LIEBER’S TOMATO SAUCE is Kosher for Pesach only when bearing Pesach certification. Non-Pesach cans state openly on the label “NOT FOR PASSOVER”. 34 non-Pesach cans (15 oz.) were mistakenly sold at One Stop on Tuesday April 7. Please check your purchases.
BODEK frozen BUTTERNUT SQUASH is Kosher for Pesach, even if the bag does not state so.
Remember – check every label for Pesach certification!
We wish all our readers a Chag Kosher V’Sameach
KLEIN’S REAL KOSHER VANILLA ICE CREAM CHOCOLATE COATED BARS 6 Packs bear Pesach certification on some packages. These packages are Kosher for Pesach only if the individual bars inside are in special clear plastic wrappers with no wording. Some Pesach marked packages mistakenly contain bars in regular preprinted wrappers that list many ingredients including corn syrup, mono and diglycerides, lecithin, etc. These bars are not certified for Pesach and contain kitniyos, and should be put away until after Pesach.
YARDEN frozen FAVA BEANS mistakenly states (in Hebrew) Kosher l’Pesach “l’lo chashash kitniyos”. This product is kitniyos, and should say “l’ochlei kitniyos” (only for those who eat kitniyos on Pesach).
LIEBER’S canned CRUSHED TOMATOES WITH BASIL bearing the code QA BBD 01/29/23 KFP has been recalled because the can may expand and can potentially explode. Customers should dispose of the can and request a full refund. Only cans with this particular code are affected.
“SHOLOM MICHIGAN KOSHER SWEET CONCORD WINE” from St. Julian Wine Co., Paw Paw, Mich., is not under Orthodox supervision and should not be considered Kosher.
BABY / CHILDREN PRODUCTS:. For the convenience of our readers, we list here a summary of some commonly used Baby / Children products approved for Pesach by Rabbi Bess and Star-K:
Advil Children’s Junior Strength Tablets
Bayer Children’s Aspirin
Benadryl Children’s Allergy Liquid – Cherry, Dye-Free Liquid – Bubble Gum, Plus Congestion – Grape
Motrin Infants’ Drops – Dye-Free Berry
Motrin Children’s Suspension – Bubble Gum, Berry, and Dye-Free Berry
Sudafed Children’s Nasal Decongestant – Grape
Sudafed PE Children’s Nasal Decongestant – Berry
Sudafed PE Children’s Cold & Cough – Grape
Tylenol Infants’ Oral Suspension – Grape
Tylenol Children’s Suspension – Cherry
MiraLax Powder
Remember – check every label for Pesach certification!
We wish all our readers a Chag Kosher V’Sameach
2020-4-7 Vaad Statement PDF available to view.
י”ג ניסן תש”פ
April 7, 2020
To the Detroit Jewish Community,
In anticipation of Pesach, we remind everyone of the following extraordinary but necessary protocols to allow us to do our utmost to protect one another from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• If Chas V’Shalom a person is not feeling well to the point where they are having shortness of breath, are having significant changes in breathing, or mental status (e.g. lethargy, delirium and/or unresponsiveness) they and/or those who are with them should call Hatzalah or 911 IMMEDIATELY. Do not hesitate and do not ask a Shayla. If someone has a relative in the hospital with Covid-19, they should speak to their Rov before Yom Tov regarding halachic issues specific to the virus, i.e. communicating with the nursing station and transportation if it becomes necessary.
• No Minyanim should be held anywhere or anyplace, whether indoors or outdoors. Holding a Minyan at this time severely undermines efforts at containment and puts lives in danger.
• Social distancing at a minimum of six feet must be practiced at all times. As we make final preparations, extra diligence should be exercised while shopping at stores.
• Unless absolutely necessary no one should have guests join them for Yom Tov, Chol Hamoed or weekday meals. This includes friends, as well as local family members who live in another home.
• We must be extremely vigilant on Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed to practice CDC recommended social distancing of a minimum of six feet. There should not be any congregating in front of homes, on the street or at parks. In addition, when taking walks, we must be careful not to walk within six feet of other community members. Please remember that in Oakland County all playgrounds must be closed for safety reasons. Parents must be extra vigilant to explain these safety guidelines to their children and supervise them when they are outside so that they don’t mingle with other children in yards, on the block or elsewhere.
• Everyone should strongly consider taking the advice of the CDC and wear a face mask or cloth face covering, whenever they are outside in public.
During this time of great danger, everyone should remember that we can and must proactively do our part to remove this gezeira ra’ah, this frightening and destructive plague, by engaging in heartfelt and sincere teshuva, tefilla and tzedakah.
Lastly, although times are most certainly difficult, concerning, and upsetting, we should not lose sight that we are also about to celebrate Pesach and usher in the simcha of Yom Tov. Although we are all disappointed that our plans for Pesach have been radically changed, we still have the capacity to create and find much meaning, fulfillment and joy over the upcoming Yom Tov.
May we all have the wisdom and resolve to follow these critically important safety and hashkafic guidelines. May Hakadosh Baruch Hu bring refuah and yeshuah to all those in need of healing. May all those in the medical field be blessed with wisdom, protection and endurance. And may all of us be blessed with good health, healing, strength and a Yom Tov that brings with it simcha, refuah, yeshuah and geulah.
