Rabbi Eliyahu Safran
Vice President for Communications and Marketing
OU Kashruth

The emaciated holy man sitting isolated on a mountain-top. The morbidly obese drunkard sprawled again on the barroom floor. Are these the choices faced by a Jew - embrace the material or flee it for Divine communion? The answer is a resounding “NO.” Join Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, OU Kosher’s Vice President -Communications and Marketing, in an articulate and moving exploration of the relationship between body and soul. Redeeming the physical, not blindly shunning or embracing it; tune in and hear this spiritual goal discussed in a sophisticated fashion.

Rabbi Safran is the author of “Meditations at 60: One Person, Under God, Indivisible,” which elaborates on this [“Called to be Different; Called to be Holy – A Meditation on Kashrut”] and related themes. Available from http://www.ktav.org or from the author at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Rabbi Dov Schreier
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

What is the role of the Mashgiach at a catered event - is he there to enforce the laws, or be a comrade in arms? Join Rabbi Dov Schreier, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth possessing special expertise in food service, as he examines the role of the rabbinic supervisor. How does he maintain control of the kitchen without alienating the cooks? How does he address the issues posed even by the cleaning crew? Tune in for a talk given by someone who’s been in the trenches! This presentation was recorded live at the Adelphia Talmudical Academy in Adelphia, NY, on February 25, 2009. If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Schreier please send them to: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Rabbi Dov Schreier
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

It takes planning to make the shul Kiddush a pleasure and not a pitfall! Join Rabbi Dov Schreier, a Rabbinic Coordinator with OU Kashruth possessing special expertise in food service, as he examines the red-flags of the Shabbos Kiddush. Topics in this series include: heating food; opening packages; permitted and prohibited directives to a non-Jewish waiter; vegetable inspection; and halachically-recommended wines. You’ll never look at kugel the same way again! These presentations were recorded live at the Adelphia Talmudical Academy in Adelphia, NY, on February 25, 2009. If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Schreier please send them to: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Rabbi David Bistricer
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

You’ll not find fried rice on an Ashkenazi plate during Pesach! This is due to the custom of avoiding Kitniyos during the holiday. OU Kosher rabbinic coordinator Rabbi David Bistricer clearly and thoroughly examines this practice; he discusses such issues as: What foods constitute Kitniyos? Why are they not eaten? Are they treated like actual chometz, or are there special leniencies? Tune in and attain “peas” of mind!

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Practical Issues in Hilchos Pesach In this extra-special video, the Orthodox Union’s prominent Poskim, Rav Yisroel Belsky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah V’Da’as, and Rav Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchanon, return to focus on issues of practical halacha related to Pesach. This year’s topics include: Is Quinoa on the list of Kitniyos?; What areas need to be searched for chometz?; How do I prepare my oven and my sink? Do I need to worry about Cheerios in my daughter’s dollhouse? What distinguishes one kind of matzah from the other? Questions were drawn from within the OU and from e-mails sent in by interested consumers. Tune in and be awed and enlightened by the Poskim for OU Kashruth. Recorded live on – March 24, 2009 at OU World Headquarters in NY, NY. Click here to enjoy the 5768 pre-Pesach webcast!

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Rabbi Eli Gersten
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth

Among the most fascinating topics in contemporary kashrus is the status of gelatin. Let Rabbi Eli Gersten, the Rabbinic Coordinator charged with recording P’sak and Policy for OU Kashruth, guide you masterfully through an exploration of the relevant sources in halacha and science. Can gelatin derived from a pig be kosher? What about a kosher animal, improperly slaughtered? Could kosher animal-derived gelatin be parve? What do the most reputable agencies say? Grab some gummy bears and yogurt and tune in! If you have questions or comments for Rabbi Gersten please send them to: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Rabbi David Bistricer
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

A kosher cheeseburger is an oxymoron! A lesser-known kosher regulation is the separation of meat and fish. Join Rabbi David Bistricer, OU Kosher rabbinic coordinator, as he expertly and thoroughly explores this almost hidden facet of Torah life. Topics include: the use of ovens for meat and fish; eating fish and meat in the same meal; additives containing anchovies and omega-3 fatty acids. “Scale” the heights of Jewish knowledge as you “meat” this topic head-on!

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Rabbi David Bistricer
Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kashruth Division

Reuven and Rivka have to keep kosher—but what about Rover? Join Rabbi David Bistricer, OU Kosher rabbinic coordinator, as he explores the surprising topic of kosher animal food! Can you use a can of dog-food that contains meat cooked with milk? Can a Jewish farmer feed his cows and chickens a non-kosher animal-feed? Tune in to hear some startling sound-“bites”!

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