September 2000 -- Kosher In Chicago (excerpt)
Kosher In Chicago A Look at the Chicago Rabbinical Council by Aryeh Zev Narrow |
The cRc's commitment to community kashrus extends beyond simply giving hechsherim. They have twice presented free kashrus seminars to the public, bringing prospective mashgichim together with representatives of the cRc, OU, OK, and other kashrus agencies to answer questions about hashgacha and consumer kashrus concerns. Topics have included use of flavorings and dairy in food production, use of scotch whiskeys, catering concerns, the differences between Sephardi and Ashkenazi requirements, and more. The seminars also included classes in matters of hands-on kashrus, such as de-viening and checking for insects in produce. The seminars, held in a Chicago hotel, have drawn as many as a hundred attendees, including mashgichim from other agencies who came to refine their skills in hashgacha. The cRc also produces numerous publications for the kosher consumer, such as a visitor's guide, an annual Passover guide, and a directory of the products they certify. They also publish informative brochures on other matters of halacha, such as kashering the home, avelus, bris mila, pidyon haben and other topics. The cRc recently held their first annual "Mitzvah-Supermarket," a unique opportunity for the Jews of the Greater Chicago area. Held in the cRc's West Howard Street headquarters, the Mitzvah-Supermarket brought hundreds of members of Chicago's Jewish community together with cRc rabbis who could help them with kashrus and other complicated mitzvos. Hundreds of visitors brought their garments for shatnez inspection, their utensils for hagala and t'vila, and their mezuzos and tefilin for b'dika. A beis din was available to review gittin and kesubos, and there were special facilities for receiving sheimos. All services were rendered free or at minimal cost. From a six-page feature article in the September 2000 issue of KASHRUS Magazine. |
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