International Kosher Council

Parshas Shemos - Hashem Heard?

2012-01-13T00:32:00.003-05:00

Moshe is charged with the task and mission of saving the Jewish People and taking them out of Egypt.
Hashem tells Moshe, "The cries of the Jewish people have come to me..... and now go and I am sending you to Paroh and take out my people from Egypt"
And Hashem says that he knows Paroh will need a little "encouragement", but after that the Jews will go out in style.
Sounds like a done deal. Yet Moshe goes to Paroh who doesn't seem so impressed.
Paroh says, "These Jews are lazy! That's why they have the time for this talk" and he makes things worse.
The Jewish people are livid and Moshe was so frustrated that he asked Hashem, "Why have you made it worse for these people, why did you send me for this? From the time that I spoke to Paroh in Your Name, it's become worse for the people and you haven't saved them!"
Hashem says, "Oh you'll see what I'll do to Paroh! He'll be forced to send them out."
So what's the point? Hashem had already said before that he heard the Jewish people's cries and that he'll save them and it became worse?
So Rabbi Moshe Chait said that the lesson is a very profound one. That even after Hashem has decided to answer you, even after he has already started the process, it sometimes has to get worse before it will get better.
But that is a part of the salvation. A part of your redemption. Not Hashem ignoring you but rather responding to you.

Parshas Vayigash - Make Even That Small Move in the Right Direction

2011-12-30T08:17:00.001-05:00

The two future leaders of the Jewish People square off in this week's Parsha and show why they and their descendants were destined to lead the Jewish People for all time.
Interestingly, Yosef showed his leadership as he ruled from a more secular venue as Viceroy of Egypt, staying true to his Torah values, and Yehuda lead from within his family and stood up to Yosef.
That trend continued throughout history.
Yehuda also comes into his own as "Vayigahs Ailav Yehuda" as he moves away from the pack and steps up on his own and comes close to Yosef.
This is where he finally rose to his status as Family leader and set the DNA for his future generations.
A "small" move, a huge statement.
Let's look out for those "small" moves which could have huge impact for us and our future generations.
Sometimes the small moves take the most strength.

Meikaitz - Chanuka - Haftorah

2011-12-24T22:03:00.002-05:00

Parshas Meikaitz always falls out as Shabbos Chanuka. So I was trying to find a connection and not only did I find one to the Parsha, I found a connection with the Haftorah as well.
In keeping with the theme of my last post, I see the same thread appearing. I believe this message is one especially for us as we maybe start our own (Chanuka) re-dedication.
In the Parsha we read of the success of Yosef. But we must remember what he went through to get there.
He was a very talented and brilliant leader but had a hard time finding his calling. A lesser person may have given up long before. As a young man of 17 he meant well with his brothers but they took it wrong and betrayed him horribly. He was given up for dead. He gets a job and is successful but again is betrayed and sent to jail. In all he meant well and never wanted to do wrong. And the same in jail, although he is respected and good, when he tries to rely on the butler after he is kind to him, he is again forgotten. All of this through no fault of his own. He even says this to the butler, “I was kidnapped from the land of the Ivrim and also here I didn’t do anything wrong for them to put me in this jail.” But after 13 years, at age 30, he persevered and eventually saw great honor, success and accomplishment. This is the same message of Chanuka, of not giving up even though it seems hopeless.
Similarly, in the Haftorah, Yehoshua The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and Zerubavel return to Israel to rebuild it and the Temple. Only it doesn’t go as planned and they are ready to give up. Yehoshua feels unworthy and “stands still” doesn’t move forward with the seemingly impossible project. Hashem tells him “to take off those unclean garments” forget those feelings of unworthiness. Repent and look to the future. Make for yourself a future of “pure garments” of good deeds, free from sin, and move ahead and you will be successful. Zerubavel thinks the task is a mountain in his path and Hashem tells him that what you think is a mountain is really a plain. And he tells him the famous words, “Lo b’chail v’lo b’koach ki im b’ruchie amar hasem tzvaos”, success is not from the might of weapons or physical strength but from my spirit says G-d, who commands the forces of creation.
And that must be how Yehuda Macabbi felt and nonetheless continued on to demolish the huge forces against him. And that is how we may feel in our mission in life.
Fittingly, Rabbi Hirsch in his commentary on the Haftorah ends with these words, on the above verse:
“Therefore, as it is not material but rather spiritual and moral forces which are called upon to be used for the completion of this building, no material or physical obstacle can hinder that completion.
Even the most powerful enemy forces, as well as the “mountain high” difficulties which may seem to tower before it, will dwindle to nothing against the spiritual-moral, the Divine power.”
May it be His will.

A Chanuka Message

2011-12-21T21:51:00.000-05:00

Chanuka is probably the most powerful of all the holidays. Although it is only from the Rabbis, it has an energy and longevity that many of the other holidays don’t. Although many Jews have never heard of Shavuot and a good number don’t know what a Sukkah is, almost everyone knows what Chanuka is.
The story of the Macabees, of the few standing up for their principles against seemingly insurmountable odds, resonates well with every person no matter what their denomination.
And the story of the little jug of a day’s worth of oil lasting for 8 days appeals to all of our magical minds.
But there is a lot more. There is another reason that Chanuka remained the most celebrated holiday during the course of this long exile. Because the message of Chanuka always hit home the most in the past and is needed more than ever for us now in these very trying and uncertain times.
The message is of the little light in the blackest darkness. Chanuka always falls out during the darkest part of the year, during the shortest days and longest nights (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Although one may feel that there is no end to the darkness, in a couple of weeks the days start to get longer and then it’s summer again when the days are real long.
We are living in very volatile times and it looks like there is no natural solution to the world’s problems. And maybe there is no natural solution but Chanuka teaches us that miracles CAN happen. Just follow the directive of Yehuda Macabee “Mi la Hashem Ailay”, “who that is for Hashem come with me!”
Stay true to your Torah principles
Don’t give up even though the odds don’t look good
And do that good deed, light that light, even if you think it can’t accomplish too much in face of the great darkness. Because Chanuka teaches us that even the smallest action can accomplish, “Me’at min ha’or doche harbe min ha’choshech”, “A very little bit of light can push away a lot of the darkness”.

Parshas Vayaishev - The ends do NOT justify the means

2011-12-15T22:25:00.002-05:00

Contrary to the common saying, in Torah the ends definitely DO NOT justify the means. Even though one wants to save ones own life you do not have the right to embarrass another person. Tamar did not embarrass Yehuda in order to save her life. She got the message across to Yehuda in a subtle way.

The daughter of Potifar wanted to be "connected" to Yosef and thought that to be able to accomplish it in the end, will justify the means of going about doing it. It wasn't the case she lost all credibility and any chances for her goal. And it was her daughter instead who became Yosef's wife.

A person's actions do not "balance out" in the end. You are not allowed to do 2 wrong things if you will do 2 right things to even it out. You will be rewarded for the good and punished for the bad.

