5 Town Nesiv Hatorah continuing their deception to the Yeshivishe Oilum Hatorah-they are not Mehudar for Bnei Trah

 From: Nesiv Hatorah <knhmehudar@gmail.com>

Subject: Update on the Rov's Mehudar Program
To: Nesiv Hatorah <knhmehudar@gmail.com>

BS"D
To my dear and esteemed mispallelim:

New developments have ensued over the past few months regarding kashrus in our community. As everyone is aware, there are many national kashrus agencies and numerous local vaadei kashrus. each with its own kashrus policy. While some communities may have one uniform tradition and kashrus standard, most American communities have several diverse kehillos within each neighborhood. These kehillos led by respected Rabbanim, who may have differing halachic opinions in matters of kashrus. As a result, it may, at times, be difficult to maintain one uniform kashrus standard. Halachah in general, and kashrus in particular, is a very intricate and difficult subject. Rishonim, Acharonim and Poskim disagree about many issues regarding the permissibility of many food items. Some stricter standards are based upon differing opinions or minhagim. Even today, contemporary Poskim differ on the halachic status of many food items. How can one possibly present one standard to a diverse spectrum of kehillos in any given community? Our community of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns is such an example: while we are fortunate to have our own Vaad Hakashrus led by our esteemed Rabbi Yosef Eisen and his staff of professional mashgichim, nevertheless, how can any vaad authorize the use of some food items, of which some may disapprove, and reject items of which others disapprove?

Some eight years ago, with the help of Moish Feldhamer, I established a program by which members of our kehillah and the community at large, would be able to ascertain whether any particular food establishment meets certain superior kashrus standards. We maintained a list of establishments that conformed to a “mehudar” standard. This so called “Mehudar List” was not advertised publicly so as not to undermine the authority of the Vaad, rather, each individual had to inquire about each category or vendor in question.

However, this was obviously never a very practical solution. In addition, our community has grown and there are many more bnei-Torah who wish to follow these “higher standards” of kashrus. Accordingly, it became difficult to preserve the integrity and prestige of the Vaad while at the same time provide individuals with the ability to easily determine which vendors follow a mehudar standard.  A possible solution could be setting up a two-tiered system in which there are two hashgachos within one organization: one basic hashgacha and an additional “mehadrin” hashgacha. A similar system is used in the Israeli “Rabbanut”. While this could feasibly work in our community, it may create division and ruin the beautiful unity of our community.   

In response to this need, the Vaad has created an innovative, new checklist system. This provides a profile for each vendor with a detailed and clear list of its standards. This includes whether a vendor uses Cholov/Pas Yisrael, Yoshon, Bishul Yisrael tuna, Anasakis free fish, simanim checked salmon/lox and other additional hidurim. In addition, the checklist shows the specific meat/chicken sources used by each vendor. In addition, the Vaad hired Rabbi Shimon Adler, someone with many years of experience and expertise in kashrus, to assist Rabbi Eisen👮👮 and to oversee each vendor’s compliance with the checklist.

This is a transparent and concise profile, available either through the storefront checklist in each store or through the “Establishments section” on the Vaad’s website www.vaadhakashrus.org. Thus, everyone is able to check and see exactly what is being used in any establishment. You should examine the checklist periodically to ensure that no changes have been made. One should note one important item in the checklist, called “Additional Kashrus Hidurim”. This includes hidurim such as the types of canned goods, hidurim in Bishul and Pas Akum, chicken/meat sources and other hidurim. This is generally similar to the mehudar standards that we maintained under the Mehudar program. Please also note that only establishments that use meat/chicken sources that were acceptable under the mehudar program, can receive this check.

