Kashrus Be In The Know!

1

Eating Out Without a Doubt Part 5: A Mashgiach's presence

Mar 3, 2025

19:09

Do Hashgachos over seeing food establishments have different standards regarding the requirement of a Mashgiach’s presence in their facilities?For attached reading material, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/kashrusbeintheknow/audio-classes/eating-out-without-a-doubt-part-1?authuser=0

2

Eating Out without a Doubt! Part 4: A Peek Behind the Scenes

Jan 21, 2025

19:31

What goes on in the kitchens?What can go wrong & what you can ask to have proper clarity?

3

Eating Out without a Doubt! Part 3 Qualified Mashgichim

Dec 31, 2024

19:56

What are some qualifications that are important for a mashgiach to have to ensure that proper standards are in place? An understanding of standards: Information you should know and questions you can ask!

4

Eating Out without a Doubt! Part 2: What can go wrong?

Dec 9, 2024

19:40

What are protocols that reliable. hashgachos have in place to ensure proper standards in its establishments? What can go wrong? Some real life practical examples. Practical Tips:How can you know that an establishment has proper standards and oversight?

5

Bug Checking Part 10: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell

Oct 10, 2024

19:34

6

Bug Checking Part 9: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell

Oct 1, 2024

19:08

7

Eating Out without a Doubt! Part 1

Nov 19, 2024

19:04

What are important things to know about when eating out at simchas & restaurants? How do I know what the Kashrus standards are? What makes up a strong and reliable hashgacha? Why is that important to know about especially while eating out? What role do owners of restaurants and Mashgichim of food establishments/ catering have in determining kashrus standards?

8

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 8

Sep 30, 2024

19:00

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

9

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 7

Sep 30, 2024

18:59

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

10

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 6. Hand On Demo

Sep 30, 2024

18:27

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

11

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 5

Sep 30, 2024

18:44

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

12

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 4

Sep 30, 2024

19:09

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

13

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 3

Sep 30, 2024

17:37

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

14

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 2

Sep 30, 2024

19:56

Bugs 101: Helpful Links Light box: 1. Preferred (Has pictures of bugs on the box) https://judaicaspot.com/products/star-k-bug-checker-lightbox 2. Another good option: https://a.co/d/eVkPQ7i 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Thrip cloth: 1. https://judaicaspot.com/products/bug-checking-kit 2. https://a.co/d/1VV1IvH 3. Email OK Kosher: [email protected] Veggie Wash: (Order of preference): 1. Trader Joe's product called "Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/icL5Omj (sold at Trader Joe's store for cheaper) 2. Environne Purely Essential Fruit & Vegetable Wash (Pack of 6) https://a.co/d/hBGpx8t 3. Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash https://a.co/d/9LVuCfM 4. Veggie Wash https://a.co/d/fUFQg8L

15

Bug Checking: The Basics & Beyond with Rabbi Nissan Zibell Part 1

Sep 30, 2024

17:27

16

Meat Matters: Part 2. A Shochet's Yiras Shamayim

Aug 9, 2024

20:28

Why are people specifically careful about which meat they will buy? What are the complexities involved in Shechita? What does the sefer of Simlah Chadasha say about the requirements needed for one to be a Shochet? What does the Alter Rebbe bring down as three conditions to to know about before consuming meat?

17

Meat Matters Part 1: Back to Basics with Rabbi Berel Bell

Jul 30, 2024

19:18

What oversight is needed when it comes to kosher food in general,and what is specifically important regarding meat? What process does kosher meat go through until you buy it packaged in the store? What are some factors that can render kosher meat not kosher?

18

Pesach Purchases for Beginners & Beyond

Apr 18, 2024

20:12

Can an item contain Kitniyot without being labeled as such by the Hashgacha? What causes an item to have conflicting Hashgacha statements, with one stating it's Kosher for Pesach and the other indicating it's not? Are dairy products labeled as Kosher for Pesach automatically Cholov Yisroel? Is it accurate that Diet Coke contains Kitniyot? Link to website with visuals:https://sites.google.com/view/kashrusbeintheknow/audio-classes/pesach-purchases-for-beginners-beyond?authuser=0

