Vacationing While Keeping Halacha: A Traveler's Guide

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel presents a collection of tips to avoid consuming forbidden foods.

1. Upon arriving at an establishment presented as kosher, demand to see the original kosher certificate. Never rely on photocopied kosher certificates!

2. Verify that the name of the local rabbinate appearing on the kosher certificate belongs to the area where you are located.

3. Ensure that the kosher certificate displays a date indicating it is valid.

4. Confirm that the name and address of the establishment, as shown on the kosher certificate, match the actual details and do not belong to another business.

5. It's advisable to inquire about the kosher supervisor's whereabouts. If absent, they can be reached by phone using the number on the kosher certificate, or you can ask the business owner for their mobile number. It's recommended to exchange a few words with the supervisor and get an impression of the kosher status at the establishment.

6. Do not enter an establishment displaying a certificate attesting to on-site supervision without first verifying the existence of a kosher certificate from the authorized local rabbinate.

7. Do not accept the promises of an unsupervised business owner who presents their establishment as kosher in writing or verbally, claiming they lack a kosher certificate due to being open on Shabbat.

8. Do not accept claims that the certificate is unavailable because "the supervisor hasn't had time to bring it from the religious council..." - simply leave the place immediately!

9. Do not rely on the kashrut of foods sold in unsupervised kiosks, in improvised packaging, bearing stickers with kosher symbols only, without the manufacturer's name and other identifying details.

10. For vacationers in guest houses and various lodgings, it's worth checking beyond the kashrut issue: Are there arrangements for Shabbat observance, such as a valid eruv, Shabbat supervision, electronic eyes for opening and closing doors, automatic air conditioning activated by opening doors or windows, electronic eyes in restrooms, electronic water faucets, Shabbat elevators approved by a known body or institute, etc.

11. It's important to know that there are guest houses without rabbinical supervision that offer kosher meals to vacationers. In some cases, the owners may cook meals using their private utensils and kitchen, while others order sealed portions from supervised catering companies. It's recommended to check this issue before booking.

12. Vacationers booking Shabbat stays at hotels should verify during booking that the deal includes room checkout at the end of Shabbat and not during the afternoon hours of Shabbat.

13. If you notice a kashrut deficiency in a supervised establishment that might mislead the public, report it to the kashrut department of that city as per the details appearing on the kosher certificate. In case of suspected kashrut fraud, you can contact the National Unit for Enforcement of the Prohibition of Kashrut Fraud, and the Chief Rabbinate will address the complaint promptly.