Consumer Kosher Articles

OU Kosher Halacha Yomis: Chanukah

Which oils or candles should be used to light Chanukah lights Whether olive oil and wax candles can be used at the same time The types of oils or candles which should not be used for Chanukah lights Whether one can use wax candles after using olive oil the first night of Chanukah Which Oils […]

Is this Olive Oil Permitted for Use for the Chanukah Menorah?

by Rabbi Akiva Tendler, RC Dressings, Emulsifier, Oil Overview: With Chanukah quickly approaching our thoughts turn to olive oil used for the Menorah. Many people are confused with the various types of olive oil and those which can be used to fulfill the Hiddur Mitzvah of lighting with שמן זית. In this article we will […]

Shedding Light on Chanukah: A Practical Guide

Lab-Grown Meat The Controversy

by Yossi Krausz Unless you have vegetarian tendencies, there is a good chance you enjoy a juicy, flame-broiled steak. The caramelized results of the Maillard reaction, which gives browned food its distinctive flavor, make being an omnivore enjoyable. But pretty soon, even those who don’t eat meat from animals on philosophical grounds may be able to […]

Spread the Word! Not All Butters are Created Equal – or Kosher

“Do you have any kosher butter?” “What do you mean? Butter is always kosher!” Not necessarily. Butter is often kosher, but to use the word “always” is to deny the important concerns and considerations that must be taken into account when certifying butter facilities. The distinctions that come into play with cream sources, as well […]

Exclusive Partnership Between the OU and Kosher.com Offers New Video Series to Answer Kashrut FAQs

CAN YOU BUY COFFEE AT STARBUCKS? DOES YOUR MEDICATION NEED KOSHER CERTIFICATION? EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE OU & KOSHER.COM OFFERS NEW SERIES “OU & YOU” THAT ANSWERS THESE FAQ’S AND MORE OU Kosher COO Rabbi Moshe Elefant is Among the Authorities Featured, Addressing Kashrut and Jewish Law NYC, NY, October 3, 2017 – If you’ve […]

Aged Cheese and Cheese Powders: New Discussion of an Age-Old Issue

We are familiar with the rule of refraining from consuming meat after eating certain types of cheese. In Yoreh Deah 89:2, the Rama writes, “And there are those who are strict and do not consume meat after eating cheese (source: Mordechai and Beis Yosef in the name of Maharam; v. Tur Yoreh Deah 89), and […]

Almost Kosher is Not Really Kosher

IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO EAT OUT AT A VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN-FRIENDLY INDIAN RESTAURANT IF THE HASHGACHAH (CERTIFYING RABBI OR AGENCY) IS UNRELIABLE? In some circles, it has become increasingly common, and even acceptable, to eat out at Indian restaurants that are vegetarian or vegan-friendly even though the hashgacha may be unreliable. The thinking goes something like this: Indian […]

OU Kosher Presents Consumer Hotline FAQ’s for Sukkot

OU Kosher presents frequently asked questions to-date on the OU Kosher Hotline (212-613-8241) by consumers in preparation for Sukkot. Questions may also be submitted to kosherq@ou.org. Are there any rules as to where a sukkah may or may not be located? The sukkah should not be located in an area that has a bad smell.1 It cannot be […]

In Remembrance of Our Loved Ones

It is customary on Yom Kippur when Yizkor (the memorial service) is recited, as well as on the Shalosh Regalim (Passover, Sukkot and Shavuot), to light a candle in memory of loved ones who have passed away.  This practice was referenced as far back as the Talmudic times when it was recorded in Tractate Ketubot […]