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The Kosher Conversation: A STAR-K Media Production

The Kosher Conversation: A STAR-K Media Production

By Rabbi Chananya Jacobson

In depth conversations with Kashrus professionals, discussing their successes, challenges, and what you need to know to be an educated kosher consumer. Send your questions and comments to podcast@star-k.org.
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[Webinar] STAR-K Annual Passover Products Webinar 2023

The Kosher Conversation: A STAR-K Media ProductionMar 21, 2023

00:00
01:12:28
WEBINAR Pesach Hotels: Know Before You Go! (2024 Edition)

WEBINAR Pesach Hotels: Know Before You Go! (2024 Edition)

Host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and panelists Rabbis Sholom Tendler and Yakov Teichman reviewed the key questions you should ask before booking your trip. The discussion included:
• How to figure out which hotels are reliable from the dozens that are available
• If it really matters who the certifier is
• If you can truly rely on an ad that says "Glatt Kosher/Chassidishe Shechita/Cholov Yisroel/ Non-Gebrochts

Mar 08, 202456:48
The Kashrus of Insects: Grasshoppers (Part 4)
Nov 13, 202330:19
The Kashrus of Fish: Swordfish (Part 3)
Nov 13, 202329:54
The Kashrus of Birds: Turkey (Part 2)
Nov 13, 202331:04
The Kashrus of Animals: Bison (Part 1)
Nov 13, 202328:52
[Webinar] Halachic Issues of Travel

[Webinar] Halachic Issues of Travel

Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Baruch Beyer reviewed various halachic issues involving travel with special guest, Rabbi Dovid Heber (June 2023).

TIMESTAMPS:
6:05 - Airplane travel on 17 Tammuz
9:08 - Flying on Friday in the U.S.
13:30 - Landing on Friday in Israel
16:30 - HOTLOGIC personal food warmer on Shabbos
18:05 - Washing hands on a plane
21:01 - Kosher meal on a plane
32:37 - Planning ahead
37:38 - Davening in shul out of town
43:48 - Pre-packaged kosher meal on a cruise
48:23 - Common Tefilas Haderech questions

Jun 26, 202301:03:25
[Webinar] STAR-K Annual Passover Products Webinar 2023

[Webinar] STAR-K Annual Passover Products Webinar 2023

Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Baruch Beyer present timely information about a variety of Pesach-related topics, including a quick review of what's new, how to manage your food-buying budget, baby food, almond flour, kitniyos, matzah, and much much more (March 2023).

Mar 21, 202301:12:28
[WEBINAR] Children's Medicine Shortage

[WEBINAR] Children's Medicine Shortage

Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Dovid Heber discuss kashrus issues that have arisen as a result of the recent shortage of popular OTC and prescription medications, and what kosher consumers need to consider in dealing with the shortage. Originally Aired Dec 28, 2022

Jan 04, 202301:06:15
[Webinar] Kosher Behind Bars

[Webinar] Kosher Behind Bars

STAR-K Kashrus Administrators, Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld, discuss issues of kashrus facing those who are incarcerated.

Originally aired 12-27-2017 .

Sep 23, 202249:13
[WEBINAR] Current Kosher Issues - Airline Meals, Quinoa and More

[WEBINAR] Current Kosher Issues - Airline Meals, Quinoa and More

In this webinar, originally broadcast Feb. 12, 2020, STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer discuss current issues of kashrus including STAR-K certified kosher airline meals and book lice - bugs in quinoa.

Aug 25, 202244:03
[WEBINAR] Kosher Travel - Israel and USA

[WEBINAR] Kosher Travel - Israel and USA

Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer hosted a panel that discussed tips for the kosher traveler when visiting Israel as well as the U.S.

• Rabbi Moshe Farkash – Administrator, ZNT Kosher, Jerusalem
• Rabbi Sholom Tendler – Foodservice Administrator, STAR-K

Rabbi Farkash, of ZNT Kosher (www.zntkosher.com) is intimately familiar with the kosher scene in Israel, and regularly advises tourists on navigating that scene, including restaurants and hotel breakfasts.

Rabbi Tendler is STAR-K's Baltimore administrator of caterers and restaurants and is a frequent traveler all over the U.S. He discussed managing kashrus on the road. He also provided general travel advice for these challenging times.

Jul 25, 202201:16:08
[WEBINAR] Yoshon Simplified

[WEBINAR] Yoshon Simplified

STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Sholom Tendler explain Yoshon.

Jul 19, 202201:02:04
[WEBINAR] The Intriguing World of Jewish Time

[WEBINAR] The Intriguing World of Jewish Time

Listen to host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and his guest, Jewish time expert Rabbi Dovid Heber discuss Jewish time (10/6/21). They answer your questions in addition to discussing:

• a 'behind the scenes' review of Rabbi Heber's new book, The Intriguing World of Jewish Time

• how time affects kashrus certification

• the "World Calendar" and how it would have affected Jewish life

• why a girl cannot become bas mitzva in Adar 1

The Jewish calendar is complex, but Rabbi Heber makes the topic clear and easy to understand. In addition to his newly published work which includes 150 questions and answers on Jewish time, he previously authored Sefer Shaarei Zmanim.

