Going on a Trip?

As summer vacation begins, countless Israelis visit shopping centers, entertainment venues, and vacation spots throughout the country. Therefore, it's recommended to stay alert to the following scenarios to avoid kashrut issues.

 

- When arriving at a business presenting itself as kosher, demand to see an original kosher certificate and never rely on photocopies!

 

- Verify that the rabbinate name appearing on the kosher certificate belongs to the area where you are located, not outside this jurisdiction.

 

- Confirm that the kosher certificate is valid.

 

- Ensure that the business name and address as they appear on the kosher certificate match the actual details on site and don't belong to another business.

 

- It's advisable to inquire where the kosher supervisor is, and if they're not present, ask the owner for the supervisor's mobile number.- Don't enter a business displaying a certificate claiming supervision without first verifying the existence of a kosher certificate from the authorized local rabbinate.

 

- Don't rely on promises from an unsupervised business owner who presents their establishment as kosher in writing or verbally while claiming they don't have a kosher certificate because they're open on Shabbat. Also, don't accept claims that the certificate isn't available because "the supervisor hasn't had time to bring it from the religious council." In such cases, leave the place immediately!

 

- Don't trust the kosher status of "individual cakes" sold in kiosks without supervision that only bear stickers with kosher symbols but lack manufacturer names and other identifying details.

 

- If you notice a kosher violation in a supervised business that could mislead the public, report it to that city's kashrut department using the information on the kosher certificate. In case of suspected kosher fraud, contact the National Unit for Enforcement of the Prohibition of Kosher Fraud by email at achifa1@rabbinate.gov.il or fax 02-5313169.