The Torah is full of examples of how one's EVERY action must be accounted for regardless of what good was done as a result. And especially when it comes to a person's feelings. If someone else's feeling are hurt due to what you did, you will have to answer for it.

So be careful, especially when you are "helping" or "correcting" another.

PARSHAS VAYISHLACH - HAFTORAH

2011-12-15T22:20:00.002-05:00

Last week's Haftora was the whole book of Ovadia. It's actually the shortest book of the Prophets, it's only one chapter but so fundamental. It's no wonder that it is a book by itself because it packs in the one chapter the whole history and future of the Jew among the nations. What has and will happen and what we can do about it.

It talks about Edom (Eisav) and prophecies about Rome. And the similarities or rather, exact mirror, to what we are now seeing in the US and Europe is striking.
The moral breakdown of Edom, Rome and now the Western World (all in the name of humaneness, mind you) was the cause of their downfall. Along with their arrogance and disregard for their allies and citizens.

But the main message and opportunity for us is the necessity for us to rise up to our responsibility and ability to be a proper example of Torah and moral values.
(It’s not an accident that this message and that of Chanuka is so similar)

What may seem to be a horrible thing may just be our opportunity.

Toward the end of the Haftorah is the famous verse, 18, "And the House of Jacob shall become a fire and the House of Joseph a flame (which will come out of the fire), and the House of Eisav will be straw. And they (the flame from the fire) will light up the straw and consume it. And there will be no remnant of Eisav."
Rav SR Hirsch points out that the House of Joseph always refers to the part of the Jewish Nation which is more assimilated and not so connected to the Torah. And yet it is their "flame" which will go out and light up Eisav.

Rav Hirsch says ," Does it mean to say here that even those descendants of Jacob that have assimilated and been estranged from Judaism still have a strong enough "fire" alive within them with a spirit of justice, humaneness and love that even in the midst of the Eisav world they will be able to prove themselves to be the "flame"?
Never discount anyone, never belittle anyone's "observance" or passion. Least of all your own.

Anyone can be that "flame" to rise up and accomplish to overpower the corrupt Edomite or Roman principles that govern.

Belated Parsha Thought - Toldos

2011-11-26T18:30:00.001-05:00

A Gutte Voch and a Gutten Chodesh
Even though it's after Shabbos here I still want to write something about the Parsha. Time got away from me Erev Shabbos and besides it's still Shabbos in Chicago and west.
In these Parshios the challenge isn't so much what to say as what not.
In this Parsha there is so much to discuss, perhaps we should have a class.
But I'd like to highlight the story of the wells. Yitzchok was in the land of the Pilishtim and was digging up his father's old wells that the Pilishtim stopped up. The age-old battle for water rights.
The first 2 he dug they argued with him about and he abandoned them. The third one he dug up unchallenged.
The commentaries ask that of all the stories of Yitzchok's life what insight to his character is so important here to mention this story instead of others?
The Ramban therefore says that this story is hinting to us about the Jewish temples (Beit Hamikdosh) in the future. The first 2 were "challenged" and destroyed but the 3rd will go unchallenged when Moshiach comes.
I think, though, that this does show the very essence of his character. Everyone of our forefathers had a specific character trait.
Avrohom - Chesed, kindness
Yaakov - Emes, truth and Yitzchok was Gvurah, strength.
To walk away from a fight is not weakness but the ultimate in strength, self - control.
All too often we are ready to fight and battle for our rights, honor, etc. when we should rather continue and find another way which is unchallenged.
Yitzchok had the rights to that water, it was stolen from his father. But he kept on going until he found the way to get his water without argument.
We too should rather find the way to our goals or what is rightfully ours, without fighting if possible.
That's a very important lesson for our lives.
Yonatan in the Haftora shows that same strength of character in his loyal friendship with Dovid, his rival (and brother-in-law).

Beautiful Thank you note from Pie in the Sky Bakery in PV, Mexico

2011-11-22T18:12:00.007-05:00

We just kashered a Bakery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, called "Pie in the Sky". Our Mashgiach, Yossi, had just spent quite a few hours kashering everything. After which the owner, Susan, sent us this moving thank you note:

I want to thank you for helping us here at the bakery become Kosher. It was hard work, Yossi was great, and I felt like I had accomplished something very important to me and my family and my family who is no longer with me. Oddly enough, I felt something spiritual, something I couldn't put my finger on, maybe a rebirth of the memory of my childhood, joy and happiness, Sunday School, Hebrew School, the Synagogue and all that goes with my being Jewish. It feels good!

Thank You and Yossi
Susan Drexler

Parsha Thought - Chayai Sara - פרשת חיי שרה

2011-11-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

I wanted to write a thought about the Parsha and I welcome comments and questions.
This week's story is about Eliezer going to find a wife for his master's son Yitzchok.
BUT, I believe, there is so much misinformation and misuse of this story.
Yitzchok doesn't choose his own wife and doesn't even have a chance to get to known her well before they are wed. The Possuk (verse) tells us that after he married her he loved her.
So many use this as proof that "there is no such thing as love before marriage" and that it is the best when the Parents choose the spouse for their child (arranged marriage)...
HOWEVER, they conveniently forget that in just a couple more Parshiot is the VERY romantic story of Yaakov falling in LOVE with Rochel, Yaakov is told by his parents to find himself a wife and he falls in love with Rochel. Also Moshe chooses his own wife, Tziporah. And many other in Tanaach choose their own.
So at best both ways are valid. BUT there is NO proof from Yitzchok at all because there was no choice for him to choose his own wife since he couldn't leave Canaan and he was forbidden to marry a Canaanite woman.
Unfortunately, many of our Jewish youth are told, "there is no love before marriage".
How sad. That's like saying, "there is no taste and smell to food".

From Portugal

2011-10-23T18:06:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a while. But I was very busy and didn't always have internet access.
I have been in Portugal setting up a Jewish Community in the Algarve, South Portugal.
It's been a thrill and very rewarding.
(Don't worry our establishments are being well tended to by our Mashgichim)
There is so much to tell and I will little by little as I can.
Just to start we had a Minyanim (with a Sefer Torah) for Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succos, with a Sukkah and Lulav and Esrog here where there hasn't been for almost 100 years and maybe more.
It was emotional and fulfilling.

On the Parsha (a few weeks late)

2011-03-24T18:11:00.004-04:00

On Parshas Tezaveh, a few weeks ago, I actually meant to mention that for me the quintessential source for the extent of privacy in Jewish life is the Gemarah in Pesachim 112a on the posuk "V'nishma kolo b'vo'o el hakodesh" that the bells on the M'eel (jacket) of the Kohen Gadol (High Preist) would announce his coming into the Haichal (Great Hall of the Temple). The Gemara says that we see from here "a person shouldn't enter even his own house suddenly (without knocking) etc." . The Kohen Gadol was "boss" in the BH'M and still had the bells to announce himself. A person who is the "boss" of his own home must knock to announce his presence. We are not meant to know everything that goes on behind our backs. We are not meant to "catch" those in our households but rather instill in them the morality and decency to do what's right on their own.