Jun 27, 202258:50
[WEBINAR] Kosher Travel - Post Lockdown

[WEBINAR] Kosher Travel - Post Lockdown

Listen to host Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and his guest, STAR-K Director of Development Steve Sichel discuss Kosher Travel Post Lockdowns (6/23/21). They answer your travel questions in addition to discussing:

• What you need to know before planning your trip

• How travel has changed: practical advice about food, flights, hotels, and rental cars

• Applicable halachos for your trip, including Shabbos, davening, Tefilas Haderech and kosher food

Steve Sichel has travelled over 2 million miles throughout his career at STAR-K, visiting all 50 states and over 25 countries. He flew over 50,000 miles during the past year alone!

Jun 01, 202256:13
[Webinar] - Medical Devices Certified For Shabbos

[Webinar] - Medical Devices Certified For Shabbos

Rabbi Zvi Goldberg hosts a discussion about STAR-K's certification of Shabbos devices for those who are ill or have physical limitations. Learn about Shabbos scooters, stairlifts, nebulizers, nurse call systems, hospital beds, and more!
Rabbi Goldberg is joined by the following guests:

• Rabbi Mordechai Frankel – Director, STAR-K Institute of Halacha

• Shmuel Glick – Director of Engineering, Gramachip Technologies

• Rafy David – CEO, MovingLife Shabbatto Mobility Scooters

Originally aired 5/11/2022

May 16, 202201:03:55
[Webinar] Chocolate Production in Peru

[Webinar] Chocolate Production in Peru

In this Webinar Rabbi Goldberg discusses his recent trip to Peru, and the chocolate production he saw there.

Apr 28, 202252:32
[WEBINAR] Passover Products 2022

[WEBINAR] Passover Products 2022

Now available on the STAR-K podcast feed: recordings of Rabbi Zvi Goldberg's monthly webinars.

Join Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Boruch Beyer for an interactive Passover products webinar, during which we will:

  • discuss what's new / products that do and      don't require certification
  • suggest how to save money with the rising      cost of kosher food
  • review coconut /almond flours, kitniyos,      matzah, and more!
  • answer your questions!
Mar 31, 202201:08:13
Sukkos Special: Arba Minim with Rabbi Mordechai Frankel

Sukkos Special: Arba Minim with Rabbi Mordechai Frankel

A special episode focusing on the Halachos of the Arba Minim: Esrog, Lulav, Hadassim, and Aravos.

Rabbi Frankel walks us through the selection process of the Daled Minim:

  • Do the size and shape of your esrog matter?
  • Does your lulav need to be straight?
  • How much should you spend on a chinuch set?
  • Do you need to check the esrog with a loupe?

All this and much much more on this special Sukkos episode of the kosher conversation!

Feedback and questions are always welcome at 1-410-816-9509 or podcast@star-k.org.

Sep 17, 202101:14:47
Out of Town Kashrus with Rabbi Nosson Dubin of Houston Kosher

Out of Town Kashrus with Rabbi Nosson Dubin of Houston Kosher

In today's episode Rabbi Nosson Dubin shares with us what it is like to "do kashrus" in an out-of-town community. 

We talk about a wide array of topics, including:

- The challenges of kosher supervision in a place where everyone knows you personally.

- The mandate of ensuring that kosher food is available to local consumers.

- How one small conversation changed the entire paradigm of kosher supervision.

- The Kosher Institute of America's mashgiach training program.

- What it's like to participate in the AKO Executive Committee.

and, of course: 

- How to run a Kosher Chili Cookoff!


Feedback and questions are always welcome at 1-410-816-9509 or podcast@star-k.org.

Aug 05, 202155:51
Lab-Grown Meat

Lab-Grown Meat

In this episode we explore the halachic ramifications of cultured meat, (also known as lab-grown or synthetic meat). Rabbi Daniel Friedman shares his pioneering work with us, and Rabbi Joel Kenigsberg keeps us abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Learn how synthetic meat is made! 

What is it? 

Can it be Kosher? 

Can it Be Parve?

Also, a rare recording of Rav Moshe Heinemann. shlita, addressing these issues.


Leave your feedback for the Kosher Conversation at 410-816-9509!

Jul 23, 202157:16
Shechita Knives with Rabbi Moshe Yurman

Shechita Knives with Rabbi Moshe Yurman

Rabbi Moshe Yurman is one of the few chalaf-machers (knife makers) in the United States today. In this episode, co-hosted by Rabbi Zvi Holland, , discusses the requirements and techniques of working steel into the best possible knife for shechita.
- How do you make a blade from a blank?
- How do you keep it sharp?
- How does modern technology affect these specialized chalafim?
- How do Italian barbers come into the picture?
All this and much, much more on this Episode of the Kosher Conversation

Bonus Content:
Rabbi Yurman has been interviewed in the following magazines:
Ami
Tablet
Jul 08, 202101:17:01
Nikkur and Melicha With Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld

Nikkur and Melicha With Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld

In this episode we go in depth about the steps taken to prepare kosher meat for consumption - nikkur and melicha.


