The Laws of Kashrut

A Sweet Change of Pace

What beracha does one recite over chocolate-covered raisins?

The Torah teaches that the second time the brothers came down to Mitzrayim, Yaakov told them to bring treats from Eretz Yisroel with which to woo Pharoah. Of course, they had no chocolate to bring, but we can discuss a different royal treat that the Aztecs considered a royal beverage.

Some Contemporary Bishul Akum Curiosities

The Contemporary Kosher Bakery and its Halachic Issues.

The Kashrus of Raisin Juice and Wine

How can two kosher, pareve ingredients combine to become a product that can become non-kosher? A non-Jewish friend of mine makes her own raisin wine. Is this a kashrus issue like grape wine, or is it like cherry wine, which is usually kosher?

The Right Type of Help

"We hired a very nice Polish lady to help around the house, keep an eye on the kids and do light housekeeping. Can we have her cook a bit for the kids while I am away at work?”

Honeycone

Why was the honey white? Is it considered dairy?

High in the Thigh

The Mitzvah of Gid Hano’she

The Mitzvah of Gid Hano’she

Bishul Akum Problems in the Home, part II

Mrs. Goldman calls the non-Jewish babysitter, Jenny, to apologize for the delay and asks her to find something in the freezer to warm and serve the kids. Jenny finds some blintzes, places them on ceramic cookware and pops them into the toaster oven. That evening, when Rabbi Goldman returns from Kollel, Mrs. Goldman tells him about her frustrating commute home. Rabbi Goldman realizes that they may now have a kashrus concern in their house.