{"id":2800,"date":"2023-04-27T12:45:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T16:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/?p=2800"},"modified":"2023-04-27T12:45:15","modified_gmt":"2023-04-27T16:45:15","slug":"a-taste-of-kcl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/a-taste-of-kcl\/","title":{"rendered":"A Taste of KCL"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The project: KCL (Kashrus Council of Lakewood)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The person: Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Weisner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it all started<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA noted talmid chacham<\/em>, Rabbi Meyer Rosenbaum, was closely connected with the Lakewood rabbanim <\/em>and roshei yeshivah<\/em>,\u201d says Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Weisner, rabbinic administrator at KCL. \u201cHe had the foresight to see that a local kashrus organization needed to be created despite the fact that at the time, Lakewood had a small population with only a couple of food establishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRabbi Zeev Rothschild felt a deep connection to kashrus. With a background in Khal Adas Yeshurun\u2014one of America\u2019s first chareidi<\/em> kashrus organizations, founded by Rav Yosef Breuer and Rav Shimon Schwab\u2014Rabbi Rothschild was passionate about bringing kashrus to the frum<\/em> consumer. Financial backing from Rabbi Rosenbaum allowed Rabbi Rothschild to help found Lakewood\u2019s hechsher<\/em>, KCL.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than just a benefactor, Rabbi Rosenbaum invested his time, efforts, and organizational skills to get the hechsher<\/em> off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hashgachah <\/em>launched in July of 1989 with five founding rabbanim<\/em>: Rav Yaakov Forchheimer and Rav Osher Chaim Lieberman\u2014both of whom are still with KCL today\u2014as well as Rav Shmuel Meir Katz, Rav Gavriel Finkel zt\u201dl<\/em>, and Rav Shimon Eider zt\u201dl<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUntil his petirah<\/em>, Rav Finkel was the senior rav<\/em> involved in the day-to-day proceedings of the hechsher<\/em>. He was a great chacham<\/em> who deeply understood people and gave us endless encouragement and on-the-mark advice. For all those years, I spoke with Rav Finkel almost every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the position of rabbinical administrator, the rabbanim<\/em> and board members chose Rabbi Weisner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had just finished learning Yoreh Dei\u2019ah<\/em>, and I gave a shiur<\/em> on hilchos treifos<\/em>,\u201dRabbi Weisner explains. \u201cI also knew Rabbi Rothschild personally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbi Weisner had also received semichah<\/em> from Rav Yechezkel Roth and Rav Fischel Hershkowitz, the Karlsburg and Klausenberg dayanim<\/em>, several years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing with Lakewood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bookman\u2019s Meat and Poultry was the first shop to be certified by KCL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI traveled many times to Lamm\u2019s, a Williamsburg butcher shop, to watch the nikkur<\/em> (deveining) and salting processes in action,\u201d says Rabbi Weisner. (In those years, nikkur <\/em>and melichah<\/em> happened in the butcher shop. Currently, most butcher shops generally receive the meat deveined, salted, and vacuum-packed.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falafel and Chips, an early Lakewood takeout store, was next, along with Bais Faiga and the memorable Capitol Hotel. In the early 2000s, Heimishe Bake Shop, Gingerbread House, Glatt Gourmet, and later, Gelbstein\u2019s Bakery enlisted KCL supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hashgachah<\/em> expanded in more than just size to keep pace with Lakewood\u2019s rapid growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt the same time, we were gaining more expertise in kashrus,\u201d Rabbi Weiner notes. \u201cI traveled to learn about kashering<\/em> hotel kitchens for events, and BMG started using KCL for large gatherings. Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Friedland, a mumcheh<\/em> in the field, began running our events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KCL today<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKCL was established as a nonprofit organization, purely l\u2019sheim Shamayim<\/em>.The founding rabbanim<\/em> never received any compensation for their involvement. Without financial stakes in the business, they could demand the highest levels of kashrus.KCL continues to operate according to the pure intentions with which it was established,\u201d Rabbi Weisner asserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, KCL certifies upward of 130 establishments, including many home-based operations. Led by head mashgiach<\/em> Rabbi Shloime Perl, mashgichim<\/em>, including Rabbi Stern and Rabbi Krupenia, cover participating stores, caterers, and halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What qualities does Rabbi Weisner look for in a mashgiach<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood people skills, a sharp eye for noticing details, and of course, lots of experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the very beginning, the KCL has been in contact with kashrus mumchim <\/em>all over the country to keep up-to-date with kashrus developments, products, and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor example, Rabbi Zishe Blechwas a great source of information about many