WOW KOSHER MARSHMALLOWS!!!

2011-03-06T20:11:00.003-05:00

We are VERY pleased to announce we now certify SWEET & SARA VEGAN MARSHMALLOWS !!
they contain NO gelatin (hence they're Vegan) and they are truly delicious. You won't miss the gelatin at all.
AND they are available all over the country at the locations on the following link:
http://www.sweetandsara.com/locations.php
Enjoy!!!

for the last day of Chanuka

2010-12-15T17:15:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post this for the Last Day of Chanuka but I was out if the country and not readily computer accessible. So here it is now:

Today is called in Hebrew "Zot Chanuka" meaning "This is Chanuka"
and it has (at least) 2 meanings:

1) THIS is the last chance to take advantage of the Power of Chanuka for this year.

2) This day has ALL the power of Chanuka in it. THIS is Chanuka. THIS day has the power of ALL the lights and, if we try to tap into it, the ability to help us accomplish very much.

Blessing and Curse - Parshas Re'ay

2010-08-06T18:04:00.004-04:00

There are 2 choices which we are given, a Blessing or a Curse. There is no "in-between" zone. Either our actions (when we are following what Hashem wants) are a blessing or a curse (when we are not following what Hashem wants).
We have to always consider the outcome of our actions. Either it will be for the good or for the bad. There is no neutral territory.
When you get on the train you know where the train is going. Most people do not get on the train "just for the ride" or because they like the seats. Either it is the right train and you'll get to where you want to go or it is not and you will not get there.
You must think ahead to where the train is going.
The same MUST be with our actions. We MUST know the outcome and cause and effect of what we're doing. Everything has an outcome. We must act with foresight and forethought. Before we act we must consider where it will take us and if it is where we want to go.

Kosher Conversation - Checking Vegetables

2010-08-06T17:56:00.002-04:00

Dear Rabbi,
I looked at the website, but I could not find any info regarding your policy for checking vegetables and fruits, if they are infested with bugs. What kind of procedure you put in place in the restaurant (especially the veggie ones) that you certify?
Many thanks for your help

Thanks so much for your question.
There are many checks in the vegetable situation. There really is no such thing as "infested" with bugs. First, the produce seller would not be selling vegetables for too long if he sells "infested" product.
Next, all restaurants inspect the produce before accepting an order, and will not accept an infested batch since EVERY restaurant has an incentive NOT to serve bugs. No patron wants to eat bugs. And a bug served could ruin their reputation. Plus a Vegan place has even more of an incentive.
Secondly, I do inspect the way they check and clean for bugs on their own since the way an establishment checks may not be inherently acceptable. But in the places that I certify they were serious about not serving bugs and the method they used was acceptable. I only requested, for those who weren't doing it, a second rinse after checking and they comply. Thanks again and feel free to email or call if you have more questions.

Kosher Conversation - Open on Shabbos

2010-08-06T17:50:00.001-04:00

Hi. I was interested in understanding why there are very few hechsherim that certify establishments which are open on shabbos.
Does this create problems with the supervision of the operations at the establishments on shabbos?

Thanks for the question.
Kosher and Shabbos are 2 separate things. Yet there are those certifications who want to appear very strict who combine the two things.
Whereas of course, we want every Jew to keep Shabbos. A Jew being open on Shabbos does not make the food unkosher. There are issues regarding how and when things are made on Shabbos that effect whether a Jew is allowed to eat it or not but it is NOT a Kosher issue and we, in giving our Hashgacha, make sure that all these issues of Kosher and Shabbos are addressed.

Kosher Conversation - Constant Supervision

2010-08-06T17:42:00.004-04:00

Dear sir,
I request an answer to several questions. Is there a full time mashgiach at Blank's restaurant? If not, how can it be certified as strictly kosher?

Thanks for your question. I appreciate your respectful words.
Actually according to the Halacha there is no concept of hashgacha tamidis. (Constant Supervision)
The concept of hashgacha is based on trust and a bit of fear.
The very vast majority of people are honest and sincere in how they run their business and according to Halacha we are allowed/supposed to trust them unless we have a clear reason not to. And then no amount of hashgacha can replace trust.
As far as fear goes the Halacha is clear that "Yotzei V'nichnas" (coming in unannounced at any possible time) is enough. And the frequency of visit is NOT delineated by Halacha. All of that frequency of visit is opinion and manufactured.
I believe that Hashgacha Tamidis is an unnecessary and unfair imposition. Actually it is a much bigger sin to extort money from a restaurant owner unnecessarily.
I hope this answers your question. Feel free to contact me further with any other questions.

NEW!!! Under IKC supervision

2010-05-28T17:12:00.001-04:00

THE JUICE PRESS (East Village)

70 E. 1st St. (B. First and Second Aves.)
212-777-0034

thejuicepressonline.com

- Rejoice in rejuvenation at this downtown health spot, stocked with fresh juice, raw sandwiches, and live organic produce.

WE ARE NOW IN PHILADELPHIA!!!! YAY!!!!!

2010-05-28T16:40:00.003-04:00

IKC IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE JUST CERTIFIED 3 ESTABLISHMENTS IN CENTER CITY, PHILADELPHIA! IT IS VERY EXCITING. YOU CAN GO VISIT PHILLY AND ENJOY MORE KOSHER FOOD

HERE IS THE LIST:
COMPANY: SU XING HOUSE
STATUS: Vegan - Pareve, some dairy served not cooked
ADDRESS: 1506 Sansom St. (b 15th St. & 16th St.), Philadelphia, PA 19102
TELEPHONE: (215) 564-1419
FAX: (215) 564-2949
EMAIL/ WEB: www.suxinghouse.com

COMPANY: SWEET FREEDOM BAKERY
STATUS: Vegan - Pareve
ADDRESS: 1424 South St. (b 15th & Broad), Philadelphia, PA 19146
TELEPHONE: (215) 545-1899
FAX:
EMAIL/ WEB: sweetfreedombakery@gmail.com, www.sweetfreedombakery.com

COMPANY: SWISS HAUS BAKERY
STATUS: Dairy & Pareve (the Challah & Rye Bread are pareve)
ADDRESS: 35 S. 19th St. (b Chestnut & Ludlow), Philadelphia, PA 19103
TELEPHONE: (215) 563-0759
FAX: (215) 563-0760
EMAIL/ WEB: info@swisshausbakery.com, www.swisshausbakery.com

LET'S TAKE OUR TORAH BACK!!!!!

