Kashrut Policy 2019 FAQs
1. What are the acceptable heksher symbols?
Any hekhsher is acceptable as long as it is more than just a simple “K”. Examples of acceptable hekshers include:
Please ask the current mara d’atra any questions about hekhshers.
2. Do canned fruits or vegetables require a hekhsher?
Yes.
3. Does a kosher kitchen require separate dish towels, dish drainers, dishwashers, etc?
These questions are best answered on a case-by-case basis. Please check with your mara d’atra.
4. Is organic the same as kosher? Is halal the same as kosher?
No. You cannot assume that organic, halal, or vegan certifications imply that an item is kosher. You must always look for hekhshers.
5. Why doesn’t the kashrut policy cover rules about labels?
This policy ensures that all food is kosher, in as far as any policy can. Of course, some people have stricter dietary needs than others--some even having nothing to do with kashrut, such as allergies and sensitivities. This kashrut policy aims to define what kinds of foods can be provided for the community. Future policies around how to label food to account for these dietary needs could be developed by future actions teams or committees.
Additional Resources
1. What are the acceptable heksher symbols?
Any hekhsher is acceptable as long as it is more than just a simple “K”. Examples of acceptable hekshers include:
Please ask the current mara d’atra any questions about hekhshers.
2. Do canned fruits or vegetables require a hekhsher?
Yes.
3. Does a kosher kitchen require separate dish towels, dish drainers, dishwashers, etc?
These questions are best answered on a case-by-case basis. Please check with your mara d’atra.
4. Is organic the same as kosher? Is halal the same as kosher?
No. You cannot assume that organic, halal, or vegan certifications imply that an item is kosher. You must always look for hekhshers.
5. Why doesn’t the kashrut policy cover rules about labels?
This policy ensures that all food is kosher, in as far as any policy can. Of course, some people have stricter dietary needs than others--some even having nothing to do with kashrut, such as allergies and sensitivities. This kashrut policy aims to define what kinds of foods can be provided for the community. Future policies around how to label food to account for these dietary needs could be developed by future actions teams or committees.
Additional Resources
- For a very thoughtful essay on balance of values that is at the heart of making a kashrut policy, see this essay by Rabbi Ethan Tucker Pluralism, Community, and Integrity Pt 3.
- Click here for more information on the concept of ben yomo aka “The 24 Hour Rule”
- Click here for more information on why a plain “K” is NOT an acceptable hekhsher
- For more information on Rabbi Ethan Tucker, click here
- For more information on Rabbi Joel Roth, click here
- For the Conservative Movement’s Passover Guide, click here
