The Council of Orthodox Rabbis, popularly known as the Vaad, is the oldest and most established Orthodox Kashruth certification organization in Michigan. The Vaad certifies dozens of establishments, both in Michigan and across the country, which includes certification on many hundreds of products. The Vaad is the only nationally and internationally recognized kashruth agency in Michigan, and works together with the Orthodox Union (OU) and all other national kashruth agencies in promoting proper kashruth standards in the community. The Vaad follows the strictest kashruth standards in the industry, based on Torah and Rabbinic tradition dating back thousands of years. Virtually all of the nationally and internationally recognized organizations gather at least annually to share information and discuss problems and issues of mutual interest. The Vaad has many full and part time- time Rabbis who provide supervisory services and research products and ingredients which are part of the food preparation process. In addition, many of the establishments under the supervision of the Vaad have full and/or part-time supervisory personnel.

The Council of Orthodox Rabbis was established in 1948 and from its inception has been the only rabbinical body to include all of the community's Orthodox Rabbis and its voice in all communal matters. Led by such distinguished rabbis as Rabbi Eliezer Levin and Rabbi Chaskel Grubner, the Vaad has historically been the organization entrusted with kashruth certification in this community. Locally, the vast majority of the city's kosher butchers, bakeries, pizza shops and caterers are exclusively under the supervision of the Vaad. Vaad kashruth supervision is accepted by all elements of the Jewish community.

Proper Kosher supervision is a complex task that can be assumed only by experienced professionals who have spent many years studying the field of Kashruth. It covers much more than just checking the kashruth of the ingredients. The Vaad must certify that all of the equipment being used in eateries and plants has not been cross-contaminated by non-kosher ingredients. Ascertaining that the laws of Shabbat and Passover are properly observed, supervising who may and who may not be part of the food preparation process, and monitoring all that's taking place in a busy kitchen, are all part of the daily requirements of the many Kashruth supervisors employed by the Vaad throughout the community.

The kosher food industry has grown in recent years as the non-Jewish population perceives kosher products as healthier due to strict supervision of ingredients. People would be surprised to learn that many of the national brand name products they purchase are under the supervision of a national kashruth organization.