2010-05-26T11:42:00.004-04:00

Last week was Shavuos, the day commemorating the receiving of the Torah. It is the day to renew our commitment to the Torah. I believe it is the day to take our Torah back. To go back to the real laws of the Halacha. Our Torah has been hijacked. It has been perverted and subverted to the point where it is unrecognizable.
Unfortunately it is the religious and observant who THINK that they are following the Halacha and are so proud of themselves, who actually have disgraced and misrepresented the Torah and shaken up its delicate balance.
(see the Haftorah on Parshas Vayaishev as R' Hirsch explains. All sides of the religious spectrum are not living up to their expectations and claims)
It is quite interesting that in the country today people are saying that we should take our country back. The similarities of the far left of the country to the far right of the religion is striking and chilling. The country is in the process of being taken over by the far left who want to control the people, who they believe have no ability or responsibility for themselves. The individual is being negated.
The far right of the religion believe the SAME!!
They believe that the individual is incapable of making proper, moral and decent decisions on their own. They believe that they have to make the rules for everyone.
The Torah, however, demands just the opposite.
The Torah believes primarily in the responsibility of the individual. Yes there is a power that the community has, but ultimately the responsibility lies with the individual and his honest and true assessment of himself.
We see this perversion of Torah many ways these days and it's time to go back to the truth and proper balance of the Torah.
Dracheha Darcei Noam Its ways are pleasant. But only when we maintain the delicate true balance that was intended.

Now under IKC Supervision

2010-05-25T20:50:00.003-04:00

HUMMUS KITCHEN
on the UPPER EAST SIDE
1613 2nd Avenue (bet 83rd and 84th)
New York, NY‎
(212) 988-0090‎
It is now a delicious MEAT restaurant.
AND under our supervision.

some more Kosher updates

2010-05-25T20:40:00.002-04:00

Just one change and a couple of new places:
COCOA V of the last update has NOT YET gone kosher as hey have been undergoing some changes.
We will know more soon.

NOW FOR THE NEW KOSHER ESTABLISHMENTS:
GOFRA BITES
a unique Waffle House and bakery
right in the heart of the West Village
120 West 3 Street
New York, NY 11012
Tel.: 212-982-BITE(2483)
An excerpt from a Yelp review
"Gofra Bite is a new quaint place in the west village, known mostly for their delicious home made Belgian Waffles (with HOME MADE WHIPPED CREAM, YUM), but it doesn't stop there.. they have a variety of amazing desserts....."

A Real Mazel Tov

2010-05-07T13:51:00.006-04:00

Yes again it's been a long time.
we had computer trouble and just got a new one.
yes it's a Mazel Tov. Almost like getting a new member of the family.
Meanwhile it's been an exciting few weeks for us B"H as we have a few more new Places under our Hashgacha:

FIRST
NO LONGER UNDER IKC SUPERVISION
DANG LAI PALACE
No longer under IKC Kosher supervision.
They are no longer Kosher since they have chosen to serve non-kosher food.
180 3rd Ave. (16th Street)
New York, NY 10003

NOW UNDER IKC SUPERVISION
Cocoa V
**NEW**
Vegan - Pareve
174 9th Avenue (b 20th & 21st)
Telephone: (212) 242-3339
This is a wonderful Cafe/Bakery/Chocolatier/Wine Bar
Delicious and Beautiful

NOW SWITCHING TO IKC SUPERVISION
Blossom Restaurant
Vegan - Pareve
187 9th Avenue (b 21st & 22nd)
Telephone: (212) 627-1144

Cafe Blossom
Vegan - Pareve
466 Columbus (b 82nd & 83rd)
Telephone: (212) 875-2600
Yes the famous and elegant Vegan eateries are now under IKC

Hummus Kithchen
Meat
768 9th Avenue (b 51st & 52nd)
New York, NY 10019
Telephone: (212) 333-3009
Delicious food in a great environment.

NEW VEGAN RESTAURANT - TERRI

2010-04-09T18:46:00.000-04:00

A wonderful new and already very popular Vegan restaurant has become Kosher under our supervision.
CHECK IT OUT.
It has a very tasty yet healthy quick menu. Perfect for when you want something tasty and healthy on the go.

TERRI
60 w. 23rd Street (just off 6th Ave. towards 5th Ave)
And look at these hours
Mon thru Fri 6AM - 11PM
Sat & Sun 8AM - 9PM
phone 212-647-8810

WE HAVE A WEBSITE!!!!!

2010-04-09T18:45:00.000-04:00

Yes IKC now has a website. Finally!
It's been under development for awhile and now here it is!
And we will be constantly evolving.
Check us out and any ideas let me know.
http://www.ikckosher.com/

Are We Really Counting the Omer?

2010-04-09T18:23:00.005-04:00

I’m sure most of us were very proud of our accomplishment as we are attempting to complete another counting of the Omer with a Bracha, not missing one day.

We probably also said the L’shem Yichud before and all the Prayers afterward. We probably even knew if the day was “Chesed she b’Gvoorah” or “Malchus she b’Hod “. We are truly accomplished people.
But are we really counting the Omer?

For most of us the Omer will probably pass uneventfully. We may even be inconvenienced by some of the restrictions (i.e. not shaving, getting haircuts or going to celebrations). We may even know that the Jewish people in the Desert raised themselves up 50 levels until Shavuos when they received the Torah.

But that "raising up of levels" is so indefinable for us that it makes almost no impression on us. If we read the "Ribono Shel Olam" prayer that we say after the counting, we see mentioned that the Sefiras Ha’omer cleans us from our “Klipas”. But since a “Klipa” is such a vague Kabalistic thing, for most of us we are not too sure what gets cleaned.

Therefore when we mention which level we’re at, Chesed, Gvoorah, etc., we don’t think much into it since we figure those too are something vague and Kabalistic. Then we don't take advantage of these days to actually improve our character and morals step by step as we're meant to do.

However, the truth is that these levels are extremely real and uncomplicated. Each level and sub-level (or noun and adjective) is a real tangible and doable Middah (or character improvement) as we can see when we translate them in future posts. We can see exactly what’s expected of us and use these days to it's fullest to grow and improve.

Pasha's Parshas - A thought for the Week

2010-02-12T12:26:00.004-05:00

There is a discussion in the Talmud about which laws are the most important to study in order to develop a good moral character.

* Some say the Laws of Ethics and Morals (Pirkei Avos) - self explanatory

* Others say the Laws of Blessings over Food - Which teaches us appreciation. Which is a very fundemental and much lacking moral character trait. It teaches us to value what we receive and appreciate what we have and that we are fortunate to have it. Of course to recognize that it comes from G-D and that we aren't just entitled to things.

* And others say - The Laws of Damages and Monetary Compensation (most of which is in this weeks Parsha)- This teaches us to value property and to respect the possessions of others. To respect even that of the smallest value belonging to someone else.
This too is a fundamental foundation of character that in this day and age is a sorely lacking trait. The lack of which is the cause of much of our troubles today.

I also believe that this week's Parsha shows us another amazing thing. It shows us the genius of the Torah system in an age when so many governments and peoples are still trying to figure out how to devise a fair and proper system the Torah system was in place thousands of years ago.
And to quote myself from an earlier post:
"If the Torah was the law of the land we wouldn't need tort reform because there are no torts allowed. The laws of damages and monetary compensation are so brilliantly formed to allow for just compensation without overreach.
The laws of murder and capital punishment are so cleverly crafted to allow just the right amount of deterrent with the right amount of compassion and humanity for both the criminal and, what we forget these days, the victim.
And there is so so much more.
The impeccable balance which the Torah law follows is so brilliant and it was devised more than 3000 years ago.
And still is the best working thing out there."

Great New Vegan Restaurant under IKC supervision

2010-02-12T12:12:00.003-05:00

A great new Vegan restaurant in Brooklyn called "Sun in Bloom" on 460 Bergen Street in Brooklyn (Park Slope) is now Kosher-Pareve under our supervision. They serve a delicious and unique menu which is vegan and mostly raw.
Check it out.
http://www.suninbloom.com
Sun in Bloom has a very nice atmosphere and the people are real nice. It's on a lovely street in a great neighborhood and would make real nice afternoon or evening getaway.

Little Lobsters in the Water

2009-12-02T17:45:00.007-05:00

I was asked if we have to worry, from a kosher standpoint, about these copepods (microscopic crustaceans) that are supposed to be in the drinking water.
I will let Rabbi Adler the head of the Hartford Kosher Vaad (Council) answer it.
He says it exactly as I would.
This is from a recent (Nov 27th) article in the Hartford Newspaper.
The article also gives a nice recap of the issue.
I will quote pieces of that article:

Can tap water be non-kosher?

Of all the topics Robert Moore has run across in his decades in the public water supply business, that one was probably the most unusual.

It surfaced in April as Moore and others on the Metropolitan District Commission were dealing with an unusual outbreak of copepods, a tiny crustacean common in water but usually trapped by MDC filtering systems. The creatures posed no health risk.

"In my 42 years in the business, I'd never considered that question," Moore, MDC chief administrative officer, said Monday, looking back at the copepod flare-up, which last happened here in the 1970s. "Then I read about it in New York City records when we were doing research on copepods. Copepods are shellfish. That's what makes them non-kosher."

During a copepod outbreak in New York City in 2004, some ultra-Orthodox Jews in the city considered the city drinking water no longer kosher, because copepods are crustaceans, prohibited from consumption under Judaic dietary law. They filtered tap water at home before using it and complained to New York City water system authorities.

But no one raised the kosher issue with MDC officials this spring, Moore said.

When news of the copepods in MDC water broke, the topic of water purity and Talmudic law was a subject of rabbinical discussion, Rabbi Yitzchok Adler of Beth David Synagogue in West Hartford said this week.

"When it made the news, everybody was talking about the drinking water, not just the Jewish population," Adler said.

The determination was that the copepods did not present a problem to the Jewish community, he said, because of their almost microscopic size and the "sincere best efforts" of the water district to improve filtration and correct the problem.

There will always be spiritual leadership who choose to err on the side of caution and take a stricter stand to "avoid a circumstance of doubt and compromise," Adler said.

"We are simply required to do what is reasonable in accordance with guidelines. We need not live a life encumbered by expectations that are unreasonable."

A Good Shabbos Question from CL

2009-11-02T12:26:00.001-05:00

Hi Rabbi Schwarcz,

I know that Sacred Chow is open on Shabbat....how does that work out as far as hashgacha?

Thanks.
CL

CL,
Thanks for the question.
Kosher and Shabbos are 2 separate things.
Whereas of course, we want every Jew to keep Shabbos. A Jew being open on Shabbos does not make the food unkosher. There are issues regarding how and when things are made on Shabbos that effect whether a Jew is allowed to eat it or not but it is NOT a Kosher issue and we, in giving our Hashgacha, make sure that these are all addressed.
Sacred Chow has a KS - Kosher for Shabbos program where you can arrange for prepaid meals on Shabbos that are prepared according to Shabbos Law.
If you have more questions please feel free to write or even call me.
Rabbi Zev

San Miguel - WOW

2009-10-14T12:51:00.003-04:00

Yes!
A very interesting story only G-d could think up.
When I was invited they asked me if I could come for the last days since the religious leader, although grew up in a conservative home, never celebrated a Hoshana Rabba or Shmini Atzeres and would love to learn how to do it.
They have a small Shul in San Miguel de Allende. Actually they rent a meeting room at a hotel. About 35 or so people came each service and the services were very inpirational. The people were so eager to learn and participate.
There were 3 Succos there and even one family who has a strictly kosher home and Shomer Shabbos.
It was a real wonderful experience. I think for them too. Plus this town is a very beautiful place, it has a certain energy and the buildings are colorful, all Old Spanish colonial architecture.
And then after Yom Tov the next day a couple people drove me to another town called Guanajuato, which was just stunning, to meet a group of 8 Jews who wanted to talk and had questions (some about kosher). We met at this cafe where the café owner was Jewish who asked me how he can make his cafe kosher!
It was a fabulous experience.

2009-10-07T14:53:00.001-04:00

WOW its been a long time since I wrote.
Well I thought I was going to be able to write a " travelling rabbi" blog as I was supposed to go away for Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and again the last days of Succos. Well the RH YK thing didn't work out and I'm just away now for the last days. But I thought that this trip is worthwhile writing about.
I was invited to be the guest Rabbi for the small community of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. And wonders of technology I am writing this using my cell phone with the wifi on the bus going from Mexico City to San Mig.
I spent the night in Mexico City which is a wonderful city with a VERY strong and vibrant Jewish community. I always enjoyed myself here. I'll let you all know how good the bakery I went to is as soon as I taste the stuff.
San Miguel is an old colonial town which is supposed to be real beautiul which is why many artists and americans live there.
I'll write about it when I see it.
Meanwhile the scenery from the bus window is pleasent enough.

look at this!! - Oy I'm kvelling (that means bursting with pride)

2009-09-10T16:38:00.002-04:00

This is from chowhound about Kosher restaurants.

Thanks Queenscook!! Glad to be of help.

"queenscook Jun 18, 2009 02:34PM

re: queenscook

It is the one on (Blank St.)

It's under the supervision of R Zev Schwarcz.

I've spoken to him a few times about the various restaurants under his supervision, and I've found him always willing to answer my questions frankly, and in a way that shows he's thought of the issue and found an answer that satisfies him. I've also found him willing to talk about the leniencies he sometimes relies on, and their pros and cons, and why he feels they should be applied in a particular situation. Let's just say that I've tried having similar conversations with some other rabbis who give hechsherim, and sometimes found quite a different attitude to being questioned."

