RE: Xanthan gum for Pesach not permitted

 

U.S. Supreme Court — Case Alert

 

Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corp. Decided March 4, 2026 | Justice Sotomayor | Docket 24-1021

In a significant ruling affecting public transportation liability, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that New Jersey Transit Corporation is not an arm of the State of New Jersey and therefore cannot claim sovereign immunity to shield itself from personal injury lawsuits filed in other states.

The case arose from two separate incidents — one in New York, one in Pennsylvania — where individuals were struck by NJ Transit buses. NJ Transit sought dismissal of both suits by arguing it was entitled to New Jersey's sovereign immunity as a state entity. The two state courts reached opposite conclusions, creating a conflict that the Supreme Court agreed to resolve.

The Court's ruling turned on a straightforward but consequential point: NJ Transit is structured as a legally independent corporation that is responsible for its own debts and judgments. New Jersey's own founding statute for NJ Transit explicitly states that its liabilities are not the State's liabilities. That separation, the Court held, is decisive — you cannot claim a state's immunity if the state itself has disclaimed responsibility for your obligations.

Practical Impact: Injury victims struck by NJ Transit buses in other states may now pursue their claims in their home state courts without facing dismissal on sovereign immunity grounds. The New York ruling was affirmed and the Pennsylvania dismissal was reversed, with both cases sent back for further proceedings.

Kosher Consumer alert

 

THE KOSHER CONSUMERS UNION, INC.

⚠ CONSUMER ALERT ⚠

APEEL COATING ON FRESH PRODUCE

SERIOUS KASHRUS CONCERNS

 WHAT IS APEEL?

Apeel (also marketed as Edipeel) is an invisible, plant-based edible coating applied directly to fresh produce to extend shelf life. It works by sealing the outer layer of the fruit or vegetable, slowing moisture loss and blocking oxygen. It is designed to withstand normal rinsing and cannot simply be washed off — it is intended to be consumed along with the produce.

AFFECTED PRODUCE

Apeel is currently being applied to the following produce items:

•      Avocados, Cucumbers, Limes, Mandarins, Apples

The concern is most acute for produce where the skin is eaten — cucumbers, apples, limes, and mandarins — as the coating is designed to be consumed along with the fruit.

KASHRUS CONCERNS

1.  No Kosher Certification

Apeel carries no kosher certification of any kind. While the manufacturer has stated that its ingredients are not derived from animal sources, there is no rabbinic supervision or hashgacha of any sort over the production process.

2.  Stam Yeinam / Yayin Nesech — The Grapeseed Issue

Industry reports indicate that Apeel frequently uses grapeseed oil — a cheap byproduct of the commercial wine industry — as its fatty acid source. Uncertified grapeseed derivatives raise a severe Stam Yeinam / Yayin Nesech concern, which is among the most serious kashrus issues in this matter.

3.  Mono- and Diglycerides

Apeel’s active ingredients are mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids — the same emulsifiers that are routinely derived from non-kosher animal fat (tallow) in commercial production. Even where a plant-based source is claimed, physical verification of the facility and supply chain is required before any hechsher can be granted.

4.  Shared Equipment and Processing Solvents

The chemical extraction and purification process uses heat, solvents, and catalysts. Without verified supervision of the processing facilities, there is no assurance that the equipment is free from cross-contamination with non-kosher oils or animal fats.   

 Until a thorough review of Apeel’s specific manufacturing facilities has been completed and proper rabbinic supervision is obtained, produce bearing this coating should not be used without guidance from a competent halachic authority.

The Kosher Consumers Union, Inc.  •  EIN: 16-1719040  •  New Jersey

Pesach Hotels Update:

 A Pesach program with a private Seder,

Executive Suites, Reading areas, 24 Hr Tea-Room,

Flexible itinerary, On-site Parking, 

Shul seats for the entire Family, Familiar guests,

Your standard of kashrus, Very Heimish atmosphere.

                                                                    Called Home, sweet, home.

If it's a MUST that one has to go to a hotel for Pesach, 

Oppenheimer's Hotel is under the Hashgocha of KAJ  (Breuers) all year including PESACH

Pros & Cons of "MUST go" to Seminary in Israel- BTW- The boys & their family doesn't care which "sem", nor if she went at all.

