Rabbi Eliyahu W. Ferrell
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

We don’t want to “spoil” anyone’s surprise, but this installment of Kosher Tidbits is about food preservatives and their kashrus issues. Rabbi Eliyahu W. Ferrell, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth responsible for numerous chemical companies, merges halacha, history, and science as he describes the way we keep our food fresh and kosher all at the same time. You’ll never read an ingredient panel the same way again! If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Ferrell please send them to: ferrelle@ou.org

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Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth

Cheese, cream, butter…milk products constitute so much of our diet. Ever wonder how they’re produced kosher? In this tour de force presentation, Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth possessing vast expertise in the dairy industry, masterfully welds halacha and science together as he describes the in’s-and-out’s of kosher dairy manufacture as he addresses such questions as: Does halacha distinguish between different kinds of cheeses? Is there a unique role for a dairy mashgiach? What’s the story with “DE”? Is Chalav Stam still allowed? You’d “butter” tune in if you want to be enlightened!
This seminar was recorded live on July 13, 2010 at the Philadelphia Community Kollel Beis Medrash. If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gordimer please send them to: gordimer@ou.org

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Rabbi Eli Gersten
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth

A delicious glass of milk. What could go better with it than-sheep fleece?!? If you’re surprised now, you’ll understand better if you hear this Tidbit. Rabbi Eli Gersten, the Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth charged with recording OU P’sak and Policy, explains the “ins-and-outs” of lanolin, a sheep derivative used in food production. This fascinating halachic discussion involves Biblical prohibitions and contemporary creativity. If you tune in, you “wool” learn all about it… If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gersten please send them to: gerstene@ou.org

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Rabbi Eli Gersten
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth

It’s well-known that bees are not kosher. How, then, can we eat honey??? Join Rabbi Eli Gersten, the Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth charged with recording OU policy, as he unravels this puzzle and other puzzles related to bees. In a through and clear presentation, Rabbi Gersten addresses such questions as: Is royal jelly kosher? What about wasp honey? Are there leniencies for the sick? Tune in and find out why kashrus is creating a huge “buzz”!r! If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gersten please send them to: gerstene@ou.org

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Rabbi Chaim Goldberg
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

It may comes as a surprise that fish oil is a VERY kosher-sensitive commodity! Join Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth specializing in the fish industry, as he clearly and thoroughly discusses the issues involved in fish oil certification. What if the fishermen catch non-kosher fish? Can the same equipment be used for kosher and non-kosher oil? Is there a risk of adulteration? Tune in and “scale” the heights of knowledge…

The Orthodox Union has produced a series of DVD’s devoted to kashruth education, which includes “The Kosher Fish Primer,” in which Rabbi Goldberg explains the basics of identifying kosher fish and purchasing them. For purchasing information, contact Rabbi Eliyahu Safran at SafranE@ou.org.

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Rabbi David Bistricer
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

The Talmud discusses when seals are required on food to preserve their permissibility. How does that play out in our era of shrink-wrap and flip-top cans? Join Rabbi David Bistricer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth, for a clear and through discussion of this practical and daily issue. Must I always look for a kosher symbol? What if a required seal is absent? Is re-packaged OU candy under the OU? Tune in and learn about kashrus security!

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Rabbi Gershon Segal
Rabbinic Field Representative, OU Kashruth

The Torah is eternal, but methods of food processing constantly change monthly. This is what keeps the world of kosher certification buzzing all the time! Join Rabbi Gershon Segal, a veteran OU Kashruth Rabbinic Field Representative serving in the New England region, as he explores contemporary issues in kosher supervision: flavors, fermentation, coagulants, etc. Your eyes will be opened up to the complexities of Torah and science. This seminar was recorded live at JLIC's Brandeis University on 4/6/09.

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Rabbi Seth Mandel & Rabbi Chaim Goldberg
Rabbinic Coordinators, OU Kashruth

Enzymes and Exodus? Believe it or not, contemporary science and Divine statutes “get together” in this special two-for-one seminar. Rabbi Seth Mandel and Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, Rabbinic Coordinators with OU Kashruth possessing top-tier expertise in meat and fish, respectively, describe the basic kashruth laws from Mount Sinai and the contemporary applications to enzymes, food coloring, juices, and gluten-free foods. You’ll hear about kashrus being revealed and relevant!
This seminar was sponsored by Koleinu - Law Students for Israel and was recorded live at Columbia University Law School on 3/11/10.

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