OU KOSHER PUBLISHES FIVE-YEAR COMPILATION OF THE DAF HAKASHRUS NEWSLETTER FOR OU KOSHER STAFF; NOW AVAILABLE TO GENERAL PUBLIC
The field of kosher certification contains ever-changing information, applying the blueprints of Jewish kosher law to modern technological, chemical, medical and agricultural developments. As the leader in worldwide kosher certification, the Orthodox Union takes an additional step by serving as a leader in educating the public in matters of kosher law.
One of the most noted effective tools at the disposal of kashrut experts across the field is OU Kosher’s Daf HaKashrus, its technical newsletter edited by Rabbi Yosef Grossman, covering many areas of kashrut which is published primarily for OU Rabbinic Field Representatives (RFR’s) around the globe. With a monthly circulation of 3,000, the Daf HaKashrus is published 10 times a year, with the issues combined in a yearly compilation.
Now, OU Kosher announces the publication of a five-year volume, covering years 2008-2012 of the Daf HaKashrus, to serve as a substantial reference book. This is the fourth edition of the compilations; together, they represent 20 years of OU Kosher history and policy. With 398 pages (including a useful comprehen¬sive index), this volume is by far the largest.
The special edition is sponsored by Lorne Lieberman of Montreal and Hy Bergel of Toronto.
Rabbi Grossman, OU Kosher senior educational rabbinic coordinator, has been the editor of The Daf HaKashrus since its inception in 1992. His work includes all four sets of the compilations.
“It is with great pleasure that the Kosher Division of the OU presents the fourth five-volume issue of The Daf HaKashrus, noted Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, who is actively involved in editing The Daf. “The proper flow of information is the core of a successful kashrut organization, and The Daf HaKashrus has served as the essential vehicle to communicate kashrut information and elucidate current important kashrut issues.”
Rulings by OU poskim (halachic decisors) Rav Yisroel Belsky and Rav Hershel Schachter are noted and explained within large portions of the monthly Dafs. Submissions for publication within The Daf HaKashrus are open to all OU Kosher staff worldwide. The inclusion of “Letters of Appreciation,” “Mazal Tovs” and “Condolences” allow for greater familiarity and geniality amongst OU Kosher colleagues around the world. In addition to learned commentary on halacha covering a wide variety of topics, The Daf also reprints press releases from the Orthodox Union Public Relations Department written for general audiences on the various programs of OU Kosher; as well as articles from Behind the Union Symbol, the semi-technical magazine written for OU-certified companies.
Rabbi Grossman, whom Rabbi Genack deemed more than just the editor of The Daf Kashrus—but the father of The Daf since its inception 21 years ago—stated, “ I am most gratified to present The Daf HaKashrus to the general public. The Daf has become a reliable kashrut reference work for dayanim, poskim and rabbanim around the world.”
Rabbi Grossman also noted that The OU Daf HaKashrus has been referred to by many publications such as Yated Ne’eman, Hamodia, The Jewish Press, Baltimore Jewish Life, Matzav, Kosher Today, Ami Magazine, Kashrus Magazine and The New York Times. “I look forward to the continued dissemination of The Daf to educated kosher consumers worldwide,” he shared.
Requests for the special edition have already come from across the globe, including Auckland, New Zealand; Santiago, Chile; Quebec, Canada and domestically from Bozeman, Montana and Ellenville, New York.
“Wherever I travel, I encounter individuals who compliment this publication, and credit it with keeping them up-to-date with the cutting edge of kashrut information,” said Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, OU executive vice president, emeritus. “It reflects well on our organization, and testifies to our commitment to spread Torah study and mitzvah observance. It is an exalted addition to the library of OU publications designed to serve the Torah observant public.”
The cost of the special edition is $15. The set of all 20 one-year volumes are available for $36. Those interested should contact Rabbi Grossman at 212-613-8212, fax 212-613-0621, email grossman@ou.org or Avigail Klein at 212-613-8279, email aklein@ou.org. Checks are to be made out to the Orthodox Union and can be mailed to Rabbi Yosef Grossman c/o Orthodox Union, 11 Broadway, NYC, NY 10004.
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