Blessing and Curse - Parshas Re'ay

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

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

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

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

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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

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.