June 25, 2008
Yeshivat Rambam's New Rosh Yeshiva: R. Shmuel Silber
Yeshivat Rambam has just announced that R. Shmuel Silber, rav of Suburban Orthodox Congregation, is their new rosh yeshiva.
June 18, 2008
2008 Baltimore Kosher Community Survey
The 2008 Baltimore Kosher Community Survey is now up and available from the Kosher Community Surveys website.
You can also view the results of last year's survey, as well as completed surveys for other communities around the US, such as Cleveland, Boston and Philadelphia.
Incidentally, last year, in one of the towns surveyed, there was some controversy as to the appropriateness of these surveys; some rabbonim went so far as to decry them as lashon hara. My personal opinion is that not only are these surveys l'toeles, making them permissible (perhaps even compulsory), but in addition, using data generated in a statistical manner, from a large group of people, is the best way (other than, of course, divine revelation, which is, sadly, in short supply these days) for an uninformed person to form as valid an opinion as possible without direct experience. The statistical process ensures that even if a single individual answers irresponsibly, their results don't skew the overall outcome. Contrast this to the real world, where anyone with the necessary means and free time can shout their opinion from the rooftops and influence people in a less than valid way. A rabbi agrees with me.
June 13, 2008
Star-K Kosher Slurpee List Summer 2008
The Star-K has released their list of kosher Slurpee flavors, updated for Summer 2008.
June 5, 2008
R. Heinemann Stands By "Sabbath Mode" Ovens
The Yeshiva World recently posted letters from prominent Israeli and American rabbis against the use of "Sabbath Mode" ovens. The letters made reference to an individual opinion that they believed to be erroneous. That opinion, although not explicitly attributed to him, was that of R. Moshe Heinemann of Baltimore's Star-K.
Today, the Star-K sent out an email stating that R. Heinemann stands by his ruling:
June 5, 2008Regarding Star-K certified Sabbath Mode ovens
Rav Heinemann, shlita, stands by his Psak that it is permissible to raise and lower temperatures on Yom Tov on ovens equipped with that particular Sabbath Mode feature. Please see Star-K website at http://www.star-k.org/consumer.htm , or call our office for details about your particular model. Star-K will, in the next few days, post an audio presentation from Rav Heinemann explaining his views.
For those who wish to refrain from placing their ovens in Sabbath Mode and still use their oven on Yom Tov, please be aware of the possible serious "Michshol" on many models. Opening the oven door will immediately shut off the heating elements, an act clearly forbidden on Yom Tov. Thus, even if you don't raise or lower the temperature, it is still important to keep the oven in Sabbath Mode.
Star-K Certification
Below is R. Heinemann's original teshuva on Sabbath Mode ovens, which can also be found on the Star-K's website, along with additional information regarding Sabbath Mode appliances:
Yeshivat Rambam's New Executive Director
Yeshivat Rambam has just announced their new Executive Directory, Rabbi Ari Lerner, formerly of Bais Yaakov. The Lerners will be switching a number of his children to Yeshivat Rambam.
From the YR email list:
Yeshivat Rambam is pleased to welcome Rabbi Ari Lerner as our new Executive Director. Rabbi Lerner brings with him a wealth of experience as a highly talented financial administrator with a penchant toward innovative and growth-oriented fundraising. His excitement and vision for the future of Yeshivat Rambam is a perfect fit for our school. Rabbi Lerner, his wife Shoshana and 7 children (Be'H), are members of Suburban Orthodox Congregation. B'ruchim HaBa'im.