Kosher Certification recently convened its annual International Conference, marking a significant dual milestone: 90 years of unparalleled kosher excellence and the 50th anniversary of Mivtza Kashrus (the worldwide campaign for kosher observance initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe).

The conference, attended by OK Kosher’s global network of rabbis, rabbinic coordinators, and mashgichim, adopted the inspiring theme: “Serving Hashem through Kashrus: Our Ongoing Shlichus and Learning”. Kosher certification is not just a technical service; it is a vital spiritual mission and a continuous educational pursuit.

Celebrating 90 Years of Commitment

A moving highlight of the conference was the screening of a brand-new, exclusive video celebrating 90 years of OK Kosher Certification. The video traced the OK’s history from its founding, showcasing its growth into one of the world’s most respected kosher certifying agencies.
The celebration highlighted the significant contributions of the late Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, OB”M, the OK’s long-time Kashrus Administrator. Rabbi Levy, who continued the work of his father, Rabbi Berel Levy, OB”M, was the driving force behind OK Kosher’s transformation into a global leader in industrial kosher certification. Under his leadership, OK Kosher pioneered new standards, extended its supervision to almost 800,000 products in 100+ countries, and established the sophisticated, modern operational structure that defines the agency today. His vision and commitment to the highest standard of halacha, combined with cutting-edge technology, paved the way for the OK’s unparalleled reach and integrity.

The spirit of “Kashrus as a Holy Mission” resonated throughout the day, inspiring attendees to rededicate themselves to their crucial roles in upholding the integrity of kashrus for the global Jewish community.

Highlights of the Event

The program featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who delved into the practical application and profound meaning of kashrus today. Rabbi Chaim Fogelman, of the OK Executive Vaad HaKashrus, and Rabbi Eli Lando, OK Executive Manager, shared valuable insights into the past, present, and future of OK Kosher. Other speakers included Rabbi Kalman Weinfeld, of the OK Executive Vaad HaKashrus, Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel, of the OK Executive Vaad HaKashrus, Rabbi Shlomo Weinfeld, of the OK Executive Vaad HaKashrus, and OK Field Representatives – Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin, Rabbi Zalman Vishedsky, Rabbi Levi Krinsky, and Rabbi Levi Klein.

The deep connection to the Rebbe’s initiatives was a central topic. Rabbi Ephraim Mintz, founding Executive Director of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, discussed the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s unwavering emphasis on the importance of kashrus as a foundation of Jewish life and Rabbi Levi Garelik, Moreh Tzedek of Congregation Bais Shmuel, and noted lecturer, delivered a special address on the transformative impact and history of Mivtza Kashrus.

A strong emphasis was placed on ongoing education and training through programs that have collaborated with OK Kosher to create specialized learning tracks. There were presentations from Lemaan Yilmedu, the premier English-language Halacha study program, and Machon Smicha, a unique online smicha course, which both spoke on the crucial role of continuous rabbinic learning and the connections between their programs and OK Kosher. A video presentation from the Kosher Institute of America showcased the ongoing programs that they produce with the OK to train foodservice kashrus professionals worldwide.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)