19

Pesach Preparations 5784 with Rabbi Berel Bell

Apr 14, 2024

1:15:06

20

The Doughs and Don'ts of Challah: Part 3 More FAQ's

Sep 1, 2023

15:34

Part 3: More FAQ's: (0.40 seconds) 1) Does one have to include in the challah measurement additional flour that will be added due to the dough being too sticky, or to prevent it from sticking to counter? (1:58) 2) When does one have to say the bracha of Hafrashas Challah? Is it recited before or after the piece of dough is detached from the batch? (4:18) 3) It was mentioned in the previous class that challah dough that is separated is considered treif/ non-kosher, and forbidden to eat. Based on this, when separating challah and some of that dough sticks to my fingers, is that residue of dough considered treif too? Can I continue working with the rest of my dough with the residue still there, or do I need to wash my hands first? Is there any practical advice to go about this? (7:23) 4) What do I do if the piece of dough that I separated got remixed into the main batch of dough, or if it was made into a small roll that got mixed up among other rolls of dough to be baked in the oven? (10:30) 5) What if someone forgot to separate challah from their dough, and already baked it all in the oven? Is there anything that could be done? (12:22) 6) If someone baked their challahs in an oven and forgot to separate challah beforehand, or if by accident the piece that was separated got mixed in with the other challahs, and was baked in the oven, does that make the status of their oven problematic and in need of kashering? (12:57) 7) To what extent does the piece of challah dough that is separated need to be burnt? (14:10) 8) If I attend a challah bake, can I separate a piece of challah, make the bracha there, and then freeze my dough to bake at another time? Further Reading Material: https://asktherav.com/what-do-we-do-with-the-dough-removed-for-hafrashas-challah/

21

Booze Schmooze (Updated 5783)

Mar 30, 2023

23:27

What can be wrong with plain beer? Is scotch aged in wine casks acceptable? What alcoholic beverages are recommended without Reliable Hashgacha? Questions, confusions, and myths clarified. Accompanying information is available here

22

Pesach Food Essentials (Updated for 5783)

Mar 29, 2023

20:08

Can I use any bottled water on pesach? Am I allowed to buy eggs or milk on Pesach? What kind of salt or sugar is best to use on Pesach? Can I buy any Extra virgin olive oil? Can I buy fresh salmon in any store? Does my meat and chicken need to be Kosher for Pesach?

23

Doughs and don'ts of Challah Part 2

Sep 23, 2022

15:56

Can many women at a Challah Bake table join their doughs together to make a bracha? How does one separate challah from cakes? Does one need to separate challah from pancakes? Why should one always add a drop of water to their dough? Is there something wrong with burning the separated piece of challah dough in my oven? Accompanying information is available here

24

The Doughs and Don'ts of Challah

Sep 16, 2022

16:53

The Doughs and Don'ts of Challah: Is the measurement of flour that is obligated in separating challah the same by all types of flour? Do I need to separate challah from cake batter? Do I need to separate challah from Kreplach dough? Is there a way to measure by using cups? Accompanying information is available here

25

Post Pesach Chametz

Apr 25, 2022

16:33

Can I eat any Chametz now that Pesach is over? If a store is fully owned by non Jews, can I buy anything from there? Can corn flakes or rice crispies flakes be bought in any store? How long does it take for items on store shelves to deplete? Accompanying information is available here

26

Pesach Food Essentials (Updated for 5782)

Apr 7, 2022

19:44

Can I use any bottled water on pesach? Am I allowed to buy eggs or milk on Pesach? What kind of salt or sugar is best to use on Pesach? Can I buy any Extra virgin olive oil? Can I buy fresh salmon in any store? Does my meat and chicken need to be Kosher for Pesach?

27

Kosher Lists

Jan 2, 2022

5:19

Can I rely on a Kosher List for products that don't have a hechsher? Is there a difference in standards between products that are certified kosher vs. products that are on a Kosher List? What is the difference in halacha between Lechatchilah (before the fact) and Bidi'eved (after the fact)? How does that apply to products on a Kosher List? Accompanying information is available here

28

Milk and Meat Kashering FAQs

Jan 2, 2022

17:18

Can I kasher my Fleishig oven to use for Milchigs?* Can I kasher a Fleishig pot to cook Milchigs in it?* How can I kasher my oven from Fleishig to milchig?* Do I need to wait 24 hours before kashering from milchig to Fleishig?* Can I use the same oven for Fleishig and Milchig without kashering in between?* Accompanying information is available here

29

Egg Ed (Part 5)

Jan 2, 2022

11:51

Are liquid eggs with a Reliable Hashgacha checked? Are eggs in kosher Mayonnaise checked? Aren’t eggs that are broken and beaten by a goy forbidden to be eaten? Accompanying information is available here

30

Egg Ed (Part 4)

Jan 2, 2022

10:32

Can a child check an egg? Can a non-Jew check an egg? How are huge amounts of eggs checked in big restaurants or commercial kitchens? What’s the idea of having a designated egg pot? Is it a myth that we can only cook an odd number of eggs? Accompanying information is available here

31

Egg Ed (Part 3)

Jan 2, 2022

14:56

Does it make a difference where the blood is found, whether in the yolk or albumen? Is there any reason to avoid using; brown eggs, organic eggs, free range eggs or pasture raised eggs? Are spots in brown eggs problematic? Can one eat fertilized eggs? Accompanying information is available here

32

Egg Ed (Part 2)

Jan 2, 2022

14:07

Are brownish spots found in eggs problematic? Must one check hard boiled eggs? Can one eat fertilized eggs? Does a blood spot invalidate the entire egg? Follow Up: Your Questions Answered Is an egg with two yolks kosher? Is a yolk-less egg kosher? Are eggs from a chicken that is a Treifah kosher? How can one tell the difference between a bobwhite quail egg and a chicken egg? Accompanying information is available here

33

Egg Ed (Part 1)