A continuation of Tuesday August 18th post -A Parsha by Parsha, step by step, guide to the Devarim cycle of responsibility

2009-09-04T16:00:00.005-04:00

As we mentioned the the book of Deuteronomy is one unit, dealing with one unit of time, one mission for our lives.
The book encompasses a unique and crucial part of our cycle of life and mission in life that starts with the beginning of that book and ends with it's end.
Every Parsha is a step by step rebuilding guide for the Teshuva process which starts before Tisha B'av (not Elul or Rosh Hashana as we are led to believe) and ends with Simchas Torah.

Parshas Devorim is an overall rebuking of the Israelites ways in the desert meant to wake us up to introspect into our lives in general to make way for the change which Tisha B'av is supposed to invoke in us. Which is how we interact socially one to another. Which is the crucial foundation for the rest of our Teshuva process. Because no repentance works unless we first correct how we act to others. Tisha B'av is meant to set us straight on that road.
Next is Parshas V'eschanan - once we break down our bad character traits then it's time to rebuild our foundation so this Parsha reviews all the fundementals:
The Ten Commandments, The Shema, the real purpose and benefits of following the Torah.
Parshas Eikev deals almost solely with the Land of Israel. Because that is a truly important foundation of our faith and lives. More of the spiritual effect of the land rather than the physical. But we must spend the time next on dealing with how we allow that to impact us on our road to Teshuva, repentance. Because, besides the Torah discussed in last week's parsha, it is the yearning for Land of Israel which kept us together as a people through all the difficult times of history.
more to come.....

Oh if only the Torah was the law of the land

2009-08-31T20:23:00.001-04:00

If the Torah was the law of the land we wouldn't need tort reform because there are no torts allowed.
the laws of murder and capital punishment are so cleverly crafted to allow just the right amount of deterrent with the right amount of compassion and humanity for both the criminal and, what we forget these days, the victim.
And there is so so much more.
The impeccable balance which the Torah law follows is so brilliant and it was devised more than 3000 years ago.
And still is the best working thing out there.

Now here is a very nice conversation

2009-08-19T15:48:00.002-04:00

My name is Blank Blank, and I'm a yeshiva bachur learning in New York.
I was on the internet and gathered that you give kosher certification to Vegan restaurants.
If this is fact, I wanted to ask you (if you have time) the following questions.

I read your blog and saw that this conversation may be easier for you if done by phone, but I was hoping that this email could serve you well for your blog. (also email is easier for me...)

Questions:

1.
Some people are concerned that the bedikas tola'im done by the workers of these establishments is not halachically sufficient. Why is their method for ridding the produce of bugs considered halachically sufficient?

First of all, every restaurant has an incentive NOT to serve bugs. No patron wants to eat bugs. And a bug served could ruin their reputation. Plus a Vegan place has even more of an incentive.
Secondly, I do inspect the way they check and clean for bugs on their own as the way an establishment checks is not inherently acceptable. But in the places that I certify they were serious about not serving bugs and the method they used was acceptable. I only requested a second rinse after checking and they comply.

2.
Some people are concerned that there are bishul akum concerns in these restaurants. Why is there no concern for bishul akum?

There are 2 rules for Bishul Akum that for the most part exempt the foods served at vegan restaurants. The first, and this takes care of most things, is that whatever can be eaten raw is not a problem of Bishul Akum and obviously that takes care of most products. That primarily leaves beans and rice, and the second rule, that it has to be exquisite enough for a King's Table, takes care of that according to most opinions.

3.
If there is no concern for bedikas tola'im or bishul akum, then why do these restaurants require certification at all?

Mainly the fact that grape products ie. wine, vinegar, grape juice, etc whereas they are still vegan, need special Kosher certification. Also, and I found this myself upon occasion, sometimes the owners don't realize that a product they purchased may contain a non-kosher or dairy ingredient.

Thank you very much,

Pasha's Parshas is back - Deuteronomy for our lives

2009-08-18T16:38:00.005-04:00

The cycle of the Torah Reading is significant. It is not an accident that certain portions are read at certain times of the year and that especially holds true for this time of Tshuva (repentance).
The book of Deuteronomy is one unit, dealing with one unit of time, one mission for our lives.
The book encompasses a unique and crucial part of our cycle of life that starts with the beginning of that book and ends with it's end.
Parshas Devarim is always read right before Tisha B'av and the last Parsha, Vzos Habracha is always read on Simchas Torah.
This tells us that from before Tisha B'av until after Simchas Torah we have one mission, one purpose in our lives.
And the Parshios of Devarim (Deuteronomy) are there to guide us week by week along this path.
Every Parsha is a step by step rebuilding guide for the Teshuva process which starts before Tisha B'av (not Elul or Rosh Hashana as we are led to believe) and ends with Simchas Torah.
This retooling is necessary every year to keep us on the proper path and allows us to grow and build from year to year.

The Joy of a Bad Thing Stopping

2009-08-06T21:30:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (Aug 5) was a little known but very significant Jewish Holiday, "Tu B'av". "the fifteenth day of Av"
It is compared in the Talmud to the purity and innocence of Yom Kippur.
But what's interesting is that NOTHING actually happened on Tu B'av. Rather bad things STOPPED happening.
So when something bad stops that is a real cause for celebration to the point that it allows us to reflect on ourselves like we do on Yom Kippur.
Sometimes we don't see anything positive happening to us so we get discouraged but really we have to see all the bad things that didn't happen and be grateful and realize how we are indeed watched over and protected.

Pasha's Parshas - Stay True to Our Values

2009-07-31T15:13:00.002-04:00

The Torah says, "And all of you who attached themselves closely to G-d (meaning firmly following the precepts of morality and integrity of G-d and the Torah) are alive TODAY".
Why does it say "today" it should have said "will be alive eternally'?
Isn't that the intended message?
If someone falls into a rushing river, just because he's moving you don't know he's alive if he's moving with the current, you only know he's alive if you see him struggling to fight against the current.
Just because a person's moving (functioning in society) is no proof he's "alive" in the present if all he does is go with the flow. But if he's following the Torah's rules of morality and integrity which are often a struggle against prevailing currents, then you know he's alive TODAY.
Let's be "alive" and true to our values.

Tisha B'av - Mourning for our loss 2000 years ago?

2009-07-29T16:10:00.004-04:00

As Tisha B'av (the Fast of the Ninth of Av) is about to begin we need to realize that we are not commemorating an event or events that took place more than 2000 years ago.
If that were true it would have little or much less meaning today.
Look at the American Holidays that commemorate a past event that have lost much of their significance and they were no more than 200 years old!
For the Fast (or any Jewish Holiday) to have any significance we must realize that they are there to help us correct or improve ourselves based upon current and contemporary issues and wrongdoings.
The Talmud tells us "Any generation that the Temple is not rebuilt in their time it is as if it has been destroyed in their time". We aren't mourning the loss of 2000 years ago and the misdeeds which caused it back then but we are mourning OUR TIMES and the misdeeds that continue to not allow things to permanently change for the best. (the Temple to be rebuilt)
But we shouldn't despair and think that if this corruption is so widespread what can I as one person do?
The answer is alot.
As the prophet Isaiah in last week's Haftora said, that although he refers to the leaders as Lords of Sodom the people are still referred to a "night refuge" in a field and "separated remnant" that there still is some hope, even though it's a small remnant of goodness, they have the power to effect change.
We can effect a change with our efforts regardless of what we think everyone else will do.

