Kosher Facility

Dear Rabbi Fried,

Could you please explain what does it take for a restaurant to be “kosher,” other than the obvious? Does the restaurant have to be “inspected” regularly? Is there a restaurant hechsher posted somewhere? Who certifies the restaurant’s bona fides? Does a Jew have to supervise or work there and, if so, does he (can the person be a “she”?) have to be in the kitchen, and what is this “official” person “required” to do? Does the restaurant have to employ any Jews? Does it have to be owned by a Jew? I am certain I have lots of questions I don’t have the time to think of…

Norton

Dear Norton,

Your questions don’t apply only to a restaurant, but to any kosher factory, facility or kitchen. It is beyond the scope of this column to describe all the laws of kosher, specifically those which apply to a business or public situation, as the laws are vast and take years to master.

Besides the food itself being kosher, it is necessary for a food establishment to have a mashgiach or overseer of the kashrut of the operation. This person needs to be a Jewish man or woman who is well-versed and personally observant of the laws of kosher. This mashgiach has the job of being sure no mistakes are made as to the laws of kosher, and in some cases, such as when the owner or workers are not Jewish, to be sure no non-kosher products are brought in with or without intention.

The amount of time and the job of the mashgiach varies from establishment to establishment. Certain types of restaurants may need a mashgiach the entire time it is open, or before it opens and cooking is being done. Others may need less time, depending on the complexity and the nature of the operation.

A kosher restaurant can be owned by Jew and non-Jew alike, and need not employ any Jews to be kosher, besides the mashgiach (who can, at times, also double as a cook or other jobs).

The hechsher, which is a sign describing the extent of the kashrut of an establishment and signed by the Vaad, or kosher observatory organization, should be prominently displayed in that place of business. In some cases it may warn the potential customer of some items which are not kosher in that place.

(A rabbi was appalled to walk by a non-kosher restaurant and see his synagogue president consuming a meal inside. He approached the man the following Shabbat, and asked him what came over him. The president asked the rabbi if he saw him walk in; the answer was yes. “Did you see me sit down and order?” “Yes.” “Did you see me be served and eat the meal?” “Yes.” “If so, what’s the problem? It was all under rabbinical supervision!”)

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

More To Explore

Jewish Law & Thought

Mourning After Kaddish

I have recently completed the year of mourning and kaddish for my father, and am left with a profound feeling of emptiness now that it’s finished. I know I can no longer say kaddish, but is there anything more that I can do or is that it?

Jewish History & Current Events

Tabernacle

This time of the year, as I follow along with the readings of the weekly Torah portion, I have a lot of trouble studying the sections we are now reading that deal with the building of the Mishkan – tabernacle. First of all, I have a problem relating to it; how does a building they built thousands of years ago affect our lives. Secondly, why do these portions appear in the book of Exodus, which is the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Why are they not in the next book of Leviticus which deals with the sacrifices they brought in the tabernacle?