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 Eli Gersten
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth

Sports drinks may energize you—but their kashrus may surprise you! Join Rabbi Eli Gersten, the OU Kashruth Rabbinic Coordinator charged with recording OU Psak and Policy, describes the issues that come up when certifying beverages. Why is a flavor different than another ingredient? And why is a grape flavor different than other flavors? And what’s that insect derivative doing in my iced tea?!? Tune in and drink from Rabbi Gersten’s wisdom… If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gersten please send them to: gerstene@ou.org

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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 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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A Panel of OU Mashgichim/Rabbinic Field Representatives from Around the Country. Rabbi Yosef Florans, St. Louis, MO, Rabbi Shraga Kaufman, Chicago, IL, Rabbi Gershon Segal, Newton Centre, MA, Rabbi Avrohom Stone, West Orange, NJ, Rabbi Benzion Twerski, Milwaukee, WI. Recorded at the ASK OU OUTREACH Kashrus Shiurim - Week 2 at Agudath Israel Zichron Chaim Tzvi of Madison on April 25, 2010.

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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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Rabbi Eliyahu W. Ferrell
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

A hamburger on a bun, with pickles and a beer. For some, picnic fare. For the OU: red flags! Join Rabbi Eliyahu W. Ferrell, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth responsible for numerous chemical factories, as he surveys the role of fermentation in food production. The sacred and the scientific stand side-by-side in an eye-opening presentation you’re sure to enjoy. This Tidbit was presented as part of the OU’s Advanced Kashrus Seminar for Women, held at OU headquarters on August 24 -28, 2009. If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Ferrell please send them to: ferrelle@ou.org

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