kashrut

Shmuly Yanklowitz, is a valiant, modern orthodox, doctoral student at Columbia University studying Moral Development and Epistemology. He is also Founder and Co-Director of Uri L'Tzedek (Awaken to Justice), an orthodox social justice movement, and he has launched Tav Ha Yosher, which has been much-lauded in the press this past month. The tav, “seal,” certifies that a business is following one important aspect of eco-kashrut, ethical payment of restaurant workers. The term yosher, per the

Dear Rabbi:
I'm making the transition into observant Judaism. I've already incorporated many different aspects of Jewish life and practice in my own. The one thing that is most difficult for me is finding kosher meats in my area, specially lamb and red meat, which are meats I love to eat from time to time. Can I purchase organic meats instead, which are more accessible in my area and in this way observe Kashrut? Thanks!

Response:

“Shalom, this is Rabbi Milgram, how can I help you? Has there been a tragedy?”

“A disaster, Rabbi! My sister who is a baalat teshuvah, (newly Orthodox) says she will not attend my wedding for three reasons. One, because her husband can’t hear your voice, or any woman’s voice, leading a Jewish rite; two, because our hall’s kosher caterer is not approved by her local rabbi; and three, because there will be mixed seating and mixed dancing.