common kashrus issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbi Yechezkel Auerbach, a product kashrus expert, is closely connected to KCL. On-staff kashrus specialists include Rabbi Shloime Perl, Rabbi Aharon Shain, and Rabbi Gottlieb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have inside connections with other kashrus organizations. In the past, I worked for the national kashrus organizations. There, I gained familiarity with flavor plants, industrial plants, and Pesach production,\u201d says Rabbi Weisner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catering to the clientele<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI like to say that we have 5,000 mashgichim<\/em>, so to speak\u2014the eagle-eyed residents of Lakewood. Locals are quick to contact us with concerns and questions; we get hundreds of calls a week. We appreciate every call, and because as a local organization we\u2019re so familiar with the infrastructure and the issues, we\u2019re able to immediately look into and address every concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLakewood is a community of bnei Torah<\/em>, and our standards have to be impeccable to satisfy this discerning clientele. We also want heimish and chassidish <\/em>people to feel comfortable with the KCL standard. It\u2019s important for consumers to recognize that they are a very important part of the kashrus process. The higher the standards they demand, the more willing store owners will be to accommodate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standards and stringencies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

KCL prefers to use products with heimishe hechsheirim<\/em> whenever it\u2019s practical. Rabbi Weisner explains that very often, a heimishe hechsher<\/em> has extra levels of supervision and a stricter interpretation of bishul Yisrael<\/em> requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen there\u2019s a need to use a non-heimishe <\/em>product, our experts research it and make sure the product meets the KCL\u2019s mehadrin<\/em> standards. We are in touch with other heimishe hechsherim<\/em> to keep current with all kashrus matters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under KCL guidance, Lakewood establishments have revolutionized their vegetable-checking process. Their investment into cutting-edge equipment allows KCL establishments to sell vegetables and greens at the highest level of kashrus, with no chashash <\/em>of bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, it is KCL\u2019s policy to only certify businesses owned by shomrei Torah u\u2019mitzvos<\/em>. Even with a mashgiach temidi<\/em>,they do not give a hashgachah<\/em> to a proprietor who isn\u2019t frum<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The newest members of KCL\u2019s rabbinic va\u2019ad <\/em>are Rabbi Shulem Thumim, son of Rabbi Dovid Thumim, a mashgiach <\/em>well known for his dikduk b\u2019kashrus<\/em>;and Rabbi Yosef Fund, a talmid chacham<\/em> and posek <\/em>with connections to many kashrus organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among their other responsibilities, the rabbanim<\/em> visit KCL establishments. Instead of simply checking the mashgiach<\/em>\u2019s notes, they express interest and show involvement in each business. Their on-the-ground efforts bring owners a higher level of regard for the hashgachah<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have access to cameras in our establishments, so we can check them at all times,\u201d says Rabbi Weisner. \u201cThe importance of installing a camera is something we stress in our initial contract with each establishment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As more establishments take on the hashgachah<\/em>, KCL leadership looks to technology to help meet the demand, up the level of transparency, and enhance operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor example,\u201d says Rabbi Weisner, \u201cwe are working on a computerized system to track when every establishment was visited and streamline addressing concerns in real time. As KCL upgrades, look out for a new logo. We are also in the process of developing a user-friendly website where consumers can learn about kashrus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirty years ago, KCL filled a vacuum in Old Lakewood. Today, the landscape has shifted and the needs have changed. Foodie culture, an ever-growing population, and increasingly complex kashrus issues present fresh challenges and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many enhancements and innovations are in the works as KCL prepares for a future of advanced commitment to local kashrus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KCL can be reached at 732-901-1888.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The project: KCL (Kashrus Council of Lakewood) The person: Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Weisner How it all started \u201cA noted talmid chacham, Rabbi Meyer Rosenbaum, was closely connected with the Lakewood rabbanim and roshei yeshivah,\u201d says Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Weisner, rabbinic administrator at KCL. \u201cHe had the foresight to see that a local kashrus organization needed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2801,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[21],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2800"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2800"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2800\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2802,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2800\/revisions\/2802"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}