In this extra-special video, OU Kashruth’s Senior Poskim, Rav Yisroel Belsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, and Rav Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchanon, provide practical guidance on issues spanning the breadth and depth of Yahadut. Tune in as they address such questions as: Are there halachic issues with cruise ship departures on Erev Shabbos? How does a Shabbat-observant Jew run an Internet business? Can “implants” of genes from non-kosher species render kosher food forbidden? What is Tzenius? Can you go to a doctor or hair stylist of the opposite gender? Do weddings cost too much? Can I invite an intermarried relative for a Shabbat meal? Recorded live on December 13, 2011 at OU headquarters in New York, NY.

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It widely accepted that the American domestic turkey is a kosher avian species. But what about the bird known as "the Eastern Wild turkey?" Join Rabbi Chaim Loike, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth widely-recognized for his vast expertise in the kashruth of birds, for a unique discussion of hands-on halachic exploration. Are these two turkeys from the same species? Rabbi Loike discusses the halachic source material, as well as the turkey's encounter Rav Yisroel Belsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Senior OU Poseik. You'll be "Giving-thanks" after you hear his talk!

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Kosher animal? Drink its milk. Kosher bird? Eat its eggs. Kosher fish—now hold on! Join Rabbi Eli Gersten, the Rabbinic Coordinator in charge of regarding the halachic policies of OU Kashruth, for a discussion of bowfin roe, an enigmatic fish-egg in the annals of Jewish law. Rabbi Gersten clearly elucidates the history of identifying kosher roe in the Talmudic and post-Talmudic eras, and explains why the roe from this kosher fish won’t end up on your table any time soon. “Tuna” in to a “tail” you won’t forget! 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

Yum, yum, yum…I sure can’t wait to have beetle secretions on my candy! Sound bizarre? It’s been happening for a long time…Join Rabbi Eli Gersten, the OU Kashruth Rabbinic Coordinator responsible for recording OU’s halachic policies, for a discussion of shellac (A/K/A confectioner’s glaze), a beetle secretion used for putting a shine on candies. How can it be kosher? And what does it have in common with oyster shells and bee’s wax? You’ll “shell”y be sad if you “lac” this knowledge! If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gersten please send them to: gerstene@ou.org

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Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz
Senior Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth

Among the most sensitive areas in all of kashrus certification is wine manufacture. Even the initial extraction of juice from the grape is subject to regulation! Join Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth possessing vast expertise in wine manufacture, as he clearly and comprehensively takes us behind-the-scenes. You’ll be edified and engaged as he describes the rigorous production—and you may be surprised as he elucidates the relevance of cooking the wine and tithing the grapes!
Tune in for a “grape” presentation!

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Would you roast a kosher hamburger on a grill used for bacon cheeseburgers? Probably not! Imagine the challenges faced when a non-kosher cheese packager wants to package kosher cheese...Join Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth possessing vast expertise about the dairy industry, on this real-life kashrus adventure story, as he describes a trip he took deep into the world of non-kosher cheese processing. His daunting challenge and sacred mission: To set up a kosher program. Tune in, and you’ll find out the unexpected precautions the OU takes to make sure that YOUR cheese is 110% kosher!If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gordimer please send them to: gordimer@ou.org

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Tuna, eggs, meat…the list of animal derivatives we eat goes on and on. How do we know that a given creature is kosher? Join Rav Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivas Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchanon and Senior Halachic Consultant with OU Kashruth, as he describes (with his characteristic comprehensiveness and clarity) the sources for eating what we eat. To what scale does the Torah refer when it talks about fish? Why is milk kosher? Is being a cloven-hoofed ruminant really enough? Tune in, and be dazzled as you become more educated. We very much thank YUTorah.org for allowing us to post this shiur.

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In this extra-special VIDEO, OU Kashruth’s Senior Poskim, Rav Yisroel Belsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, and Rav Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchanon, provide practical guidance for the Seder and for Pesach preparations. Tune in as they address such questions as: How far must one go in one’s cleaning? Do I search for chometz in my house if I’m going away for Pesach? What if I can’t recite the entire Hagaddah or understand the Hebrew? Can I go to work during Chol HaMoed? Recorded live on April 5, 2011 at OU headquarters in New York, NY.

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