• Mr. & Mrs. Ken Cooper on the engagement of their son, Danny to the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mendel & Carol Polter.
• Mr. & Mrs. Yankel Hirshprung on the engagement of their son, Yunti. Mazel Tov to the grandmother, Rebbitzen Hirschprung.
• Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Chesir on the marriage of their daughter, Adina.
• Mr. David Stein on the marriage of his son, Chaim
• Mr. & Mrs. Leibi Goldberger on the engagement of their daughter, Elkie.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Elias on the engagement of their daughter, Yocheved.
• Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Abramczyk on the engagement of their daughter Suri. Mazel Tov to the grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Abramczyk and to the great-grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Hurwic.
"President of the OU meets with Members of the MK"
From left to right - Mr. Alan Katznelson - Presidium, Rabbi Saul Emanuel - Executive Director, Mr. Stephen Savitsky - President of the Orthodox Union, NY
Stephen Savitsky, President of the Orthodox Union, has arrived for Shabbat in Montreal, and his first stop was at the Vaad Ha’Ir. Mr. Savitsky met with Rabbi Emanuel to discuss matters of mutual concern regarding Kashrus, as well as inquire about the workings of our community. At the same time, there was a reaffirmation of keeping the earlier commitment made between the OU and the MK to work together and keep strong ties from across the border. Mr. Savitsky also met with Mr. Alan Katznelson, a member of the Vaad’s Presidium. They, too, discussed how the Montreal community could be assisted and cultivated in an affective and lasting way. Mr. Savitsky is in town to speak at various synagogues and an NCSY group on behalf of the OU, the kick-off visit for the Canadian side of his “Presidential Tour of Jewish communities across North America.” (OU website)
With many MK manufacturers exhibiting at the SIAL Canada show, which took place at the Palais de Congres from April 21-23 2010, the MK joined their ranks and set up its own booth. MK certified companies were able to connect with their clients at the MK booth and display and advertise their Kosher certification accordingly. Many new companies, realizing the potential in the Kosher market, also visited the MK booth for discussions as to the potential of perhaps receiving Kosher certification in the near future. MK staff were on hand to assist those walking the show with any queries. This International Food show, had companies from Peru to Morrocco attending.
A Case for Kashruth: The Facts about Cafe Dizengoff of YM-YWHA
The well-being of the Jewish community of Montreal is and always has been at the forefront of the concerns of the Vaad Ha’ir. As such, the Kashruth sector of the Vaad supervises the community’s institutions, and often lends aid so as to maintain MK-certification, thereby ensuring that imperative Halachic standards are being met. The YM-YWHA of Westbury is no exception. What’s more, it is viewed by the Vaad as a pivotal center for Montreal Jewry.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, the Vaad made extensive efforts to assist Cafe Dizengoff, a privately-owned meat restaurant, with its MK-certification. In order to maintain its kosher status, Cafe Dizengoff must meet the same requirements for Kashruth as all other similar institutions in Montreal. The Vaad attempted to guide the owners of Cafe Dizengoff in following Halachic standards so as to fulfill the needs of the community.
In 2005 Cafe Dizengoff approached the Vaad and requested clarification of its conditions for certification. As with all meat restaurants in Montreal that are under the supervision of the Vaad, the Cafe must have a Mashgiach present at all times to ensure the Kashruth of the facility; the Mashgiach may also assist in the preparation of food and other necessary tasks.
Granted, Cafe Dizengoff was suffering from the poor economic state that has been plaguing many businesses in the latter years. For numerous months, the restaurant withheld payments for the working Mashgiach, who was provided by the Vaad. In 2008, a meeting was held between Cafe Dizengoff, Rabbi Saul Emanuel, Rabbi Peretz Jaffe, Rabbi Michael Whitman, Mr. Michael Crelinstein, and Mr. Saul Deitcher. Cafe Dizengoff and the executives of the Vaad explored the ways in which the MK- certification could be maintained while the restaurant was generating little income, whilst still adhering to the standards of Kashruth.
The Vaad continued working with the owners and providing exceptional arrangements. Unfortunately, these were not adhered to by Cafe Dizengoff. Members of the Vaad Presidium, made up of volunteers from the community, met with Cafe Dizengoff and Rabbi Whitman numerous times and further arrangements were made. The Presidium developed a payment schedule, where Cafe Dizengoff could pay off outstanding and overdue debts to the Vaad over a longer period of time. In addition, the Vaad continued to pay for the daily services of the Mashgiach, as well as providing required inspection free of charge. Unfortunately, the restaurant did not meet any of these terms.
After two years of meetings, negotiations, and special conditions being made, the Vaad informed Cafe Dizengoff that it would no longer be in a position to continue certifying them as kosher unless they adhered to their commitments and arrangements. Unfortunately, after receiving no positive response, the Vaad and all parties involved in aiding Cafe Dizengoff decided to withdraw supervision and MK-certification.