Rabbi Avrohom Bleich
Rabbi Yosef Bromberg
Rabbi Asher Eisenberger
Rabbi Levi Jundef
Rabbi Shaya Katz
Rabbi Simcha Klein
Rabbi Ari Kostelitz
Rabbi Boruch Levin
Rabbi Yisroel Menachem Levin
Rabbi Dov Loketch
Rabbi Yechiel Morris
Rabbi Moshe Radner
Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg
Rabbi Chaim Gershon Steinmetz
Rabbi Yissachar Wolf
Rabbi Eli Yelen
י”ב ניסן תש”פ
April 6, 2020
Due to logistic and health reasons, the Vaad was unfortunately not able to provide a romaine lettuce checking service this year. The following are some guidelines for those who are unable to obtain certified pre-checked romaine lettuce and are not equipped or familiar with the “thrip-cloth method”.
As a general rule the stalks are much easier to clean than the leafy part of the lettuce. Simply rip off the leafy parts and soak the stalks in a soapy solution. Run the stalks under a stream of water while running up and down with your thumb. No further checking required.
For those that still wish to use the leaves as usual – extra care must be taken to wash the leaves very well with soapy water. A sponge or brush should then be used to scrub each leaf separately making sure to reach all cracks and crevices. Rinse very well. No further checking required. This method is less preferred than using stalks.
Notes:
• Romaine hearts have less bugs than whole heads.
• Organic lettuce should not be used.
• These guidelines are for this year only and should not be relied upon for other years.
• When using stalks, a k’zayis is enough to fill a 3” x 5” area or enough to displace 1 fl oz of water (2-4 stalks). When using leaves, a k’zayis is enough to fill a 8” x 10” area or enough to displace 1 fl oz of water.
• Each person needs 1 k’zayis for marror and 1 k’zayis for korech.
• 4 k’zaysim per person will satisfy your needs for both Sedorim.
2020-4-3 Zmanim PDF available to view.
*Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the collective voice of the Rabbonim is unequivocal that absolutely no Minyanim should be held in the Detroit Jewish community, whether in a Shul, Yeshiva, Kollel, a private home, outdoors or any other location. Convening a Minyan at this time severely undermines efforts at containment, and puts lives in danger.
On Shabbos, Yom Tov and Weekday, certain parts of Tefillah are omitted when davening individually, including Kaddish, Barchu, Cahzaras ha-Shatz, Kedusha and Hotza’as ve-Hachnosas Sefer Torah.
Tachanun is not recited during Chodesh Nisan and many have the custom to recite the Parsha of the Nasi each of the first thirteen days of Nisan.
On Shabbos we omit on Friday night the Bracha Achas Me’ein Shevah (Magen Avos) after the Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv. In addition, on Shabbos day, Ashkenazim omit the second Yekum Perkan and Mishaberach. Since it is Chodesh Nisan, we do not recite Av Harachamim prior to Musaf and Tzidkashcha Tzedek during Mincha.
On days when there is Krias HaTorah (Torah reading) it is appropriate to read the Kriah from a Chumash, with the trop if possible. Similarly, on Shabbos and Yom Tov, the Haftorah, with the trop, should be read as well. No Berachos should be recited on the Torah reading or the Haftorah.
FRIDAY, EREV SHABBOS, APRIL 3
• Plag Hamincha is at 6:42 pm. Those making early Shabbos should complete Mincha before then and light candles at that time. All three paragraphs of Krias Shema should be repeated after nightfall.
• Zman candle lighting is at 7:44 pm. Those accepting Shabbos at the Zman should complete Mincha before 8:02 pm.
SHABBOS DAY, APRIL 4
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 7:09 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:47 am or 10:23 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:27 am (Gr”a).
• This Shabbos we read Parshas Tzav. The Haftorah is the special Haftorah for Shabbos HaGadol from Sefer Malachi (3:4-24, repeating verse 23 at the end).
• Some have the custom to read the Haggadah on Shabbos afternoon from Avadim HaYinu until L’Chaper al Avonoseinu.
• Mincha on Shabbos day should be recited after 2:08 pm.
• Shkiah (sunset) on Shabbos day is at 8:03 pm. Mincha should be completed before then.
• Shabbos concludes at 8:46 pm (Rabbenu Tam at 9:15 pm) Havdalah should not be recited before then.
• The final time to recite Kiddush Levana is the entire night following Tuesday, April 7.
TUESDAY EVENING APRIL 7
• Mincha should be completed before Shkiah (sunset) at 8:07 pm.
• Tzeis HaKochavim (nightfall) is at 8:50 pm.
• Bedikas Chametz (searching for Chametz) is after 8:50 pm starting with the bracha al biur chametz and then recite the night-time “bitul” formula found in the Haggadah.
EREV PESACH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 7:03 am.
• In addition to Tachanun, we omit Mizmor Lesodah and Lamenatzeach
• The firstborn have a custom to fast or they may participate in a Siyum. They should then eat something after the Siyum in celebration. This will exempt them from fasting the rest of the day. Many of the Shuls will be broadcasting a Siyum in real time on a conference call and/or zoom, Everyone should contact their Rav and Shul for more details.
