Alert: Fruits and vegies from Israel.................

Besides the issue of trumois u'maisrois, the issue of infestation is very serious.
Some of the Israeli Hashgochas write on the package that it must be washed, which most Americans see a kosher emblem they (become illiterate) just open and consume.
The Aida charaidus Yerushalem has a new emblem that states clearly the vegetables must be washed prior to consuming, etc.

The fruits and vegetables with the Hashgocha of Rav Efrati may contain insects that will not come off in washing. Also any frozen fruits or vegies with his hashgocha should not be consumed at this time.

Bingo has the Ki'Halcha infested strawberries-watch video

 BINGO Borough Park store carries the Ki"Halacha infested strawberries.

Alert: Shatnez notice

Update: Vaad Tzedokah-the rest of the story

From an Email

Yudel, It may warrant an article;

1- There is no basis in halacha according Rabbi Dov Kahan head of Bais Din mayshorim in lakewood has given 23 shiurim on hilchos tzedokah in lakewood. 

2- The vaadam may have a justification that it's valid for one year as circumstances do change.  BUT they not have any right to put any limits on how long one may collect in the area. 

3- An  isshur that he's not a ramai is sufficient for the whole USA, why does each one put you through the mill? 

4- And why does each vaad charge a fee of $40.00-$100.00 and you could come twice a year. [Nice income for the vaad]

5- One must hang around for the isshuer 1-3 days. On whose cheshbon?

6- Baltimore / Star-k vaad tzedokah takes a 25% cut from the checks and vouchers. I don't know what others are taking.  

Baltimore may commonly have 10-12 collectors at a time @ 2 weeks. Each one raising $3-5000.00 and the vaad takes 25%. Do the math, $15,000.00 @ 2 weeks for the Star-k vaad  tzedokah [$350,000.00 annually] (besides their charge for @ isshur)

[In Baltimore they instituted the voucher system almost 95%.]  

7- The vaadam check with each other re the collector. So why does each one make them wait for the isshur and another charge?

8- By the chasidim there  is "NO" such a thing as a vaad tzedokah and DON'T need any isshur. 

9- What right for the vaad to decide on a recommended amount?

10- Because of ramaim one is not over on lavim and esais if you don't give any of them tzedokah. With the isshurs in place if one doesn't give he's transgressing lavs and esais. 

10- Where is the brocha of עשר בשביל שתתעשר? By the chasidim, "No isshur no vouchers" everyone is welcome not like sedom.

Defining Chasidishe Shechita

That the shoichet is a superior Yirai Shomayim than other shoichtem?
NO!

That he is a better shoichet than others?
NO!

That he has sharper, smoother knives than others?
NO!

That the shoichet goes to the mikvah prior to the days shechita?
NO! They don't always, yet they shecht.

That the shoichet davens with a minyan 3 times a day?
NO!

That his wife doesn't drive a car?
NO!

That he wears the Chasidish clothing?

NO! Not Always.

He is what Chazal called a Chosid?
NO!

So what defines chasidishe shechita?

Years ago there was a dispute among the Rabonim as to what type of knife to use for shechita?

1) שני צדדים sharpened on both sides of the sharp side of the blade or 2) צד אחד Sharpened on one side only (the other side being straight with the back of the blade.

The chasidim insisted on 2 sides שני צדדים.

That is the style of sharpening common these days by practically all shoichtem.

So in fact all shechita is Chasisidesh shechita regardless of his dress, mikvah, friends, etc.

Chasideshe Shechita?

A few years ago I called up a place where  simcha I was invited to was being made.  When I asked

whose hashgacha the place had,  the reply was "We use only Chassidishe shechita."

I then said to the person who had proudly told me this and was sure it would impress me,

 "Do you know that when Rubashkin was operating they were producing the following kinds of meat all as chasidishe schechita.
 1.  Bais Yosef, 
2.  What we call glatt 
3. ordinary kosher,
4. Hallal and
5. treif,
and it was all Chasidishe shechita,  because the only people schechting there were chassidim."  There was silence on the other end of the phone.