The Kashrus world has suffered a terrible tragedy today with the sudden passing of Rabbi Dovid Steigman, Senior Rabbinic Coordinator at OK Kosher, while traveling in Italy for kashrus inspections. He was 67 and suffered a sudden heart attack.

Rabbi Dovid Steigman was a man of unparalleled character and knowledge.

He had mesiras nefesh for kashrus, no matter what the personal cost.

He was a world renowned expert in all areas of kashrus, especially shechita and alcohol productions.

Rabbi Steigman worked at OK Kosher for 30 years and was respected and loved by all who knew him and had the honor of having him as a colleague, both kashrus professionals and employees of certified companies.

The loss of Rabbi Steigman leaves an irreplaceable void at OK Kosher.

“He has shown real mesiras nefesh for kashrus over the years by not being afraid of the most powerful figures in kashrus and always having the strength to stand up and speak the truth,” said Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, CEO and Kashrus Administrator of OK Kosher Certification.

“With all of Rabbi Steigman’s fine qualities, it is no wonder that he was especially well liked by my father, Rabbi Berel Levy, OBM. While standing up for halacha and the highest standards of kashrus, Rabbi Steigman has always displayed a certain charm that makes it impossible not to love him.”

The Nirbater Rav, Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum, head of the Vaad Kosher Supervision, described Rabbi Steigman as “extremely knowledgeable in all areas of hilchos kashrus” who did not hesitate “to say that he does not know something and needs to find out about it.” He praised him for “his emes, fine middos and derech eretz towards others.”

He is survived by his wife, Shulamis and children, Mendy Steigman – Boro Park, Rochie Kirszenberg – Midwood, Brooklyn, Effie Steigman – Crown Heights, Chumy Delevkovitz – Crown Heights, Chaim Meir Steigman – Crown Heights and Mechy Steigman – Midwood, Brooklyn.

Details of the levaya will be announced when available.

Baruch Dayan Haemes.

(With reporting by COLLive)