• The latest time to eat chametz is at 10:59 am.
• One should dispose of chametz before 12:17 pm. After you dispose (flush down toilet) or burn the chametz recite the daytime “bitul” found in the Haggadah.
• One should not eat matzah at all on Erev Pesach. Egg Matzah may be eaten until 11:00 am. Products containing matzah meal that are baked (e.g. matzah meal cake) may not be eaten all day Erev Pesach. Products that are cooked/boiled with matzah meal (e.g. kneidlach or gefilte fish) may be eaten until 4:52 pm. After 4:52 pm one may still snack on meat, fish, salad, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables etc., but one should not fill up on these items so as to ensure a hearty appetite at the seder.
• Make an Eruv Tavshilin before Candle lighting.
• Candle lighting (lehadlik ner shel yom tov and shehechiyanu) is at 7:49 pm.
• Mincha should be completed by Shkiah (sunset) at 8:07 pm.
• For those who have the custom to say Hallel with a bracha in shul on Pesach night there are different opinions whether it is recited at home when Davening privately. Everyone should contact their Rov for guidance and clarification.
• The recitation of Kiddush at the Seder should not be until 8:52 pm.
• The Afikoman should be eaten by Chatzos at 1:34 am.
FIRST DAY of YOM TOV – THURSDAY APRIL 9
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 7:01 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:41 am or 10:17 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:23 am (Gr”a).
• Daven Shacharis (pesukei dezimra of Yom Tov, Birchas Krias Shema of weekday Yom Tov, special Amidah for Yom Tov, full Hallel and Musaf for Shalosh Regalim.
• Krias HaTorah (Torah reading) is from Parshas Bo in Sefer Shemos (12:21-51). Maftir is from Parshas Pinchas in Sefer Bamidbar (28:16-25). The Haftorah is from Sefer Yehoshua (3:5-7, 5:2-15, 6:1, and 6:27).
• When Davening at home without a Minyan we do not recite Tefillas Tal. Following your individual Amidah, however, one may recite the Piyut section of the Tefilla beginning with T’Homos.
• Those who recite Morid HaTal throughout the summer should begin to do so when they recite Musaf. Those who do NOT recite Morid Hatal during the summer should continue to recite Mashiv Haruach U’Morid HaGeshem during Musaf and begin to change at Mincha. According to Rav Asher Eisenberger, when Davening Musaf after 2:08 pm (Mincha Gedolah), even if you Daven Nusach Ashkenaz, you should recite Morid Hatal in Musaf and then leave it out starting at Mincha. During Mincha, in all circumstances, we no longer recite Mashiv Haruach U’Morid HaGeshem.
• Mincha can be recited after 2:08 pm and must be completed before Shkiah (sunset) at 8:08 pm.
• Candle Lighting (Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu) as well as all preparations for the Seder and the start of the Seder itself should not occur until Tzeis HaKochavim at 8:52 pm (Rabeinu Tam at 9:21 pm).
• Regarding reciting Hallel at home following Maariv, please see what is written above under Erev Pesach.
• We begin to count SEFIRAS HAOMER after 8:52 pm.
• The Afikoman should be eaten by Chatzos at 1:34 am.
SECOND DAY OF YOM TOV/EREV SHABBOS – FRIDAY APRIL 10
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 7:00 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:40 am or 10:16 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:22 am (Gr”a).
• Daven Shacharis (pesukei dezimra of Yom Tov, Birchs Krias Shema of weekday Yom Tov, special Amidah for Yom Tov, full Hallel and Musaf for Shalosh Regalim.
• Krias HaTorah (Torah reading) is from Parshos Emor in Sefer Vayikra (22:22-23;44). Maftir is from Parshas Pinchas in Sefer Bamidbar (28:16-25). The Haftorah is from Sefer Melachim II (23:1-9 and 23:21-25).
• Mincha can be recited after 2:08 pm and must be completed before 8:09 pm.
• Plag HaMincha is at 6:47 pm. Those making an early Shabbos should complete Mincha before then and light candles after that time. Please don’t forget to repeat all three paragraphs of Krias Shema after 8:53 pm
• Zman candle lighting for Shabbos Chol Hamoed is at 7:51 pm.
• We do not recite Kabbalos Shabbos, rather we recite Mizmor Shir L’Yom HaShabbos and Hashem Moloch followed by Maariv.
• During Maariv please remember to recite Ya’ale V’Yavo during the regular Shabbos Shemoneh Esrei.
• Please don’t forget to count Sefiras Haomer starting at 8:53 pm.
SHABBOS CHOL HAMOED APRIL 11
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 6:58 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:39 am or 10:15 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:21 am (Gr”a).
• Daven Shacharis (pesukei dezimra of Shabbos, Birchas Krias Shema of Shabbos, Shacharis Amidah for Shabbos with Ya’ale V’Yavo, half Hallel and Musaf for Shalosh Regalim with additions for Shabbos and Pesach.
• One may recite Shir Hashirim at home.