Bochurim, should not go to learn for a year or so in Eretz Yisroel, but should get married earlier.

There has been lately many that strongly oppose the ingrained concept that "must go to Seminary in Israel" in order to marry the right Ben-Torah.

The Pros are not so self evident.

The Cons;
Don't go to Seminary, get a job or training and get married earlier.

The huge expense that most can't afford.

That $20,000.00 plus [saved] can help the new young couple.

Training for a parnosah delayed by at least a year.

They don't receive the tools needed to prepare for a Torah marriage, etc.

Delaying marriage by at least a year.

A girl should be under the supervision of their parents (enough said!)

Pan-handling for a place for Shabbos, etc. at families that can't afford the basics.

We have heard of the tragic experiences in some Israel seminaries.

If we are talking about hashkofah, yahdus, etc in order to go into chinuch? Gateshead is more geared to that element.

Conclusion- It's advisable- not go to seminaries or yeshivas in Eretz Yisroel

Lakewood שלום בית-Therapists (terrorists) are not the solution, they are the root of the problem!

Advice on Responding to a Restraining Order

Unfortunately many women are receiving bad advice from therapists, attorneys and Pseudo Rabbonim who know nothing about Halachah. Their only interest is to pander their client and keep them satisfied. They will never advise their client to do the proper thing according to Halacha, when the client will not be happy with this advice. 
               The result has been a large increase in the issuance of RO’s to Yeshiva Leit. The proper response is to go to Bais Din and request that they commence proceedings to render the sender of the RO a מורדת. If the Bais Din sees that there is no justification for the RO and the issuer does not retract they will commence with the proceedings. The details of what Bais Din has to do are described in Even HaEzer Siman 77. 

As more women get declared a מורדת the reputation of the advisors will deteriorate since we can now quantify that they are giving bad advice and it is producing negative consequences to their clients.

A second benefit is that after the proceedings are finalized there are financial advantages such as no KESUBAH (see Siman 77 for more details)

A third benefit is after 12 months you can give a GET on your terms, and remarry according to most Poskim without a HETER MEIOH RABBONUM if she refuses to accept the GET (see Siman 77 for more details).

A fourth benefit is public relations “He left her because she was a מורדת sounds better than “she threw him out”.

I hope and encourage anyone who has received a RO to go forward with this advice and may הקב"ה give you ס"ד to end these issues with Shalom.

TOSHAV MONSEY

toshav@optimum.net

***************************************************************************

                                                                   Lakewood- שלום בית

Therapists terrorists are not the solution, but the root cause of the problem.

KCL Atributes

 Insta cart does exactly what the holy KCL does in Lakewood and surrounding towns.

KCL allows pizza stores to allow the non-Jewish delivery drivers to have rolls of KCL tape, and seal the pizza boxes in their car at the delivery.

KCL allows shabbos catered affairs to have it delivered by non-jewish drivers unsealed.

KCL allows caterers to have shabbos goyim, do pick ups on shabbos of ice or anything they need from the commissary.

KCL allows the non-Jewish workers at the shabbos parties to fill urns, plug in urns, move urns to other areas.

KCL allows unchecked vegies at their affairs.

KCL Shabbos Mashgichim, often get drunk, use their cell phones on Shabbos.

KCL allows the Non-Jewish managers to have keys to their certified kitchens, refrigerators, etc.

KCL allows their caterers to have shnitzel cooked fresh on shabbos and delivered to the shabbos job.

Etc, Etc, Etc.

All food service establishments know they have to give the KCL Rabbis their "bak'shish", food for Shabbos, for thei parties, etc.

As long as you pay your dues timely, you could do whatever you want.

Insta cart refuses to pay KCL their protection fees, so they malign them.

In Kashrus Hashgochas, What's worse- "Ignorance" or "apathy"?

  KCL say "We don't know & We don't care!  

(Re: How to run a successful Kashru$ Organization)

From a comment;

What’s the story with the Milchiger = Kosher? Corrupt Restaurant in Howell NJ behind Amazing Savings called Ottimo Cafe?
They have the KCL = Stands for Kosher? Corrupt?? Lousy no hashgocho? 

