R.K.O.C. Initiative to Bring Rockland’s Food Establishments Under One Kashrus Umbrella

Yitzy Fried 

A brand-new initiative was announced this week by the Rabbonim of Monsey with the aim of providing Monsey consumers with up-to-date information on the kashrus of the foods that they consume. 

“The Rabbonim and lay leaders of Greater Monsey, in conjunction with the Rabbonim whose hechsherim certify the local establishments, have established a vaad to raise the level of kashrus in Rockland County. The R.K.O.C. is charged with assisting and empowering the local hechsherim to maintain their high standards and to prevent the creation and proliferation of certifying agencies that do not meet our city’s standards,” said a statement from the R.K.O.C.  

The vaad explained that it does not accept complete responsibility for the kashrus of food in any given establishment under its purview, rather they ensure the kitchen protocols are in place to enable the hechsher to do its job. “Our oversight focuses on, but is not limited to, bishul akum, checking vegetables, separating challah, and maintaining pareve, milk, and meat separation,” they said. 

The Vaad, is led by the esteemed Rabbonim Rav Chaim Shraga Feivel Schneelbag, Rav Bezalel Tovia Wetenstein, and Rav Tzvi Moshe Langner, operates with the encouragement of many prominent Monsey Rabbonim. 

In its first announcement, the vaad publicized a list of Monsey food establishments, in the order of its rav hamachshir, clarifying that, although each certification has its own standards, these establishments meet the basic standards for kashrus under their respective hechsher. 

In its statement, the R.K.O.C turns to the community, asking them to strengthen this kashrus initiative for the greater Monsey community by patronizing the establishments approved by the vaad, raising the standards of kashrus for the entire community.