Let's not believe all those who try to bring us down

2009-07-15T17:46:00.007-04:00

This from an AP story in the furthering disgusting attempt by those who hate humanity to make the Israeli army look like evil, when in reality they are of the most sensitive and humane in the world and definitely in that area.
Israeli soldiers: 'No clear red lines' in Gaza war
As you read the story further and read other accounts from more trustworthy sources you see that these claims were anonymous and unsubstantiated.
But that doesn't stop the AP from the misleading, inflammatory and dangerous headline.

Better late than never Pasha's Parshas - Let's Stand up for what's right - The Right Way

2009-07-15T17:33:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago we talked about Korach who, while maybe correct in what he was trying to change, went about it the wrong way with disastrous results.
In this past week's Parsha we see 2 different people doing something to effect serious and permanent change. But since they were sincere, genuine and without bias or ulterior motive, they were successful and praised and rewarded.
It is very important to stand up for what's wrong but it is even more important to do it the right way.
The right way may even be a seemingly unconventional or even revolutionary act but under the right circumstances and with the proper sincerity from the heart it will affect a lasting change and even bring peace.

Another Kosher conversation - An email Discussion

2009-07-07T18:20:00.005-04:00

I HAD THIS EXCHANGE TODAY:
unfortunately this kind of desire to be contentious rather than a desire to really know what the Law is, happens to be a big problem in the Jewish world today.

Dear Rabbi Schwarcz,
At the vegan restaurants under your supervision, such as Certain Restaurant ,are the veggies checked for bugs?
At the meat/pita restaurant, there is a non-jew behind the counter, who appears to have little respect for laws of kashruth, nor was there a mashgiach of any nature.. What is the supervision to insure the counterman does not bring in trayfa meat, either for use in the salads and sanwiches, or for his own use.
Attempting to become familiar with standards of kashruth, as to adhere to the laws of the Torah.
Respectfully,

Dear Person,
Thank you for your questions and please feel free to call me with further clarifications @
The veggies are very well checked for bugs as vegans don't believe in eating bugs either.
But what do you mean that "there is a non-jew behind the counter, who appears to have little respect for laws of kashruth" ?
Please clarify for me.
Thanks,
Rabbi Zev Schwarcz

Rabbi Schwarcz,
I don't see how the fact that vegans don't like to eat bugs which is a personal preference issue equates to a Issur Doraysa [Torah transgression]. Checking for bugs is an arduous time consuming task. Hard to accept that vegans checking equals that required by Halacha.

At (some place) there is a place that sells non glatt meat where there was only a nonjew in charge behind the counter.

Dear Person,
Where do you get your information?
Where does the Torah say that it is an "arduous Time consuming task"?
"hard to accept"? is that halacha too?
Once again you did not explain the "appears to have little respect for the jewish law"
I think you seem to be mixing opinion with fact which is definitely a dangerous thing.

Rabbi Schwarcz,
Checking for bugs is an arduous time consuming task. That's a practical reality. Made more so with the volume of veggies in a vegan store. Halacha requires super careful checking not to be nicshol [make a mistake]. If your contention is guys at a vegan rstrnt are as careful and dedicated in their search day after day as one who is afraid of transgressing the Issur Dorasa [Torah transgression] you may want to seriously verify this. There is the problem of Lifnei Iver. [causing people to sin}
The person behind the counter was from a south americn or caribbean ctry. Not caucasian not jewish not acquainted or probably concerned with halacha.

Dear Person,
Have you ever been in the kitchen of a vegan restaurant?
You're already jumping to me being over lifnei evair.
You haven't even spoken to me. I haven't answered directly any of your questions.
You assumed that the "Caribbean or South American" person behind the counter is not concerned with Halacha.
I propose that YOU are not concerned with Halacha but only with being contentious and assumptive.
I offered you my phone # to call me and that I'd gladly answer your concerns. But apparently you are only interested in making accusations.
It's a dangerous thing to be motivated by (mistaken) assumptions and emotions rather than actual Halacha.
And all this right before Shiva Assar B'tammuz.
Please feel free to call and I'll gladly answer your specific concerns.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Zev Schwarcz

continuing of the email exchange - the problem of assumptions
The conversation continues:
and as they say don't assume because if you assume
you ..... ass u me

I am not jumping on you. I just wanted clarification. I do stand behind both my assumptions.

As I said please call me when you have the chance and I will be glad to clarify your concerns one by one. It's easier by phone.
You can't "stand behind" an assumption as it is just that an assumption. Since it is not based on fact there is nothing there to "stand behind".

We really think we're in control; The Key to Independence - A thought for the week (Last week)

2009-07-06T18:48:00.008-04:00

In our limited view of things we really think we're in control of what happens in this world.
Whether or not someone is successful in their desire to prevail over us or whether or not we're cured from an illness, etc. does not depend upon them. We can't give them that much power.
We think we have the independence to affect our lives but in reality what happens is completely dependent on G-d's will. There is one thing which we are independent to do and that we will see later.
In the past weeks portions we see 2 events that appeared to be in the control of humans but in actuality was not.
The 1st:
The Israeli people spoke badly against G-d and Moses and G-d sent poisonous snakes.
Those who were bitten were told in order to be cured they had to look up at a copper snake on a pole.
The Talmud asks, "but does a (real) snake really kill and did the (copper) snake actually cure them?" it appears so but in actuality, the Talmud continues, that it wasn't the real snake that caused them to be in danger, but their deeds that brought about the snake to bite them and it wasn't the copper snake that healed them but rather the looking up to G-d, the realizing that no matter how many Doctors and how much medicine one takes (which we should) it is G-d who helps and cures.
The 2nd:
Bil'am was hired by the Moabite King to curse the Israeli people but as powerful as Bil'am was he couldn't effect a curse on them at all and instead had to bless them. Because G-d wasn't going to let them be cursed because they were at that time morally perfect.
SO WHAT DOES G-D WANT FROM US??
WHAT ARE WE INDEPENDENT TO DO??
The Prophet says in the Haftora.
"Clearly G-d told you, Humankind, what is good and what he requires of you:
only do things justly, to love kindness and even in your hidden ways be together with the morality of G-d.
That is what is in our control and that is what is expected of us. That is what we are independent to do.

150 years!!?? - SHOW ME THE MONEY!

