In his commentary in the June 6 Chronicle, Rabbi Shlomo Levin explains the distinction between food being “kosher to eat” and “kosher to buy.”
This is an important point for those of us who eat kosher food but believe that the welfare of workers, animals and the environment should also guide our purchasing decisions.
A new certification ensuring that food is “kosher to buy” certainly is needed. Levin is correct that the Orthodox kashrut establishment, because of its existing infrastructure, is well suited to create one.
Though the Orthodox Union (OU) has refused to consider adding such a symbol, I have written to the OU and to the Chicago Rabbinical Council, which also provides kosher supervision.
I wrote that I consider this a matter of urgent importance, and that companies that used the new symbol would get my business at the expense of those that did not.
If you were shocked by the Agriprocessors allegations and want to buy kosher as well as eat kosher, I encourage you to do the same.
Dena Abramowitz
Shorewood
Loading ...