted by many Rabbinic authorities (Chalav Stam). Some kosher consumers will only eat, or prefer, dairy products that conform to the higher Chalav Yisrael standard. Products certified as kosher are assumed to be Chalav Stam unless specifically labeled as Chalav Yisrael.
 
Consistent with our current practice, all dairy CSA congregational and private events that use the CSA kosher kitchen or supplies will require the use of Chalav Yisrael products.  The decision regarding the exclusive use of Chalav Yisrael products for private dairy events is influenced by the complexity of separating Chalav Yisrael and non-Chalav Yisrael utensils.  Chalav Stam products may be used for private functions which do not require the use of the CSA kitchen or utensils.  This is the only exemption to the use of non-Chalav Yisrael products.

Kosher Kitchen Use
Access to the CSA kosher kitchen is limited to those who have completed established training and are approved by the Rabbi or a designated Mashgiach.  The kitchen is to  remain locked at all times, except when under the supervision of the Rabbi or a designated Mashgiach.  The heating cabinet in the kitchen preparation area is only to be used under the supervision of the Rabbi or a designated Mashgiach. 

Approved Kosher Caterers
Rabbi Kornfeld and the Board are working together to develop a list of approved caterers for food events held in the CSA facility.  An announcement on this will be coming soon.
 
  Chalav Yisrael Chalav Stam Pas Yisrael Non-Pas Yisrael
CSA sponsored event (Kiddush, dinner)
Yes
No
Yes No
Private event with use of CSA kitchen
Yes
No
Yes
No
Private event without use of CSA kitchen
Preferred
Permitted
Preferred
Permitted
 
Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784