Jan 2, 2022

16:47

Do eggs need a Hechsher? Are quail eggs kosher? Can I buy eggs from a farmer on the side of the road? Can one tell if an egg is kosher by its shape? Accompanying information is available here

34

Produce From Israel (Part 3)

Jan 2, 2022

17:26

Can I buy wine made from shmitah produce? Is heter mechirah valid? Can I buy an esrog grown during shmitah? Can I buy produce grown in Israel during shmitah? Accompanying information is available here

35

Produce From Israel (Part 2)

Jan 2, 2022

16:15

Are both fruits and vegetables subject to Orlah? Is there an issue of Orlah outside of Eretz Yisroel? Is there an issue of Orlah if a non-Jew owns the tree? Accompanying information is available here

36

Produce From Israel (Part 1)

Jan 2, 2022

17:20

Are all produce coming out of Eretz Yisrael ready to eat as is? Can one separate T’rumah and Ma’aser in Chutz La’aretz (outside of Israel)? Should one avoid buying produce from Eretz Yisroel? Does the separation of T’rumah and Ma’aser apply to all fruits and vegetables? Accompanying information is available here

37

What's 212°?

May 20, 2021

6:47

What are the more lenient, and stringent, standards in Kashering equipment that Hechsherim use? What are some common foods that are often manufactured on Kashered equipment? Does my olive oil for the Chanukah Menorah need a  reliable Hechsher?

38

Toiveling Vessels

May 20, 2021

12:31

Where is the source in Torah for the need to toivel (immerse) vessels in a mikvah before using them? What kinds of vessels need to be toiveled? What kinds of vessels do not need to be toiveled? What should one do about toiveling food equipment that may get damaged in the proccess? Can I have a child toivel my dishes for me?

39

The Whys of Wine (Part 2)

May 20, 2021

7:24

What do I need to look out for regarding wines coming from Eretz Yisroel? What does Heter Mechirah mean? Do National Hechsheirim accept the leniencies of Heter Mechirah? What does Otzar Beis Din mean, and how does that apply to wine?

40

The Whys of Wine (Part 1)

May 20, 2021

13:15

What would make kosher wine non kosher to drink? What are the practical halachik differences between mevushal and non mevushal wine? What are the different temperature requirements that Hechsheirim have in making wine mevushal? Is it true that a non Jew can't even look at my wine?

41

Booze Schmooze

May 20, 2021

21:37

What can be wrong with plain beer? Is scotch aged in wine casks acceptable? What alcoholic beverages are recommended without Reliable Hashgacha? Questions, confusions, and myths clarified. Accompanying information is available here

42

Restaurant Review

May 20, 2021

9:22

What are the different standards and policies that hechsheirim have regarding restaurants? Is it ok to eat at a restaurant that serves both Cholov Yisroel and Cholov Stam foods? What is important to find out regarding fish dishes at restaurants? Can I assume that pareve foods retain their status in a meat/dairy restaurant?

43

Poultry Precautions (Part 5)

May 20, 2021

17:02

Kosher Chicken Species Tammuz 5780 / July 2020 Are all chickens equally Kosher? Are Braekel chickens more mehudar or actually non kosher? Can I eat eggs from any chicken? Accompanying information is available here

44

Poultry Precautions (Part 4)

May 20, 2021

10:59

What does split chicken mean? What is the advantage of split chickens? Is split chicken really a hiddur? How different in level of Kashrus is split chicken from non split chicken? Accompanying information is available here

45

Poultry Precautions (Part 3)

May 20, 2021

13:11

How does a chicken kidney look like and can I eat it? Why do kosher chickens always have their “hand” removed? If I see a small piece of lung attached to the chickens ribcage, can I eat it? Accompanying information is available here

46

Poultry Precautions (Part 2)

May 20, 2021

10:39

Melicha Concerns Is a bruise or blood clot considered forbidden blood? What if I cooked a piece chicken that had a significant bruise or blood clot? There seems to be red juice coming out of the chicken when I broil it. Is that blood? Accompanying information is available here

47

Poultry Precautions (Part 1)

May 20, 2021

12:31

Can a broken bone make my chicken not Kosher? When does discoloration cause for concern of a Treifah? When does discoloration cause for concern of a Treifah? Accompanying information is available here

48

Pesach Preparations

May 20, 2021

13:46

Does my hand soap need to be kosher for Pesach? What about napkins and paper towels? Can I use any wax paper for Pesach? How do I go about kashering my sink, counters, stovetops, etc?

49

Matzah Shoppers Guide

May 20, 2021

23:27

What’s special about Arizona wheat? When does the 18 minute count down begin? Was my Matzah really rolled Lishma? Is my hand made Matzah rolled with a machine? Accompanying information is available here

50

Pesach Food Essentials

May 20, 2021

22:23

Can I use any bottled water on pesach? Am I allowed to buy eggs or milk on Pesach? What kind of salt or sugar is best to use on Pesach? Can I buy any Extra virgin olive oil? Can I buy fresh salmon in any store? Does my meat and chicken need to be Kosher for Pesach? Accompanying information is available here