• Krias HaTorah (Torah reading) is from Parshas Ki Sisa in Sefer Shemos (33:12-34:26). Maftir is from Parshas Pinchas in Sefer Bamidbar (28:19-25), The Haftorah is from Sefer Yechezkel (37:1-14).
• Mincha can be recited after 2:08 pm and must be completed before 8:10 pm.
• Don’t forget to eat your Erev Tavshilin on Shabbos.
• During Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv, we begin to recite V’sen Bracha in the Bracha of Bareich Aleinu. Please also remember to recite Ata Chonantanu and Y’ale V’yavo.
• Shabbos concludes at 8:55 pm. (Rabbenu Tam at 9:23 pm). Havdalah should not be recited before then. Please don’t forget to count Sefiras Haomer at that time, as well.
CHOL HAMOED SUNDAY-TUESDAY APRIL 12-14
• Yaaleh Veyavo in Amidah followed by half Hallel with a Bracha (if you wear Tefillin on Chol Hamoed make sure to remove them before Hallel). We omit Mizmor Lesodah, Tachanun and Lamenatzeach. Mussaf for Shalosh Regalim.
• Don’t forget to count Sefiras Haomer each night after Tzeis Hakochavim (8:56, 8:57, 8:58 pm).
EREV SHEVI’I SHEL PESACH – TUESDAY NIGHT APRIL 14
• Zman candle lighting (lehadlik ner shel yom tov only, no shehechiyanu) is at 7:56 pm. Plag, early Shabbos, candle lighting is at 6:50 pm. Don’t forget to repeat all three paragraphs of Krias Shema after 8:58 pm.
• Sefiras Haomer is after 8:58 pm.
SHEVI’I SHEL PESACH – WEDNESDAY APRIL 15
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 6:51 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:36 am or 10:12 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:19 am (Gr”a).
• Daven Shacharis (pesukei dezimra of Yom Tov, Birchas Krias Shema of weekday Yom Tov, special Amidah for Yom Tov, half Hallel and Musaf for Shalosh Regalim.
• Krias HaTorah (Torah reading) is from Parshas Beshalach in Sefer Shemos (13:17-15:26). Maftir is from Parshas Pinchas in Sefer Bamidbar (28:19-25). The Haftorah is from Sefer Shmuel II (22:1-51).
• When Davening at home without a Minyan we do not recite Kah Keili.
• Musaf for the Shalosh Regalim.
• Mincha can be recited after 2:07 pm and must be completed before Shkiah (sunset) at 8:15 pm.
• Candle Lighting (Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov but no Shehechiyanu) as well as all preparations for the last day of Pesach and Sefiras Haomer should not occur until Tzeis HaKochavim (nightfall) at 9:00 pm (Rabeinu Tam at 9:28 pm).
ACHARON SHEL PESACH – THURSDAY APRIL 16
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 6:50 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:35 am or 10:11 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:18 am (Gr”a).
• Daven Shacharis (pesukei dezimra of Yom Tov, Birchas Krias Shema of weekday Yom Tov, special Amidah for Yom Tov, half Hallel and Musaf for Shalosh Regalim.
• Krias HaTorah (Torah reading) is from Parshas Re’eh in Sefer Devarim (15:19-16:17). Maftir is from Parshas Pinchas in Sefer Bamidbar (28:19-25). The Haftorah is from Sefer Yeshayahu (10:32-12:6).
• When Davening at home one may recite Yizkor. Please remember the most important aspect of Yizkor is to pledge and commit to giving Tzedakah.
• Musaf for the Shalosh Regalim.
• Mincha can be recited after 2:07 pm and must be completed before Shkiah (sunset) at 8:16 pm.
• Yom Tov concludes at 9:01 pm (Rabbenu Tam at 9:29 pm). Sefiras Haomer should be recited at that time. Havdalah should not be recited before then.
• Please check with your Rav as to when one can assume that Chametz which was sold prior to Pesach has been repurchased and can then be used.
EREV SHABBOS – FRIDAY, APRIL 17
• Plag Hamincha is at 6:53 pm. Those making early Shabbos should complete Mincha before then and light candles at that time. All three paragraphs of Krias Shema should be repeated after nightfall at 9:02 pm.
• Zman candle lighting is at 7:59 pm. Those accepting Shabbos at the Zman should complete Mincha before 8:17 pm.
• Sefiras Haomer should be counted after 9:02 pm.
SHABBOS DAY, APRIL 18
• Honetz Hachama (sunrise) is at 6:47 am.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:33 am or 10:09 am (Gr”a).
• Sof Zman Tefillah is at 11:17 am (Gr”a).
• This Shabbos we read Parshas Shemini. The Haftorah is from Sefer Shmuel II (6:1-7:17).
• Birchas Hachodesh is recited this week as it is Shabbos Mevarchim. (Rosh Chodesh Iyar yihyeh b’yom HaShishi u’v’yom HaShabbos Kodesh). The Molad will be Wednesday night, April 22 in Yerushalayim at 10:58 pm and 12 Chalakim.
• Mincha on Shabbos day should be recited after 2:07 pm.
• Shkiah (sunset) on Shabbos day is at 8:18 pm. Mincha should be completed before then.
• Shabbos concludes at 9:04 pm (Rabbenu Tam at 9:31 pm) Havdalah and Sefiras Haomer should not be recited before then.