Do they have a mashgiach temidei, the one I saw who claimed to be the Mashgiach temedei looked like a Am Ha’aretz and a Shaygetz with a Pepsi Yamalka. When I spoke with the KCL, the guy who answered the phone realized I had a point, and I told him there are serious Kashruth violations in the KCL when a restaurant does not have hashgochoh temedis. He did not answer when I asked him how often does the KCL administrators make unannounced check ups at this establishment.

During the time I was there, one and a half hours,, no Jew/yid stepped foot in the kitchen and good heimisher and chassidische yidden went there and ate. There was a large function in the back hall of this place. A simcha and who is asking questions? What a Shanda and scandel.

Who does bedikas Toylay’im at this establishment? Suggest people should be more vigilant when frequenting “Kosher” establishments who don’t have any standards for hashgochoh. May the KCl who I understand now, has no standards and is totally hefker.

KCL-CATERING STANDARDS QUESTIONED?

The following article appeared in the past in an English Magazine  (reprinted with some clarification.)

Catering Standards Questioned? Invited to an affair under the supervision of a Lakewood's yeshiva [ KCL] established  “Hashgocha” , but which was being held in a non-kosher facility, we went into the kitchen to look around and to compare notes with the Mashgiach. we were not prepared for what we found.

More disappointing was it to learn that the “Rabbonim” who certified the  [KCL]  never visited any of their certified establishments. The affair under their certification which was being held in a non-kosher facility.

KASHRUS recently discovered a number of such organizations where the “Rabbonim” themselves have never seen the operation which they certify, but instead rely totally on the head “Mashgiach” or on their Kashrus Administrator to make all “halachic” decisions.

This letter, basically unchanged, was mailed to all of the “Rabbonim” in the Lakewood  KCL kashrus organization. As of our printing we have not received any reply.  

Dear Rabbi ........ BS”D

Coaching Vs Therapists

https://www.noomii.com/article/coaching-vs-therapy

Coaching vs. Therapy

A common misconception is that coaching is the same as therapy, when in fact they are quite different. Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Coaching, on the other hand, is intended to help normal, healthy individuals achieve personal goals such as increased happiness, weight loss, improved work-life balance. etc.

The table below shows a quick side-by-side comparison of coaching vs. therapy

Coaching and Therapy

Coaching	Therapy
Client is emotionally and psychologically healthy	Client is emotionally unwell and in needs healing
Focuses on the present and future	Focuses on dealing with the past
Driven by goals and taking action	Driven by unresolved issues and feelings
Works toward a higher level of functioning	Works to achieve understanding and emotional healing
Results-based and focuses on exploring solutions	Explores the root of problems and offers explanation
Asks, “Where would you like to be and how can you get there?”	Asks, “How did that make you feel?”
Acts on information	Absorbs information
Done over the phone, internet or in person	Done in an office setting
Coach and client collaborate on solutions	Therapist is the ‘expert’
Contact between sessions expected (accountability and wins)	Contact between sessions for crisis and difficulties only

Rav Dovid Feinstein’s Guidance Re: Shabbos / Yom-Tov Affairs with a Party Planner

https://matzav.com/matzav-inbox-rav-dovid-feinsteins-guidance-re-shabbos-affair-with-a-party-planner/

The strengths of "Out Of Town Kollelim" V Lakewood's "BMG", according to Rav Shach, Z"L

 Rav Shach's outlook! 

Rav Shach was asked whether Yungerleit should go to an out-of-Town kolel or remain in Lakewood with a much larger group learning in the Bais Medrash Govoha’ s kolel.

Rav Shach's clear opinion was, that a yungerman can shteig the most by going to an out-of-town kolel within three to four months after their wedding. Some of the reasoning was that by remaining in Lakewood, they must attend various Simchas from both sides, visit the in-laws on a pretty steady basis, and the in-laws or other family members exchange Shabbos etc. , it does take away a considerable amount of time from learning. The Masmid will always outdo all others in success in shteiging and learning. Also, not getting enough rest is an area of concern.

Rav Shach said that going to an out of town Kolel, Is incredibly beneficial for Sholom Bayis overall. 

