This week, a group of kollel members from the Satmar community of Kiryas Joel visited OU headquarters. Their purpose was “to learn kashrut in depth,” declared one of their hosts, Rabbi Abraham Juravel. “They were here learning how to apply the book learning of Yoreh Deah to real life situations at factories that are OU certified and to meet with members of the OU staff.”

Rabbi Juravel, a long-time OU Kosher rabbininc coordinator (RC), gave shiurim to the visitors and accompanied them to two factories certified by the OU. He introduced the group to his colleagues, Rabbi Moshe Zywica, an expert on flavors; Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, whose specialty is dairy; Rabbi Gavriel Price, who supervises vinegar and trucking; Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, the OU fish expert; as well as Rabbi Eli Gersten, the recorder of OU Psak. “They group was astounded by the depth and knowledge of the RC’s they met,” Rabbi Juravel declared.

He called the delegation’s meeting with Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO, and Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO of OU Kosher, “the high point of the day.” “They discussed some divrei Torah with Rabbi Genack and expressed their amazement that the OU has such a staff of true experts in all aspects of kashrut, true Talmidei Chachomim, all working together for the benefit of Klal Yisrael.”

“Rabbi Elefant pointed out how we have true transparency in kashrut,” Rabbi Juravel explained. “We do not hide what our standards are; we allow other rabbanim into our plants; we divulge who our mashgichim are. They profusely thanked Rabbi Elefant for facilitating my giving some shiurim to this group of serious Talmidei Chachomim.”

The group presented Rabbi Juravel with a plaque in gratitude for his efforts on their behalf.

(Source: OU)