2020-3-27 Zmanim PDF available to view.
Friday night:
• Plag Mincha is at 6:35 p.m. Those making early Shabbos should complete Mincha before then and light candles after that time.
• Zman candle lighting is at 7:35 p.m. Those accepting Shabbos at the zman should complete Mincha before 7:53 p.m.
Shabbos Day:
• Honetz Hachamah (sunrise) is at 7:22 a.m.
• Sof Zman Krias Shema (M”A) is at 9:53 a.m. or 10:29 a.m. (Gr”a)
• Sof Zman Tefilah is at 11:32 a.m. (Gr”a)
• Mincha on Shabbos day should be recited after 2:10 p.m.
• Shkiah (sunset) on Shabbos day is at 7:54 p.m. Mincha should be completed before then.
• Shabbos concludes at 8:38 p.m. (Rabbenu Tam at 9:07 p.m.). Havdallah should not be recited before then.
Davening Protocols:
• Tachanun is not recited during the month of Nissan.
• Many have the custom to recite the Parsha of the Nasi each of the first thirteen days of Nissan.
• On Shabbos and weekdays certain parts of Tefilah are omitted when davening individually, including Kaddish, Barchu, Chazaras ha-Shatz, and Kedusha.
• It’s appropriate to read Parshas Vayikra from a Chumash, with the trop if possible. Similarly, the reading for Haftorah from Yeshayahu (43:21 – 44:23) should be read. No Berachos should be recited on the Torah reading or the Haftorah.
We are all about to discover time and opportunity in our homes we didn’t anticipate. Let’s use it judiciously and meaningfully on the pursuits we generally don’t have enough time for, like conversations and interactions with family, extra Torah learning, and meaningful private Tefilla.
• The Keilim Mikva is being cleaned daily and chlorine has been added to the water.
• All preparations should occur prior to entering the Mikva including the removal of all packaging, labels and stickers.
• Only one person may enter the Keilim Mikva building at a time.
• After returning home all Keilim should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• If anyone is concerned about using the Keilim Mikva for Tevilas Keilim, they should consult their Rav for possible alternative solutions.
2020-3-26 Vaad Statement PDF available to view.
Rosh Chodesh Nissan, 5780
March 26, 2020
To the Detroit Jewish Community,
As our community deals with the developing COVID-19 situation, we must adjust to this new reality, and prepare to live our lives following essential guidelines. There are many confirmed cases in every neighborhood in our community. People’s lives are in danger, and each of us is halachically obligated to protect ourselves, our family, and our community.
As the Yom Tov of Pesach approaches, it is crucial for the community to adhere to strict guidelines of social distancing. As directed in a joint statement from major organizations across the Orthodox spectrum, travel to other cities must be cancelled, whether to vacation venues (Florida, etc.) or to family. Everyone must plan to celebrate Pesach where they are currently.
Nobody in our community should host out of town guests. Unfortunately, this means that even married children, parents and grandparents, or anyone that does not absolutely need to come, should not visit for Yom Tov. We urge the community not to have any guests at all, even from in-town.
Individuals living alone or those absolutely unable to prepare for Pesach may choose to self-quarantine for 14 days, and then – if asymptomatic – may join with a welcoming local family that is similarly asymptomatic and that has been disciplined in staying home and limiting their interactions outside the home to the absolute minimum. These guests may join one family only for the duration, without additional company, and must carefully observe the mandated standards of scrupulous hygiene and social distancing. The elderly and high risk must seek medical advice before considering this.
At this time, absolutely no minyanim should be held, whether in a shul, a home, outdoors, or any other location. Holding a minyan at this time severely undermines efforts at containment, and puts lives in danger.
We urge one and all – while strictly maintaining the prescribed guidelines – to look out for each other by reaching out to and providing for each other, especially those living alone. We hope and pray that in the z’chus of our sincere Tefillos and Chassadim Hashem should swiftly remove this plague from the world and bless us all with health, peace and tranquility.
May we merit yeshuos and refuos soon,
Vaad Harabbonim of Greater Detroit
A PDF version of the PesachGram is also available for view and download:
2019-12-30 Vaad Statement PDF available to view.
כ”א אדר תש”פ
March 17, 2020
One of the most difficult challenges facing our community with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, and the requirement of social distancing, is its impact on our avodah as a tzibbur. Tefilla B’tzibbur, Torah shiurim and pilpul chaveirim are the lifelines of our nation. Indeed, the Rabbonim of the Detroit community have hesitated and refrained from closing the shuls for as long as possible. Closing a shul is not just another measure, it requires great thought. But with recent developments, and the expected return of many students from out of town, the regular continuation of minyanim poses a risk to the health and lives of the members of our surrounding community.
With much difficulty and sadness, the Rabbonim have decided that all shuls in the community close to the public until further notice. Everyone should daven alone at home at the time that the minyan would normally take place. No minyanim should be held at homes.
Although we may not be going to shul, now in particular is a time to strengthen our Tefila. While we may not meet in a Beis Hamedrash, we must dedicate ourselves to Limud Hatorah. Everyone is encouraged to seek the many available options of learning at home.
