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At BJ’s, we are focused on meeting our Members’ diverse shopping needs. So it’s no surprise that in the fall of 2012, BJ’s Bakery Buyer David Hay began the process of transitioning some of our Club bakeries to KOF-K Kosher Dairy certification.

Collaborating with Rabbi Moishe Lebovits, rabbinical administrator in charge of new business development for KOF-K Kosher Supervision, our Garden City, New York Club became BJ’s first location to receive the KOF-K Kosher Dairy certification in October 2012. Less than four years later, we plan to celebrate 50 Clubs under this designation by early spring.

“We were already working with many vendors to provide prepackaged kosher pareve bakery products, so partnering with such a reputable organization as KOF-K seemed like the perfect next step,” Hay said. “It has been an exciting and rewarding experience as Rabbi Moishe and I continue to receive such positive feedback from the community and even new Members.”

What is KOF-K Kosher Supervision?

According to Rabbi Moishe Lebovits, “KOF-K Kosher Supervision is one of the premier kosher certifying agencies in the world, certifying thousands of products each year in the areas of food production, including: ingredients, flavors, fragrances, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, as well as vendors, restaurants, and other suppliers of kosher products and services.

Recognized worldwide as the gold standard of kosher certification, the KOF-K trademark is a designation that must be earned. Only those items meeting the highest standards of kosher law are permitted to display the KOF-K symbol. The KOF-K international network of Rabbinic Administrators and representatives closely supervises and monitors all food production information.”

50th Celebration!

To celebrate our 50th Bakery transitioning to KOF-K Kosher Dairy, a special reception will be held with Members, BJ’s Team Members and local community leaders. During the event, guests will witness the kosherization, receive a tour of other kosher products available in-Club and sample Wellsley Farms baked cakes, cookies, muffins, Danishes and croissants.

BJ’s Bakery Buyer David Hay will also be honored with an Award of Excellence by KOF-K Kosher Supervision for his outstanding cooperation, compliance and exceptional adherence to the highest kosher standards.

BJ’s Kosher Assortment

In addition to our freshly baked goods, we also offer a variety of prepackaged meat, cheese and appetizers that are kosher. Our Clubs are even stocked with more than 100 kosher-certified items under our exclusive Wellsley Farms brand!

“Working with BJ’s, and Bakery Buyer Dave Hay specifically, has been a true pleasure,” said Rabbi Moishe Lebovits. “The company’s professionalism is evident at every Club we make kosher. And, Dave has been an extremely dedicated and devoted colleague to work with. I look forward to our relationship continuing for many more years to come.”

For more information about the kosherization at BJ’s, call Rabbi Moishe Lebovits at 718-744-4360 between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays.