OU Kosher’s Fourth ASK OU Kashrus Seminar for Women to Take Place August 24-28 in New York City

01 Jul 2015

Want to learn and understand the laws of kosher from the experts of the most-recognized kashrus organization in the world? OU Kosher will present its fourth ASK OU Advanced Kashrus Seminar for Women from Monday, August 24 to Friday, August 28 at OU headquarters in New York.  The women’s seminar alternates with a men’s program held in even-numbered years.  Both programs are under the direction of Rabbi Yosef Grossman, senior educational rabbinic coordinator of OU Kosher.

The program is sponsored by The Harry H. Beren Foundation of New Jersey.  Registration is limited.

Rabbi Grossman remarked, “It gives the OU great pleasure to once again offer this Advanced Kashrus Seminar to women seeking a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the application of kosher laws. We are proud to offer this program to women from around the world, in all walks of life, who are in search of an in-depth kashrus program. The only requirement for applicants is the desire for an enhanced understanding of kosher law. ”

Past programs included participants from across the globe, such as Western Canada, Israel and Australia, as well as from all over the United States.

Senior OU Kosher rabbis and staff will provide sessions on various topics, including kosher birds, the baking industry, medications, kosher marketing, fish, dairy and supermarket issues. This year, a topic that will be stressed is vegetable checking.

“We received numerous requests from women who have expressed an interest in sessions on checking vegetables for insects,” explained Rabbi Grossman. “This year there will be particular focus on this topic.”

The program also features field trips, which are an important part of the proceedings: New York City restaurants; the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ; and industrial plants certified by the OU.

Esther Rabinowitz, a clinical psychologist in Brooklyn, said she first became aware of this course from a newspaper ad. “Since I have a scientific background in psychology, I wanted to enhance my knowledge in another science – that of kashrus,” explained Dr. Rabinowitz. “Additionally, my son is very learned and works in the food industry, and we frequently have intricate discussions about certain food issues. When I told him I was considering participating in this course, he thought it was a great idea and urged me to take it. And it really was a terrific experience.”

For more information and to apply, contact Avigail Klein at 212-613-8279, or aklein@ou.org.