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OU Presents First-Ever Advanced Kashrut Course For Women: A Photo Essay

03 Sep 2009

The Orthodox Union recently presented its Advanced Kashrut Seminar for Women, the first time an educational program for women was offered by a kashrut organization. The program was coordinated by Rabbi Yosef Grossman, Director of OU’s Kosher Education, and the participants represented many cities in the United States; an international contingent also represented locations in Canada, Israel, and Australia.

Rabbi Grossman received the following letter from seminar participant Rhoda Wachsstock, of Passaic, NJ:

“I just wanted to write and thank you and the OU for organizing last week’s seminar. I think I join all of the participants in saying that this was the most enjoyable, informative week. All the presenters were superb and the site visits were very informative, especially the presentation with Rabbi Moshe Perlmutter at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. I was especially impressed with the checks and balances that the OU has in place when enforcing its kashrut standards.

Once again thank you so much for organizing the seminar, and I look forward to being able to participate in the next stage of the Advanced Kashrut Seminar for Women.”

Below are several highlights of some of the many aspects of the seminar.

At Dougies Brooklyn, Rabbi Dov Schreier teaches about kashrut issues in eating out at kosher restaurants.
The participants examine a Dougies takeout bag after learning about proper sealing from Rabbi Schreier.


A classroom scene of the participants listening attentively.
Rabbi Yosef Grossman gives an overview of the kashrut seminar


Rabbi Grossman listens as Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Chief Executive Officer of OU Kosher, gives a “State-of-the-(Orthodox) Union” address about the worldwide operations of OU Kosher
Phyllis Koegel, the OU’s New Business and Development/Marketing Associate, explains her travels marketing OU Kosher.


Rabbi Steven Weil, Executive Vice President of the OU, offers greetings to the participants on behalf of the entire OU staff.
Rabbi Grossman and Rabbi Weil join the seminar’s participants in a group shot.


Rav Hershel Schachter, OU halachic posek, gives a shiur on laws of kashrut before moderating an “Ask the Rabbi” session.
Participants study a live bird as part of Rabbi Chaim Loike’s “Identifying Kosher Birds.”