I am unaware of any such system to be found, certainly not in our area. Much thought has gone into the implementation of this system; it is unique and solves many issues. There is an overall, reliable hashgacha which fits the needs of the general community, and one for those who seek a mehudar standard. This mehudar standard is similar to the standard of the more stringent hashgachos such as Kehilla Kashrus and the KCL😂👮👸. Accordingly, anyone who takes kashrus more seriously should consult with their Rav whether to eat in any particular establishment. The fact that the Vaad may approve of a particular vendor, does not mean that it is acceptable for your use.  Only your Rav can ascertain which vendor fits your standards.

This is the beauty of this new system. We are all involved in one Vaad Hakashrus, under one leadership with one common goal. The difference is only in standards. There is a group of nine Rabbonim (myself included) from various kehillos who make all the decisions regarding general Vaad policy. The organization is completely subservient to these Rabbonim. We are all working together to bring kedushah and taharah into our community, each kehillah according to the standards set by each individual Rav. 

As for myself, I have closed our “Mehudar List”: as it is no longer necessary. Everyone can see if a vendor has the “Additional Kashrus Hidurim” box. This is roughly equivalent to what was in the original “Mehudar” list. Any questions may be addressed to myself or any of the Rabbonim on the Vaad. 

You should be aware that all the vendors who received all of the checks have sacrificed financial expense and culinary expertise to achieve this. They should be encouraged and you should patronize their establishments.  A list of establishments that currently receive the “Additional Kashrus Hidurim” checkbox can be found below.  Although I will endeavor to notify the kehilla of any changes, it is still recommended to check on an establishment’s status (either on the storefront or the Vaad’s website) before patronizing.  Please also note that yoshon is not a requirement to receive the “Additional Kashrus Hidurim” check, and if you would like to know if a store is yoshon, please look for the yoshon checkbox on the checklist or on the Vaad’s website.

One additional point; a restaurant may be kosher and adhere to a higher kashrus standard but not with the ambiance which promotes Torah values. Some restaurants may have non-Jewish music or even kol ishah (although there may be heteirim) while others may not be careful about the tzinius of their employees. It is difficult for the Vaad to enforce such things. For yourselves, avoid these establishments; there are enough eateries without these concerns.  Better yet, speak to the proprietor, tell him that his food is reputed to be excellent and why you cannot dine there.

To our Kehilla, I trust that all of you are b’nei Torah and b’nei aliyah who strive for growth. As such, I would expect that the food you eat and serve your families should be that standard of kedusha and purity befitting b’nei Torah and b’nei aliyah. We know that tarfus is מטמטם את הלב. Conversely, maintaining kashrus standards breeds kedushas hanefesh. Each higher level of kashrus raises more kedushah and yiras Shamayim. As the pasuk says in this week’s Parsha וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתֶּם וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אָנִי. May we merit to bring more kedusha to ourselves and our families and become true ovdei Hashem.

Respectfully,

Binyomin Forst

Below is the list of establishments (in alphabetical order) that currently (as per the Vaad website on 4/10/22) receive all of the checks. Establishments marked with an asterisk are also currently yoshon (if applicable).

Ahuva’s Grill Express*, Bagel Boys*, Berrylicious*, Bogo Pizza*,      

Carlos & Gabby’s*, Central Perk*, Chap-A-Nosh*,Chickies

The Coffee Bar*, Cork & Slice*, Darchei Torah Kitchen*

Famous Pita*, Frankel’s*, Fruit Platters & More, Glick’s Bakehouse*,Gotta Getta Bagel*

Gourmet Glatt (both locations) *, Graze Smokehouse, Holy Schnitzel*,Hunkis Pizza Bar*

Iced by Goldie*,Jerusalem Pizza*,Kol Save*,La Pizzeria and Bagel*Laffa Bar & Grill*

Lollibop,Mom’s Pastries*,Oldak Catering*,Pizza Pious*,Pizza’le*,Prime Bistro

Seasons Supermarket*,Sharmel Caterers,Spring,Stop, Chop & Roll,Stop, Wok & Roll

Streats*,Sunflower Café*Sushi Tokyo*,The Upper Crust,Traditions Restaurant*,West Wing*

Wok Tov,