By Rabbi Yosef Grossman
They came from Eretz Yisroel and from the length and breadth of the US and Canada. They were participants in the two Harry H Beren ASK OU Kosher Programs i.e. the ASK OU Training Program and the ASK OU Internship Program. These programs began in 1996 and are funded by the Harry H Beren Foundation of New Jersey.
The internship program consists of three intensive weeks of touring meat and poultry processing facilities, factories, vaadei hakashrus, caterers, a nikur processing facility and restaurants. It is geared for chavrei hakollel and semicha students. The visits are complimented with Shiurim and lectures on various industries from the OU’s group of experts. These participants conduct their own chavrusa audits of OU restaurants.
The training program is a one week program geared to chavrei hakollel, semicha students, rabbonim, members of vaadei hakashrus and interested kosher consumers. The format of the training program is the same as the internship program.
Some of the great Gedolim and Rabbonim which both groups are privileged to hear from are Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Menachem Genack, the Nirbater Rav and Reb Yaakof Jacubowitz, an expert menaker.
Facilities visited include but not limited to Alle Processing – Meal Mart, Empire Poultry, Hanover Foods in Hanover PA, and Herr’s Potato Chips also in PA.
Following the conclusion of the programs the OU heard some beautiful comments from the participants such as –
- The program was an astounding experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I feel that this summer was one of my best spent summers! It is a true toeles for Klal Yisroel. OV
- The program is incredibly informative and definitely a summer well spent. SK
- Your Shiurim were great. They were in depth, detailed and hands on. You as an organization were very open. Clear and straight forward. As they say no holds barred! Once again thanks for an amazing program! BZC
- I found it to be very interesting and informative about the complexity of kashrus. I think I have a new -found respect for the efficiency of the OU. YYN
- Very informative! Since I have a background in Kashrus, I really appreciated learning so much additional information. MMH
- Amazing! I saw a lot of Chumros which I didn’t know the OU has. It was very educational. TGF
- Very organized, amazing Rabbonim, very knowledgeable in their field. It was a great experience. Anonymous
- I was extremely impressed with the dikduk b’halacha, professionalism and the amount of knowledge the OU has. YF
Seated (l-r) Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Rabbi Menachem Genack and Rabbi Yosef Grossman