May הקב”ה continue to protect us from all harm, אמן כן יהי רצון
‘SHOHAM” brand POMEGRANATES are produce of Israel and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. The Shoham pomegranates sold at One Stop Kosher Food Market beginning March 2 have had Terumos and Maaseros taken. Shoham pomegranates are also being sold at other local stores, including Holiday Market, Market Fresh, and others, and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros by the purchaser.
KROGER SWEET & MESQUITE BBQ POTATO CHIPS with a plain OU in 17 oz. Party Size bags (UPC 0111100320101), with the specific lot code Best If Used By MAY 12 20 2B5 and time stamped 18:50 to 20:55, have been recalled because they actually contain Cheddar and Sour Cream Potato Chips which contain milk, and are certified OU Dairy. For more information contact https://www.kroger.com/topic/recall-alerts-3 or 905-669-6072 x 227.
STREIT’S MINESTRONE CANNED SOUP 15 oz. with a Best By date of Jan. 2023 is not Yoshon certified until after Pesach 5780. All other Streit’s products certified under the Kof-K are certified as Yoshon.
New COCA-COLA ENERGY drinks in 12 oz. cans, in Regular, Zero Sugar, Cherry, and Zero Sugar Cherry varieties, are OU certified and bear the OU symbol engraved into the top lid of the can.
PEPSI-COLA 1893 ORIGINAL COLA and PEPSI-COLA 1893 GINGER COLA (available at Amazon and eBay), and PEPSI BERRY, PEPSI LIME and PEPSI MANGO sodas, all in 12 oz. cans, are Kosher. (They do not require a Kashrus symbol.)
PRE-PESACH SHOPPING ADVICE: When shopping for Pesach products, each individual label should always be checked for Pesach certification. Consumers are cautioned not to take for granted that a product is Kosher for Pesach simply because it is in the Kosher for Pesach section of their store, or because a “Kosher for Pesach” sign is posted. Each year there are numerous instances, even in Jewish stores, of non-Pesach products mistakenly being mixed in with Pesach products, usually because their labels are almost identical. This occurs frequently with Telma soup mixes and cubes, Lieber’s dressings and Coat ‘n Bake coatings, various brands of frozen chopped liver and kishke, and Osem, Gefen, Haddar, Manischewitz, Empire and other brands of products that have both Pesach and non-Pesach versions of the same products with similar labels.
Storekeepers, likewise, should not take for granted that everything received in their Pesach shipment, even from a Jewish distributor, is indeed Pesach certified; non-Pesach products are frequently inadvertently mixed in. There have also been instances where the outsides of cases were marked Kosher for Pesach, but the products inside were not. Each individual label must always be checked for Pesach certification.
Some brands, e.g. Osem, do not bear the same certification on all of their products. Each product should be checked for a reliable certification. – In addition, some brands, especially those from Israel, bear more than one certification on a single package, but not all those certifications include approval for Pesach. In particular, the Badatz of Eida Hachareidis symbol often states specifically that its endorsement does not include Pesach. All products should be carefully examined for a reliable Pesach endorsement. – Some products bear a non-Pesach certification printed on the label, and have an added stamp (often on the lid) saying Kosher for Pesach, but with no identification of the certifying organization. These should not be relied upon.
2019-12-30 Kashrus Alerts PDF available for download.
POST HONEY BUNCHES OF OATS CEREALS in several varieties have changed from OU-D (dairy ingredient – whey) to plain OU (pareve), and many stores now have a mixture of older product with OU-D, and newer product with plain OU. Check each box carefully for its correct status.
LUDEN’S and many STORE BRANDS of THROAT / COUGH DROPS (e.g., CVS, Rite Aid, Kroger, Meijer, etc.) were in the past produced on dairy equipment and stated OU-D on the label. The manufacturing process has changed, and now they are being produced on dedicated pareve equipment and are fully pareve. New labels therefore bear a plain OU. Stores may have a mixture of OU and OU-D labeled product; check each package for its correct status.
GARDEN LITES “VEGGIES MADE GREAT” frozen products (muffins, veggie cakes, frittatas, etc.) have changed from OU certification to Triangle K, and stores now have a mixture of older product with OU, and newer product with Triangle K. Only those bearing OU are recommended. Check each package carefully.
QUINOA: Several Kashrus agencies have recently reported finding infestation in quinoa (booklice and mites), due to improper storage in the distribution chain. The OU and Star-K recommend the following checking procedure for quinoa (all colors):
• Place quinoa in a fine mesh (e.g. #30) strainer. (Fine enough that the quinoa does not go through, but not a flour sifter or coffee filter, which are too fine.)
• Shake for 25-30 seconds over a light box or white paper. Examine the surface of the light box or paper under a strong light for any insects.
• If any insects are found on the white surface, the quinoa should be discarded.
BROWN RICE: The Star-K reports infestation in brown rice sold in the Northeastern U.S., due to improper storage in the distribution chain, and recommends that consumers in those areas follow the same procedure as described above for quinoa.
BARLEY: Due to frequent infestation issues, several Kashrus agencies currently recommend that all barley (and in particular Yoshon brands) be checked prior to use. Following are two options for checking:
Soaking Method:
1. Place all the barley you wish to use in a white bowl, and fill the bowl with water, a few inches over the top of the barley.
2. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. If insects are present, they will float to the top. If any do, repeat the process, and if no more are then found, the barley may be used.
Plate Method:
1. Place a small pile of barley – about two ounces at a time – on a white paper plate (not plastic, which creates a shine) with good overhead light that illuminates the plate.
2. Use a finger or a fork to drag a small amount of barley away from the pile, spreading that barley in a single layer. Visually inspect the spread-apart barley, looking for webbing, black insects and white or tan worms between or under the kernels.
3. Repeat this until the entire pile has been checked. Then do the same for the rest of the barley in the package.
NATURAL EARTH brand NORI SHEETS with a date code of 2019.03.28 have been found to have infestation concerns and have been recalled. All other lots of Natural Earth Nori remain Star-K certified when bearing the Star-K symbol.
GENERAL MILLS CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH CEREAL – 2-PACK mistakenly bears only a plain OU on the sleeve. Each individual box correctly bears OU D. This product at this time does not contain actual dairy, but is produced on dairy equipment.
KLEIN’S DELIGHTS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS sold currently at Costco mistakenly bear an OK-P on some display cases. The individual bags correctly bear a plain OK, and are Kosher pareve for year round use, but not for Pesach. (In Pesach season this product is produced as Kosher for Pesach, and then bears OK-P on the individual bags.)
TRADER JOE’S CINNAMON ROLL BREAD bears an unauthorized KVH Pareve symbol on some labels. This product contains dairy and is not certified by KVH Kosher.
MARZANO SPAGHETTI SAUCE: [Corrected alert issued by OU] The OU certifies regular Marzano Spaghetti Sauce as OU pareve. Some labels with an OU symbol were mistakenly used for a spaghetti sauce that contains non-kosher beef. The labels for the Kosher and non-kosher products look alike except for the ingredients statement. Consumers should look at the ingredients statement and verify whether or not beef is listed as an ingredient. If beef is listed, the product is not certified and bears an unauthorized OU symbol. If beef is not listed, then the product is certified when bearing the OU symbol. The product with beef is being withdrawn from the marketplace. If you see this product being sold, please provide details to kosherq@ou.org.
PRODUCT RECALL
All HARD-BOILED PEELED EGGS , both retail and Foodservice, produced by Almark Foods at its Gainesville, GA plant and sold under many brand names, including Almark, 7 Select [at 7-11], Eggs-Land and others (including many that bear an OU), have been recalled due to possible association with a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has been linked to several reported illnesses and one reported death. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/almark-foods-expanded-recall-all-products-its-georgia-facility-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes or at 877-546-0454.
[Note that the location of the G code (indicating the Gainesville, GA plant) stated in the FDA notice is incorrect. The G is after the Best If Used By date.]
BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) are beginning to appear in U.S. stores, and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. They are being sold locally at Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Holiday Market and other stores. The brands include Sunset, Gilad, Kroger, Simple Truth Organic [Kroger], Family Farms, and others, both regular and organic. Consumers should carefully check the fine print on the package, or the sticker on individual peppers sold loose, for the country of origin. Often the same brand has some peppers from Israel and some from other locations, so each individual package or pepper should be checked. Details of the tithing procedure can be found (courtesy of cRc Chicago) at Instructions for Separating Terumah and Ma’aser
Some additional examples of Israeli produce commonly found in the U.S. include tomatoes, carrots, citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, clementines and pomelos), persimmons (“Sharon Fruit”), mangos, dates, dill and parsley. Check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin.
TRADER JOE’S CHOCOLATE BROOKLYN BABKA and TRADER JOE’S HALF MOON COOKIES bearing OU Pareve are still Pas Yisroel, but are no longer Yoshon.
2019-10-30 Kashrus Alerts PDF available for download.
TRADER JOE’S ISRAELI FETA CHEESE bearing “B.D.Z. Mehadrin” certification is reliably certified by Badatz Mehadrin of Rechovot, Israel, and is Cholov Yisroel.
KLEIN’S NATURALS DRIED MANGO with Best-By dates 09/17/20, 09/23/2020, 09/26/2020 and 10/24/2020 has been found to have a high rate of infestation and has been recalled. The OK advises that consumers should do a visual check of mango in packages with other Best-By dates.
STORE BRANDS AND GENERIC BRANDS frequently change suppliers (i.e., the outside manufacturers that produce the product for the store), which often results in a change or loss of the product’s Kosher status. Stores may also have multiple suppliers for the same product, so that some packages on the shelf bear acceptable Kosher certification while others do not, or some are marked Pareve and others are marked Dairy. Consumers should be especially careful when buying such products to check each package every time for proper Kosher certification.
Following are two current local examples.
HIDDEN VALLEY DRESSINGS – Only those bearing OU or OU-D are certified Kosher. Currently, most Hidden Valley products in stores do not bear any Kashrus symbol.
[Note: As posted in our 10/30/19 alerts, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix in an 8 oz. shaker container bearing an OU is certified Kosher Dairy, but mistakenly bears a plain OU without the D.]
