Madrich Lashmirat Kashrut [Hardcover]

A Handbook for Keeping Kosher
This book is a compilation of lectures on the subject of kosher laws delivered during my tenure at the Kashrut Authority of Bnei Brak, recognized as the leading authority on kashrut in Israel. This was between the years 1998 and 2019, when I had the great privilege of working under and being guided by the sage Rav Moshe Yehuda Leib Landa of blessed memory, the rabbi and chief rabbi of Bnei Brak. His kosher organization was highly esteemed, known worldwide for its quality and attention to the details of halacha. HaRav Landa’s name was highly esteemed by all, and he served as a guiding beacon in many areas, especially kashrut laws.
As the least among many, I had the honor to serve in this important kashrut institution as the head researcher of food production and the inspector of all the various raw materials used in the food industry. My primary job was to ensure that the process of food production met the highest halachic standards and that all the raw materials used therein were free from any doubt of kosher validity.

During my tenure in this role, I often encountered inquiries from individuals seeking information on various kashrut topics. Sometimes these requests came from individuals just beginning to observe the laws of kashrut who were seeking basic knowledge. Other times, inquiries came from observant Jews looking to refresh or clarify certain details. Additionally, I received questions from various people who sought to understand why certain products require kosher certification at all. These inquiries made it clear that maintaining kosher observance and managing a kosher, Jewish home requires a degree of knowledge that is not viii · A Handbook for Keeping Kosher necessarily available to everyone. Even those who were fortunate enough to receive a well-rounded Jewish education occasionally needed a refresher regarding the laws of kashrut. It is no secret that modern life and technological advancements constantly present new challenges and realities. This fact requires us to periodically refresh our knowledge, learn about technological innovations, and understand how to apply kosher laws in light of these new circumstances. I collected the many questions I received and eventually organized them into a structured guide covering a wide range of topics relating to kashrut. This was the initial motivation for writing the guide before you.

The second motivation for writing this guide came as a result of the numerous requests I received to deliver various lectures on kosher topics. Over time, these lectures evolved into a series of ten sessions, each approximately two hours long. I delivered these lectures er several years, at different venues (both in Israel and abroad) where I was asked to speak. Naturally, each lecture stimulated dialogue with the audience, leading to the incorporation of new insights in the subsequent lectures. This interactive process meant that the accumulated material addressed most of the relevant topics related to the laws of kashrut.

As I prepared for these lectures, I consulted with my teacher, Rav Landa of blessed memory, who generously and responsibly reviewed all the material I prepared. He made corrections and added insights and explanations, which I then included in my lectures and later in this book. I submitted the draft of the manuscript for final review and editing to one of Rabbi Landa’s students, my dear friend Rabbi Elimelech Elazar Frankel, who served as a primary rabbinical consultant dealing with issues that arose within the Kosher Supervision of HaRav Landa, ztz”l. I am grateful to him for his comments, additions, and for refinements, which ultimately led to presenting you with a polished and accurate guide. I ask readers to view this book not only as a practical guide to maintaining a kosher home but also as a book that inspires our commitment to kashrut and encourages us to continuously learn about its many laws with ongoing interest.

Binding: Hardcover
Size: 10.04 x 7.28 x 1.18 inches
Pages: 158
Language: Hebrew
Publisher: Gefen Publishing House
Publication date: February 28, 2025
ISBN-10: 9657801761
ISBN-13: 978-9657801765

Madrich Lashmirat Kashrut Hebrew [Hardcover]
By: Motty Hasofer

About the Author:
Mordechai Hasofer was born and raised in Australia. He has a diverse educational background, having studied at the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne, Australia, as well as completing studies in mechanical engineering and chemistry at NSW Technical College. He was among the pioneers of HACCP food quality consulting in Australia and subsequently served as the manager of ingredients and food production for Harav Moshe Yehudah Leib Landa, ztz”l, the chief rabbi of Bnei Brak, for 25 years. In this capacity, he oversaw the setup and approval of production facilities and food ingredients for some of the largest food companies in Israel and internationally, including Coca-Cola and Strauss Ice Cream. This role required extensive collaboration with leading international kosher certification bodies.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, he is regularly invited to deliver lectures on kosher food production, both in Israel and internationally. He also provides consulting services to various kosher certification and information bodies, specializing in ingredient analysis and the establishment of kosher production facilities.