CHK Rabbonim Visit Dairy Plants in New Jersey and Upstate New York to Strengthen Kashrus Oversight

The Rabbonim and representatives of the CHK recently traveled to dairy plants and food production facilities across New Jersey and Upstate New York as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the standards of kashrus supervision for the Crown Heights community and Anash worldwide.

During the visits, the Rabbonim reviewed production systems, mashgiach procedures, ingredient controls, equipment usage, scheduling, kosherization procedures, and the growing needs of kosher dairy production. The visits included inspections of milk processing, cream and butter production, cottage cheese manufacturing, packaging operations, and additional dairy-related systems.

Special attention was given to the supervision of Cholov Yisroel production, the separation between kosher and non-kosher operations where applicable, pasteurization systems, cleaning and kosherization procedures, and future expansion plans requested by manufacturers working together with CHK and other kosher-certified productions.

The delegation also reviewed facilities producing various dairy products including milk, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and additional consumer products, while discussing future possibilities for expanded kosher production under proper rabbinic oversight.

As part of the continued mission of CHK and the Rabbonim of Crown Heights, these visits help ensure that the highest standards of kashrus, transparency, and professionalism continue to guide all areas of supervision and food production connected to the community.

CHK remains committed to maintaining strong relationships with producers, mashgichim, and rabbinic leadership in order to provide the community with reliable and Mehadrin standards of kashrus throughout New Jersey, Upstate New York, and beyond.

Additional updates regarding kashrus developments and future productions will be shared with the community as they become available.

Kashrus Advisory: Meat and Poultry for Pesach

This is to certify that all fresh meat and poultry products (non-processed, non-cooked,
non-cured) bearing the CHK certification are Kosher for Passover year-round.

No special Passover certification or labeling is required, as these products contain no chametz
and are produced under our full-time kosher supervision.

All processed, cooked, and/or cured meats and cold cuts must bear a clear kosher for Passover
designation on each package.

Approved Brands (Raw Meat Only, Not Processed.):
● CH Meat
● David Elliot
● Heartland Kosher
● Generation 7
● 770 Glatt
● Shmullys Fine cuts
● Southern Kosher meat

Please Note: At retail stores, CHK certification applies only to products that physically bear the CHK label.

As we prepare for Zman Cheiruseinu, the Vaad HaKashrus wishes the entire
community a Pesach Kosher V’Sameiach. In the spirit of the Rebbe’s teachings, may this
physical preparation for the Seder lead to a spiritual liberation, breaking through all personal
boundaries (Meitzarim), and may we merit the Geulah Ha’amitis V’hashleima immediately!

Vaad Hakashrus

A New Era of Chesed: Rebbe’s Kitchen Partners with CHK

In a move that strengthens both the spirit and the standards of Crown Heights, Rebbe’s Kitchen – Goodness and Kindness has officially entered a new chapter. Recently, Rabbi Levi Goldzweig (Rabbinical Coordinator of CHK) and Rabbi Meir Bukchin (CEO of CHK) met with Rabbi Moshe Rubashkin to sign a formal hashgacha agreement.

With a full-time mashgiach now stationed on the premises, the “Goodness and Kindness” initiative continues to revolutionize local hospitality while upholding the highest rabbinical standards of the community. This partnership is a win for the orchim and a win for Crown Heights—a beautiful tribute to the Rebbe’s vision of unconditional kindness and welcoming every guest with excellence.

15 Shevat Vaad Hakashrus – CHK Advisory


     In preparation for Tu BiShvat, the Vaad Hakashrus of Crown Heights (CHK) issues the following guidance regarding the consumption of Dried Fruits and Nuts.
This advisory does NOT apply to products from Israel or China, freeze-dried fruits, or products intended for Pesach. All of the above require reliable Hashgacha.

Fruits Variety. Illustrational.
Fruits Variety. Illustrational.


GENERAL GUIDELINES


• Potassium sorbate and sulfur dioxide are not kashrus concerns.
• Some dried fruits require Hashgacha due to processing aids that may be non-kosher and are not listed on labels.
• Certain dried fruits are unacceptable due to infestation concerns.

REQUIRES RELIABLE HASHGACHA


     Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Cherries, Cranberries, Currants, Ginger, Papaya, Strawberries, Watermelon, Imported Raisins.


ACCEPTABLE WITHOUT HASHGACHA (No additives; inspection required)


     Apricots, Dates, Figs, Lemon peel, Mandarines, Mango, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Pineapple, Prunes, Persimmons (not from Israel), Domestic raisins (no oil), Tamarinds.

Dried Fruits
Dried Fruits


NOT ACCEPTABLE EVEN WITH HASHGACHA


     Barberries, Blackberries, Goji berries, Mulberries, Raspberries.


NUTS


     Raw, unflavored, unsalted nuts are acceptable without Hashgacha. Roasted, flavored, cooked, canned, or oil-processed nuts require reliable Hashgacha.

 

 

 

 

For questions or clarification, please contact the CHK office Tel/Whatsapp: 718 774 7000,   Email: office@chkosher.org.

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One Table, One Community

Smadar Events Sets a New Standard Under CHK Supervision

For many years, Smadar Events has been a trusted and familiar name in our community. Renowned for her professionalism and care in organizing events at the Lubavitcher Yeshiva on Crown Street and throughout Crown Heights. Her experience, attention to detail, and dedication have made her an integral part of countless Simchos and communal gatherings.

Today, Smadar Events is taking a historic and meaningful step forward. She has become the first professional party planner to operate under the careful and meticulous supervision of Crown Heights Kashrus (CHK), setting a new standard for community events.

Illustrative Image

Hospitality Without Barriers

At the heart of every Simcha is a simple and powerful goal: bringing people together. Our community, however, is diverse. While some individuals may be more flexible in their daily kashrus practices, others are committed to eating only under the most stringent and uncompromising standards.

Smadar understands that a host’s greatest wish is for every guest to feel welcome and comfortable. By choosing to work under CHK supervision, she removes the barriers that can unintentionally divide us at the table, allowing all guests to participate fully and confidently.

Why the Highest Standard Matters?

When an event is held under a lower kashrus standard, respected community members and family guests may feel uncomfortable eating or participate fully. But when an event is certified by CHK, everyone, from the most stringent to the most lenient, can sit side by side and enjoy the same meal with complete peace of mind.

Choosing the highest level of kashrus is an act of respect. It ensures that no guest feels excluded and that the Simcha truly belongs to everyone.

A Pioneer Leading the Way

By bringing her work under CHK supervision, Smadar is demonstrating that high-end, professional event planning and uncompromising kashrus standards go hand in hand. She is setting a benchmark for the industry and reinforcing the principle that commitment to true values is the foundation of successful and inclusive celebrations.

Inspiration for the Community

This step represents a meaningful advancement in communal unity, but it should not end here. We encourage all party planners and event professionals to follow Smadar’s lead. Ensuring that every event in Crown Heights can guarantee the food being served has been carefully supervised, especially under our professional team at CHK. When our Simchos are held to the highest standards, we strengthen the fabric of our community and ensure that us all, neighbors, peers, colleagues, can celebrate together.

We thank Smadar for her leadership, vision, and commitment, and wish her much success in this continuing endeavor.