Out of Town kolel, one would have to be on time for Davening, and all Sedorim must be attended. In an out-of-Town kolel, each looks for the other to get them comfortably acclimated, the wives get friends much faster, etc. In addition, the wives will be able to get jobs as teachers in the local schools, which will impact the curriculum and the children learning in the schools.

Eventually, some of the yungerleit will become Rebbeim in the Schools, giving a different "Ruach" to the Schools.

The amount of time spent learning will be much more productive in an an-out-of-Town kolel. Rav Shach said it would save the Yah'hadus of America by having so many out-of-Town-Kolelim.

Rav Shach said that certain Gevirim, Roshei Yeshiva, etc. would insist that their children should remain in Lakewood and eventually become Roshei Chaburah, get a position as a Rosh Yeshiva, etc., so there has to be Roshei Yeshiva that will be able to make those decisions for the benefit of the yungerleit and the Yeshiva.

Next step, we spoke to some of the older Talmidim of Reb Ahron Kotler, who already had their own Yeshiva, to talk to the Lakewood Roshei Yeshiva to implement the program. They tried talking to them but were unsuccessful in convincing them of the program's benefits. Reb Elya, Z"L said ver fun zei hubben dem gushpanka tzu zugen du bleib, und du zulst gein; keiner nisht!

Update: Rav Breitowitz was asked to propose this initiative at an Agudah convention, He said the Balei Batim loved the Idea, but there was push back from BMG. 

Many dried fruits are infested and should not be used, unless you are an EXPERT trained in checking for infestation

 

Rabbinate Warns: Popular "RABANUT" Paraguay Beef Cuts Sold for Two Years Found Non-Kosher-

 

Rabbinate Warns:  Paraguay Beef Cuts Sold for Two Years Found Non-Kosher

 Israel’s Chief Rabbinate issued an urgent kashrut warning after inspectors found a major failure in nikkur (deveining) on frozen beef imported from Paraguay, leaving prohibited fats (cheilev) in commonly sold asado products. 

The concern spans multiple slaughter/production seasons over roughly two years, meaning significant quantities may already be in home freezers, butcher shops, and institutional kitchens. 

Two specific products:

 a premium frozen beef “asado” cut with bone under the Super Beef brand, and an asado-with-bone product marketed by Of Yerushalayim, produced in Paraguay. Consumers and retailers are instructed not to use the meat unless it is immediately corrected by a qualified menakker under kosher supervision, and to return affected product to the point of sale or through kashrut supervisors for reprocessing. 

This is a halachic/kashrut compliance issue—not a food safety recall—but the Rabbinate is treating it as an urgent “stumbling block” and says distributors and mashgichim have been directed to pull and fix inventory fast.  

Shatnez Alert!

 

Shatnez Notice!

Shatnez found in Antonia Zander skirts! ­ Dear Friend,   It's essential to exercise caution with your wool garments. Please ensure they're tested for shatnez at a certified shatnez laboratory.

Several “Antonia Zander” A-line skirts in different colors were submitted for shatnez testing. Each skirt was constructed in two parts: the lower portion consisted of a standard pleated wool skirt, while the upper portion was made of a knit material sewn to the top, designed to fold over the waistband, see above.

­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ The upper knitted portion was labeled as containing 40% cashmere, 30% silk, and 30% hemp, see above. However, after careful testing, it was determined that the noticeable material listed as hemp was in fact flax.  Important note: Additional shatnez cases have recently been identified in woolen and wool-blend sweaters, specifically involving linen threads in the seams. Please share this information widely!!!   Vaad L'Mishmeres Shatnez

TU B'Shvat fruits

 

Which Bais Din should one go to?

 I have been A Toen in Botei-Din for Numerous years, I retired after seeing first hand the behind the scene of just about all of them.

In the past year, I had a Choshen Mishpat Din Torah, I only agreed to go to the Bais Din of America.

I lost at the Din-Torah, yet I still recommend to everyone, that  the Bais-Din to go to, is the Bais-Din of America.

Address

305 Seventh Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, New York, 10001-6008

Phone

(212) 807-9042

Email

info@bethdin.org