2009-07-01T17:58:00.002-04:00

SO Bernie Madoff gets 150 years.
Big wow!
If he would have cheated me how would him being in jail help me?
According to Jewish Law the only way to make good on Robbery is to pay back the money and apologize.
Why is there no talk of that? If he can't pay he would have to work it off for the person he stole from. That's where he should be, paying and working off the debt.
So he apologized publicly, BIG deal.
He has to apologize to each and every one he stole from one on one.

Not Marsha's Parshas - Torah Thought for the week - Healthy Differences of Opinion

2009-06-26T20:28:00.002-04:00

In this week's portion we find Korach who had demands against Moses.
He starts a rebellion and he and his followers get swallowed up in the earth.
So what was wrong?
Was it wrong to argue with Moses?
Was that why they were punished?
The answer is NO!
They were allowed to argue. The Talmud tells us that Korach was worthy of all the demands he requested. But his ego and arrogance caused him to go about it the wrong way, and caused him to twist the truth in his attempt to get what he wanted.
There is nothing wrong with having a difference of opinion, the Talmud is full of them. And at times demands us to speak up.
But there is a proper way to address it.
Instead of mounting a rebellion based on claims that stretched the truth Korach should have called for a meeting with Moses asked him out for a cup of coffee and worked it out.
Had he argued for the greater good of the Israeli People as he had claimed and meant it he would have had everything and more. But since he had alterior motives and just had his own ego and arrogance in mind it ended how it did.
If we really want to effect change and bring out our opinions we have to do it the right way and it will work.

Shabbos and Kosher

2009-06-26T15:19:00.002-04:00

I recieved the following question:
I understand that you give the kosher supervision for (Certain Restaurant) in Manhattan. How is it possible for it to be kosher when it is open on the Sabbath?

Thanks for answering!

And I answered the following:
Hello,
Thanks for the question.
According to Jewish Law, Shabbos and Kosher are two different things. Being open on Shabbos does not effect the Kosher status of the food.
Of course we want every Jew to be all that they can be and keep the Shabbos as holy as can be. BUT if someone does not keep Shabbos it does NOT at all mean that their Kosher standards are compromised.
Unfortunately, in this world of convoluted and unnecessary stringencies we are made to believe the opposite, that Shabbos is somehow a Kosher standard.
When I was young, reliable certifying agencies did give certification to restaurants and businesses open on Shabbos. And even now all the major certifying agencies (OU, OK, etc.) certify factories that produce on Shabbos.
If I can help you any more please feel free to contact me further.
Have a good Shabbos.
Rabbi Schwarcz

Let's stay strong to our morals

2009-06-24T15:48:00.002-04:00

More infidelity and unfaithfulness.
The world has become full of lies and untruths. It is very hard to find anyone, especially in public view, who speaks the truth and acts completely morally. (The Talmud actually spoke of this thousands of years ago.) Morals have been under a relentless barrage of attacks for many years.
It may be easy to fall prey and let down your guard. It may be easy to allow yourself liberties with the truth and morality, but try to stand strong to what you know to be true and moral and not let yourself be influenced by those who profess to be examples.
We really know what needs to be done and how we're supposed to act. So let's stay strong and do what Moses told Joshua, "be a mentsch".

Let's support liberty

2009-06-22T18:42:00.003-04:00

I think we should give our strong support for the People of Iran who are trying to rally against tyranny on behalf of liberty and change.
I know we think that we can't do much just by speaking up or affect the outcome by our support, but by doing nothing we certainly don't accomplish anything.
As is stated by the powerful words (usually misattributed to 18th century Irish philosopher Edmund Burke) "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"

The Value of Positivity - Thoughts on the Parsha (Weekly Torah Portion)

2009-06-19T14:04:00.006-04:00

Oh if only my name or my wife's was Marsha this column could be called "Marsha's Parshas"
What can I call it with the name of Zev??

In this week's Parsha we continue to follow the Israeli People's exploits during their second year out of Egypt as they travel through the desert on their way to Israel.
They are about to enter "The Land" but they want to first send spies to check it out.
Moses and (G-d) don't think it is necessary as once G-d says it is good the people should believe, but Moses (and G-d) understand human nature and allow the spies to be sent to allay the fears and satisfy the curiosity of the populace.
But a problem arose out of that spying and the story does not end so well (another 38 years in the desert).
Going to check things out wasn't the problem but the approach and outlook of most of the spies was. And that resulted in a bias that affected how they viewed and reported on the land.
And that approach was NEGATIVITY.
Instead of looking at the good side of what they saw the spies twisted all that they saw, sensationalized it to get dramatic effect and caused all the people to believe there was a crisis of doom. Until the people believed it was better to be enslaved in Egypt.
They weren't even able to hear the truth from the 2 spies who maintained the proper positive attitude.
They cried for nothing and wanted to give up.
So where are we in all this?
How do we view things?
Do we fall prey to the horrible claws of NEGATIVITY and recognize the drastic consequences??
They are always many ways of dealing with and viewing any situation and by approaching it with a positive attitude we can strengthen ourselves and better accomplish our goals and ourselves.

Mazel Tov?

2009-06-19T13:44:00.004-04:00

I officiated at a wedding last night. And of course it was wonderful. But it was an interesting case which for me made it very worthwhile.
This couple was married 2 years ago civilly but never had a Chupah and Kiddushin (Jewish Law wedding). So for me it was an honor to be able to help a couple who wanted to increase their spiritual connection.
Now they're not "completely observant" yet, or maybe they'll never be but they wanted the connection so it was a pleasure to facilitate.
We had it at a Shul in Brooklyn so the groom's father, who has a hip problem, could attend as it was close to his house.
But what bothered me was that when the Rabbi of the shul "found out" that the couple was not "religious" he told me that he wouldn't have allowed the wedding in his shul and of course he couldn't be involved and he wouldn't be able to stay. (????!!!!)
Why are people like that?
Why can't we appreciate the positive steps people want to take without criticizing what you think are the steps they didn't take? Are we so pristinely perfect that we can be so judgemental?

thought on the Parsha (Torah Portion)

2009-06-12T16:16:00.002-04:00

Good Shabbos all!
In this week's Parsha you find that the Israelis in the desert were complaining that they had no meat or fish (although they had the miraculous mana from heaven).
However the Torah doesn't say that they desired meat, rather it says that they desired a "desire"
or in other words they just wanted to want something. They just felt they should be getting more.
They were actually searching to find something they could crave.
or they were just looking for a reason not to be satisfied.
And this attitude was the beginning of the downturn which eventually led to having to spend the next 40 years in the desert.
We have to look at ourselves and see if we are satisfied with what we have. Are we grateful for all the good we have or are we being influenced by a entitlement mentality that just tells us take more more more I don't even know what but I deserve it I neeed it and now?

Hope to hear from alot of you soon

2009-06-12T15:14:00.002-04:00

I know many of you have Kosher questions or just Jewish ones because I received alot of calls with questions and I was glad to be able to help. So I hope to hear from many of you here with comments or questions.