Rabbi Kurcfeld, drawing on his experience in this field, and describes the various parts of the animal, and how they are prepared by removing cheilev, the forbidden fats, and how the blood is removed through salting.


Bonus Question! Is pate de foie gras kosher?

Jun 24, 202137:54
Kosher Meat Production with Rabbi Tzvi Shaul Goldberg

Kosher Meat Production with Rabbi Tzvi Shaul Goldberg

In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Shaul Goldberg, Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K, takes us through the various steps of kosher meat production. Hear about the thought, the training and the skill that go into shechita, bedika, nikkur, and melicha, as Rabbi Goldberg talks about his personal experience and training in the field. 

Learn about some of the gritty details that need to be observed to determine if a shechita is acceptable.

Finally, unravel some of the mystery surrounding chassidishe shechita!

Jun 17, 202153:47
Rav Moshe Heinemann on Shochtim and Chalafim

Rav Moshe Heinemann on Shochtim and Chalafim

In this episode Rav Heinemann discusses what exactly "kabbalah" for shechita means, and what a shochet needs to know to qualify. 

We also take a look at the knives used for shechita, and learn about the Rov's personal chalaf collection.

Jun 11, 202129:42
Rav Moshe Heinemann on Which Meat is Kosher

Rav Moshe Heinemann on Which Meat is Kosher

In this episode Rav Heinemann discusses the traditions to eat various animals.
Some of the topics discussed:
What makes a chicken a chicken?
Is turkey kosher?
Do we need a mesorah for various breeds of cows?
Can we shecht giraffes?
All this and much more on this episode of the Kosher Conversation!
Jun 03, 202142:14
Cheese Production with Rabbi Yonah Goldberg of St. Paul, Minnesota

Cheese Production with Rabbi Yonah Goldberg of St. Paul, Minnesota

In this episode we speak with Rabbi Yonah Goldberg about life in the Midwest, growing up in Haarlem, and of course, cheese!

All sorts of cheese:

Blue Cheese

Cheddar Cheese,

Monterey Jack,

and even ... Squeaky Cheese!

May 27, 202142:28
Sodas and Slurpees with Rabbi Boruch Beyer

Sodas and Slurpees with Rabbi Boruch Beyer

In this episode Rabbi Boruch Beyer, Kashrus Administrator at STAR-K, talks with us about:
Where does soda come from?
How is it made?
Is it kosher everywhere?
The story of the Slurpee!
And a special bonus topic - Why would paper need a hechsher?
May 13, 202145:41
Margarine and More With Rabbi Simcha Smolensky of the OU

Margarine and More With Rabbi Simcha Smolensky of the OU

Today, we continue our conversation with Rabbi Smolensky, an industrial mashgiach for the OU. Picking up from the discussion of oil production in the previous episode, Rabbi Smolensky discusses margarine and hard fats.

Learn about the history of margarine! What is it? What oils can it be made from?

What are the challenges in making kosher margarine?

How does government legislation affect Kosher for Passover Margarine?

All this and more in this episode of The Kosher Conversation!

Part two of a two-part series.

Apr 29, 202143:46
Oils with Rabbi Simcha Smolensky of the OU

Oils with Rabbi Simcha Smolensky of the OU

Today's conversation is with Rabbi Simcha Smolensky, a veteran Chicago-based Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU. He shares his expertise in all aspects of kosher oil production.

  • Where do oils come from?
  • What are the differences between them?
  • Aren't all vegetable oils really kosher?


Part one of a two-part series.

Apr 22, 202141:58
Cholov Yisroel with Rabbi Tzvi Rosen
Apr 15, 202130:03
Medicine with Rabbi Dovid Heber

Medicine with Rabbi Dovid Heber

In this installment Rabbi Dovid Heber tells us all about medications. He answers many burning questions about kosher medication: 

Is kosher medicine really necessary? 

What are the possible problems with medicine?

Should you wrap your pills in paper before you take them? 

Should you wait until the pharmacy gets the kosher version?

All this and more!


Please email your comments and suggestions to podcast@star-k.org

Mar 19, 202139:31
Pesach Hotels with Rabbi Zvi Holland

Pesach Hotels with Rabbi Zvi Holland

Pesach hotels are a long-standing, much maligned institution in Jewish communities in America and around the world. Rabbi Holland takes us behind the scenes and gives us his insight into what it takes to plan, prepare and run a Kosher for Passover program.

Mar 15, 202132:38
Matzah Baking with Rabbi Shmuel Heinemann

Matzah Baking with Rabbi Shmuel Heinemann

Rabbi Heinemann takes us on a deep dive into the world of machine and hand matzah bakeries.

Mar 09, 202101:02:57
Food Service Kashrus with Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld

Food Service Kashrus with Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld

Talking Food Service Kashrus with Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld of the STAR-K.

In this episode we discuss how Rabbi Kurcfeld got his start in Kosher Supervision, the ins and outs of kosher food service, and setting up facilities such as restaurants, colleges, hotels and hospitals. 

Learn the three crucial factors in successfully setting up a kosher vendor! 

Hear what happens when it doesn't go according to plan!

All this and more on this episode.

Mar 02, 202146:33