Kashrus Magazine, the Brooklyn-based periodical for the kosher consumer, has chosen Rabbi Favish Moster of Brooklyn, NY, as their 3rd annual “Mashgiach of the Year” and presented him with a check for $1,000. The presentation was made on day two of Kosherfest, the world’s largest trade show for the kosher industry, held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ, on October 29 & 30. KASHRUS Magazine’s December/January issue will feature a full interview with Rabbi Moster. Previous awardees were Gedalia Silverstein, Atlanta, GA (2011) and Moshe Stander, Boynton Beach, FL (2012).
Rabbi Moster has worked for OK Kosher Certification for nearly 15 years. He is the lead mashgiach at the New Jersey plant of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF). He was chosen from among the nominees of the 1,253 kosher agencies worldwide.
Yehoshua Levy, 15 year veteran as a route mashgiach for the Kashruth Council of Canada (“COR”), was named as “runner up” for the award. It is the first time that a mashgiach outside the United States received recognition in this contest.
The sponsors of the “Mashgiach of the Year” Award were Diversified Communications, the producers of Kosherfest; Estihana Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY) and Chai-Ko-Tapas Restaurant (Teaneck, NJ). Rose Gourmet (Brooklyn, NY) provided a selection of their fine glatt kosher meat products to both the winner and the runner up of the award. These companies sponsored this award in appreciation of the services rendered by their own mashgichim.
When interviewed, Rabbi Moster modestly said, “This award should really be given to Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, who had the faith in my ability to assume this very important task to supervise a plant with 500 workers, producing thousands of flavors which go into kosher foods worldwide, and also to Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka, my supervisor, who works very closely with me.”
“I am extremely impressed at the quality of the mashgichim recommended by the various kashrus agencies,” said Rabbi Yosef Wikler, editor of KASHRUS Magazine. “That made it a real challenge to select this year’s awardee. We are confident that Rabbi Moster represents the finest qualities which mashgichim possess: responsibility, dedication, quick thinking, a positive attitude, and good interpersonal skills, plus the passion that a kosher supervisor needs to consistently maintain kosher standards. His innovations in tracking incoming ingredients, production, and outgoing products are indicative of his great contribution to the kosher industry.”
KASHRUS Magazine’s December/January issue will feature an interview with the “Mashgiach of the Year.” To receive a free copy of that 6-page interview and report, email KASHRUS Magazine at [email protected], send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to KASHRUS, Mashgiach Award, POB 204, Brooklyn, NY 11204, or call 718-336-8544.
{Gavriel Sitrit-Matzav.com Newscenter}
This whole “Chalav Yisroel, or else”, is totally overblown! Its done strictly for shidduchim purposes!
Not sure how they select the sample set here, but if they honestly reviewed all mashkichim, they would likely choose Rabbi Raffie Zuroff in Cincinnati, Ohio.
This is the home of major food plants such as Proctor and Gamble, House of Flavors, and others. He has supervised and directed these plants and is known for making difficult decisions (such as kosherizing complete lines) work out in a mutually beneficial way. He makes constant Kiddush Hashem from his actions and mannerisms among the plant personnel.
Mazel Tov to Rabbi Moster as this year’s selection. Of course many more Mashgichim could have won but only one is chosen. Thank you to all the other Mashgichim that we’re not selected, for all that you do.