MOTT’S APPLES ‘n DIP – SLICED APPLES WITH CARAMEL DIP bears an unauthorized Star-K symbol. The apples are Kosher certified, but the package includes a container of caramel dip that is not Kosher certified and contains dairy ingredients.
MW POLAR FLAT FILLETS ANCHOVIES bears an unauthorized OK Kosher symbol. This product is not certified by OK Kosher Certification.
ROMAINE LETTUCE FOOD SAFETY ALERT: CDC, FDA and state health authorities are investigating a multistate outbreak of serious illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7 linked to romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region. CDC and FDA advise that consumers not eat any romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas region. This includes all use-by dates and brands of romaine lettuce from this region. Details are available at https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/o157h7-11-19/index.html
Many romaine lettuce products are labeled with a harvest location showing where they were grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker. If the label says “grown in Salinas”, or if the label does not specify any growing region, do not eat it.
Hydroponically and greenhouse grown romaine, which may be labeled as “indoor grown”, from any region does not appear to be related to the current outbreak.
POS’TIV and KOSHER GARDENS brands of romaine are free of this concern.
BODEK brand fresh romaine product (i.e., packaged after Nov. 15) is free of this concern.
ONE STOP KOSHER FOOD MARKET: All romaine sold since Sunday morning, Nov. 24 is free of this concern.
NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE and M&M’s brands of Ready-To-Bake Refrigerated COOKIE DOUGH PRODUCTS have been recalled due to the potential presence of food-grade rubber pieces. Details are available at 800-681-1676 or https://www.nestleusa.com/media/pressreleases
BREAKSTONE’S COTTAGE CHEESE – Certain varieties with one Best-By date have been recalled due to the potential presence of pieces of red plastic and metal. Details are available at 866-572-3805 or https://news.kraftheinzcompany.com/
2019-10-30 Kashrus Alerts PDF available for download.
CHAZZANO COFFEE ROASTERS Café in Ferndale, Michigan is certified by the Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit as follows:
• All packaged coffee beans and grounds are Pareve.
• Served coffee/tea may be prepared on dairy equipment. For Pareve, the customer can request that coffee/tea should be served in a disposable cup and stirred with a disposable spoon.
• Creamers may be Dairy.
• Cholov Yisroel status of milk is not under supervision.
MAZAL TOV RESTAURANT in Windsor, Ontario is no longer under supervision of the Council of Orthodox Rabbis.
LIEBER’S SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Some bags were found to contain mini, light-colored chips mixed with the regular chocolate chips. These are Kosher pareve coffee chips that were packed in the bag due to an error in production.
CHEF’S QUALITY SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE DROPS with OU Pareve certification is no longer available at Restaurant Depot. This product has been replaced with Chef’s Quality Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, which is certified OU-D and lists butterfat.
HIDDEN VALLEY ORIGINAL RANCH SEASONING & SALAD DRESSING MIX in an 8 oz. shaker container mistakenly bears a plain OU without a D. This product is in fact dairy and lists buttermilk in the ingredients.
LILLY’S BABKA and RUGELACH with an OU:
• Only packages stating “Pas Yisroel” on the label should be considered Pas Yisroel.
• These products are not Yoshon. Labels that state Yoshon are in error.
MASSIMO GUSTO and other brands of OILS & VINEGAR from BMA USA, Inc.:
• Various products bear an unauthorized Heart-K Kosher symbol. [“Heart-K” is a division of OK Kosher.] BMA USA has not been certified by OK Kosher since November 2017.
• Massimo Gusto Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil bears an unauthorized Star-K P. It is not certified Kosher or Kosher for Passover by the Star-K.
All iBAKE products, including FILO DOUGH, KATAFI and BAKLAVA, are no longer under Kof-K Kosher Supervision as of September 27, 2019, even when bearing the Kof-K symbol.
MICHIGAN APPLE RECALL: Six types of fresh Michigan apples that state on the bag “Distributed by North Bay Produce, Inc., Traverse City, MI”, that were shipped between October 16 – October 21, have been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Details are available at 231-929-4001 or www.northbayproduce.com .
Specific lots of KING ARTHUR UNBLEACHED ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR (5 lb. & 25lb.) and ROBIN HOOD ALL PURPOSE FLOUR (5 lb) have been recalled due to possible E. coli 026 contamination. Details are available, respectively, at 866- 797-9178 or https://www.kingarthurflour.com/voluntaryrecall , and at 888-569-6728 or https://www.robinhood.ca/En/Contact-Us . The FDA and CDC remind consumers that flour is not a “ready to eat” ingredient. Flour is made from wheat that is grown outdoors where bacteria are often present, and flour is typically not treated to kill bacteria during the normal milling process. Anything made with flour must be cooked or baked before eating. Salmonella is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.
Specific lots of PRESIDENT’S CHOICE, PARENT’S CHOICE, and KIRKLAND SIGNATURE brands of MILK-BASED POWDERED INFANT FORMULA FOR BABIES SENSITIVE TO LACTOSE, all sold in Canada, have been recalled due to possible Cronobacter spp. contamination. Details are available at 800-442-2342 or https://inspection.gc.ca/about-the- cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/eng/1299076382077/1299076493846 .