The Vaad made it clear that there were no objections to the Cafe seeking alternative Orthodox certification, and wished both parties success in this endeavour. The Vaad also addressed the YM-YWHA’s new policy to remain open on Shabbos, stating that this policy and the retraction of MK-certification for the privately-owned Cafe Dizengoff were entirely unrelated matters. The Vaad was willing to maintain the supervision of the restaurant if only the establishment had followed the arrangements that had been unanimously agreed upon.
Even after the restaurant was no longer under official supervision of the Vaad, further meetings took place between members of the Rabbinic Council of Canada and Rabbi Whitman, and the Vaad, who had extensively dedicated their efforts to assist in this matter. In these meetings, the Rabbis proposed solutions for Cafe Dizengoff, where they could serve dairy early on in the day, and later serve meat, with a permanent Mashgiach present for only the latter hours. In this way, the Cafe could have longer business hours and thus be visited by more clientele. This proposal was also refused by the Cafe.
It is with the best interests of the Jewish community in mind that the Vaad Ha’ir invested several years to maintain the certification of Cafe Dizengoff, and yet the Vaad did not receive cooperation even after all its efforts to maintain this restaurant as Kosher. During this regrettable incident, and especially now with the quickly approaching celebration of Pesach, the Vaad is serving the community, and is continuously striving to meet its needs by supporting the many innovative ventures in today’s Montreal Kosher world. We wish success to all endeavours within the Jewish community for many years to come.
Loblaw’s hosts Pesach Seminar
Rabbi Emanuel addressing the Seminar at Loblaw's St. Croix
In preparation for Pesach 5770, the Loblaw’s group who have made much effort to satisfy the needs of Kosher consumers hosted a seminar at their St. Croix branch for their Managers and Heads of specialized departments. In attendance were various Mashgichim (Kosher Supervisors) employed by the Jewish Community Council of Montreal, who are responsible for all aspects of Kashrus at the various Kosher departments of Loblaws.
During the Seminar, Rabbi Saul Emanuel, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Montreal explained to the attendees the meaning of Pesach and the sensitivity of the products used during Pesach as well as the extra stringent controls required for these items.
Special emphasis was put on the need to control the display of Passover products ensuring that consumers clearly see which aisles are dedicated to Passover products. Discussions also took place with regard to those who eat Kitniyot and those who do not. A question and answer session followed, when attendees were able to pose questions pertaining to Kosher. Discussions took place with regard to Kosher meat and the production of all year-round products.
The Vaad will provide additional Kosher inspectors who will work closely with the managers of the Kosher supermarket departments, to ensure that all Pesach products on display are clearly marked as Kosher for Passover.
Rabbi Binyomin Gruber visits with Vaad Harabbonim of Montreal
Rabbi Binyomin Gruber visits Vaad
The well-known Baal Hamachshir, Rabbi Binyomin Gruber from New York, visited Montreal Wednesday December 23rd and joined the Vaad Harabbonim for their weekly meeting. Many topics were discussed including the Kashrus of Kosher fish, production of baked products, Shechita, and many other common issues. Rabbi Gruber gave over his expertise and shared his experiences with the Vaad Harabbonim as to the certification of Kosher fish products and the controls used therein.
On being questioned about his meeting with the Vaad Harabbonim, Rabbi Gruber mentioned the uniqueness of the Montreal community where representatives of the entire community meet together to discuss issues of common interest, which in turn, benefits the entire community of Montreal. “This is something not common,” said Rabbi Gruber, “and it is great to have such an asset.”
Chanuka Dinner for Geirim takes place at Shomrim Laboker
The annual dinner for those who have been through the Beth Din of Montreals Geirus program took place at Shomrim Laboker Shul on the 4th night of Chanuka. This annual event was attended by members of the Rabbonim of the Beth Din for Geirus of the Montreal Beth Din and this year was no different, as Rabbi Merling, Rabbi Rosner and Rabbi Chriqui were all in attendance.
Those who had experienced the path to being true Torah Jews, relayed their experiences and travels through the challenging road which they had taken and expressed their gratitude at having had the opportunity to be part of this world-class Geirus program. The support that they had received from the families in the community who assisted them, played a big part in their commitment.
Under the lights of the Menorah, those who attended were strengthened by the personal stories which were told by the candidates. The Beth Din of Montreal continues to give followup lessons to those who have been through the program throughout the year.
To Life and To Health with New MK Kosher Vitamins! In a major development for the Vaad Ha’ir and a first for the Life brand, Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix have just launched a new range of Kosher vitamin products with the MK mark.
Hamasbia Canada airline meals joins the MK family As the Kosher traveler grows ever more discerning, the demand for meals that meet the highest standards of traditional kashrus, even without compromising on freshness, aesthetics and taste, is constantly on the increase...
