Star-K facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Star-K Kosher Certification |
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| Certifying agency | Vaad Hakashrut of Baltimore |
| Headquarters | 122 Slade Ave #300, Baltimore, MD 21208 |
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Star-K Kosher Certification is a group that checks if food and products follow Jewish dietary laws. These laws are called kashrut. The group is also known as the Vaad Hakashrut of Baltimore. They are based in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.
Rabbi Moshe Heinemann leads the Star-K, along with many other rabbis. It is one of the biggest groups for kosher certification in North America. Many Orthodox Jews around the world trust Star-K. They trust the group because it helps keep the rules of kashrut. Star-K checks thousands of food products and places like restaurants. They make sure these places follow kosher rules.
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What is Kosher Certification?
Kosher means "fit" or "proper" in Hebrew. It refers to food that meets the rules of Jewish law. These rules cover how food is prepared and what ingredients are used. A kosher certification agency like Star-K checks products. They make sure the food follows all these special rules. This helps Jewish people know which foods they can eat.
Other Star-K Certifications
Star-K also offers other special kosher labels. These labels help people understand more about the products.
Star-D Certification
The Star-D label is for certain dairy products. These products are not chalav yisrael. Chalav yisrael means milk that was watched by a Jewish person during milking. Regular Star-K certification is only for chalav yisrael milk.
Star-D products do not have to be chalav yisrael. But they must still meet all other Star-K rules. The Star-D label is managed by Star-K. Many well-known brands use the Star-D certification.
Star-S Certification
The Star-S is another special label from Star-K. This label is for products that are kosher for Passover. Passover is an important Jewish holiday. During Passover, some foods are not allowed.
Products with the Star-S label contain kitniyot. These are foods like rice, corn, or beans. Sephardi Jews are allowed to eat kitniyot during Passover. But Ashkenazi Jews usually do not eat kitniyot during Passover. So, the Star-S label helps people know if a product is right for them during the holiday.
History of Star-K
The organization was once called Vaad Hakashrus. Rabbi Heinemann has been leading the group since its early days. Over time, it grew into the well-known Star-K Kosher Certification.
