For 120 rabbis, some from as far away as Australia and Israel, the annual gathering of kashrus agencies and officials sponsored by AKO (Association of Kashrus Organizations) is an opportunity to network and learn about the latest developments within the industry.
But this year, the gathering held at the headquarters of the Orthodox Union on November 10th, left the gathering with more than new information on technology, spices, and new policies.
They heard Rav Moshe Wolfson, mashgiach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, shower accolades on the mashgichim who help bring kosher to the masses. Following on the heels of a debate on the validity of cholov yisroel in today’s world of technology, RavYisroel Belsky of the Orthodox Union and rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath sought to define the responsibility of kashrus organizations.
“There certainly is a need to uphold the highest standards for those in our community who seek it,” he said, “but in today’s world where so many eat kosher, we have a responsibility to make sure that kosher is accessible to everyone.”
Rav Belsky’s message seemed to validate the certification given by most large kashrus agencies of “chalav stam” recognized by a “d” or “dairy” on the label.
According to Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, executive director of AKO, the annual conference has become the major event for some of the world’s largest kashrus organizations.
{Kosher Today/Matzav.com Newscenter}
Rav Belskys message seemed to validate the certification given by most large kashrus agencies of chalav stam recognized by a d or dairy on the label.
CAN MATZAV PLEASE CLARIFY WHAT HORAV BELSKY SHLIT”A ‘SEEMDED’ TO SAY. Thank You.
The Nirbarter Rav stated at that AKO convention that there is no heter for the operated cows & they are deemed treif, as Rav Eliyashev, Shlita stated. He also said that Reb Moshe feinstein, Z”L neve addressed the treif issue.
There needs to be shelf stable cholov yisroel here in america like they have in europe – it would help a lot of out of towners